by: AIA New York
New Hires and Promotions
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has inaugurated Illya Azaroff, FAIA, as its 102nd president. Azaroff is the founder of +LAB architect and has served AIA in several key roles, including as the 2021 AIA New York state president, on the Strategic Council (2016-2018), and as founder of the AIANY Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee, which he co-chaired from 2011-2021.
The Waterfront Alliance has appointed Julie Raskin as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Most recently, Raskin served as Executive Director of the Sanitation Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the NYC Department of Sanitation, where she led the organization’s expansion from a start-up into a citywide institution with impactful programming, robust partnerships, and deep community engagement.
Vanessa Kassabian, AIA, will join Henning Larsen‘s New York studio as Design Principal, co-leading the studios design leadership alongside Daniel Baumann. She brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, most recently as Principal and Global Design Leader at DLR Group. Her previous experience also includes leadership roles at MVRDV and Snøhetta in New York.
AN Media Group has announced the promotion of Jack Murphy to Editor in Chief. In this role, he will oversee the production of The Architect’s Newspaper and AN Interior, in addition to AN’s awards programs. He will also support AN Media Group’s Facades+ conferences, along with related projects, collaborations, and initiatives. Previously, Murphy held the role of Executive Editor, a role he has held since April 2023.
Michael Young, Founding Partner of Young & Ayata, has been named the next dean of The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, effective April 1, 2026. Young currently serves as an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Studies for the School of Architecture.
RKTB Architects has named three principals to lead the firm: Peter Bafitis, AIA, RKTB’s managing principal since 2004, now serves as president of the firm, along with principals Albert Aronov, AIA, and Alex Brito, AIA. RKTB has also announced that design principal and cofounder Carmi Bee, FAIA, who helped build the firm’s culture of innovation and civic responsibility, will step away from his role as firm president and from day-to-day activities, now serving as principal emeritus and devoting time to select pursuits.
Beyer Blinder Belle has announced the promotion of Nathaniel Rogers, AIA, to Partner. Rogers has spent the majority of his career at BBB, where he has led an array of transformative renovation, expansion, and adaptive reuse projects since joining the firm in 2011.
Mergers and Expansions
Building Studio has acquired Gregg Rothstein Architect, the practice of colleague and code expert Gregg Rothstein.
Global architecture and design firm Corgan has announced its acquisition of Cooper Robertson—a design firm based in New York City whose work spans master planning, architecture, landscape design, and urban design.
Yusen MacPherson Group has announced its appointment as the exclusive manufacturer representative for electrical connector manufacturer Greaves across New England and upstate New York effective November 24, 2025.
RDG Planning & Design has established a dedicated presence in New York City with a new office in Brooklyn. It welcomes architect and civic strategist Jenna Reichberg, AIA, to help lead its growing national College & University practice alongside senior partner, Mike Houston.
Honors and Awards
Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the founder and creative lead at Shigeru Ban Architects, has been awarded the 2026 AIA Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
AIA has bestowed its highest service honor, the Edward C. Kemper Award, upon Vivian Lee, FAIA, a design principal at Gensler. This award recognizes an architect who has made significant, impactful contributions to the profession through dedicated service to AIA. Lee was honored for her profound influence as a mentor and her tireless advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion across the profession.
The Board of Directors and the Strategic Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) along with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) named Sarah M. Whiting, Assoc. AIA, as the 2026 recipient of the AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education.
Departures and New Beginnings
Schafer & Company has unveiled its new firm name, transitioning from G. P. Schafer Architect to better reflect the firm’s collective approach, according to Founding Principal Gilbert P. Schafer III, AIA.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announces Executive Director Rick Cotton will retire from the agency in January 2026. He has served as Executive Director since August 2017.
Hoffmann Architects + Engineers has announced the retirement of Deborah J. Costantini, AIA, after 20 years with the company. An owner of the firm and Hoffmann’s senior specialist in roofing, Costantini is known for her mentorship of junior staff and her astute technical capability. Her last day with the firm will be Friday, 19 December 2025.