Architectural board re-elects Lauren Anderson as chair, selects Whan as vice chair

The Architecture Board Review elected Lauren Anderson as its chair and Whan as vice chair during its March 16, 2026 meeting.

The meeting opened with Mr. Russell noting there was no chair or vice chair selected and conducting the roll call. Staff explained that when more than one person is nominated a written ballot is required; nominations were taken for both positions and ballots collected. After counting ballots, staff announced a majority vote for Lauren Anderson as chair; the meeting was handed over to Chair Anderson to conduct the remainder of the agenda.

Board members debated whether nominations made in absentia (including a nomination for David Black) should be allowed, with some members urging postponement so nominees could accept or decline. The board ultimately withdrew the absent nomination and proceeded. Following chair selection, the board voted for vice chair; staff announced a majority vote for Whan.

In other procedural business the board approved minutes from the March 2 meeting, with several abstentions recorded, and ratified actions taken on the consent calendar (including approvals for 217 South Milus and 921 Media Road and continuation of 406–408 North Quarantina Street to the staff hearing officer). Mr. Russell read the consent items aloud and noted a possible agenda error related to one item that staff will address at a subsequent meeting.

Members asked staff to provide training on ABR procedures and clarified how the board should record minority comments in motions. The board recessed briefly and continued with the agenda.

The meeting adjourned after consideration of project items and no additional leadership action was required.