AIA New York welcomes 2025 board of directors

Manhattan, NY On December 18, 2024, AIA New York welcomed its 2025 board of directors at the annual board inaugural. Executive director Jesse Lazar, assoc. AIA, and 2024 president Gregory Switzer, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, began the evening by reflecting on and celebrating this year’s achievements. Following the passing of the gavel, incoming 2025 president Benjamin Gilmartin, AIA, shared thoughts on his presidential theme, See You IRL: Designing for Public Life.

Gilmartin’s 2025 AIANY presidential theme, “See You IRL: Designing for Public Life,” centers on the importance of our shared physical spaces in New York City. At a time when digital connections often overshadow face-to-face interactions, this year’s theme emphasizes the power of public spaces — our streets, parks, plazas, and more — as vital arenas for social connection, creativity, and civic engagement. 

Through thoughtful and collaborative design, architects and urban planners can foster inclusive, vibrant spaces that address present-day challenges including affordability, climate resilience, and equity. Gilmartin’s year-long initiative will spotlight the role of architects in creating environments that promote joy, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, strengthening the urban fabric of our life.

Throughout the year, in collaboration with AIANY’s committees, he will organize programs that critically examine the process of designing for our contemporary public life. In the fall, the Center for Architecture will host an exhibition showcasing projects around New York City that exemplify new design approaches to large-scale civic and social spaces, as well as speculative ideas that interrogate the very nature of our public sphere. Together, Gilmartin seeks to re-envision a city that responds to the converging crises of access, affordability, and resiliency.

The inaugural also served as an opportunity to recognize members and projects of the architecture and design community for their contributions. AIANY’s vice presidents recognized the chapter’s program committees with vice presidential citations for contributions in each of the organization’s mission areas: design excellence, public outreach, and professional development.

AIANY Vice Presidential Citations

AIANY Citation for Design Excellence: AIA New York recognizes Belonging and Beyond: The Future of Public Space and Art Series, organized by Ann Marie Baranowski, FAIA, LEED AP and the Cultural Facilities Committee.

AIANY Citation for Professional Development: AIA New York recognizes the One Night Design Sprint with the Cross-Learning Alliance and Pitch Perfect, organized by the Emerging New York Architects Committee

AIANY Citation for Public Outreach: AIA New York recognizes the Reimagining Justice Film Festival, organized by the Architecture for Justice Committee.