Meet the 2025 AIA Cincinnati Executive Committee

AIA Cincinnati is led by a volunteer board, elected by our chapter members. Get to know your chapter leadership in these profiles.

Paul Shirley, AIA, NCARB, leed ap bd+c, sap
pelican studio
2025 AIA Cincinnati President 

I find the biggest impact to being a long-standing member of AIA has had on my career is networking.  I believe our ability to network with other like-minded individuals has contributed to the professional value architects have in shaping the environment and our ability to adapt, thrive, sustain, promote, influence and drive change.  AIA has provided the opportunity for me to improve my skills and expertise as well as provides ways for me to engage with emerging professionals and learn from them.

This is a very exciting year for engaging with AIA Cincinnati.  The committees have ramped up their offerings and boy do they have some great programs!  There are so many interesting and FUN events discussed for 2025 – I guess COTE’s “Ice Box” Challenge is most intriguing to me. The Small Firm Exchange is a no brainer, and VISION has some really amazing speakers this year. I’ll say it’s going to be another great year!

Rob Busch, FAIA, Leed AP
drawing dept
2025 AIA Cincinnati Vice President/President Elect

I am naturally introverted, insular, contrarian to a fault, and independent. While these traits have served me well at times, they have also proved to be difficult professional hurdles. Honestly, I think I was ‘at-odds’ with the AIA for a number of years – or at least at odds with the cost of membership. It felt ‘right’ to belong to the AIA, but also obligatory; I was paying for the use of the three letters after my name. Ultimately, I found that AIA Cincinnati is comprised of a great group of real people practicing architecture from a variety of viewpoints and interests. They are celebrating good work and stellar careers through awards programs. Opportunities through the AIA have given me exposure to so many interesting, like-minded friends [and frenemies] sharing a passion for design and making Cincinnati an amazing place to work and live. Like many things in life, the real value of the AIA can’t be fully understood until you actually take the small but bold step forward and participate.

Following my personal interests, I really enjoy the CRANawards program. It’s amazing to see the quality of work being provided across a multitude of local firms. I find it encouraging and it inspires me to do better work. Additionally, it’s great to catch up with friends, practitioners, and sponsors that share a passion for residential design. The banquet is relaxed and meeting new people is easy.

Amber Wasinski, AIA, NCIDQ
MSA Design
2025 AIA Cincinnati Treasurer

AIA has been invaluable in providing opportunities to connect with other passionate people both within the architecture profession and in our community. The most exciting part about building those relationships is being able to contribute to positive action within our city. There is also huge value in the advocacy work that often goes on behind the scenes. Throughout the year, and especially each March on AIA Ohio’s Statehouse Day, our members advocate for key issues affecting our discipline and the built environment.

The VISION lectures provide a monthly dose of inspiration that I always look forward to. We have a great lineup this year kicking off with Brendan Connolly and Lynn McBride from Mithun on January 23rd!

Monica Lowry, AIA, NCARB
Burgess & Niple
2025 AIA Cincinnati Secretary

I participated in the AIA Cincinnati VISION program back in 2011/12 and it was an amazing experience that really propelled my career. I recognize that the creation and maintenance of programs like VISION are a result of selfless, dedicated leaders within AIA. I am at the point in my career where it is time for me to step into that role and be a part of something great for the next generation of architects. 

I am looking forward to the VISION lectures- they always provide great content and a unique perspective.  The Golf Scramble in June is also a great event that is a lot of fun and a great opportunity to connect/network.

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Meet the 2025 AIA Cincinnati Directors

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January 2025: Newly Licensed Architect