While the search for a permanent director continues, David Burney, FAIA, will serve as interim Executive Director of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter and the Center for Architecture, taking the place of former director Rick Bell FAIA.

Burney currently serves as an Associate Professor of Planning and Placemaking at the Pratt Institute's School of Architecture, as well as the Board Chair for the Center for Active Design. Previously, he was Commissioner of the City's Department of Design and Construction (2004-2014).

The complete press release from AIA NY is as follows:

New York, NY (April 3, 2015)—The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) and the Center for Architecture today named David Burney, FAIA, interim Executive
Director. Burney, an architect, urbanist, educator, and former Commissioner of the City’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC), will serve in the post until the organization hires a permanent Executive Director.

Burney is credited with raising architecture standards for NYC’s public projects while at the helm of two major City agencies. From 2004 to 2014, he served as Commissioner
of the DDC. At DDC, he oversaw a staff of almost 1,200, charged with managing capital projects for multiple city agencies and cultural institutions in all five boroughs. In 2006, to ensure the quality of municipal public works, he launched the DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence Initiative. Previously Burney was director of design at the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) from 1990 to 2003. Prior to his work as a public servant, he practiced architecture with the firm Davis Brody Bond.

Burney is currently an Associate Professor of Planning and Placemaking at the Pratt Institute’s School of Architecture and serves as Board Chair for the Center for Active Design.

“David Burney’s vast experience leading City agencies and his legacy of improving the quality of public projects in New York will be an invaluable asset to AIANY as we work with the current administration on issues concerning creating affordable housing and reducing carbon emissions, among others,” said AIANY President Tomas Rossant, AIA. “David is a tremendous design professional and we’re excited to have him onboard in this capacity.”

“We are grateful to have such an accomplished architect and public servant as David Burney step in to help lead the organization as we search for our next Executive Director,” said Center for Architecture President Joseph F. Tortorella, PE. “Burney transformed public architecture in this City and shares AIANY’s and the Center’s commitment to fostering design excellence to enhance the lives of all New Yorkers.”

“I am honored to join AIANY and the Center for Architecture as interim Executive Director,” said Burney. “I have been a member, friend and partner of the Chapter and the Center for a long time and look forward to helping these respected organizations continue their positive impact on the built environment in New York City during this transition period.”

Burney’s appointment follows the resignation last week of Rick Bell, FAIA, who served as Executive Director since 2001. Bell was instrumental in creating AIANY’s Center for Architecture, a preeminent public institution for architectural education and discourse. With some 15,000 square feet, the Center hosts almost a thousand programs every year, along with 20 annual exhibitions.

“The fourteen years at AIANY have been a wonderful part of my life, but it is now time to move on to undertake new opportunities,” said Bell in a prepared statement. “I am proud to have helped create the Center for Architecture which has grown into a meeting place and community center for all in the design professions, and which brings in architectural enthusiasts from around the world. I express my thanks and admiration for all of the hardworking staff and for the inspirational boards both past and present who have allowed me the privilege of being at this remarkable place.”

“Rick is an impassioned advocate for the design community. We were fortunate to have had his leadership at an important time in the Center’s and AIANY’s growth and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Rossant and Tortorella.