Frederick A. Bland

FAIA, AICP
Partner Emeritus

"Architecture and planning are subsets of our larger goal: engaged urbanism. Whether working on a cultural landmark in need of conservation, a new building, a downtown, or a campus plan, we consider it our highest responsibility to serve the larger community, in both physical and social form."

For 50 years, Frederick Bland has provided design leadership on a wide range of projects both in the United States and abroad. Fred joined Beyer Blinder Belle in 1972, and in 1978 became the first partner to join the founders. Over the course of his career with the firm, he has fostered a culture of respect, collegiality, and enthusiasm, equally nurturing of individual creativity and collaboration. Fred became Managing Partner in 2004, a role he held until 2021.

Fred's interest in how the built environment shapes society has guided his focus on civic, cultural, and residential commissions that capture the spirit of the city and who we are as a people. While demonstrating an innate respect for a project's context and sense of place, his designs are notably contemporary. Whether a downtown redevelopment plan, a campus framework plan, or a new home for a cultural institution, Fred's designs look toward long-term growth and evolution.

Fred has directed nearly a hundred residential, cultural, and education projects, including many projects for the Episcopal church; a master plan for the University at Buffalo; the renovation of the Union Depot and a new multi-nodal transportation center in St. Paul, Minnesota; and new buildings for the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn, the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, and the Shanghai Cultural Center in China.

Earning Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 1993, he was one of seven national jurors charged with selecting new Fellows in 1995, '96, and '97. He has also served in Executive Committee roles on the national AIA Committee on Design.

Fred's belief in civic engagement has led him to be active outside the office, as well. Since 2008 he has been a commissioner of the New York City Historic Preservation Commission, serving as Vice Chairman since 2017, and was Interim Chair during 2018, thereby playing an active role in shaping the future of America's largest city. He is the longest-serving Chair of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (2007-2017), a former member of the Vestry of Trinity Church Wall Street (2004-2018), and the current Chair of the historic Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn. He is a member of the board of the Mark Morris Dance Group, Gracie Mansion Advisory Committee, a former member of the board of the Brooklyn Historical Society, and past President of the Brooklyn Heights Association. He has served on the Dean's Council at Yale's School of Architecture since its inception in 2004. He currently chairs the Fitch Foundation and is on the Executive Committee of the British Architectural Library Trust.

For 30 years he was Adjunct Professor in NYU's Department of Art History, Urban Design and Architecture Studies. Fred earned his Master's and Bachelor's degrees in architecture at Yale University.