BOSTON– Boston-based Finegold Alexander Architects announced that the firm’s Design Manager Özge Diler Himes has been named to Building Design+Construction’s (BD+C) 40 Under 40 Class for 2020.
As an emerging young leader in commercial design and construction, Diler Himes has been recognized for her outstanding work in transformative design for both new construction and existing building renovations, along with her leadership role within Finegold Alexander and work in the community.
With a Master of Urban Design from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, Diler Himes joined Finegold Alexander in 2016 and quickly progressed to her current role as the firm’s Design Manager. As a proven thought leader in design, Diler Himes has played a significant role in several Finegold Alexander projects, including 727 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA and 260 High Park in Toronto, ON, Canada (see below for more information on these projects).
In addition to her work and success in the field, Diler Himes is an active volunteer and community member. Her extracurricular commitments and achievements include:
Lecturer – Boston University (2018-present); Adjunct Professor, Carnegie Mellon University (2012-13)
Invited Critic – Boston Architectural College, Boston University, Harvard University, and Wentworth Institute of Technology
Facilitator – ULI UrbanPlan program; reviewed student development proposals (2020)
Volunteer – Rose Kennedy Greenway (2017-19)
Contributor – Boston Society of Architects, “Refugees, Resilience, and Public Space: Syria Initiative,” a collaboration with Lebanese architects for a schoolyard at a Syrian refugee camp on the outskirts of the city of Bar Elias, Lebanon (2017)
“Recognition of Özge’s expertise, accomplishments, and character by BD+C could not be more deserved,” said Ellen Anselone, Principal and Vice President at Finegold Alexander. “Özge plays an integral role in Finegold Alexander’s project success and firm growth. Our team is extremely lucky to have her and we look forward to watching her continue to blossom as a leader both within Finegold Alexander and in the community.”
About 727 Massachusetts Avenue
Finegold Alexander is designing a 37-room boutique hotel and commercial space at 727 Massachusetts Avenue in a building formerly known as the Cambridge Gas Light Building. The building—along with its future hotel—is being developed by Chevron Partners, a Boston-based fully-integrated real estate development firm known for rehabilitation and modernization of historic properties. The building will retain its original existing base, which will remain open for retail and office occupancy. The hotel will be built atop the 1910-building, creating a modern and vibrant design, while paying homage to the historic roots of the City of Cambridge.
About 260 High Park, Toronto
Finegold Alexander is currently designing new condominium units within a historic, neo-Gothic church building in High Park, one of Toronto’s most sought-after neighborhoods. In total, there will be 15 Church Loft Residences offering luxurious amenities in a one-of-a-kind setting. The units are designed to retain as much of the existing building fabric as possible by taking full advantage of the large windows—which feature original stained glass—and the soaring interior spaces. The tops of the church towers will be converted to private, outdoor balcony spaces. At the street level, the fully restored church looks relatively unchanged, although it will house some of Toronto’s finest residences.
