Championing Chief Architects

As architects, we are fundamentally trained to solve problems. With an extensive education that balances art and science, architects are uniquely equipped to design solutions to a variety of problems that we see in our collective built environment. Today’s cities face complex challenges that require strong leadership, multi-sector partnerships and inter-disciplinary solutions to create lasting change. Some of the biggest issues faced by cities across the globe include climate change, affordable housing, public safety, and health disparities. Architects can help.

Mayors must surround themselves with the talent and expertise that will support their efforts to navigate these challenges successfully. This is why the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is calling on our civic leaders to expand their cabinets to include architects. A Chief Architect would serve as a key advisor to mayors and city managers in places where such expertise is missing. This role exists in only a few U.S. cities currently, but there was a time when many cities, large and small, customarily incorporated a Chief Architect, much like general counsel, planning commissioner, or chief financial officer. 

It is time to renew our understanding of how a Chief Architect can support cities and deploy the talent of our architecture community to meet the complex challenges facing cities today. AIA California has done extensive work in cultivating and advocating for “citizen architects.”   According to the chapter, “Architects must be at the table as decisions are being made at all levels of government. Many boards and commissions have positions set aside specifically for an architect’s perspective and some do not. Nevertheless, if decisions are being made that impact the built environment, the perspective of our members is essential.”

AIA supports the inclusion of architects at all levels of government, with a special emphasis on at least one key leadership role within each city. While many cities already have architects in their planning, zoning, building and economic development departments, our unique knowledge can be further leveraged to delve more deeply into creating sustainable solutions to the issues that reach beyond individual buildings. The Chief Architect position has the potential to revive the public’s understanding of the value that architects offer.  Additionally, the heightened attention to design excellence is something that our cities need.  

AIA has partnered with the U.S. Conference of Mayors for several years to strengthen our relationship with local leaders and elevate the role of architects in civic discourse. The work required to advance the Chief Architect initiative must take place at the local level, recognizing that every city has a unique set of issues. We encourage local AIA chapters and members to meet with their mayors to discuss existing needs and the possibility of deploying a carefully selected Chief Architect, in close collaboration with other civic leaders, to meet those specific needs.  

Here are five ways a Chief Architect can support a mayor’s vision and equip their city for the future:

1. Champion climate action. By advocating for green buildings and overseeing the development and implementation of building codes and performance standards, the Chief Architect can help a city meet their ecosystem health, sustainability and resilience goals​​.
2. Advance health equity. A recent Washington Post analysis revealed alarming health disparities in Washington, D.C., with residents in majority-Black neighborhoods experiencing drastically worse health outcomes than other residents. The built environment has an impact on these disparities. By incorporating design elements such as accessible green spaces and encouraging cities to update and improve existing buildings in vulnerable communities, a Chief Architect can aid with improving public health and well-being. 
3. Promote affordable housing. A Chief Architect can advance economically viable, socially responsive housing solutions. They can help mayors navigate complicated regulations and funding applications while balancing the varied needs of diverse stakeholders. 
4. Lead historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects. Blending heritage with innovation, a Chief Architect can help cities revitalize abandoned and underused buildings, meet today’s needs in innovative ways, and rebuild urban fabric while restoring civic pride. 
    
5. Enhance transportation and transit-oriented development. A Chief Architect can lead the development of efficient, equitable and inspiring transportation hubs, creating opportunities for mixed-use projects and diverse housing options.  

With a Chief Architect advising mayors on urban policies and projects, we all have a better chance of building cities where everyone can thrive. Part of my presidential “More In ‘24” call to action includes “more mission.” As we know, the mission of AIA is to inspire and empower architects to improve society and transform the world. The Chief Architect initiative is designed to do just that. Let’s do more.