RODE Architects Marks Firm Expansion with Naming of Two New Principals

RODE Architects, a Boston-based collaborative design and architecture firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Ben Wan and Jessica Haley to principal, recognizing their design leadership and continued contributions to the firm. The promotions come at an important time of growth for the company, which has grown to 35 employees since its founding in 2006, and has expanded its work throughout the region. Their work continues to focus on the transformative power of a collaborative design process, now being applied on new project types that reflect how the world has changed over the past few years.

“RODE will always strive to make ourselves better, and the promotions of our staff, especially at the higher levels denotes our mission to always focus and reinvest in the firm to insure its viability into the future. Ben and Jess represent the best of RODE and we are excited to see them grow into these deserving promotions,” said Eric Robinson, Principal and Co-Founder of RODE.

“We are extremely proud of the resilience of our team at RODE and how our team’s culture has adapted to the unprecedented conditions of the last few years. During this time we've continued to grow our capabilities and build on our reputation for delivering transformative design,” said Kevin Deabler, Principal and Co-Founder of RODE.

The firm, which just finalized its office renovation that doubled their physical footprint, looks forward to continued growth and expansion with Wan and Haley, both longtime team members, taking on expanded leadership positions.

The promotions signify that both Wan and Haley are leaders within the firm and in the industry. They’ve each spent over ten years helping cultivate and develop the deep expertise RODE is known for- tackling complex problems and delivering strong, concept-driven solutions. Deabler and Robinson will continue to lead alongside the new Principals. This allows Deabler and Robinson to expand the firm’s work into new regions with an expanding client-base.

Wan, who was the firm’s first employee, is often involved in all aspects of RODE’s design process and internal operations. His work is focused on finding elegant design solutions within the complexities of building programs, urban communities, and diverse user-groups. He can see through the challenges of climate resilience, sustainability and policy reform to deliver positive results for his clients. Highlights from his portfolio include the redesign of Harvard Art Museum’s off-campus conservation lab and research center, the Neponset Wharf redevelopment, and the Appalachian Mountain Club’s new headquarters.

Haley, who also serves as the Director of Interior Design, keeps a strong pulse on the industry as an integral part of RODE’s growth in the hospitality sector as well as their success in creating community through transformative design. Haley’s unique, concept-driven approach to interior design and architecture focus on human experience and has resulted in spaces that create community. Her portfolio includes Cambria Hotel Boston Downtown-South Boston and Chef Will Gilson’s multifaceted space, The Lexington, with three distinct dining experiences under one roof. RODE is anticipating strong growth in its interior design work over the next five to 10 years.

With the addition of Wan and Haley to the leadership team, RODE is well positioned for an expanded presence across the northeastern US, including active projects in six states. As they continue to expand, RODE will continue to demonstrate why their concept-driven approach works across all typologies to elevate the human experience and build community.

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