Janaury 2025 Chapter President’s letter

AIA Cincinnati 2025 Member Engagement Initiative: A Year of Connection and Growth

Hello. I am Paul Shirley, AIA – …long time listener, first time caller.

I am extremely humbled and ENTHUSIASTIC (Brother, can I get an AMEN?!?) by the privilege to serve as your AIA Cincinnati 2025 President. Together, we are part of a member-led organization that connects over 500 professionals across nine counties in Ohio, united by a shared passion for architecture and the built environment.

Who is this guy?!?

Growing up I had no idea of the places I have gone, people I have met, or experiences I’ve had the privilege to encounter. It seems my father had a passion for buying homes that needed some repairs/renovations. I can think of two houses that had no indoor bathroom facilities, to give you an idea of “some repairs.” That along with my mother’s decision in her late 30s to go back to school to study architecture at Miami (Oxford, OH), is where my interest developed. Then to solidify it, Mr. Sloan, the industrial arts teacher at Anderson High School, taught an architecture class where I knew this would be the career for me.

What is his story?!?

I joined AIA as an Associate AIA member at 30 years of age. I went to a few meetings and met a few people before I started to drink the water. I was fortunate in that the firm I worked at paid my membership fee as long as I participated (thank you Bob Gramann, FAIA). I decided it was time to pursue and complete my initiation into the architecture profession by getting registered – studying for all nine tests. I joined the YAiF (Young Architects and interns Forum), and went to a few of the ARE prep sessions. Then, I jumped at the chance to Co-Chair with Cindia Wren, AIA and eventually chair the committee. From there, I was invited to run for Associate AIA Director on the AIA Cincinnati board in 2010. I served my two years and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the AIA Cincinnati Chapter President (Chris Patek, AIA). I received a congratulations certificate for becoming a registered architect in 2014 from AIA Cincinnati Chapter President (Corrine Cassidy, AIA). My State of Ohio Architectural Registration Certificate is signed by several on the AIA Ohio Board of Directors, (of which John Rademacher, AIA served as Secretary that year) – and those are just some of the people I met outside the firm I worked at.

Where’s the POINT - PAUL?!?

The point is – looking back, I can clearly see that by engaging, I grew professionally and met several wonderful and influential people, and continue to grow my network leaving me to feel a sense of belonging. I have maintained my membership all these years and it has served me well with other adventures, of which I’ll be happy to share another time. 

When’s the message gonna be delivered, Paul?!?

So, reflecting on what impact I could influence during my presidency, I went back to my most formative years working on a farm that made me into who I am today. The farm was 250 acres in northeastern Iowa. It had the Volga River splitting the low fields from the high fields. Each year was consistent – plant in the spring, nurture in the summer, harvest in the fall, and celebrate and reflect with gratitude for the year's bounty (and being the youngest boy left me to test the ice for skating by clearing the snow from the swimming hole). Whether this year’s experience will be better, the same, or become worse for you, my hope is that you experience it through new eyes, reflect on what impact you can have on engaging in this organization and act with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Investing in this organization has far reaching opportunities of local, state, and national levels. 

Engagement has shaped my career, and I want to ensure it empowers yours as well.

How’s this going to happen, Paul?!?

I. A Year of Connection and Growth
Our mission this year is to nurture stronger connections across our community. We aim to cultivate growth within AIA Cincinnati through:

• Dynamic events, programs and engaging speakers that inspire and challenge us.

• Initiatives like the "Ice Box Challenge" to address climate change.

• Opportunities to join committees that align with your passion.

II. Your Voice Matters

We recognize that AIA is most valuable when it reflects the needs and aspirations of its members. That’s why I’m introducing quarterly one-on-one feedback sessions to hear directly from you. Whether you’re thriving, struggling, or simply unsure about the value of your membership, I want to know how we can improve.

Quarterly Feedback Weeks:

• Q1: March 24–28

• Q2: June 23–27

• Q3: September 22–26

• Q4: November 17–21

Reach out to me at pShirley@PelStuArch.com to schedule a meeting (up to 30 minutes). Whether face-to-face or virtual, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

III. A Call to Action

I encourage you to experience all that AIA Cincinnati offers. Attend events, engage with committees, and connect with peers. Together, we are “…leading the creation and preservation of well designed, equitable, and sustainable built environments.” (a handshake for anyone who tells me where that last line is from.)

Here’s to making 2025 a “peachy” year to remember!

Warm regards,

Paul Shirley, AIA
President, AIA Cincinnati