This article originally appeared on the Boston Society for Architecture’s website.
Gregory Minott
As 2020 BSA/AIA president, Natasha Espada AIA, passed the gavel to 2021 president, Gregory Minott AIA, the BSA reflects back on the work accomplished in 2020 toward our goal of making Boston a more equitable and architecturally-vibrant city and region. We know this is just the beginning and there is more important work to do in the year to come.
The BSA’s annual meeting signaled the transition between the end of Espada’s term and the beginning of Minott’s term. As Espada and Minott reflected on the challenges of 2020, they underscored the opportunities for growth ahead, especially when it comes to issues of racial equity and inclusion.
The meeting kicked off with Espada reflecting on the work toward equity, diversity, and inclusion undertaken during her presidency, including the launch of the Race and Architecture listening series and the revival of the EDI Task Force. She then introduced Dr. Atyia Martin, CEO and founder of All Aces, Inc., who dove into the interwoven complexities of racism on societal, personal, and interpersonal levels. Stressing the importance of genuine partnerships across communities, especially when it comes to built work, Dr. Martin focused part of her presentation on integrating marginalized communities into the design process.
Minott presented his agenda for 2021, focusing on creating a more equitable and diverse design community in Boston by creating space for productive, interdisciplinary conversations and reinforcing partnerships with organizations like BosNOMA and NCARB and academic leaders.
“Design is a process of engagement, and as architects, designers, and planners, I think we all recognize the integral role and responsibility that we have to use our influence to design and build for equity,” Minott said. Ultimately, Minott views these conversations and partnerships as a way to collectively push forward, “accelerating the needed cultural shift in the profession.”
Under Minott’s direction, the BSA will continue to expand current programs and create new initiatives to address the intersection of equity and the environment. This includes scaling up its Race & Architecture platform, working with a new advisory committee, and advancing its partnerships on projects like Vision Chelsea Creek. Minott envisions 2021 as the year that offers a new perspective on the role of architecture.
Minott is the managing principal at D/R/E/A/M Collaborative Architects.
