Leading with Purpose: Advocacy, Leadership, and Connection at the AIA Leadership Summit

From February 10-14, more than 700 members of the American Institute of Architects gathered in Washington, DC, for the annual AIA Leadership Summit, an energizing convening of component leaders committed to advancing the profession through advocacy, governance, and shared learning. Danielle McCormick, Assoc. AIA (AIA Washington, DC Chapter) and Graciela Carrillo, FAIA (AIA Long Island Chapter), actively engaged in the summit’s programming, which served as a powerful reminder that architects shape not only the built environment but also the public policies that influence how communities grow and thrive.

A cornerstone of the week was AIA Hill Day. Danielle met with representatives from Maryland, while Graciela met with members of the New York delegation to advocate for four key federal priorities: 

• Extending the 179D High-Performance Building Tax Credit to incentivize energy-efficient design; 

• Advancing federal housing legislation to address affordability and supply through zoning reform and streamlined permitting;

• Protecting design freedom through the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture; 

• Supporting professional designation and student loan reforms to reduce financial barriers for emerging professionals. 

These conversations underscored how legislative decisions directly affect architects’ ability to deliver resilient, equitable, and high-performing projects nationwide.

Summit attendees also had the opportunity to hear directly from candidates for 2028 national leadership positions, including President, Secretary, and At-Large Director. Listening to their speeches offered valuable insight into the future direction of the Institute and reinforced the importance of thoughtful, engaged governance at every level of AIA.

The program featured remarks from 2026 AIA President, Illya Azaroff, FAIA, who shared his personal “why”: serving underserved communities, offering hope to younger generations, and supporting those displaced by climate-related disasters. 

His message aligned with the keynote, inspired by April Rinne’s “Flux” mindset, encouraging leaders to embrace change, remain adaptable, and turn uncertainty into opportunity. 

Carole Wedge, FAIA, introduced the AIA Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030, outlining priorities centered on strong careers, resilient firms, and an empowered profession creating transformative places through advocacy, climate action, and inclusion.

Breakout sessions such as “Maker to Manager,” “Shape the Future through AIA Leadership,” and “From Guidance to Growth: Tools for Inclusive & Impactful Mentorship Programs” focused on strengthening leadership pipelines, supporting mid-career professionals, and building mentorship structures that foster long-term engagement across components.

Beyond the formal sessions, the Leadership Summit remains one of the most valuable opportunities to connect with peers from across the country. Danielle and Graciela exchanged ideas with chapter and state leaders, learning about innovative programs and initiatives that can be replicated and adapted within their own components. The cross-pollination of strategies, whether related to advocacy campaigns, leadership development, or member engagement, continues to strengthen the Institute as a whole. These conversations are also particularly meaningful for immigrant architects, who often benefit from expanded professional networks, mentorship opportunities, and shared knowledge about navigating licensure, leadership pathways, and practice in the United States. By creating space for these exchanges, the summit helps reinforce a more connected, supportive, and inclusive professional community.

The week concluded with renewed energy and a shared commitment to collective impact. Through advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration across chapters, AIA leaders are positioning architects to lead with clarity, purpose, and national influence. For immigrant architects, this work is especially meaningful, ensuring that diverse voices, global perspectives, and lived experiences help shape the future of the profession and the communities architects serve.

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