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BSA Announces Election Results for 2026 Board of Directors and Governance Committees

The Boston Society of Architects (BSA) has made a significant announcement regarding its leadership structure as it prepares for the upcoming year. The election results, released on November 7, 2025, showcase a dynamic and diverse group of individuals who are poised to lead the organization into 2026 and beyond.

New Leadership for 2026

During this year's elections, the BSA saw a tremendous turnout of candidates, reflecting the growing energy within the architectural community. Among the newly elected leaders, Katherine West Faulkner, FAIA, Founding Principal at West Work, has been chosen as the 1st Vice President/President-Elect. She will step into the role of BSA President in 2027, indicating a commitment to guiding the organization’s vision and mission.

Other notable elections include Kyle Barker, AIA, Principal at Primary Projects, who has been elected as Secretary for the upcoming year, and Ioana N. Pieleanu, Creative Director at ACENTECH, who will serve as the Affiliate Director. Julian Phillips, Historical Architect with the National Park Service, was elected as Associate AIA Director for 2026. These individuals represent a range of expertise and perspectives, ensuring that the BSA can effectively address the challenges of the architectural profession.

Governance Committees Formed

In addition to the Board of Directors, members have also been elected to various Governance Committees, each vital for overseeing specific aspects of the BSA's mission. The Ethics Committee will include Dana McKinney White, AIA, who is an Assistant Professor of Urban Design at Harvard University, and co-founder of the enFOLD Collective. Meanwhile, the Honors/Awards Committee brings together Rima Abousleiman, AIA, architect at Bruner/Cott Architects, and Matthew Akira Okazaki, Assoc. AIA, who is Principal at Architecture for Public Benefit.

The Nominating Committee will be led by Karl Heckmaev, RA, from the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing, and Magda Maaoui, PhD, faculty at Harvard, in a collaborative effort to maintain the integrity of the election process within the organization.

Moreover, the Membership Committee has diversified its ranks with significant contributors like Susan Blomquist AIA, ACHA, NOMA, and Matthew Gifford AIA, NOMA, emphasizing the BSA's commitment to inclusion and representation within the profession.

About the BSA

The Boston Society for Architecture is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Boston area by advocating for innovative solutions in the built environment. Their initiatives emphasize sustainability and social equity, aiming to connect over 4,500 architects, firms, and allied professionals through collaborative efforts that promote a more equitable future for all.

The BSA stands as one of the oldest and largest chapters within the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The organization seeks not only to advance the field of architecture but also to ensure that design is used to serve the public good.

As the BSA embarks on this new chapter under its elected leaders, it carries the momentum of its community’s energy, dedicated to reimagining and enhancing the built environment for future generations. For more details about the BSA and the roles of its newly elected members, visit their official website at architects.org.