February 1, 2012
by Eveline Chang and Tim Hayduk Center for Architecture Foundat

(Left): Original members of the Learning By Design:NY Committee (L-R): Julie Maurer; Polly Carpenter, AIA; Catherine Teegarden; Christine Hunter, AIA; Jerry Maltz, AIA; Howard Stern; Rosalie Byard; Dorothee King; and Linda Yowell, FAIA, LEED AP. (Right): Current CFAF Staff (L-R): Tim Hayduk; Jaime Endreny; Eveline Chang; and Catherine Teegarden.

Joe Tortorella

On 01.20.12, the Center for Architecture Foundation (CFAF) celebrated 20 years of built environment education. Current and former educators, staff, board members, and volunteers celebrated and toasted to the continued success and growth of its programs.

Current CFAF Board Member Linda Yowell, FAIA, LEED AP, a co-founder of Learning By Design:NY (LBD:NY), shared her perspective on the development of the K-12 in-school residency program. What began as an AIANY committee of volunteers has blossomed into an organization that offers in- and out-of-school programs at the Center and more than 75 classrooms in NYC each year.

CFAF Director of Education Catherine Teegarden was also an original member of the LBD:NY Committee, and oversaw the expansion into a standalone program with full-time staff, a team of trained design educators, and residencies in more than 20 schools. She also reflected on the significance of the Center for Architecture’s opening in 2003, which has allowed CFAF to offer in-house educational programs, including family workshops, classroom visits, computer classes, and studios for students of all ages.

Joe Tortorella began his involvement with the Foundation as a volunteer for LBD:NY. He recounted his first experience giving young students a tour of Bedford-Stuyvesant as challenging, humbling, and rewarding. Like many others, Tortorella’s participation has grown alongside the CFAF over the years, including joining the Board and serving as Board President next year.

Remarks were also made by former CFAF Board President Walter Hunt, FAIA, and current CFAF Board President Michael Strauss. Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Strauss shared his enthusiasm for the CFAF’s future growth, including expansions of its youth and adult program offerings.

Building Connections,” the Foundation’s annual showcase of K-12 student design work, served as a backdrop to the evening’s festivities. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the annual exhibition, which is on view through 02.11.12.

The Foundation’s February Vacation Programs are one of many educational offerings throughout the year. Three-day studios will take place at the Center for Architecture 02.21-23.12 for third- through ninth-graders. For more information about the Center for Architecture Foundation or ways to get involved, visit http://www.cfafoundation.org.