AIA Board of Trustees issues statement in response to controversy

2024-06-13T12:01:00-04:00

A new statement written by the AIA’s Board of Trustees in response to the swirling controversy surrounding CEO Lakisha Ann Woods has reiterated their broadscale support amidst criticism about certain actions during her more than two-year tenure.

While the statement does not address specifically the claims that were put forth in last week's Bloomberg article concerning corporate misconduct and the letter circulating that was signed by 22 former AIA presidents, it did issue a number of salutary proclamations about her strategic endeavors and performance while in office. Woods joined the organization in 2022 after serving as the President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences.

"Among the matters brought forward, the Board directed external counsel to review the planning and execution of the AIA Staff Learning Retreat that took place in March 2024," part of the statement read, referring to their decision to retain a local firm to conduct an independent inquiry into the...

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...

Archinect - News

AIA Board of Trustees issues statement in response to controversy

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