Finegold Alexander Architects complete four key leadership promotions, including Colburn to principal
Boston, MA According to Finegold Alexander Architects, Clair Colburn, AIA, LEED AP, LFA has been promoted to principal; Josephine Penta, AIA, LEED AP promoted to associate principal; Özge Diler Himes, AIA, to senior associate; and Connor Byrne, AIA, to associate.
Colburn has played a defining role in shaping the strategic direction of the firm while deepening several of Finegold Alexander’s most important client relationships. She has cultivated and sustained longstanding partnerships with repeat clients, earning their trust through thoughtful guidance, exceptional service, and a commitment to excellence. Colburn also leads the firm’s mentoring program, an important part of Finegold Alexander’s culture, fostering professional growth and development across all levels of the organization. Beyond her project work, she contributes to the profession through publications and speaking engagements.
“Clair’s leadership extends well beyond her project work,” said Regan Shields Ives, AIA, LEED AP principal Finegold Alexander. “Her commitment to mentoring, client service, and advancing the profession exemplifies the qualities we value most in our Principals. She has become a trusted advisor to our clients and an invaluable leader within our firm.”
Penta has been a driving force in advancing Finegold Alexander’s technology and project delivery capabilities. She championed the development and implementation of the firm’s BIM platform and identified opportunities to expand its computational design expertise, including the addition of a coding specialist. Together, these efforts have helped establish innovative workflows that continue to elevate efficiency and quality across all sectors. Penta also plays an important role in mentoring staff through the firm’s onboarding program and BIM training. Beyond the firm, she is actively involved with Professional Women in Construction (PWC) and helps sustain Finegold Alexander’s longstanding relationships with important clients.
“Josephine has had a tremendous impact on our practice,” said Christopher Lane, AIA, principal at Finegold Alexander Architects. “Her leadership in advancing our BIM and computational design capabilities, coupled with her dedication to mentoring staff, has helped strengthen both our project delivery and firm culture. She is a trusted resource for everyone at the firm and an important driver of our continued growth and innovation.”
Newly appointed senior associate and design director, Özge Diler Himes, has played a leading role in advancing design excellence across the firm. She was instrumental in developing Finegold Alexander’s framework tool to provide a design process and philosophy across all our projects, helping align the firm’s work with broader strategic design goals. She has also helped strengthen the firm’s educational and creative culture through initiatives such as Design Digest and the creation of FA Academy, which provides weekly ongoing professional development opportunities for all members of the firm. In addition, she continues to expand Finegold Alexander’s reach through business development efforts in both Boston and Philadelphia while remaining actively engaged in industry organizations, including the Urban Land Institute (ULI).
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring Özge and watching her grow into an exceptional design leader,” said Tony Hsiao, AIA, LEED AP, principal and design lead at Finegold Alexander Architects. “Together, we have worked to strengthen the firm’s design ethos and create a culture where design excellence, curiosity, and collaboration can thrive. This promotion recognizes her significant contributions including advancing our design tool capabilities and helping shape the framework that guides our work across all sectors. I look forward to continuing our collaboration as we advance the future of design at Finegold Alexander and further elevate the impact of our work.”
Byrne is recognized for his technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and commitment to supporting colleagues across the firm. As an important member of Finegold Alexander’s Production Team, Byrne helps advance the quality and consistency of project documentation while serving as a mentor in construction detailing and BIM implementation. He has built strong relationships with clients and project partners through his work on projects including the Gladstone Elementary School in Cranston, R.I., earning a reputation for diligence, responsiveness, and professionalism. Byrne is also known for stepping in wherever needed to support project teams, consistently putting the firm’s goals first and helping projects meet critical deadlines.
“Connor’s dedication to quality, teamwork, and client service makes him an excellent addition to our group of Associates,” said Ellen Anselone, AIA, LEED, principal, vice president of Finegold Alexander. “He is always willing to go the extra mile for his colleagues and our clients, and his contributions have had a meaningful impact across the firm.”