Katie Hitt, Assoc. AIA

Katie Hitt, Assoc. AIA

Despite stepping into this role just three years ago, Hitt has already made a tremendous impact on Dallas’ design community. Immediately after her hiring, she pitched the idea of reviving a popular gala that had been shelved for more than a decade. The resulting Impact Dallas Gala, launched in 2021, has raised more than $300,000 to support AD EX’s operations and community grant program. Following her establishment of AD EX’s scholarship committee, which delivered a new level of efficacy for fundraising, the organization’s scholarship funding has quadrupled. Growing applications have matched rising dollar amounts, which soared nearly 130% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

To build on her goal to dismantle the barriers that can make architecture inaccessible, Hitt founded AD EX’s K-12 camp program, Designing My Future. Three years later, the program operates at total capacity, requiring an additional series of spring sessions. The camps serve a diverse population, including many young people from communities that are underrepresented in architecture, and offer a self-qualifying scholarship option.

Prior to assuming her role at AD EX, Hitt dedicated more than 10 years to AIA Dallas, serving as the chapter’s communications and government relations director. In that role, she oversaw branding, public relations, advocacy, and the awards program at the 2,300-member chapter and negotiated media partnerships valued at more than $250,000 annually. Her early adoption of social media helped broaden architect awareness of the group’s work and earned her a speaking invitation at the 2012 AIA National Grassroots Conference. She remains engaged with the chapter as a volunteer, serving as the managing editor for Columns magazine. The position allows her to marry her lifelong passions of architecture and journalism.

Across nearly 15 years of dedicated and tireless service, Hitt has positioned herself as one of Dallas’ pivotal design leaders. As the city continues to achieve its vision of becoming an international destination, Hitt’s exemplary commitment and aspirations are leading the way.