Awards,
Recognition &
Publications
Design excellence awards & other announcements
Studio Luz’s work has been widely recognized, receiving honors including the Architectural Record Design Vanguard Award, a Progressive Architecture Award, multiple Boston Society of Architects and AIA Design Awards, the Architectural League of New York’s Young Architect’s Award, and the Chicago Athenaeum’s American Architecture Award.
Firm Recognition
2015 Chicago Athenaeum, American Architecture Award
This single-family urban home balances aesthetics, high-performance sustainable building systems, and affordability.
IAWA Keynote Speaker 2025
Principal Hansy Better Barraza gives Keynote Address at the International Archive of Women in Architecture’s 2025 Symposium, celebrating their 40th Anniversary.
2024 BSA Design Award (Honor Award) – Church Street
Small Firms: Adaptive Reuse, Renovation, and Historic Preservation
2023 BSA Design Award (Honor Award) – NOBULL
Small Firms: Interior Architecture
Hospitality Design Magazine
‘Hospitality Design: The Restaurant Issue,’ Diva Lounge, VNU Business Publications USA, Inc, May/June 06, vol 28, no.4
CITY Magazine
‘CITY Magazine,’ Blue Print Special: Diva Lounge by Bill Weathersby May/June Issue 41, p.48 John McDonald, publisher, NY,NY, 2006
Architectural Record Magazine Cover Feature
‘Architectural Record,’ Design Vanguard Awards Issue, December, Author, David Sokol, Mc Graw-Hill Publications, New York, NY Cover Feature, 2006
Architect Magazine
‘Architect: 54th Annual P/A Award Issue,’ Citation for Campus D’Espoir (Campus of Hope), Bon Repos, Haiti. January Issue, Hanley Wood Business Media, Washington DC. p.80-81, 2007
Luce e design Magazine
‘Luce e design,’ People Mingling Among ‘Bubbles’: The Story of Boston’s Diva Lounge by Jeff Berger, Zenithal Power Limited, Bimonthly, No.4, April, p.30-35, 2007
FRAME Magazine
‘FRAME: The Great Indoors,’ Shoulders to Shoulders by Tim McKeough, No.56, May/June, p.144-151, 2007
DOM Publishers
‘Young Americans: New Architecture in the USA’ by Beate Engelhorn, DOM Publishers, Berlin, Germany, p.374-382, 2007
NPR Public Radio
“WBUR: Boston’s NPR News Source,’ Defending, Reimagining City Hall Radio Story by Andrea Shea, Oct. 18, 2007
Frame Publishers
‘Behind Bars: Design for Cafes & Bars,’ featuring Diva Lounge. Frame Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, January, 2008
FORM Magazine
‘FORM Magazine,’ On the Cheap featuring the design for Doma Liquors and WOW Clothing, by Mimi Zeiger, 2008
SPA-DE
‘SPA-DE,’ Vol.9 Space & Design ~ International Review of Interior Design, Fareast Design Editors Inc. Tokyo, Japan featuring W.O.W. p.18-19, 2008
Architectural Record Magazine
‘Architectural Record Magazine,’ The New Establishment meets the Next Wave, Author Hubert Murray, AIA, firm profile. May, Mc Graw-Hill Publications, New York, NY p.106-110, 2008
The Boston Globe Magazine
‘The Boston Globe Magazine,’ Designing: One House, Three Ways by Elizabeth Gehrman, p.12-13 Globe Newspaper Co. Boston, MA, 2008
Kontakt Magazine
‘Kontakt Magazine Modern Living. Forward Thinking,’ Flip-A-Strip: From Refuse to Reuse Article by Chandra Graham, Issue 16, Phoenix, AZ p. 60-67, 2008
Desert Living Magazine
‘Desert Living,’ Flippin’ Out, A new exhibit at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art examines the hidden potential behind three average strip malls Article by George Markham, Culture Section, October 1, 2008
Architect Magazine
‘Architect,’ Sushi Spotlight featuring Fin’s Sushi and Grill Article by Edward Keegan, Lighting Section, December Issue, Hanley Wood Business Media, Washington DC. p.36-39, 2009
Channel 7 News
‘Channel 7 News,’ Grant could encourage more ‘hanging around’ in Boston Common: New England News, WLVI-TV Boston, MA, August 7, 2009
Boston Business Journal
‘Boston Business Journal,’ 20 On the Move: Honoring local Hispanic executives making a difference in Boston, October 23-29, 2009 Vol.29, No.39, p.35-41
El Planeta Newspaper
‘El Planeta,’ Nuevos Líderes 20 on the Move, October 23-29, 2009 No.27, p. 11-14.
The Boston Courant Newspaper
‘The Boston Courant,’ BRA Approves Urbanica Project, by Melina Schuler featuring 691 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA. November 20-26, 2009
Links Books Publishing
‘New Bars & Restaurants’, by Jacobo Krauel, featuring Diva Lounge, Links Books Publishing, Barcelona, Spain, 2010
Boston Home Magazine
‘Boston Home Magazine,’ Next Generation Design, by Rachel Levitt and Brigid Sweeney, Spring 2010, Volume 8, Number 2, p. 72-73
New England Home Magazine
‘New England Home Magazine,’ Trade Secrets: Musing on the Design Muse, by Louis Postel, March/April 2010, Volume 5, Number 4, p.184-187
Metropolis Magazine
‘Metropolis: The Magazine of Architecture and Design,’ The Inside Story, by Kristi Cameron, Paul Makovsky, and Martin C. Pedersen, featuring Fin’s Sushi + Grill, May 2010, Volume 29, Number 10, p. 94-101
United Press International News
‘United Press International,’ Giant Hammock a Hit in Boston Park, by Staff, United Press International, Inc. Washington, DC, 19 August 2010
Tonic Magazine
‘Tonic,’ The Awesome Foundation Rocks the World’s Largest Portable Hammock , by Anne Driscoll, News US Section. Palo Alto, CA, August 19, 2010
Stuff Magazine
‘Stuff Magazine’, 082610 STUFF We Like by Stuff Boston Staff. Boston, MA, August 26, 2010
The Patriot Ledger Newspaper
‘The Patriot Ledger,’ MASS. MARKET: Building a foundation for awesome ideas, by Jon Chesto, Business Coverage, Quincy, MA, August 27, 2010
Emerson Channel Backyard Boston
‘Emerson Channel Backyard Boston,’ Free Boston, Video Coverage, August 30, 2010
Architectural Lighting Magazine
‘Architectural Lighting,’ Light & Architecture Design Awards, featuring Bradley & Diegel Salon, Geometric Skylights Illuminate and Distinguish a Linear Space, by Jennifer Bickford, July/August Issue, Hanley Wood Business Media, Washington DC. p.30-31, 2010
Boston Herald Newspaper
‘Boston Herald,’ Full Swing! by Herald Staff Reports, Boston, MA, August 17, 2010, p. 6
Boston Globe Newspaper Front Coverage
‘Boston Globe,’ They’ve been swayed: Huge hammock rocks, by Jack Nicas, Front Page & Metro Coverage. Boston, MA, August 19, 2010, p. A1, B1, B4
NPR Public Radio
‘WBUR: Boston’s NPR News Source,’ This Month In Awesome: A Giant Hammock, Radio Boston by Meghna Chakrabarti, Aug. 12, 2010
NPR Public Radio
‘WBUR: Boston’s NPR News Source,’ Awesome Continued: The Big Hammock on The Greenway, Radio Boston by Meghna Chakrabarti, Aug. 19, 2010
El Planeta Newspaper
‘El Planeta,’ La Gigante Idea de una Colombiana Mece a Boston al Ritmo de una Hamaca, by Felicitas Baruch, August 27-September 2, 2010 No.317, p. 6
RISD XYZ Alumni Magazine
‘RISD XYZ,’ A Better Big Hammock, Rhode Island School of Design’s alumni magazine, Fall Issue, p.11, 2010
New England Home Magazine
‘New England Home Magazine,’ Tomorrow’s Design Stars featuring 5 Under 40 Awards, by Erin Marvin, September/October 2010, Volume 6, Number 1, p.65-86
Providence Business News
‘Providence Business News,’ AIA honors two architects, by Chris Barrett, Real Estate Section. Providence, RI, March 5, 2010
Architectural Record Magazine
‘Architectural Record,’ Lighting: Bradley & Diegel Salon, by Linda Lentz, p.134-135 Mc Graw-Hill Publications, New York, NY Lighting Section, 2010
Princeton Architectural Press
‘Small Scale: Creative Solutions for Better City Living,’ by Keith Moskow, featuring the Union Square Performance Area, Princeton Architectural Press, New York, NY, 2010
Hospitality Design Magazine
‘Hospitality Design,’ Wave of the Future: Where Are They Now? by Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, Nielsen Business Media, New York, NY, September 2011, vol.33, no.7, p. 142
Boston Globe Magazine
‘The Boston Globe Magazine,’ Home Sweet Gallery in a Belmont Hill town house, it’s all about the art. Article by Jaci Conry, p.8 Globe Newspaper Co. Boston, MA, September 30,2011
Boston Globe Newspaper
‘The Boston Globe,’ In harmony with history: Contemporary building artfully fills a gap in South End neighborhood, by Robert Campbell, Arts & Movies: Architecture Section, November 6, 2011, p. N5, N6
Design Vision International Publishing
‘International Fashion Wellness Space: Spa + Beauty + Salon’, featuring Bradley & Diegel Salon, Design Vision International Publishing Co., Hong Kong, 2011, p.230-235
El Heraldo Newspaper
‘El Heraldo,’ Hansy Better y su visión llena de luz. Article by Rafael Escobar Saumet, Gente Caribe, El Heraldo Newspaper, Barranquilla, Colombia SA, March 23, 2012
Boston Globe Magazine
‘The Boston Globe Magazine,’ Hire the Right Home Improvement Pro. Article by Elizabeth Gehrman, April 15, 2012, p.52-58 Globe Newspaper Co. Boston, MA, USA
Gutenberg Periscope Publishing and Prestel
Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange,’ Hansy Better Barraza, Editor, Gutenberg Periscope Publishing, ltd., Pittsburgh and New York, Distributed Worldwide by Prestel Publishing, New York, NY, 2012
A Weekly Dose of Architecture
‘A Weekly Dose of Architecture,’ Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange.’ Book Review by John Hill. 21 May 2013
Residential Architect Magazine
‘Residential Architect Magazine’, Mutable Spaces in New York and Boston, Case Study Section by Cheryl Weber, Author, November/December Issue, Hanley Wood Business Media, Washington DC. p.32-35.
The Boston Globe Newspaper
‘The Boston Globe,’ Harpoon renovation warms welcome for visitors. Article by Gary Dzen, Business Section, January 15, 2013
Boston Home Magazine
‘Boston Home Magazine,’ Best of Boston Home by Marni Elyse Katz, featuring the Leather District Loft, Winter 2013, Volume 11, Number 1, p. 42-46
The Boston Phoenix
‘The Boston Phoenix’, Boston’s First Beer Hall: A look at Harpoon’s new waterfront watering hole, by Jason & Todd Alstrom featuring The Harpoon Brewery, February 01, 2013
Design New England Magazine
‘Design New England’, BSA Design Awards featuring Six9One Residences, March/April Issue, Boston Globe Media, Boston, MA p.48.
Archive: Design Biennial Boston
‘Archive: Design Biennial Boston, ’ by Chris Grimley, Michael Kubo and Mark Pasnik, featuring the The Big Hammock, Six9One Residences, and Harpoon Brewery, pinkcomma books, Boston, MA, 2013
Architecture Boston Magazine
“Where Are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange”, Book Review by Eric J. Cesal, p. 59, Next: Fall 2013 Issue, Volume 16, Number 3, Published by The Boston Society of Architects/AIA Boston, MA
Journal of Architectural Education
“Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange“, Book Review by Nathaniel Coleman. Volume 68 Issue 1, p. 118-119, Published by ACSA, Washington, D.C.
Jamaica Plain Gazette
“Local architects build ‘supergreen’ dream house”, by Rebecca Oliveira, August 1, 2013
Hospitality Design Magazine
“Harpoon Beer Hall”, by Erinn Waldo,December 17, 2014
Kuala Lumpur International Design Convention
“On Making,” PAM: Datum KL International Design Convention Lecture Series, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Harvard Design School
“Processes and Operations,” Harvard Design School, Talk 20 Lecture Series, Cambridge, MA
Syracuse University
“On Identity,” Syracuse University, Society of Multicultural Architects and Designers, School of Architecture, Syracuse, NY
Norwich University
“On Identity and Place,” Norwich University, Chaplin Hall, Architecture and Art, Northfield, VT
University of California Berkeley
“Recent Work: Exploring Social Spaces,” University of California Berkeley, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA
Carnegie Mellon University
“Recent Work: Re_production,” Carnegie Mellon University, School of Architecture, Pittsburgh, PA
BSA Conversations on Architecture
“Emerging Practices,” Conversations on Architecture Lecture Series, Boston Society of Architects, Boston, MA
University of Buffalo
“On Making,” University of Buffalo Department of Architecture Annual Lecture Series, Buffalo, NY
Rhode Island School of Design
“Studio Luz: Works in Progress,” Rhode Island School of Design, Department of Architecture, Providence, RI
Cornell University
“Minorities in Design and Planning-From Theory to Practice,” Verner Woodson Tandy Symposium, Cornell University, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Ithaca, NY
Catholic University of America
“Representation and Work in Progress of Studio Luz,” Catholic University of America, Washington D.C.
Northeastern University
“Social Space Revisited,” Northeastern University, Guest Lecture Series, Boston, MA
University of North Carolina
“Studio Luz: Architectural Work and Study,” University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC
Rhode Island School of Design
“Working Objects,” 2009 Discussion Fall Series: Teaching from Museum Objects, Department of Teaching + Learning in Art + Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
University of Maryland
“Social Encounters,” John Wiebensen Memorial Invited Lecture Series, University of Maryland, School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, College Park, MD
Wenthworth Institute of Technology
“Recent Work: Exploring Social Spaces,” Wenthworth Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture Lecture Series, Boston, MA
Temple University
“On Making,” Temple University, The Architecture Department of the Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA
Entrepreneurial Energy Expo
Babson College, Guest Panelist on “Green Building” design practices. Babson Park, MA
Taliesin Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture
“Studio Luz Recent Works,” Taliesin Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Lecture Series, Scottsdale, AZ
Pecha Kucha Boston 11
“Designing Chutes and Ladders for Fort Point,” Pecha Kucha Boston 11, Co-hosted by BSA/AIA, Common Boston, Boston, MA
Boston Architectural College
“Body, Furniture and Social Exchange,” Student Lecture Series, Cascieri Hall, Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA
Kent State University
“Fabrication with a Purpose,” Spring Lecture Series, Cartwright Auditorium, Kent State University College of Architecture & Environmental Design, Kent, OH
Autonomous University of the Caribbean
“Light Works – Studio Luz,” Architecture Department Lecture Series, Autonomous University of the Caribbean, Barranquilla, Colombia, SA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“Homemade,” Department of Architecture Public Lecture Series, Joint Lecture with Elizabeth Whittaker, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
AIA Rhode Island Emerging Architects Forum
“Taking the Leap, Building a Practice,” and “The Pursuit of Practice,” AIA Rhode Island Emerging Architects Forum, Guest Lecturer & Panelist, The Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, Brown University, Providence, RI
Universidad Francisco Marroquín
“Homemade,” School of Architecture, Public Lecture Series, Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM), Guatemala City, Guatemala, SA
Polytechnic University
“Generating Community Exchange, Sustainability and Building Research through Architecture, ” AIA Puerto Rico, Main Theater, Polytechnic University School of Architecture, San Juan, Puerto Rico
ACSA 100th National Conference
“Bachelors, Brides and Open-Source Machines,” Digital Aptitudes, ACSA 100th National Conference, Boston, MA
Nerdnite Boston
“Tales from the Hammock,” Nerdnite Boston Lecture Series, in conjunction with the Awesome Foundation, Cambridge, MA
University of Maryland
“Future of Community,” Possible>Future(s) of Architecture Symposium, University of Maryland, School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, College Park, MD.
University at Buffalo
“Architect as Initiator,” Beyond Patronage Symposium, 2012 Martell Symposium, University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning, Buffalo, NY
University of Texas
“The Urban Dweller as Curator,” Department of Architecture Public Lecture Series, The University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture, Arlington, TX
University of Puerto Rico
“Dialogue,” The Evolution of Pedagogy: Architecture at Cornell Symposium, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
The Cooper Union
“Campus of Hope,” Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange Panel Discussion, The Cooper Union Frederick P. Rose Auditorium, New York, NY
Roger Williams University
“Encountering Architectural Effects, Affecting Community,” Department of Architecture SAAHP Public Lecture Series, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
Brown University
“The Pursuit of Practice, the Emerging Architects Forum 2011”, sponsored by the AIA Rhode Island, The Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, Brown University, Providence, RI
University of Monterrey
“Architecture of Exchange”, University of Monterrey Panel Discussion, Monterrey, Mexico
The Hurley K- Boston Public School Lecture
“Design Activism”, The Hurley K-8 Boston Public School, Spanish/English dual immersion school in the South End, Boston MA, May 2013
Boston Design Week
“Engage: Boston Designs for Good”, Organized by the Community Design Resource Center of Boston (CDRC), Boston, MA
University of Patras
“Work, Life”, Department of Architecture Lecture Series, The University of Patras, Greece
Urban Science Academy
“Design for Justice”, Urban Science Academy, Boston Public High School in West Roxbury, Boston, MA
Harvard University
“Architectural Effects and Effecting Community”, Harvard University Career Discovery Public Lecture Series, Cambridge, MA
National Building Museum Pentagon Memorial Exhibition
“A Field of Silence,” Competition boards selected for exhibition at the National Building Museum, Washington, D. C.
Jamaica Plain Open Studios Exhibition
Exhibition of current work, Boston Council for the Arts, Boston, MA
Hull Seaside Animal Rescue Barkitecture Exhibit
“PetBlock” Exhibited for Barkitecture Exhibit, Hull Seaside Animal Rescue Fundraiser Auction, Cohasset, MA
Northeastern University Ryder Hall Gallery Exhibition
“Studio Luz: to be completed…against the glass” Exhibition and Installation Art, Ryder Hall Gallery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Hope for the Children of Haiti Vulnerable Architecture
Women in Design Exhibition, BSA Women in Design Conference, Build Boston’s Convention and Tradeshow, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA
Hospitality Design Boutique Convention
Hospitality Design Boutique, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Guest Moderator, Miami FL
Design Awards Winner Exhibition
“Diva Lounge” Design Awards Winner Exhibition, BSA Design Gallery, Build Boston’s Fall Convention and Tradeshow, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA
Young Americans Architect Deutsches Architekturmuseum Exhibition
One of twenty American architects selected to participate in exhibition, Deutsches Architekturmuseum, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. June 26 to August 29 2007
Cornell University Verner Woodson Tandy Symposium
“Minorities in Design and Planning-From Theory to Practice,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Presenter, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Ithaca, NY
Hospitality Design Expo Panel
“Diversity in Design,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Guest Panelist, Panel discussion of issues facing women and minorities in design. Las Vegas, NV
Drawing from Providence Conference
“Emerging Technology for the Small Design Office,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Presenter, cosponsored by the American Society of Architectural Illustrators and the AIA, Rhode Island Chapter, Providence, RI
The Designery Boston Exhibition
“Guns Youth and Architecture,” Volunteer assistance to High School students in the design, planning and execution of an exhibit looking at the gun violence in Boston
Babson College Entrepreneurial Energy Expo
“Green Building” design practices, Anthony J. Piermarini, Guest Panelist, Babson Park, MA
Van Alen Institute Gallery Exhibition
“From the Ground Up: Innovative Green Homes,” Competition Entry to participate in exhibition at the Van Alen Institute Gallery, New York, NY. May 2009– June 2009
Build Bostons Fall Convention and Tradeshow Conference
“The Design Muse: The Inspiration of Inspiring Women,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Presenter, Boston Society of Architects / AIA Women in Design Conference, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA
New England School of Art and Design Meet the Designer Event
“Studio Luz Current Works,” Studio Luz Architects, Meet the Designer Event Series, New England School of Art and Design Gallery at Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Wentworth Institute of Technology Exhibition
“Re-Imagining City Hall” exhibition at Wentworth Institute of Technology, in conjunction with Historic New England, Watson Hall, Boston, MA
From the Ground Up Innovative Green Homes Exhibition
Competition entry on exhibition at the Van Alen Institute Gallery, New York, NY. May 2009 to June 2009
Pinkcomma Gallery Exhibition
“Young Architects Boston Group,” Exhibition at the pinkcomma gallery, Boston, MA. www.yaboston.org
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art Exhibition
“Flip a Strip Exhibition”, Selected competition Entry to participate in exhibition at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale, AZ. October 2008 – January 2009
Universidad Central de Venezuela Exhibition
“Re-Imagining City Hall,” exhibition at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela SA
Lancaster Energy Forum
“Architectural Considerations for Green Solutions,” Anthony J. Piermarini, Guest Panelist, Organized by the Town of Lancaster, MA
Women in Design Conference
“reSolutions Making a Difference,” Juror and Presenter, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Boston Society of Architects / AIA Convention and Tradeshow, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA
Haiti Teach-In Symposium
“The Relief, Aid, Development Conundrum,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Panelist, Sponsored by the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
BACNOMAS Women in Design Panel Discussion
“Breakthrough: Women in Design,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Panelist, Sponsored by BACNOMAS, Cascieri Hall, Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA
Fort Point Architects Exhibition
Studio Luz Architects work exhibited at the Channel Center Gallery, Boston, MA
Build Bostons Fall Convention and Tradeshow Conference
“(r)evolution,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Moderator, Boston Society of Architects / AIA Women in Design Keynote Breakfast, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA
Residential Design and Construction Conference
“Keeping the Firm Healthy and Happy in an Ailing Company,” Anthony J. Piermarini, Presenter, Boston Society of Architects / AIA Convention and Tradeshow, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA
AIA National Convention
“Young Architects: Making a Difference in Our Firms, Our Communities, and Our Profession,” Anthony J. Piermarini, Invited Panelist, AIA National Convention, Miami, FL
Construction Management Association of America Panel Discussion
“691 Mass Ave: Condo Development and Construction,” Studio Luz Architects, Panel Discussion & Project Highlight, Sponsored by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).
Energy Plus Green Building Program Exhibition
“Mayor Menino’s E+ Green Building Demonstration Program: Promoting the next generation of high performance deep green buildings” Exhibition, featuring Studio Luz’s proposal, at the McCormick Gallery, Boston Architectural Center, Boston, MA. August 27, 2011-September 25, 2011
Florida International University BEA Gallery Exhibition
“Small Scale” Exhibition, featuring Union Square Performance Area, at the BEA International Gallery, Florida International University, School of Architecture, Miami, FL. September 15, 2011 – October 27, 2011
Curating Race Curating Space Symposium
“Representational Practices: Site of In-Betweenness,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Speaker & Panelist, University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning / CriticalProductive Symposium, Ann Arbor, MI
Copley Square Central Library
“So You Want To Be…..An Architect,” Hansy L. Better Barraza, Panelist, Central Library in Copley Square, Boston, MA
Where are the Utopian Visionaries Panel Discussion and Book Launch
“Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange Panel Discussion & Book Launch,”
Boston Society of Architects | BSA SPACE, Boston, MA
Rhode Island School of Design BEB Gallery, Department of Architecture, Providence, RI
The Cooper Union Frederick P. Rose Auditorium, New York, NY
BSA| Space Exhibition
“Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange,” Traveling Exhibition at the BSA| Space, Boston Society of Architects in Boston, MA and at the BEB Gallery, Department of Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI. November 02- December 02, 2012.
Design Biennial Boston Exhibition
“Archive: Design Biennial Boston,” Exhibition featuring Studio Luz work in group exhibit, at the BSA| Space, Boston Society of Architects in Boston, MA. February 21 – June 3, 2013.
Urban Interventions Exhibition
“Women in Design: Urban Interventions,” Exhibition featuring Studio Luz work in group exhibit, at the BSA| Space, Boston Society of Architects in Boston, MA. October 4 – November 15, 2013.
ABX Conference
“Leadership: Finding Your Mojo”, ABX Conference, Boston, MA, Anthony J. Piermarini
Domus Magazine Beyond Sustainability Conference
“Work/Live”, Domus Magazine Beyond Sustainability Conference, Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM), Guatemala City, Guatemala, C.A.
Intersections in Pedagogy Symposium
“Intersections in Pedagogy: Architecture/Urbanism/Humanities”, Brown/RISD Symposium, Brown University & Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI, April 23-24, 2015, Hansy Better Barraza, Co-Organizer & Panelist
Rhode Island School of Design Museum
Exhibition featuring Meyer’s Residence in a group exhibit, RISD Museum, Providence, RI
Harvard University Design Build Competition
First Place for the design of student mailboxes.Harvard University, Graduate School of Architecture, Cambridge, MA
Pentagon Memorial Semi-Finalist
“A Field of Silence”, Jury Selection: Semi-Finalist, among more than 1,100 submitted for the International design competition organized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, exhibition at the National Building Museum, Washington D.C.
MIT Council for the Arts Grant
Awarded for “Terrain: Vulnerable Architecture Exhibition”, Anderson Gallery, Des Moines, Iowa
LANDed: Garden Structures
A Synthetic Waterspout, entry for Philbrook Gardens, National invited competition to design a pavilion in the Historic Philbrook Museum Gardens, Tulsa, OK
Rhode Island Monthly Design Awards Jury
Rhode Island Monthly Magazine Annual Design Awards, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Iowa AIA Design Awards Jury
American Institute of Architects, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
BSA AIA Small Firms Small Projects Biennial Design Awards Jury
Boston Society of Architects / American Institute of Architects, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Richmond AIA Design Awards Jury
American Institute of Architects, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
BSA AIA Unbuilt Architecture Design Awards Jury
Boston Society of Architects / American Institute of Architects, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Rhode Island Monthly Design Awards Jury
Rhode Island Monthly Magazine Annual Design Awards, Anthony Piermarini, Juror
Birmingham AIA Design Awards Jury
American Institute of Architects, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
In the Pursuit of Housing Design Awards Program Jury
co-sponsored by Boston Society of Architects / AIA and Architectural Record, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
North Carolina AIA Triangle Chapter Design Awards Jury
American Institute of Architects, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Cleveland Ohio AIID Design Awards Jury
American Institute of Interior Designers, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Cleveland Ohio AIA Design Awards Jury
merican Institute of Architects, Anthony J. Piermarini, Juror
NOMA Student Design Competition Jury
National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Student Design Competition, Boston, MA, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Atlantic Wharf Design Competition Jury
Designer Selection Jury for a 1.9M renovation project to relocate the Boston Society of Architects, Boston, MA, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Design-Build Challenge Competition
A three-day design and construction community design building competition, Sponsored by Project Locus and Common Boston, Boston, MA, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Union Square Performance Area
“Seating Curbed,” Artsunion Initiative, Mayor’s Office and Arts Council, competition proposal, City of Somerville, MA – Finalist
World Expo Finalist
World Expo 2010 competition for the Pakistani Pavilion with Najmi Bilgrami Collaborative Ltd. Shanghai, China – Finalist
Flip A Strip Finalist
National invited idea-generating competition to rethink the small-scale strip shopping plazas within the suburban landscape. Organized by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale, Arizona – Finalist
The Big Hammock in the Boston Common
First recipient winner out of 315 online submissions to win a micro-grant that funds extraordinary projects, The Awesome Foundation for Arts and Sciences, http://awesomefoundation.org/
ACSA ARCHIVE Competition Jury
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Competition: I am a Second Responder, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
AIA College of Fellows Young Architects Ideas Program Competition Jury
American Institute of Architects, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Energy Plus Green Building Program Competition
A pilot initiative to promote the next generation of high performance 1 to 4 unit residential green building prototypes in Boston, MA. Organized by the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development, Office of Environment & Energy Services, and the Boston Redevelopment Authority – Participant
Puerto Rico AIA Honor Awards Jury
American Institute of Architects, Anthony J. Piermarini, Juror
Wallenberg Competition and Awards Symposium
Raoul Wallenberg Studio Travel Competition and Awards Symposium, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Hansy L. Better Barraza, Juror
Architectural Record Design Vanguard Award
Firm Award, Architectural Record Magazine
Boston Business Journal and El Planeta s on the Move Award Program
One of 20 selected honoree by the Boston Business Journal and El Planeta’s “20 on the Move Program: Hispanic executives making a difference in Boston,” Hansy L. Better Barraza.
Academic Enrichment Fund Rhode Island School of Design
Awarded for the support of technological research and fabrication techniques.
National Endowment for the Arts Architecture for Social Justice
Award sponsored by Adaptive Environment for academic research in architectural design and for addressing issues of social justice.
Grant Awarded for the Social xChange Symposium
Grant Awarded for the Social xChange Symposium from the Rhode Island School of Design: Office of the President, Division of Architecture and Design, Department of Architecture
Rhode Island Council for the Humanities Grant
Awarded for the Social xChange Symposium.
Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts Grant
Awarded for forthcoming publication: ‘Social xChange: architecture from theory to action’
Wave of the Future Award
Wave of the Future Award, Hospitality Design Magazine, VNU Business Publications, USA, Inc.
Young Architects Forum Prize
Young Architect’s Forum Prize, The Architectural League of New York. Theme “If…Then” exhibition May 6-June 17, 2004. The Urban Center, NYC.
Sponsorship Lowes Improving Home Improvement
Sponsorship: Lowe’s Improving Home Improvement, Weymouth, MA, MIT Public Service Center, Cambridge, MA and Hope for the Children of Haiti, Woburn, MA for the ‘Vulnerable Architecture Exhibition’, Anderson Gallery, Des Moines, Iowa
Vulnerable Architecture Exhibition
MIT Council for the Arts Grant: Awarded for the Vulnerable Architecture Exhibition, Anderson Gallery, Des Moines, Iowa
Distinguished Visiting Critic
Boston Architectural Center Distinguished Visiting Critic Spring 2006
ICA Artist Prize Nomination
Nominated for the 2006 ICA Artist Prize, Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, MA
Best Designed Hospitality
Best Designed Hospitality, Diva Lounge, DDI Magazine, VNU Business Publications, USA, Inc.
Young Architect’s Prize
Nominated for National AIA Young Architect’s Prize, Boston Society of Architects
Citation for Diva Lounge
Interior Architecture Award, Boston Society of Architects, Boston, MA
On Making
Distinguished Guest Speakers, PAM: Datum KL International Design Convention, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Best of the New
Best of the New, Diva Lounge, The Boston Globe Magazine, p.31, January 28, Globe Newspaper Co. Boston, MA USA
IESNA Award
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Illumination Design Award for Diva Lounge, New England
Progressive Architeture Award
54th Progressive Architecture Award Citation for Campus D’Espoir (Campus of Hope), Bon Repos, Haiti. ‘Architect’ January Issue, Hanley Wood Business Media, Washington DC. p.80-81
LEF Foundation Grant
Grant Awarded to Young Architects Boston Group, Founding Firm, for ‘Parti Wall, Hanging Green’ Public Art Installation and Exhibition, Boston, MA www.yaboston.org
Professional Development Grant
Grant Awarded for forthcoming book ‘Social Exchange: Reforming Architecture, Their Buildings’ from the Rhode Island School of Design
The Awesome Foundation for Arts and Sciences Inaugural Grant
Grant Awarded for ‘The Big Hammock’ Public Art Installation, Boston, MA
Merit Award for Design Excellence
Bradley & Diegel Salon, BSA Interior Architecture Awards Program, Boston Society of Architects/AIA, Boston, MA
Honor Award for Design Excellence
Fin’s Sushi & Grill, BSA Interior Architecture Awards Program, Boston Society of Architects/AIA, Boston, MA
New England Home Award
New England Home’s 5 Under 40 prize spotlights the hottest emerging talent in residential design in New England, Hansy L. Better Barraza
AIA Young Architects Award
The national prize recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession, Anthony J. Piermarini
El Planeta Powermeter Certificate of Recognition
Prize awarded for being one of 100 Massachusetts’ Most Influential People for Latinos who made a difference during 2010, Hansy L. Better Barraza.
Professional Development Grant
Grant Awarded to support an exhibition and panel discussion on “Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange”
Award for Design Excellence
Six9One Residences, BSA Housing Design Awards Program, Boston Society of Architects/AIA, Boston, MA
The Awesome Foundation for Arts and Sciences Grant Award
Awarded for ‘The Mattapan Mobile Farm Stand Project,’ by BR+A+CE, Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation Grant
Grant awarded for “The Mattapan Mobile Farm Stand Project”, by BR+A+CE, to support food distribution in the Mattapan Community, Boston, MA
Boston’s Best
The Improper Bostonian, Harpoon Brewery Beer Hall, July Issue, Boston, MA
Design Biennial Boston Awards Jury
Boston Society of Architects, Boston, MA, Anthony J. Piermarini, Juror
Bridge Grant Award
Rhode Island School of Design, research grant for forthcoming publication on Athens, Hansy Better Barraza
Design Biennial Boston, Jury
Boston Society of Architects, Boston, MA, Anthony J. Piermarini, Juror
Our Church Street Project Has Been Recognized With A Boston Society For Architecture Design Award For Historic Renovation
The Studio Luz team was proud to receive an Honor Award in the Small Firms Adaptive Reuse/Renovation/Historic Preservation Category.
Hansy Better Barraza’s Work With CriticalProductive Journal
This independent peer-reviewed journal is published by MIT Press and explores topics related to culture, arts, and architecture.
2024 Reflections
We were very proud to be recognized in this area that speaks to our company values. Thank you to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce!
Colombia Wayuu Guajira School Project with Lido Pimienta
We are proud to lend our guidance and expertise to the school’s designs, creating a series of project renders to help imagine the finished spaces.
Remembering Mayor Menino’s Support Of Expanding Urban Agriculture Throughout the City of Boston
As we celebrate the positive impact Mayor Menino made on Boston, we remember his support for our Mattapan Mobile Farmstand project.
Visualizing Studio Luz’ Ethos and Approach To Community Engagement
Our latest video from EmVision Productions provides a glimpse into our mission to amplify the diverse voices of the communities we serve.