Architecture Beyond Buildings: A Human Centered Approach to Design WITH JULIAN K. PHILLIPS, ASSOC. AIA

When we think of architecture, we often picture skylines, historic landmarks, or beautifully designed homes. But architecture is about far more than buildings. It’s about the people. This talk introduces the principles of human centered design in a way that is engaging and accessible to everyone, not just architects. Together, we will explore how spaces shape behavior, movement, and connection, from the way a plaza invites conversation to how a stopped highway encourages community life. Through everyday examples and stories, we will look at how thoughtful design can support belonging, well being, and shared experience. What makes one public space feel welcoming and another feel uncomfortable? Why do some streets feel vibrant while others feel empty? And how can communities influence the spaces they inhabit? Whether you are curious about cities, community engagement, or simply why certain places feel right, this talk will offer new ways of seeing the built environment and your place within it.

Julian K. Phillips holds a Master of Architecture from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), where he received the Academic and Community Leadership in Architecture Award. He is currently a Historical Architect with the National Park Service for the NorthEast Region (Maine to Virginia). Prior to joining the National Park Service, Julian contributed locally to major preservation and adaptive reuse projects, including Arlington Street Church, the Blackstone Steam Plant at Harvard University, Amesbury Public Library, and the Moderna Forbes Hill Mansion. Julian is a Visiting Lecturer at MassArt, where he teaches a graduate level urban design seminar studio, created the Community Design/Build course for Artward Bound, and serves on the Alumni Leadership Council. He is an active civic leader and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA/AIA), Legacy Fund for Boston, SPOKE (formerly Medicine Wheel Productions), and is board co-chair for the Boston Art Review. Across his professional, academic, and board service roles, Julian actively engages in local education, arts/cultural programs, and citywide/national preservation initiatives. In recognition of this work, he was selected as a 2025 Scholar of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.