November, 2000; Boston, MA – Judith Nitsch was the recipient of a Women in Design Award from the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) at the first annual Women in Design Award Luncheon at the World Trade Center in Boston. Judy was presented the award at the lunch along with two other outstanding winners: Jane Weinzapfel, Principal of Leers, Weinzapfel Associates Architects, and Rebecca Barnes, President of Barnes Resources Group/City Strategies (now Chief Planner for the Boston Redevelopment Authority).
The BSA cites, “This award honors designers whose work reflects the spirit, innovation, transformation, and enhanced level of design women have brought to the profession of architecture.” Patti Reiter, Director of Operations for Ann Beha Associates, Inc., presented the award to Judy for her inspiration to other aspiring women architects and engineers. Patti commented, “By building a 60-person civil engineering and survey firm, Judy has demonstrated that determination and professional ability can overcome economic cycles and social perceptions. Through her leadership in professional organizations, such as ACEC New England, New England Women in Real Estate, and the BSA Corporate Advisory Council, she has lead by example and encouraged other women to find their rightful place in the positions of leadership in our profession.”
Judy has been a member of the Corporate Advisory Council of the BSA since 1998. She has been a presenter or moderator for various BSA programs and conventions including How to Get Selected for University Projects; Surveying for Architectural Engineering in the 21st Century; Teaming Across Disciplines: Keys for Success and Added Project Value; Fee-Setting for Engineers; and The RRFP: The Right Request for Proposal for Land Surveying.
Judy’s closing remarks encouraged other women in design to become more involved in BSA and other industry organizations. She pointed out, “I wouldn’t be standing here today if I hadn’t been involved in professional organizations like the BSA. In my first job out of college, I not only had the opportunity to join a professional engineering organization, but I soon became the Section President! I developed a network of relationships that I still cherish and count on to this day. I encourage the women in the audience today to get out there and become active in various associations if you aren’t already. It will be invaluable to your future career, and you will benefit both personally and professionally. I promise you won’t regret it.”
The BSA is a 3,300-member organization of architects, allied professionals, and citizens in Massachusetts. Founded in 1867, the BSA is the nation’s largest branch of the American Institute of Architects and has been a committed advocate of excellence in the built environment.