Celebrating Philip Laird, FAIA
With great affection, all of us at ARC celebrate Philip Laird, who is retiring after a remarkable 45-year career. His enthusiastic leadership, legendary impact as a mentor, and advocacy for design will be missed by everyone who worked with and learned from him.
Philip’s career legacy and impact on ARC’s firm culture are enormous. His capacity as a trusted advisor and client partner, combined with his advocacy for a collaborative design approach with wide-ranging participation, paved the way for how we work with our clients and project teams.
Values-inspired Design
Philip’s continuous commitment to advancing design and his success as an architect, firm leader, and president of ARC reflect his personal values and quiet integrity. These qualities were front and center when we spoke with some of Philip’s peers, ARC colleagues, and a few longtime clients.
Todd Vincent, Head of School at Dexter Southfield School, described the connection between Philip’s values and his reputation for providing the highest level of design. “Because of his skill as a listener, Philip and his team knew us and knew what we were looking for as we expanded and repurposed our campus,” Todd said. “Philip and ARC planned and designed a brilliant mix of modern and traditional spaces that work superbly for our students – a true gift to the school. Everything here fits so well now.”
Philip designed and led projects on more than 40 university and independent school campuses, including Boston College, Deerfield Academy, St. Paul’s School, Philips Exeter Academy, Harvard University, Middlebury College, Bentley University, Phillips Academy, and Noble & Greenough School. His integrity and personal qualities, coupled with his acclaimed design success, led to client relationships that lasted for decades.
In 2017, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elected Philip to its prestigious College of Fellows. The Fellows designation honors architects whose significant contributions to architecture and society achieved a high standard of excellence and impact in the profession. Only 3% of AIA members have earned the Fellows distinction.
Mentoring as Second Nature
Philip is a natural at nurturing the next generation of architects and design firm leaders. He continuously mentored young designers by providing guidance and feedback, supporting continuing education, and encouraging engagement in community and pro bono work and with peer associations.
ARC principal Peter Reiss, one of many current leaders mentored by Philip, talked about the natural style of mentorship he experienced as an emerging architect and leader.
Philip has a razor-sharp focus on the details of design and presentation, but he gave me the space and freedom to develop my own skills and my own sense of confidence. He introduced me to people in his network, took me to client meetings, and taught me and others how important it is to listen to and integrate all voices in our design work. He values everyone’s perspective. It’s never about him.
Pioneering Sustainable Design
A champion of sustainable design from his earliest days at ARC to the present, Philip strategically guided us forward. He oversaw our firm’s first LEED certification 22 years ago and partnered with clients to study and integrate sustainable solutions. Under Philip’s oversight, ARC was an early signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment.
Today, regenerative and sustainable design practices continue to drive the firm’s success, with projects across the country targeting net zero carbon, exploring adaptive reuse, and committing to the use of healthy building materials.
Leading by Example
When asked about Philip, several of his ARC colleagues and clients cited his personal qualities - his innate curiosity, empathy, and humility that exemplify a beloved leader. “Whether he is talking with the maintenance staff or the Board of Trustees, Philip treats everyone the same - and shows his genuine interest in what they have to say,” said Jeffrey Galli, Director of Operations at Deerfield Academy.
Larry Muench, Director of Facilities at Phillips Academy, summarized Philip’s penchant for leading by example. "Philip is warm, funny, engaging, and smart—and never has a bad word to say about anyone. He always sees the positive, and that makes everyone around him follow suit. He makes others feel comfortable without even trying, which speaks volumes about what kind of person he is. He's unique and will be truly missed."
As he begins a new life chapter, Philip’s team members at ARC join with the thousands of appreciative clients, industry peers, and countless friends to wish him an adventurous, joyful retirement. We miss you already!
“I feel fortunate to have worked with Philip on the design and building of our squash facility. Everyone who enters the facility for the first time immediately comments on its aesthetics - the access to outdoor light and stunning views of the mountains.”
Volunteer Leader in Civic and Professional Organizations
Philip devoted thousands of hours of volunteer time within the profession and community. His work for nonprofit institutions helped clients and the public appreciate the benefits of thoughtful, sustainable design. These roles include:
- Chair, Building Committee for The Trustees of Reservations Doyle Conservation Center
- Chair, Grounds and Building Committee for St. Paul’s School
- Member, Advisory Council for The Trustees of Reservations Historic Resources Committee
- Member, Shady Hill School Building Committee
Within the AIA, Philip’s volunteer leadership positions have included:
- Chair of the AIA Committee on Design and presenter at its inaugural Domestic Conference
- Juror, multiple award programs, including the AIA Gold Medal Award, the AIA Firm Award, and the AIA College of Fellows
- Chair and presenter, AIA Committee on Design International Conference
- Chair and presenter, AIA Committee on Design Boston Conference
