Margaret Helfand of Helfand Architecture, New York, N.Y., passed away June 20, 2007 at the age of 59. An award-winning architect and 2001 president of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter and a stand-out in her field, Helfand operated an independent practice with a portfolio of work spanning a broad spectrum including commercial, institutional, and residential projects. She was the author of several books on architecture and design and was a contributing author to several industry periodicals. Helfand served her community and her chapter during her presidency and afterward as a mentor to younger architects as well as to her peers. She was instrumental in creating the Center for Architecture at LaGuardia Place in New York, a forum for architects, architectural activists, city officials, and others involved in the architectural environment to come together to share, learn, honor, and advocate for architecture. After her term as president ended, Helfand remained an involved presence at the Center and served as chair on numerous committees, according to the Chapter. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, she took the position of co-chair of New York New Visions, a coalition of 21 national and local architecture, planning, and design societies and organizations whose goal is to develop infrastructure, planning, and design recommendations for the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan. "Margaret was really special and loved by everyone who came into contact with her," remembers her colleague and friend Rick Bell, executive director of AIA-NY. Helfand had intelligence, attitude, and an awareness of bigger-picture issues, Bell says. The leadership and members of AIA-NY will miss her voice and her council.
