Hansy Better Barraza AIA LEED AP
Principal, Studio Luz Architects; Co-Founder, BR+A+CE: Building Research + Architecture + Community Exchange, Inc.; Professor Emerita, Rhode Island School of Design

Candidate Statement
I am dedicated to fostering robust, effective communication that bridges the BSA staff, board of directors and our valued members. My leadership will bring forth an impassioned and responsible voice, which advocates for strategies to actively champion equitable development, environmental justice, and confront systemic issues within the industry, including the concerning practice of unpaid design work for RFPs, striving for its eradication. I am eager to spearhead discussions on remuneration and work conditions within our profession, fostering an environment which uplifts all practitioners. I remain committed to nurturing a supportive network for MBE, WBE, SD/VBE, and LGBTQIA+-owned firms, and facilitating meaningful partnerships with larger firms within the context of commission-based projects. This also requires fortifying collaborations between major firms and municipal entities to shape equitable and sustainable comprehensive planning initiatives across the Commonwealth. Lastly, I envision expanding outreach endeavors with university students and local schools, a purposeful step towards unlocking new avenues to access and flourish within the profession. With your support, I am excited to contribute to the BSA's mission, to lead with purpose, and to leverage my expertise across professional settings with non-profits, universities, and agencies towards the advancement of our community.

Biography
BSA/AIA member since 2008; National Organization of Minority Architects Member since 2020; BSA Women in Design Award 2021; BSA Board of Directors, Director 2022-Current, Secretary 2012-2014; BSA Exhibit Committee, 2012-2013; Boston Zoning Board of Appeals Member 2021- Current, Designer Selection Board Member, Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), 2011-2013; Board of Trustees, Boston Architectural College, BSA Representative, 2010-2012; Member of the Rotch Traveling Scholarship Committee, BSA/AIA, 2007-2012; BSA Board of Directors, Commissioner of Education and Research, 2009-2011; BSA Transition Planning Committee, 2008 ;Design Committee Board Member, Roslindale Village Main Street, 2006-2011; Graduate Program Director, Department of Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, 2014-2017.

Juror for the AIA Arizona Chapter Design Awards Program, 2023; Juror for National Organization of Minority Architects International Conference Urban Science Academy, “Design for Justice”, 2015; Juror for the AIA College of Fellows/Young Architects Ideas Program Competition, 2011; Juror for the BSA Atlantic Wharf Design Competition, 2010; Juror for the National Organization of Minority Architects Student Design Competition, 2010; Juror for the AIA North Carolina Triangle Chapter Design Awards Program, 2009; Juror for the BSA In the Pursuit of Housing Design Competition Program, 2009; Juror for the BSA/Common Boston Design-Build Challenge Competition, 2009; Editorial Board Member, ArchitectureBoston Magazine, 2005-2009; Juror for the AIA Birmingham Design Awards Program, 2008; Juror for the AIA/IIDA Cleveland Design Awards Program,2008; Juror for the BSA Women in Design Exhibit Workshop Program, 2008; Juror for the AIA Iowa Architecture and Crafts Design Awards Program, 2007; Juror for the BSA/AIA Unbuilt Architecture Design Awards Program, 2007; Juror for the AIA Richmond Design Awards Program, 2007; Juror for the BSA/AIA Small Project Design Honor Awards Program, 2006; Juror for the BSA/AIA Small Firms/Small Projects Biennial Design Awards Program, 2006; Juror for the AIA Iowa State and Regional Design Awards Program, 2004.

John Martin FAIA LEED AP
Principal, Elkus Manfredi Architects

Candidate Statement
Fiscal stewardship is an important aspect of all non-profit organizations. I have many years of experience serving on non-profit boards, most often in a financial oversight role, and am also passionate about the power of design to make greater Boston a better place to live, work, and prosper. I will work closely with the BSA’s Director and Controller to ensure we are leveraging all of our revenues to bring about the greatest design benefit for our community.

Biography
BSA Member since 1995, BSA New Director Selection Task Force, BSA Life Science Design Guidelines Task Force, BSA Commonwealth Development Model Task Force; AIA Member, AIA College of Fellows 2021-present; North Carolina State University College of Design Leaders’ Council, Chair of Fundraising Committee; North Carolina State College of Design, Leader’s Council, Fundraising Committee Chair, John & Tracy Martin Endowed Scholarship; Newtonville Historic District Commission 2003-present; Boston Church of Christ, Chair of the Board, Chair of the Finance Committee; Guest Lecturer, Boston College Carroll School of Management; Member, Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP); LEED Accredited Professional, US Green Building Council 2005-present; Member, Society of College And University Planning (SCUP); Member, Urban Land Institute (ULI), Economic Housing & Development Council 2020-2021.

Jason Forney FAIA
Principal, Bruner/Cott Architects

Candidate Statement
Much like the city of Boston, the profession of Architecture is undergoing an exhilarating and necessary evolution. It is a tremendous time to be an Architect. I believe that design wields the power to inspire, address pressing global challenges, and drive positive change.

I support the BSA’s commitment to tackling issues of equity and sustainability within the built environment. There is considerable work to be done, and if elected, I would be honored to use my time and expertise on the BSA Board to propel ongoing progress.

Furthermore, I believe in the BSA’s role as a vibrant hub for our design community, one of the most talented and innovative in the country. Design matters--by embracing a spirit of collaboration, creating opportunities for continuous learning, and inspiring one another-- we can collectively enrich the built environments in which we work.

Biography
BSA Member since 2002; AIA Member since 2001; AIA College of Fellows since 2020; BSA Nominating Committee 2017-2019; ArchitectureBoston Editorial Board 2017-2020; BSA EDI Task Force 2018-2021; AIA Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) since 2015; AIA CAE Leadership Group 2022-present; Harleston Parker Award Jury 2021; Juror for AIA CAE Awards 2019; Juror for AIA DC Chapter Awards 2014, 2017, 2022; NESEA Conference Planning Committee 2010-2015; ILFI Living Building Hero Award 2016; North Carolina State University College of Design Leader’s Council 2021-present; Arlington Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Committee 2019-2022.

Rebecca Rahmlow AIA NCARB LEED AP BD+C CPHC ENV SP
Architect & Senior Associate, Thornton Tomasetti

Candidate Statement

I believe planning for climate change and increased resilience is our most urgent challenge. Addressing this requires cross-disciplinary training and investment. I am running to help strengthen current initiatives and seek out new opportunities to educate and engage the AEC community on equitable, sustainable, resilient design. I will support the BSA in promoting equitable urban design via a focus on housing and redevelopment of existing buildings to contribute to healthier, affordable, enduring cities. Finally, I will support engagement with our neighboring communities and region through educational and volunteer initiatives that build trust and consensus centered on collaboration and tangible actions.

Biography

BSA and AIA Member since 2014; AIA National Conference – Proposal Reviewer, 2023; AIA Small Firm Exchange Massachusetts State Representative, 2022; Member of BSA COTE Committee, 2022-present; BSA Awards Panel Judge, 2021 Awards Cycle - Hospitality Design Award; ABX Architecture and Design Conference, 2019 – Mentor; ABX Architecture and Design Conference, 2015 - Women in Design Breakfast Session Moderator; Adjunct Faculty, Boston Architectural College, 2013-present; Built Environment Plus (BE+) Board Member, 2023-current; New England Society of Architectural Historians Board Member & Treasurer, 2019-current; MIT Federal Credit Union Board Member, April 2016 – April 2019; NESEA Pro-Tours Selection Committee, 2023; NESEA Building Energy Conference, 2015 - Session Speaker and Moderator; NESEA Building Energy Conference, 2015 - Young Professionals Career Forum Panelist; Trinity Church Volunteer Tour Guide, 2014-2020; Prospect Hill Charter Academy STEAM Weekend Program Volunteer Instructor, 2017.

Danyson Tavares Assoc. AIA NOMA
Project Development Manager: YouthBuild Boston & The Designery; Adjunct Faculty, Architecture Wentworth Institute of Technology; Adjunct Faculty, Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design

Candidate Statement
If elected I hope to directly contribute to the advancement of the Boston Society for Architecture’s (BSA) mission to improve the quality of life for Boston-area residents by championing innovation in the built environment. As a community designer, organizer, educator and advocate I will bring forth a well-rounded and passionate voice that is driven by my diverse experiences that I have been exposed to throughout my career. I am honored to be nominated to represent the Associate AIA community on the board of Directors. The AIA associate member community is one that plays a crucial role in the future of the profession. I hope for the opportunity to create new spaces/initiatives as well as amplify existing ones to advance critical dialogues that are needed to make the profession one that is accessible for all

Biography
Danyson Tavares is a designer, educator, and project development manager at YouthBuild Boston. His role at YouthBuild Boston includes developing affordable housing, project management for small to large community projects and providing the framework for early design education courses for Boston public school students and at the Designery.

He has vast experience leading architectural projects at various scales through public discussion and municipal review. His work relies on engaging communities through the lens of architectural design and advocating for access to design for all. Deeply rooted in both his academic and professional experience, Danyson has been passionate about the role that design plays in the reconstruction of communities.

Danyson holds a BArch and a MArch from Wentworth Institute of Technology. In addition to teaching at RISD, he teaches courses at Wentworth Institute of Technology ranging from foundation studios to undergraduate seminars to graduate-level courses. Danyson is a member of BosNOMA (the Boston chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects), AIA, Sasaki Foundation, and the Boston Society for Architecture, where he dedicates his efforts to addressing the lack of diversity in the AEC industry

Alistair Lucks AIA MCPPO
Project Manager II for Studies, City of Boston, Public Facilities Department

Candidate Statement
As a project manager for the City of Boston Public Facilities Department I work every day to help plan for and design some of our City's most public facing buildings. A large part of my job involves encouraging the engagement of community members in the planning and design process. I am excited to work with the BSA Board, committee members and general membership to help build upon and strengthen the important role that municipal and governmental bodies have in positively shaping the built environment.

Biography
BSA member since 2014, Guest critic Wentworth Institute of Technology and Boston Architectural College, Certified Passive House Consultant 2011-2014

Susan Crowe Knight AIA
Senior Associate, STUDIO ENEE architects

Candidate Statement
I am honored to be nominated for the Ethics Committee and have been involved with the BSA since 2014. As Co-Chair of the BSA Membership Committee, I led the development of opportunities to create synergies for all members within the Knowledge Communities at the BSA. We polled the membership to identify the value of the BSA and supported equity for our membership. I was also involved with the BSA Women in STEM Panel to encourage high school students in Massachusetts to pursue STEM careers, including Architecture.

As a leader in a Diverse and Equitable Women and Minority Firm, if elected to the Ethics Committee, I will:

• Provide BSA members with resources and a knowledge base regarding professional ethics according to the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
• Explore potential ambiguities in how the AIA Code of Ethics applies to modern practice.
• Collaborate with committee members to make recommendations to the BSA board regarding all matters pertaining to the professional ethics of the organization.
• Review equitable ethics in the profession.

Biography
BSA member since 2014; BSA Membership Committee 2015-2017 (co-chair 2016); BSA Architecture Boston Task Force 2017; BSA Women in STEM Panel 2018; BSA Small Firms Design Awards Jury Member 2021; Boston Architectural College Studio Instructor 2008-2009; Northeastern University, Design Critic 2017; Co-Author Article on Renovation and Adaptive Reuse- Metropolis Magazine 2016

Alexander Fernández AIA
Principal, Design Director | Gensler

Candidate Statement
I take great pride in seeing our city and neighborhoods grow with designs that elevate the public realm and enrich communities. Celebrating our collective work is a responsibility I would be honored to take as the BSA continues to be more inclusive of diverse voices and equitable processes. This is an opportunity to partner with peers and industry colleagues as we evolve the Honors & Awards program to better communicate the value of design to the public and surface the unique experiential storytelling each design contributes to Massachusetts.

Biography
~18 Years of BSA Membership; Presenter, ABX 2015; Presenter, AIA National Convention, San Antonio 2007

Volunteer Designer, Milton Elementary School’s Outdoor Spaces Committee 2019; Leader, Gensler Design Synergy Group 2018-2020; Fellow, MacDowell 2006; Laureate, Gabriel Prize 2002; Presenter, Georgetown University, Drury University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Notre Dame University; Presenter, SCUP National Convention, Pittsburgh 2014; Presenter, SCUP Regional Convention, Worcester 2018; Adjunct Professor, Northeastern University School of Architecture, Boston 2006-2007; Assistant Professor, Syracuse University School of Architecture, Florence IT 1997-2001; Adjunct Professor, Polytechnic School of Architecture, San Juan PR 1995-96; Past member ULI, NAIOP and American Society of Architectural Illustrators

Brooke Helgerson AIA, WELL AP
Architect | Analogue Studio

Candidate Statement
In the past several years I’ve actively contributed to various aspects of community building and development of initiatives at the BSA, including many centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Having served as a juror of the BSA Design Awards and Women in Design Awards, I’ve witnessed how the small changes in our intention to be more inclusive can significantly impact the submissions and diversity of award applicants. There is more we can achieve in this regard to ensure submissions reflect a wide range of individuals, firms, project types, clients, and office sizes. If elected to the Honors & Awards Committee, I would be thrilled to help shape our intentions and implement incremental changes that bring us closer to our goal of awards that authentically represent our diverse professional community and, perhaps, inspire even broader participation. I would be honored to serve on this Committee.

Biography
Brooke Helgerson is an architect who embraces thorny problems. She seeks out ways to turn uncertainties into opportunities for collaborative communities tackling big problems, not only in their spaces but in the world beyond. Central to her work is the attitude that no problem is unsolvable; it just may not have been answered—yet. With Analogue Studio, Brooke has established long term relationships with local clients such as Workbar, Harvard Student Agencies and Healthworks. With the Women in Design Knowledge Community from 2015-2021 she worked to build networks for local designers and led the How We Work research project, featured at ABX in 2018. And as a Director with the BSA from 2020-2021, she was involved in discussions and contributed to action plans for the BSA’s evolving approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. When she’s not doing those things she enjoys running her favorite hill route in Arlington and dropping into any and all used bookstores around New England.

Zhanina Boyadzhieva AIA
Associate at Leers Weinzapfel Associates

Candidate Statement
If honored to serve on the Nominating Committee, I look forward to collaborating and continuing BSA’s mission as a national leader around the issues of equity and climate. My passion is using design thinking as a transformational tool through research, advocacy, and built work. I am committed to serving as a bridge between a diversity of voices - emerging professionals, firm leaders, design collaborators and the public.

Biography
BSA Board of Directors 2020-2023, Director-at-Large
BSA Pandemic Task Force, collaborator, 2020-2021
BSA EDI+H Task Force, collaborator 2018-2020
BSA Women in Design, member 2018-2023
BSA Member, 2017-present
CultureNOW, Advisory Council since 2020

Jennifer Hardy AIA LEED AP
Principal, Goody Clancy

Candidate Statement
I am energized by the diversity of perspectives that make the BSA a champion of design excellence, collaborative innovation, education, and advocacy with a commitment to equity and sustainability. As part of the Nominating Committee, I will elevate diverse voices for elected positions to enhance the inclusive culture that makes the BSA thrive.

Biography
BSA member since 2015; AIA Young Architects Award 2020; BSA Women in Design Award of Excellence Co-Chair 2023 – Present; Boston Mass Timber Accelerator Program Juror 2021 – present; BSA Membership Committee 2019 – 2021; BSA Women in Design Co-Chair 2019 – 2020; BSA Women in Design Emerging Leaders Group Founder and Chair 2018 - 2021; BosNOMA Mentorship 2020 – 2021; Now Practice Now Summit Participant 2018; AIA YAF Connection Journalist 2019 – 2021.

Haydee Casellas AIA

Neil San Diego Daniel NOMA
Designery Program Manager, YouthBuild Boston

Candidate Statement
I see my involvement in the Membership Committee being targeted towards design students, and young design professionals. My ongoing experience teaching Boston’s youth about architecture and design continues to provide insights on the lack of design pipelines for low-income youth, and youth of color. The BSA needs to be more active in engaging young people through their academic and professional journey’s in architecture. An active BSA leads to more members and provides reasons for retention. I want to see the BSA create a strategic partnership with BosNOMA to actively engage young architects and designers with education, mentorship, and volunteering opportunities.

Biography
WIT adjunct professor Fall 2023 (Building Matters), BAC adjunct professor Summer/Fall 2022 (Gateway & Practice ConnEx), Co-Founded WIT NOMAS in 2016, NOMA member since 2021, WIT Architecture 2014-2019 (BSA & M.Arch)

Hannah Wang AIA

Candidate Statement
I'm honored to be nominated to the Membership Committee. I hope to connect young design professionals to the resources of the BSA, increase engagement and excitement for existing programs, and especially amplify the voices of women and minority members for further opportunities and support within the BSA.

Biography
BSA member since 2022
Rice Architecture B.Arch 2020

Emily Paparella AIA LEED AP CPHC
Vice President, Elkus Manfredi Architects

Candidate Statement
Our architectural community is well positioned to solve the serious challenges of our time - climate crisis, the affordable housing crisis and our City’s resilience concerns. And while we are achieving greater progress than ever – continuous urgency is needed to drive more broad policy change and solutions. I am committed to the BSA’s mission to advocate for our profession and our work at the state level and beyond – so that we can continue to be leaders of change for the betterment of our communities.

Biography
BSA member since 2014, BSA Nominating Committee 2019-2021, BSA WiD Mid-Career Mentorship Program Co-Chair 2017-2021, CREW Boston 2016-Current, United Way Real Estate Event Fundraising Committee 2019-current, Certified Passive House Consultant since 2019