What the 2026 AIA Leadership Summit Means for Our Schools, Students & Communities
It’s hard to believe it has been almost 15 years since I graduated and began my professional journey in architecture. I found myself involved in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) very early on in my career, when my former boss and firm owner brought me — a young, eager, and admittedly unknowing intern — along to lunch-and-learn meetings with the Shreveport AIA Chapter. Looking back, I realize how valuable that seemingly small starting point was in launching every AIA opportunity that has followed, including my current role as President-Elect of the Fort Worth chapter.
Why would anyone want to serve on a professional board, you ask? For me, it’s simple: the chance to build real relationships with the people who shape our local communities, while also carrying our chapter’s voice to state and national stages. It’s a meaningful way to give back and help make things better as we shape our future. It is this spirit that made the Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. earlier this year (formerly known as Grassroots) so special. Think of this as a leadership boot camp and advocacy day rolled into one. The big highlights? Hill Day, inspiring keynotes and sessions, and finally a workshop on excellence in board leadership
Hill Day – Where Texas Voices Made a Difference
Nearly 600 architects from 49 states swarmed Capitol Hill, all with unified messaging:
- Extending the 179D tax credit—so schools and public buildings can afford energy-saving upgrades
- Support of housing legislation like the Housing for the 21st Century Act—because strong communities start with good homes
- Supporting the inclusion of architectural professional degrees as one of the designated professional programs and increasing student loan caps—making it easier for the next generation of architects to chase their dreams without crushing debt
- Protecting design freedom and public input for federal buildings—ensuring our public spaces stay beautiful and thoughtful, and the voice is given to the local communities they serve
Representing Texas and having our voices heard at the national level with legislators was truly impactful!
Beyond the Hill: Connections That Matter
The next day and a half was packed with workshops and sessions, but April Rinne’s morning keynote “Eight Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change” was my absolute favorite. She introduced the “Flux Mindset,” the mental muscle we all need when everything around us is shifting (sound familiar, educators and community leaders?).
Her big challenge to us: “You are expected to lead in today’s world as it is—not yesterday’s world or the world as you wish it were,” and our mindset around uncertainty and change are directly integral to our success as individuals, organizations, businesses, and life.
As our AIA mission puts it so perfectly: “… We gather to celebrate successes, meet shared challenges, and shape the future of our careers, our practice, our profession, and our world.”
That’s exactly what the Summit felt like—connecting with talented state level staff, fellow chapter leaders, and architects doing amazing things across the country, all while stepping into a role so many incredible VLK leaders have held before me. It was a true reminder of why this work matters, and why I’m excited to bring that same collaborative spirit back to every school project and community conversation we have here at home.
Takeaways You Can Use Right Now
- School districts: We’re pushing for tax credits that make high-performance, healthy learning environments more affordable
- Students: Advocacy for fairer student loans means more young people can become the architects who will design your future schools
- Communities: Better housing policy + thoughtful public design = stronger neighborhoods for everyone
