BOSTON — RODE Architects is marking its 20th anniversary by expanding its ownership group for the first time since the firm’s founding, naming longtime leaders Ben Wan and Jessica Haley as partners.
The Boston-based architecture and design firm announced Thursday that the appointments recognize Wan and Haley’s longstanding contributions to the company while reinforcing its commitment to developing leadership from within.
Wan, RODE’s first employee, and Haley, who has spent 13 years building the firm’s hospitality and interior design practice, have helped shape the company’s culture, design philosophy and project portfolio over the past decade.
“For 20 years we’ve believed that our greatest asset is our people,” said Eric Robinson, principal and co-founder of RODE Architects. “Bringing Ben and Jess into the ownership of the firm isn’t simply recognizing outstanding leaders, it reflects who we’ve always been. They helped build RODE into what it is today, and we’re excited to have them help lead the next phase of the firm’s growth.”
The ownership expansion comes as RODE enters its third decade in business and represents the first change to the firm’s ownership structure since it was established in 2006.
“Our mission has always been to create a firm that would outlast any one individual,” said Kevin Deabler, principal and co-founder of RODE. “Ben and Jess have earned the trust of our clients, our colleagues and our community over many years. As RODE enters its third decade, expanding ownership within the RODE family strengthens our future while preserving the collaborative culture that has defined us since day one.”
Wan, who was promoted to principal in 2023, has led projects focused on sustainable design and mission-driven architecture. His portfolio includes the 52 New Street affordable multifamily development, the CommonWealth Kitchen Food Incubator and the Appalachian Mountain Club’s headquarters. In his new role as partner, Wan will continue leading projects across the firm’s growing portfolio while helping guide its long-term design strategy and growth.
Haley, principal and director of interior design, has been instrumental in establishing RODE’s hospitality, workplace and community-centered interiors practice. Her work includes the Brant Point Grill at White Elephant, Cambria Hotel Boston and 1515 Commonwealth. As partner, she will continue overseeing the firm’s interior design practice while expanding its experience-driven hospitality and workplace portfolio.
The appointments underscore RODE’s emphasis on employee-led leadership and succession planning as it continues to grow. Firm leaders said the expansion reflects a long-term strategy of preserving the collaborative culture that has defined the practice since its founding while positioning it for continued growth in architecture, interior design and hospitality projects.
