Benjamin Prosky has been named the executive director of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter and the Center for Architecture. Prosky will step away from his role as assistant dean for communications at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design where he has overseen events, publications, multimedia content, and special projects since 2011. He will commence full responsibilities at the center in early 2016.
“Ben brings a unique energy, intelligence, and experience to the position," said Carol Loewenson FAIA, incoming president of AIANY and partner at Mitchell/Giurgola Architects. "AIANY is poised for great change: More outreach, greater membership value, deeper connections to the academy, and a stronger role in actively impacting the design of our city. Ben is the right person to imagine the AIANY of the future. We are thrilled to have him on board to lead our organization.”
With a background in urban studies and urban planning, Prosky has devoted the past 15 years of his career to a range of projects and initiatives dedicated to the promotion and interpretation of architecture and the city. He started his career working for the Institut français d'architecture (IFA) in Paris, under the direction of Jean Louis Cohen, coordinating exhibitions and public programs. He then moved to the Canadian Center for Architecture (CCA), where he worked closely with CCA founder Phyllis Lambert and director Mirko Zardini as head of public programs. Prior to joining Harvard GSD, Prosky worked for six years at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, then under the deanship of Mark Wigley, as director of special events and external affairs. At Harvard GSD, he has worked closely with Dean Mohsen Mostafavi, overseeing a range of projects including Harvard Design Magazine, the GSD’s 75th Anniversary activities, the school’s participation in the Venice Biennale and Design Miami, as well as the relaunch of the Wheelwright Prize.
“With unanimous and enthusiastic approval, the Center for Architecture welcomes Ben Prosky back to New York City to head and lead our center," said Tom Krizmanic AIA, incoming board president at the Center for Architecture and principal at thefirm STUDIOS Architecture. "I have no doubt Ben will further our mission to educate and involve a spectrum of New Yorkers in understanding, exploring, and raising awareness of architects and their key role in shaping and creating the built environment."
Prosky has played a key role in the advancement of architects and architecture in the digital realm. As one of the four original cofounders of Architizer, he contributed to the establishment of the first social and professional networking tool created specifically for architects.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as executive director of the AIANY and the Center for Architecture,” said Prosky. “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to expand the scope of both organizations— I look forward to engaging with the professional architects who are the backbone of the constituency, and also cultivating the broader public which, in the context of New York, recognizes the profound impact that design and the built environment have on the vitality of the city and all aspects of our lives."
