Frank Boardman, AIA, NCIDQ, NCARB, MBA, has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. After graduating second in his class from Auburn University, College of Architecture and Design, he started his career as a registered architect and certified interior designer in Atlanta. He worked on many notable projects such as the Grand Hyatt Atlanta, Grand Hyatt New York, Hyatt Harborside Boston, Phipps Plaza Atlanta, King of Prussia Mall, Mall of Georgia, Woodruff Arts Center, and Ritz Carlton Sarasota. While working in Atlanta, Boardman continued his education, receiving his Master’s in Business from Georgia State University.

After receiving his MBA, Boardman became the Creative Director for Prince Street Carpets and then Director of Business Development for Ulster Carpets in Portadown, N. Ireland. In 2004, Boardman founded the hospitality division of American Leather based in Dallas, Texas. During his tenure, he developed the hospitality arm of American Leather to more than 20% of the company’s overall sales.

Throughout his career, Boardman has been a guest lecturer at Auburn University- College of Architecture, Construction and Design, Pratt Institute School of Design, and Auburn University- College of Liberal Arts. Boardman has also taught several Continuing Education Unit (CEU) classes approved by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC). In addition to teaching CEU classes, he has taught for 10 years under the umbrella of the Atlanta Chapter of International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and preparatory courses for interior designers sitting for the NCIDQ exam with a 90% passing rate.

Frank has always had a passion for giving back to the community. He served as an advisor for the Boy Scouts of America, taught catechism for over 20 years at his church, and for over 30 years has served as the Chairman of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta Parish Facilities Committee. He reviews all construction, renovation, and interior design for the Atlanta diocese – encompassing all churches and monasteries from North Carolina throughout Florida. As a result of his stewardship, Boardman was inducted into the Order of St. Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Order of St. Andrew’s purpose is to defend religious freedom throughout the world. Boardman has served on the board of directors for Fordham University Orthodox Christian Studies Center, New York, New York, the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, and is president of the Charlotte Chapter of the Order of AHEPA. AHEPA’s mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility and Rights, along with Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.

Frank has a blog called To Be Frank in the hopes of sharing his passion for customer service, hospitality, and being kind to others. Frank’s hope is that his thoughts and experiences will allow others to step back, see the goodness in the world, and what the industry of hospitality can do to make an impact in a positive way.

For inquiries and more, please contact Frank Boardman at frankboardman@hotmail.com.