Beyond Buildings: BAC Honors Architect Shaping Resilient Cities

BOSTON, MA – May 14, 2026 – The Boston Architectural College (BAC) is set to honor a pioneer of ecological urbanism at its 2026 Commencement, signaling a deep institutional commitment to a future where design serves humanity and the planet. Internationally acclaimed landscape architect Mario Schjetnan, a visionary whose work has reshaped public spaces across Mexico, will deliver the keynote address on May 22 and receive an honorary doctorate. His selection holds particular weight as the college celebrates its recent designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), underscoring a mission focused on global perspectives and inclusive excellence.

The Visionary from Mexico City

Widely regarded as one of Latin America's most influential landscape architects, Mario Schjetnan has spent his career challenging the notion that his field is mere decoration. For Schjetnan, landscape is the foundational infrastructure of civic life. As the founding partner of Grupo de Diseño Urbano (GDU), he has championed a design philosophy that weaves together ecology, cultural memory, and social justice. His work is a testament to the idea that parks and public spaces are not luxuries, but essential components of a resilient and equitable city.

His portfolio includes some of Mexico City’s most iconic and transformative projects. At Xochimilco Ecological Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, he spearheaded the restoration of pre-Hispanic floating agricultural plots. He led the ambitious master plan for the rehabilitation of Bosque de Chapultepec, the city's sprawling central park, and transformed former industrial wastelands into vibrant public hubs like Bicentennial Park. These projects are celebrated as models of landscape-driven urban renewal, demonstrating how to reconnect cities with their environmental roots while creating spaces that strengthen communities.

Schjetnan's influence is globally recognized. He is the recipient of the 2025 Cornelia Hahn Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize and the Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award from the International Federation of Landscape Architects. His presence in Boston sends a powerful message to the next generation of designers. "Landscape architecture is not decoration. It is structure, it is process, it is life," Schjetnan stated, looking ahead to the ceremony. "Through design, we give form to how we live, how we connect, and how we adapt."

A Commencement with Deeper Meaning

The timing of Schjetnan's honor is no coincidence. It aligns with the BAC's celebration of its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a federal recognition for colleges where at least 25% of the undergraduate student body is Hispanic. This status makes the institution eligible for grants aimed at expanding academic offerings and student support services, reinforcing its long-standing mission of providing access and opportunity in design education.

The selection of a leading voice from Mexico City as the keynote speaker is a deliberate reflection of this identity. "Mario has dedicated his career to proving landscape architecture as essential civic infrastructure," said Mahesh Daas, President of The Boston Architectural College. "His work shows how ecological intelligence, cultural identity, and public life can come together to shape places that are more resilient, more meaningful, and more humane. His presence at commencement reflects the BAC's deep commitment to landscape architecture as a vital design discipline and to the kind of expansive, interdisciplinary thinking that shapes our institution and its future."

This commitment positions the BAC, which boasts students and alumni from over 75 countries, as a crucial hub for fostering the diverse perspectives needed to solve complex global challenges.

Celebrating a Spectrum of Design Leadership

Schjetnan is not the only leader being recognized for shaping the world through design. The BAC will also confer honorary degrees upon three other individuals whose careers illustrate the broad and varied impact of the field. This diverse group of honorees embodies the interdisciplinary spirit the college champions.

Taniya Nayak, a prominent interior designer and BAC alumna, will receive the Doctor of Design Honoris Causa for Alumni Excellence. Known to millions from her roles on HGTV shows like "Battle on the Beach," Nayak has translated design principles for a mass audience, demonstrating the power of design to enhance daily life. Her success as a designer, television personality, and restaurateur showcases a dynamic career path rooted in her architectural education.

Lee Pelton, President and CEO of The Boston Foundation, will be honored for Public Service and Leadership. A respected national leader in higher education and civic engagement, Pelton has dedicated his career to addressing structural inequities. His work at the helm of one of the nation's oldest and largest community foundations underscores the critical link between the built environment and social justice, advocating for a more equitable Boston for all its residents.

Judith (Judy) Nitsch, the founding principal of Nitsch Engineering and former BAC Board Chair, will be recognized for her Service to the College. A trailblazing civil engineer and a staunch advocate for women in STEM, Nitsch has been instrumental in shaping both the physical campus and the strategic direction of the BAC. Her leadership and philanthropy represent a deep commitment to building a sustainable and innovative future for the institution.

"As we gather to celebrate this graduating class, we are equally honored to recognize leaders whose work reflects the values at the heart of the BAC—design excellence, civic leadership, creativity, and service," added President Daas. "The BAC is a banyan tree, with roots reaching far and wide toward a more inclusive, resilient, and inspiring future."

Redefining Design for a Changing World

The collective work of the honorees mirrors the pressing trends shaping the design professions today. The industry is rapidly moving beyond aesthetics to tackle existential challenges like climate change, social division, and urban density. Landscape architecture, in particular, is at the forefront of developing nature-based solutions—from urban forests and living shorelines that mitigate climate risks to inclusive public spaces that foster community cohesion.

Schjetnan's career is a masterclass in this approach, and his message is one the BAC is actively embedding in its curriculum. The college has earned top national rankings, not just for its academic rigor but for the real-world success of its graduates. Niche has ranked it among the Top 10 Architecture Schools in America for two consecutive years, and analyses based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data have highlighted the high earning potential of its alumni, suggesting graduates are well-equipped to lead in a demanding and evolving profession.

By spotlighting leaders like Schjetnan, Nayak, Pelton, and Nitsch, The Boston Architectural College is not just celebrating a graduating class; it is making a definitive statement about the future of design. It is a future that is collaborative, socially conscious, and deeply connected to the ecological systems that sustain all life. As graduates prepare to enter the field, they do so with a clear mandate to build a world that is not only more beautiful but also more just and resilient for generations to come.