Forty years ago, Temple Beth Tzedek member Ed Steinfeld founded, and for decades has led the University at Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center). Today, we are proud to cast a spotlight on Jordana Maisel who will succeed Ed to lead the Center. 

Jordana earned her BS in Human Development from Cornell University and holds a Master of Urban Planning and PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from UB. Jordana began working at the IDEA Center in 2002 as a graduate research assistant, and two years later was appointed the Center’s director of outreach and policy studies. In 2021, she became an assistant professor in the department of urban and regional planning at UB, and in 2023 earned the rank of associate professor.

Jordana works at the intersection of research, teaching, and practice. Her research focuses on examining, and improving through inclusive design, the relationship between the built environment and the physical, social, and psychological well-being of marginalized populations. Supported by funding from federal and state agencies, non-profits, and foundations, thus far, her research has focused on four key areas: (1) the lack of accessible single-family housing; (2) the need to redefine inclusive/universal design; (3) the usability and safety of streetscapes for older adults and people with disabilities; and, (4) barriers to public and emerging transportation systems for vulnerable populations. Current areas of inquiry focus on aligning inclusive design with other design goals (e.g., climate resilience, racial equity).

Her work has resulted in more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles, three books, and numerous book chapters and policy reports. Jordana has also been cited in national outlets like Dwell, USA Today, The Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune.

In a recent article by David J. Hill in UBNow (12.2.24), Jordana was quoted saying: “I am both honored and excited to step into the role of director at the IDEA Center, following in the footsteps of  Ed Steinfeld, whose visionary leadership has laid such a strong foundation for the work we do.” 

Among its many projects, the IDEA Center assisted with the inclusive design of the Hampton Inn near UB’s North Campus, the country’s first hotel certified in inclusive design. They are also working closely with the Buffalo Jewish Federation on the design of a new group home for adults with developmental disabilities in Amherst. 

We extend a hearty Mazal Tov to Jordana and wish her well as she builds on Ed’s trailblazing work in the field of University Design.