Get Inspired: Inside the AIA National Associates Committee (NAC) 2026 Annual Meeting

From February 14–16, 2026, State/Territory Associate Representatives (StAR) from AIA State Chapters across the country gathered at the AIA Global Campus for the AIA National Associates Committee (NAC) Annual Meeting, and the energy was contagious. Led by Brett Wedding, AIA NAC President, and Katie Cherrie, Assoc. AIA, Vice President, this year’s meeting embraced a team-building theme: NAC Olympics, a reminder that collaboration, creativity, and community are at the heart of everything we do. 2026 marks the second year of participation for Danielle McCormick and Manuel Granja as StAR for AIA’s NAC. 

Danielle and Manuel drew on their international backgrounds and global experiences to shape the perspectives they brought to their roles as Associate representatives. Through reflections on advocacy, mentorship, and the importance of community, they highlighted that while their professional paths differed, they shared a deep commitment to the architectural profession and its allied disciplines—one that connected them to the 53 fellow Associate members serving across the country.

Danielle has been serving as the representative for Washington DC, with Filipino heritage, a European upbringing, and U.S. practice. Danielle brings an international perspective to preservation. An advocate and mentor, she champions equity, community, and representation in the profession, believing that diverse voices are essential to sustaining and interpreting our shared heritage. 

Manuel brings a uniquely global perspective to the role. Originally from Ecuador, Manuel studied architecture in Mexico and obtained his first professional license in Panama. Having relocated many times throughout his career, he now holds an active architecture license in Ohio. 

This year’s NAC Annual Meeting was held in Washington, D.C. at AIA Global Campus, its newly renovated, carbon-neutral headquarters. It represents a cornerstone moment for the future of the AIA Associate State Representatives. Situated just 1,400 feet from the White House, the location placed the profession, along with the discussions and collaborations that followed, at the symbolic center of national leadership.

Manuel arrived on Saturday morning and took the opportunity to explore the surrounding urban environment, including nearby sculptures and museums. This early immersion provided valuable insight into U.S. culture and history within such a remarkable civic setting. Activities officially began at 7:00 PM with opening presentations and introductions. The session included an icebreaker themed around the National Olympics, where participants introduced themselves by naming their personal “Olympic sport.” Manuel shared that his sport would be “moving,” noting that he has changed houses more than 15 times throughout his life.

Danielle had just attended the AIA Leadership Summit days prior, where she attended sessions and AIA Hill Day meetings with Maryland representatives, a reminder that architects don’t just design buildings, we help shape policy for a better built environment, and to further assist our communities. As a mother who had just returned to work from maternity leave the same week, she brought her newborn son to the first day as a reminder of AIA’s inclusivity and that the StARs come from different stages in their personal lives and professional careers. With it being February 14th, she jokingly referred to him as her Valentine's Date and shared that her “Olympic Sport” was changing diapers.

The StARs were divided into five team-building groups for the NAC Olympics that were separated by colors. The teams later competed in minute-to-win-it style games, a scavenger hunt, and a math quiz. Danielle was part of team orange, and Manuel was part of team yellow. 

Day 2 of the annual meeting, the StARs heard about the five workgroups and their mission from presentations by the Directors-at-Large for: Climate Action, Advocacy, Knowledge, and Value. The NAC Olympics events took place, further continuing to build collaboration and teamwork amongst the StARs. The afternoon concluded with Danielle and Manuel actively participating in the collaborative sessions, contributing their perspectives to the national dialogue, and strengthening connections with fellow StARs.

Day 3, the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, started with StARs being broken out into their workgroups to identify a handful of goals and address concerns. Manuel joined the Climate Action working group, where he expanded on advancing his advocacy for wellness and sustainability. He is initiating a broader professional dialogue on the urgent need to incorporate showers and supportive active-design amenities in office buildings, with a strong emphasis on enabling and normalizing daily physical activity. These strategies can encourage active transportation, reduce carbon emissions, and align workplace design with the growing national focus on preventive health, better nutrition, and more physically active lifestyles. 

Danielle rejoined the Strategic Partnership workgroup for a second year to continue advancing its mission of strengthening the pipeline for new Associate AIA members. The group focuses on partnering with AIAS chapters to better communicate the value of Associate membership and increase engagement.

Drawing from her own experience balancing family responsibilities, career growth, and pursuing licensure later in her professional life, Danielle championed increased support for emerging and mid‑career professionals. This included expanding access to study resources and mentorship that acknowledge the realities of caregiving, life transitions, and alternative timelines. These efforts aim to dismantle the stigma often placed on non‑licensed professionals or those pursuing architecturally adjacent roles, and to affirm that many associates are experienced, accomplished practitioners—not “junior” designers.

At the heart of this work is the recognition that licensure paths look different for everyone, and that success is not defined by speed or a single trajectory. Through strategic partnerships, the workgroup centers on a simple but powerful goal: building an inclusive community and providing meaningful resources to support architects at every stage of life and career. Participation in these groups helps strengthen the collective voice of emerging professionals within the architecture industry, providing valuable opportunities from various group activities, presentations, collaborative learning sessions, and opportunities to network, further supports learning from the diverse experiences of peers across the country. The annual meeting concluded with a NAC Olympics “Medal Ceremony” celebrating team Orange bringing home the Gold. 

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR