Jeff Raser, AIA, communication director for the Congress For The New Urbanism – Midwest and owner of CUDA Studio. “My experience in providing urban design and community planning services gives me an understanding of the many hurdles communities have when seeking to rebuild neighborhoods into pedestrian-friendly places with cherished gathering spaces.”

Wendy Klepcyk, AIA, NAWIC Board Director, Cincinnati Chapter and Principal at Envisage Architecture. “Envisage is interested in building mutually beneficial relationships in the local construction community. We are also passionate about mentoring women in the industry, specifically in architecture, but also in construction as a whole.”

Allison McKenzie, AIA, Cincinnati Historic Conservation Board, and Principal, Director of Sustainability at SHP. “Not only is it personally rewarding [to volunteer], but boards like historic boards or zoning boards are essential to protecting the health, safety and desirability of our communities, and architects can, and should, have strong voices on these boards.”

John Russell, AIA, Village of Newtown, Ohio, Planning Commission: 1975-present; Village Council: 1976-1980; Mayor: 1980-1988; and co-founder and CEO Cole + Russell Architects (ndba CR Architects). “We all have divergent talents and personalities, but we all have to deal with the environment and the people that occupy our designs. Being involved with your local organizations […] always gives you a broader perspective on your community and the people we design for!”

Steve Kenat, AIA, Board Member, Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, LISC, ULI Cincinnati, and YWCA Cincinnati, and Director of Community Development at GBBN. “As designers, our goals are rooted in the goals of our clients and understanding the communities in which we practice. I’m definitely a better architect for the skills I’ve learned volunteering in these organizations.”

Laila Ammar, AIA, Board Member, NEST (Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation), and Project Architect at MSA Design. “If you have any interest in community advocacy, Architects are well positioned to be heard. Even if you don’t join an organization, go to your neighborhood council meetings or our city council meetings—and when anything has to do with our built environment, your opinion could carry weight and help amplify voices that aren’t being listened to.”

Sheri Scott, AIA, NCARB, Springboro Historic Downtown Architectural Review Board, and Founder & Principal Architect at Springhouse Architects and Springhouse Structures. “As an architect, I can contribute in a unique way to the preservation of our downtown environment. Bringing to light alternate design solutions and construction processes leads the conversation in a productive way.”

Carl Sterner, AIA, Board Member of NEST (Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation) & Member of the Cincinnati 2030 District Advisory Committee; and Director of Design & Sustainability at Sol Design + Consulting. “Architects have unique expertise about the forces that shape the built environment, from codes and policy to cost and buildability.”

Doug Gallow, AIA, City of Cincinnati AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, Advisory Council Member, and Co-founder and Principal of Lifespan Design Studio. “Architects bring a unique perspective to the table which can benefit the organization greatly. Additionally, it might provide an opportunity to educate others within the organization on the architecture profession and the benefit of working with architects on their current & future building needs.”

Craig Gossman, AIA, Board of Directors, Heritage Ohio, and Owner of GOSSMANgroup. “Architects bring a unique perspective to the table which can benefit the organization greatly. Additionally, it might provide an opportunity to educate others within the organization on the architecture profession and the benefit of working with architects on their current & future building needs.”