Leading by example

As I look ahead to 2025 and beyond, one word captures my vision for the AIA and its members: “thrive.” To truly thrive, architects and our profession must do more than adapt to challenges—we must actively shape the future with intention and courage. At last week's Leadership Summit, when over 400 architects took to the Hill, I saw firsthand the power of collaboration. When we come together, share knowledge, and build on each other's ideas, we move the profession forward in ways that no individual could accomplish alone.

“Thrive” is more than just a theme; it is a call to action, a mindset shift, and a reminder that growth does not happen by accident. It happens when we choose to embody what it means to be Transparent, Human, Resilient, Intrepid, Visionary, and Empowering. These are not just aspirational words; they are the foundation for how we can lead with intention and build a stronger, more impactful profession together.

To set the stage for thriving, we begin with Transparent. Transparency builds trust, and trust drives collaboration. To thrive, we must commit to a culture of openness—within our firms, within this organization, and with the public we serve. Clear communication and shared accountability are the foundations of everything we hope to achieve together. By being transparent, we not only earn trust but also empower others to share their voices, fostering an environment where ideas flow freely, and solutions emerge organically.

Next is Human. At its core, architecture is about people. It is about empathy—designing for human experiences and improving lives. It is about engagement—making sure every member of this organization feels seen, valued, and heard. And it is about connection—because, as I have said before, we are truly better together. Let’s celebrate our humanity by embracing our creativity, curiosity, and shared drive to make the world a better place for all.
 

Resilience is critical as we face increasingly frequent natural disasters and a rapidly changing world. The statistics are clear: from fewer than eight major disasters per year in the 1980s to a staggering 28 last year, the risks are only growing. Our built environment must not only withstand these threats but also address rising energy costs, material shortages, neighborhood disinvestment, and affordability challenges. But resilience also applies to our own well-being. We cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of ourselves—mentally, physically, and emotionally—is essential if we are to lead with strength and intention. As architects, our responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public is our greatest duty. This year, as federal proposals emerge that could reshape our profession, we must speak with one voice, advocating for the policies that empower us to meet this responsibility head-on.
 

Being Intrepid means being bold, courageous, and fearless in our pursuit of ingenuity. Whether adopting new technologies, pushing the limits of design, reimagining our work models, or exploring new business models, we must lead by example. Nowhere is this more critical than with artificial intelligence. AI is reshaping not only our design processes but also the very infrastructure that supports modern society. As architects, we must ensure that the growth of AI is balanced with equity, access, and sustainability, designing projects that serve all communities.
The same forward-thinking approach applies to housing. Like AI, housing intersects with nearly every system—transportation, healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. The equity and access issues we navigate in AI infrastructure development are mirrored, and often amplified, within the housing crisis. The AIA has a pivotal role to play, from shaping policies to forging partnerships with developers, policymakers, and community leaders. 
 

This brings us to Visionary. To thrive, we must not only envision a better future but also have a greater voice in tackling some of our most complex challenges—like housing. It’s about amplifying diverse voices, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that our impact is lasting and meaningful. We have the opportunity—and the obligation—to position architects at the forefront of conversations that balance technological advancement with equity, sustainability, and opportunity for all.
 

Finally, we must be Empowering. The AIA exists to empower our members, but empowerment is more than tools and resources—it is about building practices that thrive. Architecture firms are businesses, and to succeed, they must think strategically, manage effectively, and communicate their value clearly. By elevating design alongside operational excellence, we will create more resilient practices and open new opportunities for growth and impact within our communities.
 

I invite you to join me in embracing the spirit of THRIVE, and to take action—within your firms, your communities, and your projects. Let us make 2025 the year we turn intention into impact, where every conversation, every design, and every decision moves us closer to a profession that is truly transparent, human, resilient, intrepid, visionary, and empowering. Together, we can build a legacy of leadership, set a new standard of excellence, and inspire the next generation of architects to dream bigger, design smarter, and lead boldly into the future.