Hosted by the New England Chapter
Join the ICAA New England, Historic Preservation Consultant William Young, and FAIA Patrick Ahearn for a stroll through Boston's historic Back Bay and a discussion of the architectural styles that define the neighborhood. Along the way, Patrick and William will share some of their favorite urban renovation projects and new builds, and will explain the design details that blend them into the rich fabric of the city. This is a not-to-be-missed experience with an architect and preservationist whose hands helped revitalize and protect this historic area ending in coffee and croissants at a local bakery.
PATRICK AHEARN
Celebrated as one of America’s top classical architects, Patrick Ahearn, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, began his career with ambitious adaptive-reuse public projects and for the past 25 years has focused primarily on historically motivated, site-sensitive private residences in New England and beyond. Whether carefully restoring century-old landmarked townhouses in Boston’s Back Bay or creating new homes that reimagine the local vernacular of Martha’s Vineyard, Ahearn demonstrates an unparalleled ability to combine the romance of traditional architecture with the ideals of modernism. With his work, he sensitively balances preservation with innovation to design residences that feel truly timeless.
Raised in Levittown, New York, and based in Boston for the past four decades, he earned degrees in architecture and urban design from Syracuse University. Today, he oversees the firm that bears his name while also deftly drafting firsthand. Based in Boston and Edgartown, Patrick and his work have earned countless awards, and have been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, New England Home, and many more.
WILLIAM YOUNG
William’s lifelong interest in architectural history was sparked at an early age, growing up on the coast of Maine admiring local works by Richard Upjohn, John Calvin Stevens and McKim, Mead & White. After earning degrees in English from Boston College, he entered the Boston University graduate program in historic preservation; this led to more than two decades on the staff of the Boston Landmarks Commission, from which he retired as Director of Design Review. As an independent consultant, William now guides his clients to meet historic preservation regulations at the local, state and federal levels, while remaining active on the lecture and walking-tour circuit. His recent projects include residential renovations in the Back Bay and on Beacon Hill, and new-construction retail and life-sciences buildings on Newbury Street and in the South End. William has also served three times as a commercial juror for Traditional Building magazine's Palladio Awards, most recently in 2022.