by: Camila Schaulson Frenz
The AIA New York Chapter and Center for Architecture enthusiastically welcome David Burney, FAIA, as interim executive director. An architect, urbanist, educator, and former commissioner of the NYC Department of Design + Construction (DDC), Burney will serve in the position until the organizations hire a permanent executive director.
Burney’s vast experience and his legacy of improving the quality of public projects in New York City will be an invaluable asset to AIANY as we continue to work with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration on issues including the creation of affordable housing and the reduction of carbon emissions. Burney is currently associate professor of Planning and Placemaking at Pratt Institute’s School of Architecture, and serves as board chair for the Center for Active Design. Formerly, as DDC commissioner, he oversaw a staff of almost 1,200 charged with managing capital projects for city agencies and cultural institutions across the five boroughs. While at DDC, he launched the Design and Construction Excellence Initiative, raising architecture standards for the city’s public projects. Prior to this, Burney was director of design at the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA), and practiced architecture with the firm Davis Brody Bond. As a member of the AIANY Board of Directors from 2012 to 2014, he shared our commitment to fostering design excellence to enhance the lives of all New Yorkers.
Welcome aboard, David!