In 2025, the AIA Strategic Council continued to serve as a forward-looking think tank, producing research and recommendations to inform the AIA Board and guide the profession. The Council organized several study groups, focusing on themes like AIA of the Future, Architect of the Future, Climate Responsive Design & Leadership, Connected Communities, Digital Architecture (to which I contributed), Resilient Practice Models, and 10-Year Valuation and Future Blueprint.

Throughout the year, our groups collected data from surveys and interviews, refined analyses, developed personas and explored policy, governance and design strategies for long-term impact. At the mid-year point, the Council updated its progress publicly, noting that groups like Digital Architecture were analyzing AI’s effects on equity, wellbeing and firm business models, along with the successfully passed AIA AI Resolution. In September, AIA moved toward finalizing reports and drafting recommendations, with the 10-Year Valuation group drafting possible bylaw changes and governance frameworks.

The AIA Strategic Council also engaged members via surveys, conference sessions at AIA25, and communications to gauge opinions on AIA governance and the strategic councilor as a state-appointed representative. Finally, our 2025 work aimed not only to advise on current challenges but also to shape AIA’s vision, governance and the profession’s resilience beyond 2025.