Hansy Better Barraza AIA LEED AP
Principal, Studio Luz Architects; Co-Founder, BR+A+CE: Building Research + Architecture + Community Exchange, Inc.; Professor Emerita, Rhode Island School of Design
Candidate Statement
I am dedicated to fostering robust, effective communication that bridges the BSA staff, board of directors and our valued members. My leadership will bring forth an impassioned and responsible voice, which advocates for strategies to actively champion equitable development, environmental justice, and confront systemic issues within the industry, including the concerning practice of unpaid design work for RFPs, striving for its eradication. I am eager to spearhead discussions on remuneration and work conditions within our profession, fostering an environment which uplifts all practitioners. I remain committed to nurturing a supportive network for MBE, WBE, SD/VBE, and LGBTQIA+-owned firms, and facilitating meaningful partnerships with larger firms within the context of commission-based projects. This also requires fortifying collaborations between major firms and municipal entities to shape equitable and sustainable comprehensive planning initiatives across the Commonwealth. Lastly, I envision expanding outreach endeavors with university students and local schools, a purposeful step towards unlocking new avenues to access and flourish within the profession. With your support, I am excited to contribute to the BSA's mission, to lead with purpose, and to leverage my expertise across professional settings with non-profits, universities, and agencies towards the advancement of our community.
Biography
BSA/AIA member since 2008; National Organization of Minority Architects Member since 2020; BSA Women in Design Award 2021; BSA Board of Directors, Director 2022-Current, Secretary 2012-2014; BSA Exhibit Committee, 2012-2013; Boston Zoning Board of Appeals Member 2021- Current, Designer Selection Board Member, Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), 2011-2013; Board of Trustees, Boston Architectural College, BSA Representative, 2010-2012; Member of the Rotch Traveling Scholarship Committee, BSA/AIA, 2007-2012; BSA Board of Directors, Commissioner of Education and Research, 2009-2011; BSA Transition Planning Committee, 2008 ;Design Committee Board Member, Roslindale Village Main Street, 2006-2011; Graduate Program Director, Department of Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, 2014-2017.
Juror for the AIA Arizona Chapter Design Awards Program, 2023; Juror for National Organization of Minority Architects International Conference Urban Science Academy, “Design for Justice”, 2015; Juror for the AIA College of Fellows/Young Architects Ideas Program Competition, 2011; Juror for the BSA Atlantic Wharf Design Competition, 2010; Juror for the National Organization of Minority Architects Student Design Competition, 2010; Juror for the AIA North Carolina Triangle Chapter Design Awards Program, 2009; Juror for the BSA In the Pursuit of Housing Design Competition Program, 2009; Juror for the BSA/Common Boston Design-Build Challenge Competition, 2009; Editorial Board Member, ArchitectureBoston Magazine, 2005-2009; Juror for the AIA Birmingham Design Awards Program, 2008; Juror for the AIA/IIDA Cleveland Design Awards Program,2008; Juror for the BSA Women in Design Exhibit Workshop Program, 2008; Juror for the AIA Iowa Architecture and Crafts Design Awards Program, 2007; Juror for the BSA/AIA Unbuilt Architecture Design Awards Program, 2007; Juror for the AIA Richmond Design Awards Program, 2007; Juror for the BSA/AIA Small Project Design Honor Awards Program, 2006; Juror for the BSA/AIA Small Firms/Small Projects Biennial Design Awards Program, 2006; Juror for the AIA Iowa State and Regional Design Awards Program, 2004.