Wernick of HMFH Architects elected as 2010 BSA secretary

Laura Wernick, AIA, LEED AP, REFP, senior principal of HMFH Architects was elected to serve as the 2010 secretary of the Boston Society of Architects. The Boston Society of Architects celebrates its 143rd anniversary this year as the oldest and one of the nation's largest and most active branches of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Wernick, a Registered Architect, LEED Accredited Professional and Recognized Educational Facilities Planner, brings a long history of service to the BSA to this elected post. Wernick served for two years on the BSA's ethics committee and recently completed her second year as the BSA's commissioner of public policy. "Part of our responsibility as architects is to give back to the profession," said Wernick. "The BSA is a vital organization and a critical voice in promoting the importance of good and sustainable design. The BSA is an essential resource for architects and non-architects alike. One part of our mission is to help strengthen and sustain our communities through sound design solutions." Wernick earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University. She has been with HMFH Archts. for more than 25 years, volunteering her time and expertise to many professional and non-profit organizations with a community focus. She is a frequent speaker on issues of education, learning environments and sustainability and very active in the national discourse on architecture and education. Wernick organized the Council for Educational Facility Planners International's (CEFPI) 2001 New England regional conference and was named the CEFPI northeast regional planner of the year in 2004. She also organized the AIA's committee on architecture for education 2002 conference in the city. Wernick will be teaching a class in Professional Practice at the Boston Architectural College this spring. Wernick's election dovetails with HMFH's mission during its fortieth anniversary celebration to donate its time and resources to a number of community-based organizations. HMFH is committed to making a positive and enduring contribution to the public realm, with a majority of the firm's projects in community-based and educational environments. Current and recent clients include the city of Cambridge, Boston College, and the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School among others.