2020: Celebrating 150 Years of Architecture
Since 1870, the American Institute of Architects Cincinnati Chapter has been dedicated to driving positive change through the power of design. In honor of its 150th anniversary (sesquicentennial), AIA Cincinnati hosted a series of public workshops, lectures, exhibits, tours, programs, and collaborations throughout 2020 to serve our members and elevate the community conversation around architecture and design. Explore our journey from 1870 to 2020 and beyond below.
Our Future: 2020 & Beyond
A Community Committed to Shaping Cincinnati’s Future Through Architecture
Curious to learn more about the impact architects have on our communities? AIA Cincinnati partnered with Soapbox to launch a series called “Architecture Matters.” The series looks at both meanings of the word ‘matters’ to talk about topics in architecture and why architecture is important.”
Our Present: 2000s
Diverse Members Work to Promote & Forward the Profession
Today, AIA Cincinnati members represent large and small firms and sole practitioners working in residential, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, government, cultural institutions, sports, industry, and every other sector of the field. Cincinnati architects continue to work locally, but they are also leading projects across the country, as well as in Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Thank you to Mayor John Cranley and the City of Cincinnati for recognizing the impact of our members of the community by proclaiming February, 14, 2020, American Institute of Architects Cincinnati Day.
Our Past: Beginning in 1870
Seven Intrepid Founders Launched AIA Cincinnati as the Fourth Chapter in the U.S.
On January 10, 1870, architects James K. Wilson, James W. McLaughlin, A.C. Nash, A. Bate, William Stewart, Solomon W. Rogers, and Edwin L. Anderson gathered at Kepler’s for dinner and to discuss forming a Cincinnati chapter of the American Institute of Architects. They were joined by Samuel Hannaford when they met again on January 20 and in early February to prepare a formal request to AIA to establish a chapter.
At their February 14, 1870 meeting, AIA’s national board voted to charter a Cincinnati chapter, becoming the fourth chapter in the country after Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. AIA Cincinnati elected their first board with James K. Wilson as President, James W. McLaughlin as First Vice President, William Walter as Second Vice President, Solomon W. Rogers as Secretary, and Edwin L. Anderson as Treasurer.
The founding members of AIA Cincinnati left a lasting legacy on the built environment. As architects, they designed Plum Street Temple, Cincinnati Art Museum, Music Hall, St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Campbell County Courthouse in Newport, and St. John German Lutheran Church (now The Transept). As visionaries, they led the way for the field of architecture to professionalize and ensured that generations of architects were supported by an organization dedicated to “promote the artistic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession.”
Membership in AIA Cincinnati grew, and eventually included women. India Boyer, the first licensed architect in the state of Ohio (1941), became the Cincinnati chapter’s first female member in 1946. Check out a complete list of our chapter presidents from 1870 to today.
With Thanks
The Sesquicentennial Celebration would not be possible without the participation of AIA Cincinnati members and the support of our sponsors.
Sesquicentennial Sponsor
Sesquicentennial Stakeholders
Sesquicentennial Supporters
Champlin Architecture
Rick Koehler Art
Louisville Tile
michael mcinturf ARCHITECTS
PWWG
John W. Rogers Architect
Rulon International
RWA Architects
Cynthia Williams Architect