AIA Cincinnati President’s Q3 message to the membership

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

Dear AIA Cincinnati Members,

Not long ago, I found myself at a teacher/volunteer appreciation event for Design Lab — expecting snacks, small talk, and a few well-deserved thank-yous. What I didn’t expect was a reminder of exactly why I value being part of this profession.

I met someone new — a passionate educator who had recently been connected to COTE and was working on a sustainability scavenger hunt for kids at the upcoming Ice Box Challenge. She was excited, full of ideas... and, like many of us, feeling a bit overwhelmed about getting it all done well. Later that night, I spoke with a marketing professional from an architecture firm who shared how much he enjoyed writing about how design solves problems. That’s when the lightbulb went off: I introduced the two of them and suggested he help create the graphic piece she needed.

Just like that, two people who had never met were now teaming up on something they both care about. That moment — simple, spontaneous, and joyful — is what I call the real value of a diverse network.

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts or shaking hands at receptions (though snacks are always welcome). It’s about something deeper: the connections that spark ideas, ease burdens, and help people move forward — especially when they care deeply about what they’re doing.

I’d also like to share a few thoughts from my experience at the recent AIA Conference in Boston

First, I’m genuinely glad so many of you walked away energized and inspired — I’ve heard great testimonials from members who made new connections, soaked up learning, and reignited their love for architecture. That’s what we all hope for in a gathering like that.

Here are some pov’s from other members who attended the conference:

Michael R. Mauch, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

RWA Architects, Inc.

“I have attended 19 out of the last 21 years. I still find them valuable whether it is the sessions, the keynotes, the general business meeting, the caucuses, the Expo, or just networking with my fellow CRAN members. All have contributed to me growing professionally. Even the bookstore is fun. The convention is always worthwhile. I recommend it to every AIA member.” 

Wendy Klepcyk, AIA

Envisage Architecture LLC

“I've attended several AIA National and state conferences over the last 10 years and the AIA'25 in Boston was a great experience.  I was focused on getting my HSW's and connecting with material reps for a specific project we are working on.  I was able to focus on the conference pretty well this year, but I did need to duck out of a couple things to deal with projects I'm working on.

I enjoyed the venue and the host city very much, I felt was set up well for the activities I was attending, wayfinding was clear and the conference staff was friendly and helpful.  

I was able to fill my schedule with sessions that were pertinent to the project I referenced above and was able to follow up with the reps on the Expo floor to get more in depth.  I was pretty laser focused on this project and felt that this conference was very productive for me.

I enjoyed the keynotes and was very excited to see Pete Buttigieg.  It's exciting to see potential policy makers not only value the work that architects contribute, but to bring us to the table.  He was polished, thoughtful and prepared in his messages and gave me inspiration that meaningful solutions are still the goal at state and local levels.  At Envisage, we are passionate about bringing solutions to our communities that will improve lives, and his message aligned perfectly.

Lastly, one of the tours was a happy hour that featured various restaurants in the area and a walking tour that I enjoyed very much.  This was a great way to connect with colleagues and reps, and we all had a blast.  More of that please, I met some really great folks in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  I did miss Urban Sketching this year as an option, hopefully we can get that back for next year.”

Manuel Granja, AIA

“I'm still feeling so energized from my time at the AIA National Convention in Boston. I was incredibly honored and grateful to the AIA Cincinnati board for the opportunity to serve as one of our chapter's delegates and cast a vote on behalf of our members. It was a privilege to represent our community. The convention was an incredible experience on multiple fronts. I had the wonderful opportunity to connect with our AIA Ohio board, colleagues from Cincinnati, and other dedicated members from across the country, which is always a highlight. Beyond the convention halls, Boston itself was a lesson in history and urbanism. Taking a tour on the river, I was struck by the rich history of American independence that permeates the city, and it was fascinating to see the USS Constitution, the oldest active military vessel in the world. Boston truly is a beautiful city and a shining example of great urban design. The educational sessions were equally compelling. I was particularly impacted by the conferences focused on the future of our practice. Sessions like "AI in Architecture & Building Codes: Hiding in Plain Sight" and the keynote, "Building & Scaling Your Practice Using AI with Allie K. Miller," made it clear that integrating artificial intelligence is essential for the evolution of our work. Another course that deeply resonated with me was "From Exclusion to Belonging: A Discussion About Accessible Design." It was a powerful reminder of how small, thoughtful details—like a simple change in texture—can dramatically improve the lives of people with disabilities, especially those who are visually impaired. It's a perspective I'll carry with me into every project. Overall, the convention was a fantastic blend of networking, historical discovery, and forward-thinking education that left me inspired and full of new ideas for our practice.” 

But if I’m being honest — I didn’t personally come away with the same spark.

That doesn’t mean it wasn’t worthwhile. I enjoyed seeing Boston as a newbie (a beautiful city, at that), and I enjoyed my volunteer experience introducing the speakers of a presentation, running the microphone around the room for Q/A portion of session, and selling AIA design store merch for four-hours straight (did I mention my feet were killing me at the end of the week). The keynote with Secretary Pete Buttigieg was a highlight — thoughtful, timely, and a strong voice for infrastructure and design. I’ll admit I was a little disappointed to see the seats not as full as I expected. Maybe that speaks to where we are right now as a country — navigating division even in shared spaces.

But what I came to realize is this: for me, the moments that light me up as an architect don’t always come from CEU sessions or expos. They come from purpose-driven action.

That’s why I love attending the AIA Leadership Summit or AIA Ohio’s Hill Day. Spending a day on Capitol Hill or in Columbus, advocating for our profession — that’s when I feel most connected to the “why” of what we do. It’s not about racking up hours. It’s about standing up for the value of architecture in society — and helping others see it too.

So, if your path through this profession looks a little different than the crowd — that’s okay. You’re not alone. Some of us find our joy in learning, some in leading, some in serving, some in mentoring, and some in moments of quiet impact. All of those paths matter. All of them have a place in AIA.

As your 2025 AIA Cincinnati President, that’s what I hope every member experiences: not just being part of AIA, but being in it. When you get involved — in a committee, a program, or just a casual conversation — you discover not only what AIA has to offer, but what you bring to it. Your passion. Your ideas. Your perspective. And trust me, we need all of it.

Architecture doesn’t advance in isolation. It moves forward when we show up for one another — across firms, across cities, across the country and the world. We become better architects (and honestly, better humans) when we stretch beyond our usual circles and get curious about how others see and shape the world.

So this year, I hope you’ll take a chance: join a committee, raise your hand, say hi to someone new. You never know what that small moment might lead to — or who you might help in the process.

I’m grateful to be in this with all of you — and excited for what we’ll build together.

Warm regards,

Paul Shirley, AIA
President, AIA Cincinnati