Important news today for one of America’s oldest architectural organizations as the American Institute of Architects has announced the formal inauguration of Dan Hart, FAIA as the organization’s 98th president.

Hart comes from a particularly strong background of leadership, holding previous positions as a longtime member of the AIA’s Board of Directors in addition to serving as the 2011 president of the Texas Society of Architects. As a board member, Hart was responsible for organizing the AIA’s official COVID-19 business task force (which he co-chaired) and was also chair of the Public Outreach and Board Knowledge Committees in addition to serving as the moderator for the AIA’s Strategic Council in 2016.

Hart has practiced architecture since completing his bachelor’s studies in engineering at Texas Tech University in 1990, becoming a principal at the multidisciplinary firm Parkhill the next year, where he focused on projects in the higher education sector based out of the firm’s Austin headquarters.

In addition to his work as an architect, Hart has held an academic position at his alma mater, where he has served as an adjunct advisor to senior-level architecture students. Hart takes over at a time of unprecedented change in the industry which he says offers a window through which a brighter future can be viewed. 

“I’m spectacularly optimistic,” Hart said in a statement. “As I consider this moment in AIA’s deep history and the complexity that all of us together represent, I see beauty on the other side. I believe we are at a pivotal moment. As we move from aspiration to agency on our core dual strategies of addressing climate and justice through the built environment … we stand together and are prepared to take action.”

Hart will hold office until December 9th of 2022, when he will be replaced by incoming First Vice President Emily Grandstaff-Rice. The board also announced several other national positions. A full overview of the 2022 leadership reorganization can be found here.