AIA New York and Center for Architecture Announce Departure of Executive Director Benjamin Prosky, Assoc. AIA
January 13, 2023
January 13, 2023, New York, NY — The AIA New York Board of Directors and the Center for Architecture Board of Trustees have announced that Executive Director Benjamin Prosky, Assoc. AIA, will be leaving his role effective February 3, 2023. As the organizations initiate a search for a new leader, AIANY and Center for Architecture Deputy Director Jesse Lazar will take over as Interim Executive Director.
Prosky joined AIANY and the Center for Architecture in 2015. His seven-year tenure saw the establishment of vital programs and funds, such as the Civic Leadership Program, the AIANY Future of Practice Committee, the AIANY Political Action Committee, the Center for Architecture Patrons Circle, the AIANY 2030 Fund, the CFA Anniversary Fund, and, in collaboration with NYCOBA NOMA, the J. Max Bond Fund. Prosky also led the development of a joint strategic framework and managed the creation of a new website and digital strategy for both organizations. In 2018, he partnered with AIA National to host the Conference on Architecture in New York for the first time in 20 years, welcoming a record 25,000 architects to the city. K-12 programs and Archtober, New York City’s annual architecture and design festival, also expanded under Prosky’s leadership, and major foundations, such as the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, supported the Center for Architecture with large grants for the first time. He also ably led the organizations through the challenges of the pandemic and re-opened the Center for Architecture in October 2021 after 18 months of remote programming and events.
“Serving the members of AIA New York and the broader architectural community via the Center for Architecture’s extensive programs has been an honor,” said Prosky. “The collaborative work we have undertaken during my seven-year tenure to address the priorities of the design community in New York through education and government advocacy have been impactful, successfully making the argument that good design improves lives. As much as design excellence has been a priority for this community, I was continually reminded that our concerns are not only about buildings; equally important is the wellbeing of the people who design buildings, as well as the people who live, learn, work, heal, and recreate in them. Lastly, while we have addressed many serious issues together, I am proud that our community also takes the time to celebrate the sheer joy and wonder of design! With much to be proud of and much I will miss—and immense confidence in your collective future—I bid AIA New York and the Center for Architecture good-bye!”
Prosky has accepted a new position with a private foundation, the details of which are not yet public.
“It is with deep gratitude that we bid Ben farewell,” said Jennifer Sage, FAIA, LEED AP, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Center for Architecture. “With his vision and dedication, the Center for Architecture has been able to position itself as the preeminent forum for the public to deepen their understanding of architecture in New York City. We wish him all the best in his next steps.”
“We thank Ben for his leadership and achievements, which have created a strong foundation for the continued success of our organizations,” said Matthew Bremer, AIA, 2023 President, AIA New York. “As we embark on a search for new leadership, the AIA New York Board of Directors are confident in the abilities of our talented, dedicated staff to continue the work of advocating for the importance of architecture and design in NYC.”
About AIA New York
AIA New York is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects with more than 5,500 architect, allied professional, student, and public members. AIANY is dedicated to three goals: design excellence, public outreach and professional development. www.aiany.org
About the Center for Architecture
The Center for Architecture is the premier cultural venue for architecture and the built environment in New York City, informed by the complexity of the City’s urban fabric and in dialogue with the global community. The Center shares a home with the AIA New York Chapter and has the unique advantage of drawing upon the ideas and experiences of practicing architects to produce thought-provoking exhibitions, informative public programs, and quality design education experiences for K-12 students. It also leads New York City’s annual month-long architecture and design festival, Archtober. The Center for Architecture’s aim is to further public knowledge about New York City architecture and architects, foster exchange and collaboration among members of the design, development, building, scholarly, and policy sectors, and inspire new ideas about the role of design in communities by presenting contemporary and practical issues in architecture and urbanism to a general audience. www.centerforarchitecture.org