Layer's Guide to Boston for #AIA25

We'll see you in Boston for AIA 2025!

The AIA Conference on Architecture is heading to Boston, and so is Layer! As a team of Architects & Engineers we're excited to get out from behind the screen and explore a new city within the context of design. Here are our team's can't miss tips to visiting Boston.

First, why do we as Architects & Engineers love Boston so much?

Boston was founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. As a result, its built environment reflects several pivotal periods of American history. If you haven't brushed up on your architectural history, here is the TLDR:

Landmarks such as the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and the Paul Revere House showcase early American design, while institutions like the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church illustrate the city's embrace of Beaux-Arts and Richardsonian Romanesque styles in the 19th century. In the 20th century, Boston became a hub for modern and contemporary design, with projects like Boston City Hall and the John Hancock Tower contributing to this Layered history (pardon our pun).

From the working pov, coz they have the most stringent codes and push for sustainability.
I think all the firms there are leading the effort compared to other states even more so than NY or CA
But I also like all the old architecture, and brutalist buildings (I don’t care what other says I love concrete buildings 😂)

If you're planning a walking tour, here are some of the stops you may want to consider:

In Boston Proper

Boston Public Library – Copley Square (McKim Building + Johnson Wing)

• ICA Boston – Seaport District (Diller Scofidio + Renfro)

• MIT Stata Center – Cambridge (Frank Gehry)

• John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse – Waterfront (Pei Cobb Freed)

• The Christian Science Plaza – Back Bay (Pei, Freed, & Partners)

• The Hood Milk Bottle – Waterfront (because whimsy matters)

Contemporary & Academic

• Harvard Art Museums Renovation – Cambridge (Renzo Piano)

• MIT Media Lab – Cambridge (Fumihiko Maki)

• Tozzer Anthropology Building – Cambridge (Kennedy & Violich Architecture)

• Northeastern Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex – Roxbury (Payette)

Just Outside Boston

• Walden Pond Visitor Center – Concord (Maryann Thompson Architects)

• Gropius House – Lincoln (Bauhaus in New England!)

• DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum – Lincoln

Walking will make you thirsty. Thirsty Architects make Sketchy Decisions.

We polled the Layer team internally for their favorite spots to stop & grab a bite to eat or drink. Here's what the team had to say!

• Bricco Panetteria
  Tucked into a charming alley in the North End, this is my favorite spot for fresh Italian bread and old-world atmosphere. It’s definitely worth finding!
  - Silvia Lee [CS Team]
  https://briccosalumeria.com/panetteria

• Petit Robert Bistro
  A cozy French bistro in the South End serving up classics like duck confit and moules frites with a solid wine list to match.
  - Robert Kirkpatrick [Dev Team]
  https://petitrobertbistro.com

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  

  

  I'm a sucker for almost any type of food hall. It might cost more than a sit down restaurant, but everyone can get what they want and the people watching is always great.
  - Mike Lee [Marketing]
  Google Maps

• Tatte Bakery & Café
  With several locations across Boston, Tatte is the go-to for everything from savory shakshuka to buttery pastries and excellent coffee.
  - Robert Kirkpatrick [Dev Team]
  https://tattebakery.com

• Florentine Café
  A North End gem with standout lobster ravioli in vodka sauce. A perfect stop before or after a waterfront walk.
  - Robert Kirkpatrick [Dev Team]
  Google Maps

• Southie Bowl
  For something offbeat, try candlepin bowling at this retro South Boston favorite. You might not remember the score, but you’ll remember the fun.
  - Silvia Lee [CS Team]

• Rose Kennedy Greenway
  It’s not food, but it’s a beautiful public park that transformed Boston’s old highway into a green escape. It’s a great walk between meals.
  - Robert Kirkpatrick [Dev Team]
  Google Maps

How we're making the most of our time at the Conference

After the travel hangover day, it's time to learn, network, and knock out some continuing ed credits! We all have individual professional goals for the week. If yours overlap with ours, let's chat!

Come Say Hi at the Layer Booth!

We’ll be at Booth #1767 in the Expo Hall all week, here are some of the things our team can help yours with!

📍 See Layer's new Lite Survey tool: Pin Site
📐 Learn how to generate Room Data Sheets in 10 minutes or less
🔨 Speed up Field Reports, RFIs, & Punch Lists by 90%
🎒 Grab some SWAG (we brought the good stuff)
☕ Sign up for our AIA Build Your Own Brew Bar (from Fellow Coffee) giveaway 🎉

Enjoy your time in Boston—explore, connect, and be inspired.
We’ll see you at AIA 2025! 👋