The Construction Contract Administration Knowledge Community notes with sadness the passing on April 2, 2020 of our good friend, founder, and mentor, Burton Roslyn, FAIA, FARA, NCARB.
A Brooklyn native, Burt graduated from Francis Lewis High School in Queens, NY before heading to Auburn University and then City College of New York to study architecture. He graduated CCNY in 1972 and founded his practice, Roslyn Consultants, in 1977. In all of his work, research, teaching and advocacy, Burt promoted the Architect's true natural role as a leader of the A/E/C process.Burt's practice focused on project management, architect led design-build, and expert witness testimony. He readily acknowledged that he didn't design a lot of buildings, but he did build a lot of buildings. This "non-traditional" approach matched his understanding of architecture as a human art that encompasses any and all activities affecting the built environment. This broad view also informed his tireless advocacy for improving diversity and equity in the profession. As chair of the AIA's National Commission on Diversity, he believed that many different voices and outlooks expand the scope of the profession and benefit all practitioners.
Burt's professional achievements and accolades are almost too numerous to list. He served on the board of directors of both AIANY and AIA New York State and ultimately served as president of AIA New York State in 2009. He was elevated to AIA Fellowship in 2011 and served on AIA's national board for many years. He was a recipient of the Richard Upjohn Medal. Burt was also active in the Society of American Registered Architects, the Building Owners and Managers Association, the Design Build Institute of America, the City College Alumni Association, and numerous other civic organizations. Nonetheless, Burt found time to teach courses in professional practice, construction administration, and real estate at NYIT when he wasn't doting on his six grandchildren.
In his own words,
"Architecture is so much more than design. It is a vehicle for us as architects to do what we are trained to do as the creators and protectors of the built environment. The built environment is what shapes and frames society. It is how we interact socially. It is everything that we as human beings stand for and deal with."
We will miss Burt greatly.
------------------------------
Michael Plottel FAIA
Owner-Shareholder
SofARlprojects
New York NY
------------------------------