On March 28th, 2025, the Boston Society of Architecture’s venue at 290 Congress Street transformed into a vibrant hub of discussion, collaboration, and action during the 2025 Boston T-Talks, organized by BosNOMA, under the compelling theme: SAY IT NOW.
The event unified a diverse group of around 45 attendees, including students, practitioners, and emerging voices in architecture, all drawn together to share ideas and experiences. In a moment characterized by a global context that often seeks to silence critical voices, the T-Talks aimed to affirm the power of community dialogue in shaping the future.
This year’s T-Talks introduced an innovative approach, moving away from traditional panel discussions. Instead of a fixed platform, the event utilized decentralized roundtable formats, enabling active participation and dynamic interactions among attendees. In stark contrast to the classic lecture-style presentations, each session encouraged fluid and open conversations, captivating the participants and inviting them to engage with topics that matter most.
Three key themes emerged: Practice, Agency, and Systems, each aimed at provoking thoughtful reflection on the role of young designers in their fields.
Under the theme of Practice, panelists Danyson Tavares and Agnes Tessner Risser facilitated a dialogue about how designers can instigate change through various professional avenues, including traditional firms, entrepreneurial endeavors, and community-centered design initiatives. This conversation inspired attendees to envision a future of practice that breaks away from the confines of traditional models.
The Agency roundtable, led by Melissa Q. Teng and Shana M. Griffin, focused on the power and initiatives students can take. Discussions encouraged participants to realize their potential to challenge institutional norms, influence curricula, and mobilize their communities through platforms like NOMAS and beyond. Empowerment resonated through the conversation, making it clear that students possess the agency to act now and that proactive efforts are crucial in driving change.
Lastly, the Systems roundtable, with panelists David M. Lee and Estey Masten, addressed the broader systemic and policy issues that affect our built environment. Important topics included zoning regulations, public housing initiatives, and the role of legislation in shaping architecture. This dialogue pushed participants to think critically about the architecture profession’s interaction with systemic power and the importance of advocating for meaningful reforms.
Supporting these discussions were moderators drawn from the organizing team, who helped guide conversations with open-ended questions that encouraged participant engagement. The design invited each attendee to share their thoughts, turning the gathering into a collective space for shared learning and exploration.
The event was thoughtfully organized by a committee of 13 passionate individuals, co-chaired by Joshua L. Ssebuwufu and Jayla Tillison, both deeply integrated into the Boston design community. Their collective efforts, which spanned over three months, encompassed everything from selecting panelists to devising the event format and managing logistics. The emphasis was placed on ownership, ensuring all committee members believed in the vision and felt proud of the outcome.
Taking risks was a fundamental aspect of this year’s T-Talks. The decision to step away from traditional formats presented challenges, but the team was confident in their audience and mission. The positive feedback received after the event confirmed that the chosen format resonated well with attendees, suggesting that creating a participatory environment broadens engagement and fosters connection.
Among the key insights from the event was an evident desire for authentic connection and dialogue across professional and academic boundaries. Participants valued the informal atmosphere, which allowed them to engage with panelists directly, share their perspectives, and contribute to meaningful conversations without the barriers often associated with conventional presentations.
A memorable moment was the resonant reminder from David M. Lee, who echoed mirroring Friedrich Niemöller’s words about the necessity of vocal activism before it’s too late. This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the T-Talks, emphasizing the urgency of speaking out in times of crisis, particularly in defense of marginalized communities.
Time was another crucial topic of reflection; attendees expressed a desire for longer discussions. This feedback is integral as the BosNOMA team plans future T-Talks, revealing a clear appetite for extended engagement and exploration of the pertinent issues at stake.
The theme, SAY IT NOW, operated as both a prompt and a call to action, recognizing the pressing need for advocacy in today’s world where policies increasingly impact the well-being and future prospects of marginalized communities. From advocating against injustices in architectural education to challenging structural inequalities in housing accessibility, the T-Talks urged all participants to embrace their capacity to influence and speak up with purpose.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Boston T-Talks is positioned as a foundational element in BosNOMA’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue, empowerment, and collaboration among students and professionals. With an intent to build a strong pipeline of leadership from academic spaces into the professional realm, events such as T-Talks serve as vital platforms for connectivity and growth.
Plans are already underway for the next installment of the T-Talks, set for 2026. Anticipations are high for longer dialogues, more diverse contributions, and lessons learned from this year’s successes that will enhance future experiences.
The BosNOMA community invites all—students, practitioners, educators, and allies—to engage in this vital work of dialogue and empowerment because, ultimately, our voices are instrumental in shaping the landscapes of our future.
Stay connected with BosNOMA on Instagram at @bosnomaorg or through their mailing list at [email protected]. Let’s continue to SAY IT NOW because speaking up is fundamental to shaping our futures.
image source from：https://www.architects.org/news/say-it-now-boston-ttalks-reflection
