Sylvia Kwan, FAIA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED AP, of San Rafael, California, is NCARB’s FY27 vice president. She founded Kwan Henmi Architecture/Planning, Inc. in 1980, with a commitment to enhance and protect the built environment. In 2017, she led the firm to its merger with DLR Group, a multinational firm.
Kwan is recognized as a national leader in her field and a highly respected member of the California business community. She was a member of the California Architects Board and served as its president of the from 2018-2019. Kwan was elected to serve on the NCARB Board of Directors in FY22 as the Region 6 director, going on to serve as the organization’s secretary, secretary/treasurer, and second vice president.
In addition to her service to NCARB, Kwan served as the former chair of UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design Dean’s Council, and as a director on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Board, the AIA California Council Board, and the AIA San Francisco Chapter Board. In addition, Kwan served as the chair of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce board from 2001-2002 and as president of the Northern California chapter of the International Women’s Forum. She was the director of the Lambda Alpha Honorary Real Estate Society Board and was named the Member of the Year. She also served on the Community Advisory Board of Wells Fargo Bank.
Kwan is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.