Rebecca Johnson, Hon. AIA

Rebecca E. Johnson, Hon. AIA, is a transformative leader in the architecture and design community, whose visionary leadership and deep commitment to equity, advocacy, and civic engagement have redefined what it means to serve the profession. As Executive Director of AIA Philadelphia and President of the Center for Architecture and Design, Rebecca has built a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond the walls of her city.

With a background as a real estate development attorney and community development leader, Rebecca brings a powerful blend of strategic insight and on-the-ground experience. Her ability to translate bold ideas into action has positioned architects as key players in shaping public policy and community well-being. “I’ve always believed that architects belong at the table where decisions are being made,” she says. “My role has been to make sure they’re invited—and prepared—to lead.”

One of Rebecca’s most significant achievements is the founding of the BUILDPhilly Coalition, a partnership of over 20 real estate and construction organizations working collectively to influence civic priorities. Under her leadership, BUILDPhilly hosted two high-profile mayoral forums—in 2016 and 2024—bringing critical design and planning issues to the forefront of public discourse. These forums highlighted topics like affordable housing, urban resilience, and climate action while ensuring architects had a central voice in shaping Philadelphia’s future.

Rebecca has also pioneered impactful programming that lifts up the next generation of design professionals. During her tenure, AIA Philadelphia’s Associate membership increased by 130%, fueled by her commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The Philadelphia Emerging Architects group (PEA), which combines the energy of the Young Architects Forum and the Associates Committee, now hosts more than eight major programs annually. “We wanted to create a space where early-career professionals could find their people, explore leadership opportunities, and see a future for themselves in this profession,” she notes.

Equity and justice are foundational to Rebecca’s work. She revitalized AIA Philadelphia’s K-12 design education programming, inspiring young students—especially those from underrepresented communities—to see design as a tool for change. In 2019, she co-founded the Justice Alliance in Design Education (JADE), a groundbreaking partnership with all five Philadelphia-area architecture schools. Thanks to Rebecca’s strategic fundraising, JADE now has a $1 million endowment to support its annual Fellowship, a summer program offering mentorship, exposure, and support to Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students.

“Equity isn't a side project,” Rebecca explains. “It must be embedded in everything we do—from who we mentor to how we design our cities.” That philosophy has guided the growth of the Women in Architecture Committee under her leadership, including the launch of a scholarship to support attendance at the national Women’s Leadership Summit. She also established AIA Philadelphia’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and launched the Culture Change Initiative, which has become a model for other AIA chapters seeking to build more inclusive communities.

Rebecca has also ensured that climate action remains front and center. She has helped position AIA members and the local Committee on the Environment (COTE) as experts in sustainable design, facilitating testimony before City Council on issues ranging from green building codes to climate resiliency. Her advocacy has deepened the public’s understanding of the architect’s role in building a sustainable future.

Within the Institute, Rebecca has been a trusted advisor and thought leader. She led three strategic planning efforts for AIA Philadelphia and successfully repositioned DesignPhiladelphia—originally a program of the chapter—as a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today, DesignPhiladelphia partners with nine national design associations, showcasing Philadelphia as a hub for design innovation and public engagement. This shift not only expanded the reach of the festival but also relieved the chapter of a financial burden, allowing both organizations to thrive independently.

Her national impact is equally significant. Rebecca has served on multiple AIA National task forces—including Equitable Communities and Membership Re-Categorization—and has presented regularly to the Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) and the Big Sibs Network. In recognition of her leadership, she received the CACE Emerging Leader Award in 2016.

Rebecca’s influence extends into the community as well. She currently serves on the board of the Community Design Collaborative, a nonprofit that provides pro bono design services to local organizations. Her past board work includes roles with Community Ventures and the Women’s Community Revitalization Project, further underscoring her deep-rooted commitment to social equity and neighborhood development.

Across every initiative, Rebecca’s work is guided by a singular goal: to elevate architecture as a force for civic good. “I believe that when architects are empowered, our cities become more just, more resilient, and more beautiful,” she says. Through her tireless leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering focus on inclusion, Rebecca Johnson has become one of the most respected and influential leaders in the AIA community—and a powerful advocate for the profession’s future.