Candidate for AIA 2022 First Vice President/2023 President-elect

Emily A. Grandstaff-Rice, FAIABoston Society of Architects/AIA Massachusetts

When I wrote the introduction to the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice, I began with the following:

Increasingly, architects will be called to lead efforts in finding solutions to many of our world’s most pressing issues. Successfully meeting these challenges, and others not yet known, will require talent, passion, and creativity of a diverse cohort of students, professionals, and leaders.

Since the nine-part guides were first conceived in 2016, the urgency for architects to lead efforts to find solutions for society’s most pressing problems has skyrocketed. The multiple layers of challenges facing people and the built environment are more starkly visible during the tumultuous events surrounding or triggered by the 2020 global pandemic as well as the newly heightened attention to systemic racism. To successfully meet these ongoing and new challenges, the depth, knowledge, and outreach of the AIA community will be essential.

Architecture is for everyone. Our advocacy is needed more than ever. We have the ability through our day-to-day work, as knowledge experts, and community members to testify to and expand the power of design in shaping a better future—one that reflects the society we serve.

Architecture impacts how we live. Good design, planning, and advocacy leads to better public health outcomes, prosperity, and equity. We understand how these issues connect with each other.

Architects are creative problem solvers. Architects are uniquely positioned to advocate for sustainability, resiliency, and urgent climate action. We have the skills to bring people together and build consensus through vision.

Architects know how to make things happen. The US construction industry is 4% of the GDP. Considering the value of our work as an economic driver in construction and real estate, we have a great stake in the economy. We have the knowledge, passion, and influence to shape places that contribute to prosperity and economic diversity.

Relevant Experience

American Institute of Architects
At-large Director, AIA Board, 2018-2020
Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee, Chair, 2017-2020
Equity in Architecture Commission, Chair, 2015-2016
Culture Collective, 2014-2015
Continuing Education Committee, 2014-2016
Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee, 2007-2008

Boston Society of Architects/AIA
Past President, 2015
President, 2014
Vice President, 2013
Director At Large, 2011-2012
Commissioner of Professional Communities, 2009-2010

Professional Experience
Arrowstreet, 2016-present
CambridgeSeven, 2003-2015
Adolfo Perez Architect, 2000-2002

Academic Experience
NAAB Visiting Team Member, 2014-present
Dean’s Leadership Council, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2010-present
Adjunct Faculty, Boston Architectural College, 2006-2013

Civic Experience
Boston Creates Leadership Council, 2015-2016
Cambridge Getting to Net Zero Task Force, 2015

Education
Harvard University, A.L.M. Educational Technologies, 2012
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, B.Arch., 2000
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, B.S. Building Sciences 1999
Centre for Environmental Planning & Technology (Ahmedabad, India), RPI India Studies Program, Spring 1998

Awards
Richard Upjohn Fellow, American Institute of Architects, 2020
Women in Design Award of Excellence, Boston Society of Architects/AIA, 2019
Director’s Award, Rensselaer Alumni Association, 2016
Election of College of Fellows, American Institute of Architects, 2016
Boston Business Journal 40 Under 40, 2014
BD+C’s 40 Under 40, 2013
Young Architects Award, American Institute of Architects, 2008