Message from the President
ALEXANDRA KOVENAT
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Chroma Architecture
DECEMBER 2025
From the Desk of the President
It is hard to believe that the year 2025 is coming to a close. On this day of reflection, I am so proud to have led our vibrant chapter this past year. We have produced incredible events and education for our membership while making impacts beyond our region for the profession.
For the first time ever, our chapter membership has broken the 800-member threshold! We have grown by over 50 members this past year, which is a testament to all the hard work from our Chapter and Foundation Boards along with our membership and special guests.
On December 18th, members of our chapter along with AIA Brooklyn participated in a community event at the White Plains Library named “Social Housing In New York.” Political representatives from across the New York State (NYS) region, such as NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer of District 37 (lower Westchester), Assemblymember Emily Gallagher of District 50 (Brooklyn), Assemblymember Chris Burdick of District 93 (northern Westchester) among many others were present and engaged with much enthusiasm with all the participants.
Julie Torres Moskovitz, AIA – Director of AIA Brooklyn explaining the Social Housing initiative prior to the breakout session.
I was so proud that members of the AIA not only were seated at the breakout tables, but we led the discussions and helped our political leaders and the general public understand how essential high-quality design is for society, regardless of income level. I believe that this initiative has great promise and I look forward to helping advance its development in the new year.
John Fry, AIA, Senator Shelley B. Mayer and community members at a breakout table
I am especially excited that my distinguished colleague Richard Gonzalez, AIA will be our Chapter President for 2026. I know that he will make an incredible President and serve our members with the highest degree of professionalism and dedication. I believe that he will be an outstanding leader to celebrate our chapter’s 90th anniversary!
Richard Gonzalez, AIA, 2026 Westchester Hudson + Valley Chapter President
Please be sure to stay in touch with our newsletter, website, and social media for all our upcoming events. I certainly will continue to participate at the local level. In addition, I am excited to announce that I will be moving up to become our chapter’s New York State representative.
I want to thank all of you for all of you for your participation, hard work and dedication this past year. Without your support, we would not be the thriving community that we are today. I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year to you and your family.
Warmest regards,
Alexandra Kovenat, AIA