AIA Cincinnati President’s Q2 message to the membership
AIA Cincinnati 2025 Member Engagement Initiative: A Year of Connection and Growth
Dear AIA Cincinnati Members,
I recently had the pleasure of participating on a panel for the freshman architecture class at the University of Cincinnati. One of the panelists asked the students, “How many of you were involved in a club at your high school?” Every hand went up. Then he asked, “Why did you join?” The responses were familiar—“to meet people,” “to gain experience,” “to give back.”
The same can be said for being a member of AIA.
Founded in 1857 by 13 New York architects, what began as the New York Society of Architects quickly evolved into the American Institute of Architects at the suggestion of Thomas U. Walter, with Richard M. Upjohn as its first president. From there, chapters began forming in cities across the country — including ours.
Allow me a moment to set the scene: It’s a cold winter evening in 1870. Seven Cincinnati architects gather at Kepler’s after work for dinner, under dim filament bulbs, with Bavarian and Hudepohl brews on the table and pipe smoke curling in the air. Their boots are muddied from a cobblestone walk through sleet-covered streets. One of them mentions forming a local AIA chapter…
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 voted to form a Cincinnati chapter of the AIA. On February 14, 1870, AIA National chartered AIA Cincinnati as the fourth in the country after Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. James K Wilson was elected as President.
Their purpose?
“To unite in fellowship the Architects of Cincinnati and adjoining territory and also other persons interested in architecture and in the allied arts and sciences… to promote the artistic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession.”
I share this because I want us all to remember why we joined. AIA’s purpose remains unchanged at its core: to unite like-minded professionals to strengthen our collective voice.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to attend numerous programs and events. Two that especially stood out were:
WiA's program on Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first female architect in the U.S., whose struggles still echo today.
The VISION lecture: Impact 2030, which explored the role of AI in reshaping our industry.
At both events, I engaged with members and listened to their feedback—both the praise and the pain points. Some of the more critical perspectives include:
“I paid $5 to attend tonight’s lecture. I know I’ve shared this before, but I’ll say it again—charging for these lectures affects the wrong people… It feels unfair.”
"I actually didn’t renew my membership for the 2025 year. If I was able to just pay Cinci dues I would definitely do it, but I am not interested in a National membership or the financial cost associated."
(paraphrased) “ I don’t want to serve on the board. My passion lies in action—not procedure. It’s hard to create lasting change with one-year terms and rigid frameworks.”
Other concerns include the cost of membership, the centralization of events downtown, and the difficulty of participating while working on tight project schedules. These are all valid concerns. I hear them. I share many of them.
So why do I stay involved?
Is it to have “Assoc. AIA,” “AIA,” or one day “FAIA” after my name?
Is it for the recognition of being a token chapter president?
To eventually represent southwest Ohio at the state or national levels?
Maybe. But more importantly, I do this because I believe this organization does make a difference. I may not have all the answers, but I have a trusted network of people who support and challenge me — and together, that’s how we move forward.
Just last month, AIA National mobilized hundreds of architects to Capitol Hill to meet with Congress and advocate for our profession. Here in Ohio, we’re doing the same on a state level.
On April 30, AIA Cincinnati members will head to Columbus for an all-day event AIA Ohio Advocacy Day to meet with legislators and advocate on issues that matter to us. We still have room for more members so if you’re interested in being a part of that, please reach out.
To refresh one of our committees, we’re hosting a Local Advocacy Workshop on April 16 from 12–1pm at KZF, where we’ll discuss our most pressing challenges and start crafting an action plan.
And looking ahead to June, the AIA National Convention in Boston. Cincinnati has three delegates attending the annual business meeting. If you’re also going to the convention, please let me know as we will be planning some social activities with the other components from Ohio.
Last week we celebrated the Custom Residential Architects Network at the CRANawards program April 10! We have a respected jury making their decisions and enjoy another year of showcasing and promoting our local talent right here in SW Ohio!
If you renewed your membership, thank you for choosing to be part of a larger ‘you’! If you haven’t renewed yet you can always rejoin at any time. If you choose not to rejoin, please share with me your reason(s) so we can improve the organization.
I’m here to listen. The next 1-2-1 feedback session will take place June 23–27. Reach out to me at pshirley@pelstuarch.com to schedule a conversation.
Let’s continue to strengthen this organization together. Remember the reason you joined in the first place.
Attend. Engage. Connect. Make your voice heard.
Warm regards,
Paul Shirley, AIA
President, AIA Cincinnati
