Thomas D. Lonardo, RA, NCARB, of Cranston, Rhode Island, serves as NCARB's FY27 Region 1 Director. He is president of Thomas Lonardo + Associates Architects, a nationally recognized, award-winning architecture, planning, and interior design firm he founded in 1990. Under his leadership, the firm has earned a reputation for thoughtful, client-focused design across the public and private sectors. As president, Lonardo has led the firm in receiving multiple national design awards for educational, municipal, and public-sector projects. A licensed architect in seven states and an NCARB Certificate holder since 1992, Lonardo has spent more than three decades advancing the profession through practice, leadership, and public service.
A graduate of the University of Miami, Lonardo has long balanced professional practice with distinguished service to architecture and licensure. He has chaired the Rhode Island Board of Examination and Registration of Architects since 2017, following service as board secretary from 2015 to 2017. Within the New England Council of Architectural Registration Boards, he served as Region 1 chair (2023-2025) after previously serving as vice chair (2020–2022) and secretary/treasurer (2017-2019). His NCARB service includes contributions to the Professional Conduct Committee, Diversity Collaborative, Responsible Charge Task Force, Regional Realignment Work Group, Policy Advisory Committee, and Regional Leadership Committee, helping shape policy, governance, professional standards, and leadership initiatives across the organization.
Beyond his professional and regulatory roles, Lonardo remains actively engaged in both his community and the broader design and construction industry. He serves on the State of Rhode Island Contractor's Registration and Licensing Board, the City of Warwick Building Board of Appeals, and the Rhode Island Design Professionals/Building Officials Workgroup. He is also a neutral arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, serving on matters involving construction claims, project disputes, and professional services.
A former professor of architecture for more than 25 years, Lonardo has mentored generations of students and emerging professionals, helping guide them toward licensure and successful careers. Through enduring contributions to practice, education, governance, and professional leadership, Lonardo continues to advance the architectural profession and strengthen the public's trust in design professionals.