Statement from the Board of Directors of The American Institute of Architects

The Board of Directors of The American Institute of Architects expresses its ongoing support of AIA CEO and EVP Lakisha Ann Woods and her team. 

The Board takes its fiduciary responsibilities seriously. AIA is financially healthy and has received a clean audit for the past three budget cycles. The current Board of Directors, CEO, and staff are working on the 2025 budget, which will be $13.5 million less than the 2024 budgeted amount, taking financial accountability for decisions that predate the current Board’s and CEO’s tenure.

The Board has retained an outside law firm to conduct an independent review of certain matters, in particular the issues brought forward in a letter by a segment of former AIA Presidents, regarding the organization’s practices. 

Among the matters brought forward, the Board directed external counsel to review the planning and execution of the AIA Staff Learning Retreat that took place in March 2024. The review focused on the specific issues raised to the Board. That portion of the review has now concluded. The Board has reviewed the facts, found and confirmed that there was no wrongdoing, and there is no action to be taken by the Board in connection to the staff retreat.

During her tenure as EVP/CEO, Ms. Woods has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to advancing the mission and values of AIA, and we fully support her leadership.

Her business acumen and experience as an association executive have made AIA a more effective and influential advocate for the profession and have increased value for members. For example, 

• She restructured AIA’s priorities from more than 200 annually to focusing on five of the most impactful benefits to members. Those included the following:
  •. Revamping AIA’s education program through its AIAU and CES services, which has exceeded revenue targets.
  •  Launching a new intuitive website that celebrates design and better serves the members. 
  •  Growing the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design by bringing the management of the expo hall in house. 
  •. Celebrating and honoring all AIA project-based award recipients in a red-carpet style, sold-out gala during Conference week.    
  •. Embarking on a data transformation that empowers more informed and strategic decision-making across the organization to better serve our members.
• She streamlined and made transparent opportunities for all members to get involved with AIA, offering valuable opportunities for volunteerism and engagement with the association.
• She works tirelessly as an advocate for the profession, collaborating with members and others, including…
  • partnering with the White House on the national definition of a zero-emissions building, 
  • enhancing architects’ roles at COP28 to better fight climate change, 
  •.and successfully increasing design fees from 6% to 10% for Department of Defense projects.

Ms. Woods meets with members continually, and as a result, the association has experienced higher membership recruitment numbers than ever before. Through strong financial stewardship, we have been able to make positive contributions to net assets every year of Lakisha's tenure. For these successes, the AIA Board of Directors is proud to continue its ongoing support of AIA CEO and EVP Lakisha Ann Woods.