BOSTON— The Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) has selected NADAAA to design its new headquarters at 99 Chauncy Street, marking a major step in the organization’s planned move to a more visible and civic-oriented home in downtown Boston.
The BSA expects to relocate to the new space in early 2027, following a competitive design selection process that included four finalist firms. The new headquarters will serve not only as office space for staff, but also as a public-facing venue for exhibitions, lectures, conferences, and community events.
Leaders say the project aims to redefine the role of an architectural organization’s headquarters—transforming it into a collaborative civic hub that brings together designers, nonprofits, and the broader public.
“We’re thrilled to establish the BSA’s new home in a neighborhood that reflects the energy and diversity of Boston,” said Danyson Tavares, the organization’s executive director. “Our goal is to create a space that connects designers, nonprofits, and communities from across the city.”
The new facility will also anchor a BSA-led initiative focused on strengthening the nonprofit sector through shared resources and collaborative infrastructure, positioning the organization at the center of conversations about both design and civic life.
NADAAA, an internationally recognized firm known for its cultural and academic projects, was chosen for its design vision and its understanding of the BSA’s dual role as a professional association and a public platform. Nader Tehrani, the firm’s founding principal, described the project as an opportunity to create a space that reflects architecture’s broader societal impact.
“The BSA headquarters effectively serves as an embassy for the discipline,” Tehrani said, emphasizing the importance of designing a space that communicates architecture’s value while engaging a wider audience.
Members of the selection committee echoed that sentiment. Calvin Boyd-Morlani, a senior associate at PAYETTE and a BSA board member, said NADAAA’s proposal demonstrated how architectural spaces can function as public forums, making the profession more accessible.
City officials also welcomed the move to downtown. Joseph Henry, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston, said the new headquarters aligns with broader efforts to energize the downtown area as a center for creative and civic activity.
With its prominent location and expanded mission, the new BSA headquarters is expected to serve as a gathering place where architects, designers, and residents can engage with ideas shaping the future of Boston’s built environment.
