Nikul M. Patel, an associate at William Rawn Associates, Architects Inc., has been elected to the nominating committee of the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) for 2027.
The Indian American architect was elected to the committee with Jason McDonald, a planner with the City of Boston Planning Department, according to election results announced by BSA on Nov. 5 The newly elected members will assume their positions at the organization’s annual meeting on Nov. 12, held as part of its end of year celebration.
Patel holds the professional credentials AIA and LEED AP BD+C and has been a member of the BSA and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 2016, according to his candidate profile.
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Patel emphasized the importance of representation in architectural leadership, drawing on his experience working across sectors and engaging with professionals at different stages of their careers.
“As a BSA member since 2016 and an architect who has worked across sectors serving the public I’ve seen firsthand how much richer our profession becomes when its leadership reflects the full range of people doing the work,” Patel said.
He also described his involvement in professional outreach beyond his regular membership. Through his firm’s recruiting team, Patel has participated in design critiques, career fairs and networking events aimed at connecting with emerging talent, and has also led project tours.
Patel said these activities exposed him to promising professionals outside conventional recruitment channels and reinforced the importance of making deliberate efforts to identify emerging talent.
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As a member of the nominating committee, he hopes to apply that approach to identifying future BSA leaders and encouraging participation from people across different career stages, backgrounds and types of architectural practice.
His organizational biography also lists his involvement with the Society of Indian Architects & Designers, guest reviewing at Roger Williams University and the Boston Architectural College, and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston.
Patel’s election comes as the BSA prepares for a new leadership term under incoming President Katie Faulkner, principal at West Work. Other elected representatives include Tom S. Chung, who will serve as first vice president and president-elect, and John Martin, who was elected treasurer for 2027.
The Boston Society of Architects is the second-largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects. It represents architects and designers in the Boston area and provides professional resources, support and opportunities for engagement with the wider design community.