Archinect - News

AIA releases study on student debt and its impact on demographic groups within the industry

2022-12-07T12:30:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released a new study examining the impact of student debt across different demographic groups in the architecture industry.

The organization used the research company Ipsos to conduct an interview survey of over 700 members who provided insights on how everything from employment to life choices was affected by the repayment of educational loans.

AIA EVP and CEO Lakisha Ann Woods said: "This data provides critical insight into how student debt is harming the profession. Through a better understanding of how debt impacts different demographic groups among our membership, this data will help us break barriers to the profession that disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Our goal is to propel all architects to new professional heights."

Among other data, the survey found:

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of all AIA membe...

AIA criticizes SCOTUS decision limiting EPA regulation of carbon emissions

2022-07-05T12:57:00-04:00

The American Institute of Architects has released a statement criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that restricts the EPA’s authority to mandate carbon emissions reductions. The ruling, which decided the case West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, is described by the AIA as a “setback in the climate crisis fight.”

The decision rules that significant new regulations by the EPA require congressional approval and was decided along ideological lines with six conservative justices in favor, and three liberal justices against. While the case stemmed from the question of how the EPA could regulate coal-fired power plants, the decision may have knock-on effects for future federal climate initiatives.

“That's a very big deal because they're not going to get it from Congress because Congress is essentially dysfunctional,” Harvard law professor Richard Lazarus told NPR. “This could not have...

AIA releases new Guides for Equitable Practice supplement, outlining ways to advance equity and justice through architectural practice

2022-05-09T17:49:00-04:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), in collaboration with the University of Washington and the University of Minnesota, has published a supplement to their Guides for Equitable Practice, a framework for understanding and building equity in the architecture profession. Titled “Justice in the Built Environment,” this latest edition serves as a guide for architecture and design professionals looking to do more to advance justice through their design work.

"This new resource is designed to empower architects to use their problem-solving skills to create welcoming spaces for all,” said AIA Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer Lakisha Ann Woods. “It also provides perspectives and insights on how architects, in all types of workplaces, can help advance equity in their place of employment, projects, and in society.”

The new supplement also offers guidance on actions that individual practitioners and firms can take to advance equity. The document notes that there are at ...

Former Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers is announced as the new interim CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences

2021-12-13T17:53:00-05:00

In an effort to fill its leadership void caused by the departure of former CEO Lakisha Woods, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) has announced that former Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA will be serving as the organization’s interim chief executive until such time as a permanent replacement to the AIA’s new EVP and CEO can be found.

The Washington, D.C.-based Institute appointed Ayers to provide a familiar and experienced hand that will now help guide the influential industry group as it searches for its next leader.

Ayers had previously served in the Capitol architect role under President Obama and made headlines in 2018 when he stepped down with two years yet to go in his decade-long appointment.

Prior to his position as the AOC head, Ayers held a number of junior administrative positions within the office beginning with his appointment assistant superintendent for Senate Office Buildings in 1997 and culminating in his official confirmation as the...

Lakisha Woods named EVP and CEO of the American Institute of Architects

2021-11-19T13:10:00-05:00

Lakisha Woods, CAE has been named as the 15th Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer of the American Institute of Architects.

Woods is currently the President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences as well as the Secretary and Treasurer of the U.S. Green Building Council. She previously served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the National Institute of Home Builders and has spent the entirety of her professional career in the D.C. metro area.

The University of Maryland alumna has had a successful career, rising from her beginnings in Fairbanks, Alaska to become a leader in the CRE industry.

"I am excited, from day one, to build on AIA’s strong foundation of achievements and to expand its leadership role in the industry and society,” Woods said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the AIA team, volunteer leaders, and most of all, AIA’s passionate and engaged members to take full advantage of this dynamic moment in histo...