Meet the 2024 AIA Cincinnati Directors (part 1)
AIA Cincinnati is led by a volunteer board, elected by our chapter members. Get to know your chapter leadership in these profiles.
Allison McKenzie, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP
SHP
2024 AIA Cincinnati AIA Ohio Representative
What is the biggest value of AIA membership?
While the benefits are many, the biggest benefit of AIA for me has been the opportunities to connect with other architects which has given me a much greater appreciation for the various ways our profession is practiced.
What AIA Cincinnati program are you looking forward to most in 2024?
I am really looking forward to the Christian Solorio VISION lecture in February. With Christian being one of the very few architects elected as representatives to a state legislature, I welcome his perspectives and ideas about how architects can contribute more to guiding current and future legislation.
Karen Planet, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
RWA Architects
2024 AIA Cincinnati Alternate AIA Ohio Representative
How has AIA membership benefited you?
Actively participating in AIA activities, volunteering for committees, and serving on a number of AIA boards at the state and local level has assisted me in building a network of colleagues from across Ohio that have contributed to making me a better architect.
What AIA Cincinnati program are you looking forward to most in 2024?
I'm looking forward to the CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network) monthly programs and the opportunity to see all of the excellent residential projects included in the CRANawards program. It’s great to be a part of the AIA Cincinnati CRAN community.
Jennifer Choto, Associate AIA
BHDP
2024 AIA Cincinnati Associate Director
How has AIA membership benefited you?
AIA events and lectures have helped me refresh my perspective outside of deadlines, learn and stay connected with others in the design community, especially post-pandemic.
What AIA Cincinnati program are you looking forward to most in 2024?
The program at the Mercantile Library featuring Victoria Kastner on the work of Julia Morgan.
Angela Mazzi FAIA, FACHA, EDAC
GBBN
2024 AIA Cincinnati Past President
How has AIA membership benefited you?
AIA has been a great way to build my network locally and nationally. I’ve made so many great friends and found valuable contacts that are doing work or facing issues that match my own. As a healthcare architect, the national Academy of Architecture for health has been a great resource. I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from national experts, plan national conferences, speak at events and edit the Academy Journal.
What AIA Cincinnati program are you looking forward to most in 2024?
I’m looking forward to several of our VISION lectures, the AIA Ohio Advocacy day at the statehouse (March 6), WiA Friendsgiving and dinner circles, and who doesn’t love shooting things at the sporting clays event?