The Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) has announced plans to relocate its headquarters to a new office space at 99 Chauncy Street, designed by NADAAA(Nader Tehrani Associates Architecture Art Design) . The new space will enable the professional organization to host exhibitions, lectures, and conferences, and accommodate staff workspace inside a historic, 11-story building.
A Hub for Design and Community
The BSA’s new headquarters will serve as a hub for designers, nonprofits, and communities to connect and collaborate. “Our goal is to create a space that connects designers, nonprofits, and communities from across the city,” said Danyson Tavares, BSA executive director. This move is part of the BSA’s effort to “right-size its physical footprint” and create a more inclusive and accessible space for its members and the public.
NADAAA was selected for the project due to the strength of its design proposal and clear understanding of the BSA’s professional and civic mission. “As a voice for the profession, the BSA headquarters effectively serves as an embassy for the discipline,” said Nader Tehrani, NADAAA founding principal. “On one hand, it communicates what architecture can do for the environments in which it is set, and on the other, how the profession can embody the capacity to listen to a wider audience.”
A Vibrant Addition to Downtown Boston
The BSA relocation project aligns with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s goal to transform downtown Boston into a vibrant, 24-hour neighborhood. “We are working hard to make space for creative enterprises here and it’s great to see the BSA commit to this neighborhood,” said Joseph Henry, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. “Like downtown itself, the BSA is a space of convening, mix and dialogue, and their new location will create more opportunities for the public to mix with designers, and civic leaders to collectively shape Boston’s future.”
The new headquarters is expected to be completed in early 2027, providing a prominent corner presence for the BSA and a space for the public to engage with the design community. The building’s historic 11-story structure will be transformed to meet the BSA’s needs, creating a unique and inspiring space for its members and the community.
NADAAA’s Design Approach
NADAAA’s design approach for the BSA headquarters emphasizes the importance of creating a space that is both functional and inclusive. “We aimed to create a space that is not only a reflection of the BSA’s values but also a catalyst for community engagement and dialogue,” said Tehrani. The design team worked closely with the BSA to understand their needs and goals, resulting in a space that will foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
As the BSA prepares to move into its new headquarters, it is clear that this project is about more than just a new office space. It’s about creating a hub for the design community, a space that will inspire and educate, and a place where people can come together to shape the future of Boston.
