David Haresign, FAIA, Elected President of University of Virginia School of Architecture Alumni Foundation Board
Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS is excited to announce that senior partner David Haresign, FAIA, has been elected President of the University of Virginia School of Architecture Foundation Board.
As a UVA Alum, David values his education at the School of Architecture that was foundational for his career as an architect. He has served as a trustee to the School of Architecture Foundation Board from 2016 – 2022, and as Vice President from 2023 – 2024. As a mentor, critic, lecturer, volunteer leader, and employer, David is committed to educating the next generation of design leaders to create a better world.
“I am honored to serve the school as President of the Foundation Board. Our board is committed to supporting the mission and advancement of our school to maintain and continue to improve our leadership in architecture, landscape architecture, environmental and urban planning, and architectural history.”
David Haresign, FAIA
David is a specialist in large-scale, complex projects, leading project teams and organizations with conceptual clarity, meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to design excellence. He implements diverse project typologies with challenging entitlements, large integrated teams, and tight fiscal constraints. His integrated project delivery archives iconic design, technical innovation, restoration, and re-purposing of old fabric that re-invigorates neighborhoods and communities. Committed to smart growth planning and preservation, David is a socially responsible architect charting a sustainable future. He promotes affordable housing as a basic right and cornerstone of smart growth – retaining less affluent residents in old neighborhoods and housing them in new ones.
David engages the public through outreach and pro-bono activism, developing alliances and recruiting through leadership at the AIA and the academy, and exposing the results of his work through awards, publication, exhibitions, and presentations. His projects are widely recognized with over 150 national, regional, and local design awards, and in international and national publications including Urban Land, Residential Architect, Inform, Architecture DC and the Washington Post. David recently organized and chaired three major, highly successful exhibits at the District Architecture Center focusing on architects’ impact on the city. His outreach extends to boards of related professional, academic, cultural and community organizations where David serves as a Trustee, Director, and leader. He mentors and inspires young architects with individual guidance. Haresign is a sought-after design critic, and a frequent lecturer and panelist at noted regional universities and public conferences. He has been elevated to the College of Fellows, one of the American Institute of Architects highest individual honors.
The School of Architecture Alumni Foundation is a university-related foundation established in 2004 to support the mission of the School of Architecture; to cultivate democracy and to the sustained, critical rethinking of their institutional policies, practices and structures. The Foundation works very closely with the Dean of the School to advance strategic objectives and achieve School priorities through philanthropic support.
Foundation Board Mission Statement:
The School of Architecture Foundation exists to support and foster the study and teaching of architecture, landscape architecture, architectural history and urban and environmental planning at the University of Virginia, and to aid, strengthen, and extend in every proper and useful manner the work, services and objectives of the School of Architecture.
Board member responsibilities are expansive, fundraising for the School through various oversight and management roles. Some of these responsibilities include maintaining focus on mission and oversight of strategic direction, ensuring necessary human and financial resources are available, and providing oversight on applicable laws and university policy. As a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, the Foundation raises and receives philanthropic contributions and ensures these contributions support the School according to donor intent.