Author: Editorial Desk

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, signaling a renewed commitment to equity, sustainability, and cultural transformation in the profession. Wedge’s career spans nearly four decades at Shepley Bulfinch, where she advanced from mailroom to CEO, transforming the Boston-based firm into a nationally recognized, women-owned practice. She championed sustainable design long before it became industry standard, emphasizing equity, inclusion, and mentorship throughout her tenure. Beyond her firm, Wedge has been a visible leader within the AIA, helping launch the Women’s Leadership Summit, chairing…

10 Design, the international architecture firm, has strengthened its leadership with key appointments in San Francisco and London, supporting its global expansion and Bay Area operations. Angela Wu, former director of West Coast operations at Kohn Pedersen Fox, joins as Principal for 10 Design’s Bay Area practice. Wu’s portfolio includes 415 Natoma in San Francisco’s SoMa district and The Rise in Cupertino. She brings a vision to transform ordinary spaces into memorable, human-centered design experiences, with projects like the reimagined San Francisco Centre mall, featuring open-air courtyards and a central pedestrian plaza. Simultaneously, Sabrina Klor has been named CEO, leading…

NORR, the global architecture and engineering firm, has appointed John Baird, Managing Director of its UK practice, to the NORR Group of Companies Board of Directors. Brian Gerstmar, President and CEO of NORR, highlighted Baird’s 25+ years of industry experience and leadership through complex challenges such as Brexit and the pandemic. “His appointment strengthens our global leadership and opens new avenues for cross-regional innovation and excellence,” said Gerstmar. Baird expressed enthusiasm about aligning vision and values across clients, teams, and the firm. “As an employee-owned firm, we share a commitment to holistic design thinking and long-term positive impact. I look…

AECOM has appointed Janus Rostock as Managing Director of its Buildings+Places business for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, succeeding Mario Pishiri, who retired after a distinguished career. Rostock brings over 20 years of international experience in architecture, urbanism, and integrated design. Since joining AECOM in 2018, he has led master planning, landscape, and multidisciplinary architecture projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Speaking on his appointment, Rostock emphasized human-centric, resilient, and adaptable urban design. “By leveraging nature-based solutions, digital technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we’ll create equitable and vibrant communities prepared for the future,” he said. Rostock’s Scandinavian…

HKS has announced that Heath May will succeed Dan Noble as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman in January 2026, following a year-long mentorship to ensure a seamless transition. Dan Noble, who has led HKS since 2014, reflected on over four decades at the firm, highlighting efforts to expand its global reach, diversify projects, and cultivate a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and community impact. Heath May, Global Practice Director of HKS LINE, brings 20+ years of experience at HKS and a strong track record in computational design, research, and innovation. His portfolio includes landmark projects such as SoFi Stadium, Pacific Plaza…

Grace Farms’ River House in New Canaan, Connecticut, has been recognized as the state’s “coolest building” by Business Insider. Designed by internationally acclaimed Japanese architectural firm SANAA, the structure celebrates community-focused architecture, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Built in 2015 on 80 acres of open wetlands and meadows owned by the Grace Farms Foundation, the serpentine pavilion links glass-walled rooms including a library, stage, tea room, and a full basketball gym. Its wooden roof and floor-to-ceiling glass walls integrate harmoniously with the rolling landscape, providing a striking yet inviting aesthetic. Costing $67 million, the River House remains free…

Modern technology is helping architects and craftsmen revive traditional architecture in ways previously unimaginable. From AI-assisted restoration of medieval cathedrals to robotic tools enabling intricate wood carvings, both historical preservation and the creation of new buildings in classical styles are becoming easier and more precise. Public preference favors tradition: a 2020 National Civic Art Society poll found 72% of Americans across political lines prefer traditional designs for courthouses and federal buildings. Even political figures like Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson have championed architecture that preserves historical styles. Examples abound globally, from the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to…

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order, “Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,” designating traditional and classical architecture as the preferred style for all major new federal buildings in the U.S., particularly in Washington, D.C. The policy applies to courthouses, agency headquarters, and federal buildings costing over $50 million. The order aims to restore dignity and civic pride to federal architecture by drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman design, echoing visions of Washington and Jefferson. While proponents praise its focus on beauty and timelessness, some architects remain skeptical about reviving classical styles in modern contexts. The directive underscores a renewed…

Christopher Hawthorne argues that Brady Corbet’s film The Brutalist isn’t truly about architecture, despite its Bauhaus-inspired protagonist, László Tóth. Instead, the movie examines power, wealth, immigration, and American vanity, using Brutalist buildings as a cinematic lens rather than a subject. While Tóth’s work mirrors the style of Marcel Breuer—hulking concrete forms and minimalist ornamentation—the film focuses on his exploitation by industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren and the broader societal forces shaping postwar America. Architecture becomes a MacGuffin; the real story critiques capitalism, American exceptionalism, and immigrant struggles. Hawthorne notes that, though critics have lambasted the film’s architectural inaccuracies, its cinematic…

On August 21, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order launching “America by Design”, a national initiative aimed at enhancing the usability and aesthetics of federal services across digital and physical platforms. The order establishes a National Design Studio (NDS) within the White House, led by an Administrator, and creates the new position of Chief Design Officer. Their mandate includes recruiting top creative talent, advising agencies, standardizing design, and improving public interactions with government services. Agencies are required to collaborate with the Chief Design Officer to update websites and physical facilities, focusing on high-impact services. Initial results are…