The Facade Tectonics Institute (FTI) has announced the appointment of Attila Arian as its new President, marking a leadership transition aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia, research, and the building industry.

Arian has served on the institute’s Board of Directors since 2016, contributing to FTI’s initiatives focused on advancing façade engineering and building envelope performance. His appointment brings both continuity and a renewed emphasis on interdisciplinary research and global engagement within the façade community.

FTI is a non-profit organization dedicated to the art, science, and technology of the building envelope, bringing together architects, engineers, façade consultants, manufacturers, and researchers through conferences, academic research, and industry dialogue. Over the past years, the institute has expanded its global presence through technical programs, committee work, and knowledge exchange platforms.

“It is a privilege to serve as President of the Facade Tectonics Institute,” Arian said in a statement. “As a member-driven organization, our purpose remains clear: to collaboratively improve the built environment, one building envelope at a time. The exchange between research and practice is essential to advancing façade innovation, and FTI provides that critical platform.”

Under Arian’s leadership, the organization plans to strengthen industry–academic collaboration, further expand its international network, and encourage deeper participation from professionals across the façade and building envelope sector.

A key highlight during his presidency will be the FTI World Congress 2026, which will be organized in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University. The congress will bring together leading architects, engineers, manufacturers, researchers, and students for peer-reviewed research presentations, curated technical sessions, and cross-disciplinary discussions focused on the future performance of building envelopes.

According to Katerina Hojgrova, Arian’s experience and long-standing commitment to the institute make him well positioned to guide its next phase of growth.

“Attila’s thoughtful leadership and long-standing commitment to FTI position him exceptionally well for this role,” Hojgrova noted. “We look forward to working together to strengthen our programs, expand membership, and increase FTI’s global impact.”

Arian also emphasized that membership engagement will remain central to the institute’s future direction, encouraging architects, façade engineers, researchers, and manufacturers to participate in shaping the evolution of building envelope design.