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| 3 Jun 2025 | |
| Written by Debbie Koehler | |
| Member News |
Jamaica, NY (June 2, 2025) – Principal Howard Graf of Graf & Lewent Architects, a DIGroup Architecture (DIG) firm, has been named the inaugural recipient of the President's Award for Excellence in Architectural Practice by the Queens Foundation for Architecture (QFA) and AIA Queens Chapter.
The honor will be presented at the first-ever QFA Legacy Awards Gala, taking place September 18, 2025, at Flushing Town Hall. The event celebrates visionary leadership in architecture and highlights individuals, firms and civic leaders who have made a lasting impact on the built environment in the Borough of Queens and the Greater New York City market.
“Howard's legacy is one of purpose-driven architecture that connects people and communities,” said Vince Myers, DIG President. “We are proud to celebrate his contributions and grateful to have his continued insight as part of our leadership team.”
Graf is being recognized for his decades-long contributions to architecture and public service, as well as his commitment to thoughtful, community-focused design. His leadership at Graf & Lewent Architects – which was acquired by DIGroup Architecture earlier this spring – has played a significant role in shaping higher education and transportation-related buildings throughout New York City.
“It's an honor to be recognized by peers in the borough that has shaped so much of my career,” said Graf. “This award reflects my lifelong commitment to designing spaces that serve and strengthen communities.”
A registered architect in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia and Maryland, Graf earned his Master of Architecture and MBA from the University of Illinois. He is active in the architectural profession and has served as a past president of AIA- Queens; AIA-New York State and the Flushing Council on Culture & the Arts. Additionally, Graf serves as the Chairperson of the Executive Board for the Queens Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.
The QFA Legacy Awards Gala will also mark the 80th anniversary of the AIA Queens Chapter, honoring past chapter presidents with formal medals of recognition. Proceeds from the event will support QFA's mission, including scholarship grants and community-focused architectural programming.
About DIGroup Architecture LLC:
DIGroup Architecture LLC is an award-winning MBE, SBE and DBE architecture, interior design, and graphics, signage, and wayfinding design firm headquartered in New Brunswick, NJ, with offices in Philadelphia, PA, and Queens, NY. Formed in 2006, DIG specializes in the education, healthcare, senior living, civic, higher education and transportation sectors.
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