Build Boston: 25 years of success

Summary: For a quarter of a century, the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) has gathered design and construction industry professionals at the Build Boston convention and tradeshow. Now, despite the weak economy, Build Boston continues to thrive. When asked why, BSA leaders point to Build Boston’s focus on the entire project team.

“Architects don’t work in isolation, we rely on the expertise of consulting engineers, other design professionals, contractors, manufacturers, and the vision of our clients” notes James Batchelor FAIA, the 2009 BSA president. “By inviting other building industry associations and client groups to partner with the BSA, we gain both their expertise and their members’ participation, and that creates a rich learning and networking experience.”

The proof is in the numbers—at the last Build Boston event, more than 10,000 attendees—from 43 states and 19 countries—walked through the doors. While at Build Boston, they attended more than 180 professional development workshops, seminars, networking events, and receptions and visited with more than 350 exhibiting companies. Architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, contractors, building science specialists, marketing and business professionals, and clients attend Build Boston to learn and network.

New economy, new climate, new thinking shapes Build Boston 2009
To address the new economy, this year’s Build Boston focuses on career resources, business development, and business management. Workshops explore ways for the design and construction industry to benefit from public funds available for infrastructure and embrace the opportunity to redefine how architects procure and contract work and partner among firms.

To address the new climate and related environmental concerns, Build Boston features an energy-intensive program that provides information and training on new national and state energy codes and standards, design and construction of energy-efficient buildings, alternative energy sources, cutting-edge mechanical systems, and measuring and modeling systems. In addition, the Build Boston Energy Pavilion on the tradeshow floor highlights companies that focus on achieving carbon-neutral and zero-net-energy buildings and communities.

To ensure that new thinking is used to address new opportunities, Build Boston includes more case studies, interactive exhibits, and forums with experts. The event engages young professionals as program leaders and idea generators. An emerging professionals’ lounge welcomes designers of all ages to participate in speed networking and idea challenges.

Keynote presentations
Three prolific and highly regarded thought leaders provide daily themed keynote presentations. Robert A Murray, chief economist and vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill, presents on the new economy. Edward Mazria, AIA, architect and founder of Architecture 2030, addresses climate change, and Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway (and more) and founder of DEKA and FIRST, inspires with thoughts on new thinking and innovation.

Networking galore
For anyone in the U.S. design and construction industry, there are at most three degrees of separation from Build Boston. With five schools of architecture and the highest concentration of architects in the country, Boston is home (or former home) to designers everywhere. Alumni receptions, association networking events, and award galas provide ample opportunities for individuals to reconnect with past colleagues and peers and mentors.

When asked what drew him to assume a leadership role with the BSA, Tom Keane, the new executive director, said: “the BSA’s inclusive philosophy has nurtured an expansive and rich network that in turn provides nearly endless opportunities for expansion and growth. Build Boston is at the heart of that network and fuels much of what makes the design and construction industry in Boston an exciting place to be.”