Lakisha Woods, EVP/CEO of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), has announced that she will step down effective February 2025, according to a press release by the AIA. Woods, who became the first person of color and the second woman to hold this position in AIA’s 167-year history, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of financial stability, innovation, and inclusivity.
During her three-year tenure, Woods achieved unprecedented milestones for the global organization, which boasts over 200 chapters across the U.S. and abroad. Under her leadership, AIA surpassed 100,000 members for the first time in its history in 2024, reflecting her visionary strategies to grow and unify the architectural community. Woods also spearheaded transformative financial changes.
“It has been an honor to serve as CEO of AIA working alongside such talented and dedicated professionals and members,” Woods said. “I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together, and I am confident that AIA will continue to evolve in the years to come. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of diverse perspectives and experiences in shaping organizations and communities.”
AIA saw a remarkable 41% increase in top-line revenue, generating an additional $20 million in resources. Her efforts included assembling a high-performing team that implemented cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies, resulting in the first balanced budget since 2020. By 2025, the organization will no longer need to withdraw $13.5 million annually from its investments to cover operating expenses—a monumental achievement that positions AIA on stable financial footing for years to come.
Driving Innovation and Modernization
Beyond financial success, Woods transformed AIA into a digitally modernized organization. She championed automation and technological innovation, bolstering the organization’s relevance in an increasingly digital world. In 2024, AIA earned its first-ever Great Places to Work® distinction, a testament to her commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace environment.
Woods introduced the Future Focused series, a groundbreaking initiative to promote and elevate underrepresented groups in architecture. By bringing AIA’s annual trade show management in-house, Woods not only enhanced the attendee and exhibitor experience but also generated $2 million in additional revenue, exceeding the 2024 budget.
Advancing Equity and Inclusion
Woods’ tenure was defined by her dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion within the architectural profession. From the start of her role, she took cues from the Hastings Report, which investigated bias in the architecture profession, and addressed the issues of bias, sexism, and racism within the firm culture, including the experiences, perceptions and opinions of women, people of color, and other historically resilient but still underrepresented groups within the profession.
To address frustration, especially from younger generations of architects, AIA realigned their emerging professionals program to support the new definition of emerging professionals and transitioned their National Associates Committee to a state-based governance structure, increasing leadership opportunities for emerging professionals.
AIA’s Women in Architecture—a big passion for Woods—launched the Next to Lead program, a pilot association leadership program for racially and ethnically diverse women to strengthen the pipeline to component leadership. She elevated AIA’s Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) to an annual event, breaking attendance records and solidifying its role as a key platform for advancing gender equity. Under her leadership, women now account for over a quarter of AIA’s total membership—a historic achievement that underscores her impact on empowering underrepresented voices.
In an interview with ARCHITECT early in her tenure, Woods stated, that “who sits at the table decides the direction of the conversation and, ultimately, the solution and path forward. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that the profession is as diverse as our society. It’s critical to meeting the challenges ahead. Establishing that as an expectation starts at grade school, not graduate school, so we can take steps as an organization to help move the needle.”
Navigating Controversy
However, her tenure was not without controversy. Critics pointed to challenges in communication and decision-making transparency, as well as debates over the direction of some initiatives. Internal discussions occasionally revealed divisions over the pace of modernization and the implementation of new policies, with some members expressing concerns about how these changes were communicated and rolled out.
Notably, some members of AIA’s "old guard" expressed criticism over Woods’ bold initiatives, arguing that her transformative agenda marked a sharp departure from tradition and voicing unease about the organization’s rapid evolution under her leadership.
The architectural press, also at times, seemed quick to amplify these controversies, often focusing on internal dissent without taking a step back to critically assess the broader context of Woods’ substantial achievements and the complexity of leading transformative change. This was particularly evident in their coverage of allegations of misconduct during her tenure. However, an independent audit of the AIA cleared Woods of any wrongdoing, affirming that her actions were in line with the organization’s policies and governance standards.
This outcome underscored the challenges of leadership amid scrutiny and highlighted the importance of balanced reporting. Such reporting, while reflective of the polarized reactions to her leadership, may have overshadowed the enduring impact of her progress-driven agenda, and, as her supporters argue, often failed to provide a balanced perspective on her legacy of progress.
Despite these challenges, Woods’ supporters highlight her resilience and ability to navigate difficult situations while driving progress.
“AIA is losing an incredible talent in EVP/CEO Woods, but we were so fortunate to have benefited from her leadership for three years,” said Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, the 2024 AIA President. “She led with integrity, tenacity, and ingenuity, leaving AIA in a stronger financial and cultural position than when she arrived.”
A Trailblazing Career
Woods’ 25-year career in association management has been marked by a steadfast commitment to innovation, equity, and workforce development. Before joining AIA in 2022, she served as the President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences and held leadership roles at the National Association of Home Builders and the Associated General Contractors of America. She also served as the 2022-2023 Board Chair of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
As she steps away from AIA, Woods remains committed to advancing equity and innovation in the workplace. She has expressed her intention to focus on workforce development, breaking down barriers, and driving revenue growth through inclusive practices. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of diverse perspectives and experiences in shaping organizations and communities,” said Woods. “It has been an honor to serve as CEO of AIA alongside such talented professionals. I am confident that AIA will continue to evolve and thrive.”
Looking Ahead
To ensure continuity, the AIA Board of Directors has appointed Stephen Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, as Interim EVP/CEO. Ayers, the 11th Architect of the Capitol, brings a wealth of experience, including serving as project executive on AIA’s headquarters renewal project in Washington, D.C. The board has also announced plans to conduct a comprehensive search for Woods’ successor in 2025.
As AIA celebrates Woods’ legacy, her tenure serves as a shining example of the impact of visionary leadership. Her trailblazing achievements—from financial transformation to championing equity—leave an indelible mark not only on the organization but also on the profession of architecture.
