Blog

Second quarter Update 

• AIA25 convened almost 13,000 attendees from across the United States and 68 additional countries in Boston for the opportunity to learn, connect, and expand their professional networks. Highlights included a conversation with 2025 President Evelyn Lee and Pete Buttigieg, an exhibit show floor with 600 brands represented and 450 education sessions.
   
• At the Annual Business Meeting, delegates selected 2026 Board members and passed three bylaw amendments and one resolution. Read a meeting summary here. 
   
• We brought together over 80 component leaders for the CACE Learning Retreat at AIA25, focusing on professional development and strategies to enhance member engagement. The event highlighted successful approaches, including micro-volunteering opportunities and creative programming that fuel membership growth. 
  
  
• The Design Shop was once again a bustling hub at AIA25, with socks claiming the title of this year’s bestselling item. Whether you are looking for socks, books, accessories or toys and games, you can always peruse our curated items online. Members receive a 10% discount. 
  
  
• AIA has taken strategic steps to ensure the continued growth and impact of AIA Contract Documents (ACD). Through new investment partnerships, we’re strengthening the platform while preserving AIA’s role in content development, brand oversight, and member benefits. Read the AIA FAQs and the WCAS news release. 
  
  
• Our Architecture Week 2025 had a record impact, reaching 20,000 K-12 students. 
• 51 chapters participating across 42 states and 5 countries.  
• 500+ AIA members showcased their passion for the profession, demonstrating architecture's positive community impact. 
  
  
• With AIA Access, we continue to keep you informed about exclusive benefits, resources, and opportunities. The June issue highlighted resilient design resources and AIA Trust’s new tool to help you identify site-specific climate risks. 
  
  
• Our CEO search firm, Heidrick & Struggles, provided an update on the first phase of the search during two virtual town halls. 
  
  
• We have four task forces helping our organization advance the profession. 
• The AI Task Force is developing an AI position statement for the Institute that will launch in the coming months. 
• The board-appointed Awards Task Force is evaluating the people-based award programs, seeking both short- and long-term improvement. 
• Governance Task Force 
• Strategic Planning Task Force 
  
  
• In April, we kicked off the Spring into Action Campaign, where AIA members engaged with legislators to advocate for policies that protect and promote architectural businesses, design excellence, sustainable and resilient communities, and access to housing 
  
  
• I am very proud to announce that AIA earned its second Great Place to Work Certification. This certification helps us to attract and retain top-performing staff.  

The AIA leadership team and I always want you to feel connected with AIA as a community, and we will continue to report on our progress and communicate services that enhance the value of your membership. We encourage you to login or sign up for the Community Hub where you will find the latest Board statements and can participate in discussions and share resources with your peers. You can also join a Knowledge Community that aligns with your specialty or interests, such as Committee on Design or Building Performance, or join a member group to elevate your practice field. Thank you. 

Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA 
AIA Interim Executive Vice President and CEO 

(We always welcome comments or questions—[email protected])