by: AIA New York
New Hires and Promotions
Beyer Blinder Belle has announced Carmen Menocal, AIA, LEED AP, as the firm’s newest Partner. Menocal’s expertise in design, planning, and programming is informed by more than 20 years working across all phases of design and construction—for both new buildings and large-scale renovation projects—with a particular focus on higher education, religious, and other institutional clients. Her clients include Colgate University, Cornell University, Georgetown University, Harvard Hillel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton Theological Seminary, Temple Emanu-El, Union Theological Seminary, the University of Pennsylvania, and many others.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the inauguration of Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, as its 101st president. Lee joins 2024 President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, and 2023 President Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, to mark the third consecutive year that AIA has all female leaders at the helm.
After six years as Senior Editor at Surface Magazine, Ryan Waddoups has joined Galerie Magazine as Deputy Editor, where he will spearhead coverage of all things design: interiors, products, architecture, collectible design, travel/hospitality, real estate, and more.
Honors and Awards
The Board of Directors and the Strategic Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have honored Deborah Berke, FAIA, with the prestigious 2025 AIA Gold Medal. Berke founded Deborah Berke Partners (now TenBerke) in 1982, was the first female dean of the Yale School of Architecture, and authored The Architecture of the Everyday (1997). The AIA Gold Medal is awarded to individuals whose significant body of work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.
The Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education, and Edward C. Kemper Award, have been bestowed by the American Institute of Architects as part of its year-end awards program. The 2025 winners are Raymond Post (Edward C. Kemper Award), Thomas Fisher (AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion), and Bryan C. Lee Jr. (Whitney M. Young Jr. Award).
AIA Brooklyn has recognized 11 offices for “exceptional contributions to design, innovation, environmental responsiveness, technical skill, and social impact.” Each of these 11 firms is the recipient of 2024 Brooklyn Design Awards.
Interior Design magazined announced the winners of its 19th annual Best of Year Awards, celebrating outstanding projects and products across the design industry, during a live program on December 12 at BlackRock’s NBBJ-designed headquarters in Hudson Yards. Honors went to Bates Masi + Architects, Desai Chia Architecture, Rockwell Group, Yabu Pushelberg, and many more.
Retirements and Departures
Lakisha Woods, EVP/CEO of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), will step down from her position in February 2025, according to a press release by the AIA. Woods, who became the first person of color and the second woman to hold this position in AIA’s 167-year history, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of financial stability, innovation, and inclusivity. Read more in ARCHITECT.
After more than 25 years with Dattner Architects, Jeffrey Dugan, FAIA, has announced his retirement, leaving behind him a legacy of community infrastructure projects that have shaped the city. Dugan led the planning and design of numerous public transportation facilities, including two of the city’s busiest: the 59 St-Columbus Circle Station and the Myrtle-Wyckoff Station. He brought the same attention to the design of public schools such as the New Settlement Community Campus and the Charles F. Murphy Early Childhood Development Center.