In Memoriam: Bob Boynton, FAIA

Posted on by cguske

Robert A. (Bob) Boynton, FAIA passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.

At AIA Virginia our hearts are sad – but also grateful.

Bob was an exceptionally active and impactful member of the AIA. If there was a position on any council or committee – at either the state or the local level – Bob had likely held it.

Bob was a Fellow, a recipient of the William C. Noland Medal (AIA Virginia’s highest honor). Bob served as President of AIA Virginia and also as the national President of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Bob served on and presided over the APELSCIDLA Board; and was continuing that service as a special advisor.

A graduate of Virginia Tech, Bob was a proud hokie. Over his career, Bob collaborated in a number of firms before becoming a founding partner of Boynton, Rothschild, Rowland Architects PC.

I know many of you knew Bob well, you have my sincere condolences. For those who did not, I know you have encountered the manifold benefits of his dedicated service, as have we all.

We send our deepest sympathies to his wife Helen and daughter Jennifer. And we offer profound gratitude and respect for Bob and all of his accomplishments.

Meet Robert A. Boynton, FAIA

Posted on by cguske

Robert A. Boynton, FAIA is a founding partner at the Richmond firm of Boynton, Rothschild, Rowland Architects PC. He has served the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the local, state, and national levels, as he notes below, and is a recipient of AIA Virginia’s highest honor, the William C. Noland Medal. Bob was appointed to the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects in 1992 and served as its president in 1996-1997 and 2015-2016. He was also the president of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in 2003-2004.

Where did you go to college?
Virginia Tech

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
Absolutely!  A career in architecture is the most rewarding of professions – in my experience.

What does it take to be an architect?
To be a good architect it takes creativity, inquisitiveness, persistence, interest in making a difference, hard work, willingness to give back, mentorship, understanding your role in the community, and flexibility.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
Frank Lloyd Wright!  His work intrigues and fascinates me and that was the trigger that led me to VA Tech.

What are you currently reading?
In between readings.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Any Italian meal.

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
I began my career with the AIA in College as the studio Zip Daddy.  Few will remember that position.  I then joined the AIA after licensure and joined the Chapter as an officer.  I have held offices in AIA Richmond, AIA Virginia, the Region of the Virginias, the College of Fellows as Regional Representative, and currently am the Chair of the AIA National Ethics Council. I believe in the AIA’s position as leader in the profession.  My involvement in the AIA has always been positive and I have made life-long friends through my involvement in the AIA.