David Fixler appointed to Permanent Building Committee

The Permanent Building Committee has a new architect.

The Select Board and School Committee on Oct. 14 voted unanimously to appoint David Fixler, a longtime architect and Harvard Graduate School of Design lecturer, to fill the unexpired term of 15-year member Neil Levitt, who died in August. Fixler’s term will expire in 2027. The boards reappointed current Permanent Building Committee members Ted Bascom and Daniel Colli to terms expiring in 2028.

Select Board members said Fixler’s three decades of architectural experience, alongside his expertise in renovating 20th-century buildings, are assets to the Permanent Building Committee and the town. Jim Polando, chair of the Permanent Building Committee, added that Fixler’s “wealth of experience” and long tenure in Weston would make him a good addition to the committee.

“David has a lot of experience with the specific types of projects we’re going to be working on over the next few years,” Select Board Chair Lise Revers said. Currently, the town is considering what are expected to be large capital projects: the fire station and the middle school and high school.

The Permanent Building Committee is responsible for oversight and management of any municipal or school projects involving construction, enlargement, major alterations or reconstruction. It works in partnership with the proponent of the project. Additionally, the committee works with the town’s director of facilities to periodically review the condition of all existing buildings. Members are appointed by the Select Board and School Committee.

After spending 30 years in a corporate practice, Fixler has spent the last eight years consulting and teaching. His expertise has primarily been in the rehabilitation, preservation and reconstruction of institutional buildings, and his portfolio includes work on the Massachusetts State House master plan, the United Nations headquarters and numerous university buildings.

“I just think David, just by virtue of all of his experience, is more appropriate for this particular time here,” Select Board member John McDonald said. “We’re looking at two older schools, two schools that I think we should consider how they could potentially be renovated, rather than immediately deciding that we have to replace them.”

In his interview with the School Committee and Select Board, Fixler said he wanted to give back to Weston. He emphasized the need for clear communication in projects, as well as ensuring every possible option is explored when looking at expensive municipal projects.

He said he “understands the rhythms” of public project management, design and supervision.

“What’s very important to me, both in terms of building, but also in terms of helping the town reach its sustainability goals, is that we only tear down what we need to tear down,” Fixler said, adding he is still a “realist.” “And that every avenue be explored prior to making those decisions … I just want to make sure these processes are done with the highest level of diligence and integrity.”

Fixler was one of two candidates for the Permanent Building Committee, with the other being Paul Vittozzi, the principal and CEO of Bancroft Construction.