We are excited to announce that Harvard District Energy Facility has received the AIA New England Architecture Honor Award for the institutional/Commercial category!

“The American Institute of Architects has a long tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture and the AIA. The New England Design Awards program celebrates architects from, and architecture in, New England.” – AIA New England Architecture

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This past Friday, October 27th, we celebrated LWA Co-Founders and Principals Andrea Leers, FAIA, and Jane Weinzapfel, FAIA, as 2023 honorees at the Architectural Record Women in Architecture Awards in New York City.

“The awards program, the only one of its kind in the U.S., shines a spotlight on the increasingly significant contributions of women design leaders, across generations and specialties. The annual awards ceremony not only acknowledges outstanding achievement but serves as inspiration to younger architects moving up in the field. In addition to honoring the 2023 recipients, this year’s event will also celebrate the 50+ design leaders who have been recognized since the program’s launch.” – Architectural Record

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Join Principal Ashley Rao AIA, LEED AP, CPHC, at The Plan Perspective, October 26th in New York City! Ashley is a panelist for “PATHWAYS TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE” panel discussion.

“Perspective USA is a one-of-a-kind forum on Architecture and Interior Design, organized by the international architecture magazine THE PLAN, launched in 2013 and now at its 10th edition. [..] Taking advantage of the international network developed over the years by THE PLAN magazine, Perspective brings together the full range of sector operators, unfolding as a working day with a dedicated cultural program of speeches held by long-standing and up-and-coming architecture firms, interior design and engineering practices.” – Plan Perspective 

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Adohi Hall at University of Arkansas has won an award for Future House International Residential Award for the Affordable, Social, and Community Living Housing category.

“Future House International Residential Awards arise from the convergence of residential design and architectural vision, with the aim of championing and honoring novel and inventive residential projects on a worldwide level.” – Chicago Athenaeum & Global Design News – Future House International Residential Award

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National Museum of Forest Service History has been shortlisted in the Future Education category for the World Architecture News Awards!

“The World Architecture News Awards brings together the most senior and influential professionals from across Architecture to recognize and celebrate excellence. The Awards shine a spotlight on the standout architectural projects and the amazing people and teams behind them.” – WAN

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LWA Co-Founder and Principal, Andrea Leers, FAIA, recently presented at the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit on September 13, 2023. Andrea presented on “Generations of Women-Led Design Firms and the Path to Entrepreneurship” with Ann Beha, FAIA, RAIC, Catherine Truman, AIA, LEED and Natasha Espada, AIA, NOMA, LEED.

“The profession is changing, and it’s about time. Women’s Leadership Summit, founded by AIA, exists to support and empower women on their leadership journeys and break down the barriers that get in their way. This premier event brings together the industry’s largest network of diverse women in architecture, design, and the allied building industries who are moving into leadership roles and manifesting the careers they want—all while making a difference in the world.” – The American Institute of Architects

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“Established in 1982, Leers and Weinzapfel’s eponymous Boston-based practice has garnered more than 200 international, national, and regional design awards, including the 2007 AIA Firm Award—the first women-owned firm to receive the honor. Together heralded as leaders in campus and urban design, Leers is a pioneer in the use of mass timber in academic settings while Weinzapfel is recognized for her expertise in infrastructure and transportation design. Leers and Weinzapfel are also dedicated educators and have taught at institutions in the Boston area and beyond.” – Architectural Record

The Women in Architecture Awards, Observing its tenth anniversary as the only awards program in the United States that recognizes and promotes notable women in the field. The honorees will be celebrated at the Women in Architecture Awards event on October 27th in New York City.

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In partnership with the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program we hired 2 Boston Public School students who are interested in pursuing a career in Architecture. The program is organized by the Boston PIC (Private Industry Council), who connect BIPOC students with local businesses in the design and construction industry. In our 7-week paid internship, the students are introduced to the fundamentals of architecture, exposed to various professional and academic paths possible within the architecture field, as well as the general professional development skills necessary for starting down their own path. Our internship allows these students to build up their own portfolio through independent design exercises, and to contribute to real projects by joining various design team discussions in the office. For many years we have supported other summer programs each year for BPS high school students and other public high school students to gain exposure to architecture; one graduated from college as an artist, and another will graduate with a professional degree in architecture next year.

The Timber Architecture Design Faculty Development Workshop in June was a success! Pictured below is Tom S. Chung FAIA, Principal at Leers Weinzapfel Associates giving a tour at John W. Olver Design Building at UMass Amherst at the workshop.

With the goal of equipping you with a holistic understanding of Mass Timber design in academia, design profession and wood industry, the workshop included lectures, discussions and hands on participation in timber education, design and research along with travel throughout the region visiting industry and professional partners critical to the Mass Timber development: Sustainable Forestry and Harvesting, Lumber production, CLT fabrication and processing, leading architect, engineer and developer team, construction site and built precedents visits.

Ashley and Jeffrey have each demonstrated unique talents and foresight in advancing design excellence in our collaborative and inclusive environment.

Ashley’s collaborative design sensibility is motivated by a deep commitment to sustainable design principles and enthusiasm for community building.  A thoughtful listener and gifted communicator, she excels in cultivating productive, synergistic relationships with clients and leads by example in fostering a supportive team environment.

Jeff’s attention to detail and deep knowledge of materials and assemblies have made him a key leader of Quality Assurance/Quality Control throughout the practice. He has also contributed significantly to the firm’s address of the AIA 2030 Challenge. Most recently, he authored an article on sustainable Mass Timber Construction for Metropolis’ magazine’s “Making Connections” blog.