January 29, 2024—The American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS) installed their 2024 Officers and Board of Directors, during the installation ceremony held on January 25.
Representing over 9,500 members across New York State, it is the Institute’s mission to be the voice of the architectural community and a resource for its members in service to society.
A design studio founded by Willy, Zambrano Architectural Design focuses on multi-disciplinary design with a core emphasis on resilience and sustainability across building types that enhance community well-being. Willy has led award-winning projects, including the Lima 2019 Pan American Games (COPAL). As an active member of the AIA, he has significantly contributed to architectural advancements at local, state, and national levels, particularly in mentoring the next generation of architects.
A proud Ecuadorian and first-generation Latino graduate of City College, Willy has received Career Achievement awards from both the Latino Alumni Group in 2018 and the Architecture Alumni Group in 2022. During his tenure as president of the AIA Queens Chapter, he co-founded the Brooklyn + Queens Design Awards and the Queens Foundation for Architecture, demonstrating his commitment to promoting local architecture.
Willy’s dedication to service extends to his role as the AIANYS Vice President of Knowledge (2017-2018), where he contributed to disaster assistance, conferences, webinars, and symposiums. He currently chairs the Economic Development Committee at the Baldwin Civic Association, fostering community vibrancy.
Recognized with prestigious AIA leadership awards, including the AIA Queens Leadership Service Award, the AIANYS Matthew W. Del Gaudio Award, the AIANYS Presidential Service Award, and AIA’s Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellow medal, Willy was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2022. As the first AIA Queens Chapter member to receive the AIANYS Matthew W. Del Gaudio Award and the second to be honored as a Fellow, this recognition underscores his sustained leadership and impactful contributions to the architectural community.
Willy Zambrano, FAIA, states, “It is an honor and privilege to serve as the 2024 AIA New York State President. As a first-generation Ecuadorian-immigrant, being the first Latino president is a personal milestone of which I am immensely proud. Today, we celebrate the commencement of AIA New York State, promising innovation, collaboration, and continued inclusivity. With a strong foundation and an envisioned governance designed for every member’s voice, let us build a stronger, more resilient, and collaborative community. Together, we can achieve greatness and leave lasting impacts on our profession.”
The installation took place on January 25, where Willy took his oath of office and was presented with his gavel and medal, symbols of his authority as AIA New York State President, by 2023 AIA New York State President, Paul McDonnell, AIA.
Board of Directors and AIA Representative Positions are:
Officers:
President – Willy Zambrano, FAIA
President-Elect – Andrew Harding, AIA
Immediate Past President – Paul McDonnell, AIA
Vice President, Government Advocacy – Giuseppe Anzalone, AIA
Vice President, Education – Jeffrey Pawlowski, AIA
Vice President, Communications & Public Awareness – Tonja Adair, AIA
Treasurer – Jacob Rivalsi, AIA
Secretary – Victor Han, AIA
Board of Directors:
Director – Casey Crossley, AIA
Director – Kritika Dhanda, Assoc. AIA
Director – Nicholas Duch, AIA
Director – Richard Kruter, AIA
Director – Andrea Lamberti, AIA
Director – Gustavo Lima, AIA
Director – Julian J. Misiurski III, AIA
Director – Ryan Rosenberg, AIA
Director – Andrew Schuster, AIA
Director – Richard Stott, AIA
Director – Nell Taranto, AIA
Director – Marilu Tibana, Assoc. AIA
Director – Seth Wiley, AIA