Mina Hasman, Sustainability Director at SOM, has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in His Majesty The King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List in recognition of her services to architecture and sustainable design.

A globally recognized architect and sustainability expert, Mina Hasman is a TIME100 Climate Leader and author widely acknowledged for advancing climate literacy, net-zero design, and sustainable urban development.

Based in SOM’s London studio since 2012, Hasman serves as a practice leader of SOM’s Sustainable Engineering Studio, focusing on long-term vision and strategy for achieving excellence in practice. She is also a key member of the team behind Urban Sequoia, a pioneering concept unveiled at COP26 in Glasgow, which reimagines high-rise buildings as carbon-absorbing structures—drawing global attention to the potential of the built environment as an active solution to the climate crisis.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Hasman. “Sustainability is not only my passion—it is one of the defining challenges and greatest opportunities of our time. Throughout my career, I have believed that architecture and design have the power to shape a better future, and at SOM, we work every day to turn that belief into tangible action through projects that advance a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world.”

As Chair of SOM’s Climate Action Group, Hasman oversees the firm’s progress on climate action across its global business operations and projects. Her leadership helped the firm become one of the largest architecture-led design practices in the world to achieve validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Under Hasman’s guidance, SOM also reached carbon neutrality in 2022, eight years ahead of its 2030 target.

“Mina’s contribution to architecture and sustainable design is richly deserving of national recognition,” said Design Partner Kent Jackson. “She represents the very best of what we do at SOM, bringing energy, a clear vision, and a collaborative spirit that unites experts across disciplines around a shared purpose. We are privileged to work alongside her.”

Hasman is widely recognized for advancing climate literacy and net-zero transformation across the built environment. She has helped shape the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard—the first of its kind in the world—and holds leadership roles with the UK Construction Industry Council, UNEP/Global ABC, the Commonwealth Association of Architects, and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), where she helped establish RIBA’s Mandatory Competence Requirements for Climate Literacy and co-authored the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.

“Receiving an OBE is a remarkable achievement, and one that reflects the scale and sincerity of Mina’s commitment to sustainable design,” said Managing Partner Laura Ettelman. Her ability to translate complex climate challenges into practical, built outcomes has shaped not just SOM’s work, but the wider industry.”

In 2023, Hasman authored the RIBA Climate Guide, a comprehensive resource for architects and practices to deliver sustainable projects in line with the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. Alongside practice, she teaches at the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), the Architectural Association (AA), and the Manchester School of Architecture, helping to educate future architects, designers, and engineers in sustainable design. 

“Mina has been an extraordinary force in moving our profession toward a more sustainable future—through her work at SOM, her leadership across industry bodies, and her dedication to educating the next generation of architects,” said Design Partner Chris Cooper. “This OBE is a fitting tribute to a career defined by purpose and impact.”

The Investiture ceremony, at which Hasman will formally receive her honor from The King or a Member of the Royal Family, will take place at a later date.