Hansy Better Barraza

Hansy Better Barraza, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, MCPPO, is a leadership speaker, principal at Studio Luz Architects, Ltd., professor emerita of architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design and a past president of the Boston Society for Architecture. Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Barraza uses more than two decades of professional experience to confront inequity in the built environment. As a licensed architect, urban designer and LEED Accredited Professional, Barraza has embraced a collaborative design approach rooted in explorations of culture, identity and community. As professor emerita of architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design, Barraza taught students how design can foster resiliency, sustainability and equity in communities typically excluded from the architectural process. Barraza, the author of the book, "Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange," has also taught at Harvard University, Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northeastern University. Additionally, in 2010 Barraza co-founded BR+A+CE: Building Research + Architecture + Community Exchange, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating new spaces through community partnerships.

The Boston Business Journal and El Planeta highlighted Barraza as one of 20 Hispanic executives making a difference in Boston, and Barraza was the recipient of the Women in Design Award of Excellence from the Boston Society for Architecture. Barraza's past professional appointments include serving on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management Designer Selection Board panel, serving as secretary for the Boston Society for Architecture, serving as a trustee for the Boston Architectural College and serving as commissioner of education and research for the Boston Society for Architecture. From 2014 to 2017, Barraza served as graduate program director at the Rhode Island School of Design. In 2025, Barraza was named president of the Boston Society for Architecture. Barraza has served on the City of Boston's Zoning Board of Appeals since 2020.