AIA Strategic Council

Leading think tank anticipating future trends in architecture

The AIA Strategic Council's mission is to better equip AIA membership with research-based insights to navigate the evolving landscape and long-term evolution of the architecture profession. It advances the profession by informing the AIA Board of Directors and other AIA bodies of important professional issues and opportunities.

The includes surveying the profession and informing AIA goals, objectives, strategies, and the AIA 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. The council meets in assembly to deliberate and forms small groups to explore topics and develop recommendations for the board's consideration.

Our goals

• Conduct rigorous long-term research to identify major forces, emerging trends, and threats impacting the architecture profession.
• Develop insights and long-term recommendations for the AIA Board and leadership to consider for implementation.
• Establish eligibility for grants and funding to support research initiatives.
• Engage AIA members in ongoing conversations about the future of the profession.
• Elevate AIA's thought leadership globally, affirming AIA’s position as a global thought leader in the profession.

Study groups

In Q3 of 2024, the incoming 2025 Council Moderators conducted a virtual Big Think survey to gather a broad range of insights into what the Council should study in 2025. Based on those results and conversations with both the 2024 Council and key AIA Senior Leadership members, the Council’s work in 2025 will assess the following vital areas that will advance the architectural profession's impact, equity, and relevance: 

The 10-Year Valuation and Future Blueprint Study Group focuses on assessing the Strategic Council's past decade of work to identify any previous recommendations that are still relevant today, and to provide recommendations on process frameworks for future council adoption.

The AIA of the Future Study Group looks to explore ways  to expand our member-centric institute's relevancy, effectiveness, and visibility through partnerships and by exploring new ways to empower members with resources to increase their engagement.

The Architect of the Future Study Group envisions a long-term role for architects as societal change agents by envisioning the profession 20 years from now through a multi-generational lens. Their goal is to illuminate how architects can better serve communities, adapt to emerging challenges, and enhance their value in an ever-changing world. 
 

The Climate Responsive Design & Leadership Study Group aims to equip architects with tools and knowledge to address rapidly evolving climate challenges while fostering design equity. 
 

The Connected Communities Study Group will identify ways architects help their cities and communities leverage technology and advocacy to enhance public and private sector collaboration. 
 

The Digital Architecture Study Group will continue to explore the integration of AI and digital tools to promote equity, sustainability, and efficiency within architectural practice, across the profession and to benefit the public. 
 

The Resilient Practice Models Study Group will examine ways architectural practices can thrive amidst advancing technologies, encroaching industries, and a record number of retiring firm owners. 

Across these topics, we will examine the visionary impact each area can make to optimize the business of architecture, transform equity in our profession, prioritize wellbeing in our industry, and safeguard the health of our planet. 

Access the monthly Climate Corner created by Strategic Council: 

• February
• March 

Progress and initiatives

Explore the AIA Strategic Council's initiatives over the years:

• 2024
• 2023
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017

Questions about the Strategic Council's initiatives, or looking for information on how you can get involved?

 Contact us