The end of the year is a time for reflection and celebration. I am deeply grateful for the incredible work undertaken this year by the Institute and its members that reflects our creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for design excellence. Our collective efforts have a positive influence on how people live, work, play, and learn, leaving a lasting imprint on advancing climate action and resiliency.
In this column, I have shared my perspective on how architects can design and build for resilience; make the ordinary extraordinary; offer solutions to address affordable housing; and advocate for equity. I also commended AIA for the adaptive reuse of its headquarters. I am proud of the strides we have made this year.
We partnered with TV series America ByDesign to feature AIA members in the second season of its streaming show, highlighting excellent design for the public. We engaged with AIA international chapters and built on global partnerships during events hosted by the Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Architects Regional Council Asia, the International Union of Architects, and COP28.
We shone a light on the burden of student loan debt and voiced our opinion on the design of federal buildings, climate-forward design, and community preparation for natural disasters. Our commitment to drive down building emissions persists as we establish ourselves as sustainability leaders amongst legislators and industry experts.
We celebrated NCARB’s elimination of the rolling clock to advance a more inclusive future for the profession. After the sold-out Women’s Leadership Summit, an attendee tearfully told me this single policy change revived her dream of being an architect.
Our weekly Future Focused videos shared the stories of architects’ and designers’ favorite work, as well as their mentorship and vision as they pursue an increasingly diverse and equitable profession.
When my leadership journey with AIA began 20 years ago, its leadership did not reflect someone who looked like me. I am happy to say that things have changed and continue to change. Our vision remains steadfast: to drive positive transformation through the power of design and focused activism. Now more than ever, the collective voice of architects is essential for designing a better future for our communities and planet. Even in times of change and uncertainty, design matters and I am proud to be a member of AIA.
