AIA Detroit is pleased to announce the 2024 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Co-chairs, Cynthia Saadeh and Rutali Joshi! Cynthia and Rutali were part of the 2023 CKLDP Cohort, and we are excited to have them onboard, guiding this year’s group of Scholars. 

About the Co-chairs:

Dr. Rutali Joshi is a Sr. Design Researcher at HKS. Her strong foundation in research methodology positions her to support the health practice by developing evidence-based design solutions that impact human experience, behavior, and safety. She has extensively conducted research in a variety of healthcare settings ranging from domestic violence shelter homes and homes for the aging population to emergency departments, inpatient settings, operating rooms, and ambulatory surgery centers. She is extremely passionate about translating complex research concepts and findings to actionable design strategies using visual means. She is a speaker at several national and international conferences and actively publishes in scholarly journals.

Cynthia Saadeh, a designer at Quinn Evans, brings a blend of architectural and interior design expertise to her work. She believes in the seamless fusion of these disciplines to craft innovative and sustainable structures and environments, paving the way for a brighter future.

Cynthia’s leadership philosophy revolves around collaboration and support. She knows that our field thrives when we work together. Cynthia firmly believes that personal and professional growth go hand in hand, which is why she is committed to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle alongside her career pursuits.

She lives by Heraclitus’ timeless wisdom: “Change is the only constant in life.” This reflects her adaptability and her unwavering dedication to progress and evolution.

Interested in the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program? Visit https://aiadetroit.com/ckldp-apply/ to learn more!

Please join the AIA Detroit Board and membership at our 2023 Annual Meeting, taking place on Tuesday, November 14th, at AECOM in Detroit, beginning at 6:00pm.

This meeting will include the annual report to the membership and the election of the 2024 AIA Detroit Board of Directors. We will discuss what the AIA Detroit Board has been working on internally this year and reveal our new Annual Sponsor Package.  The Annual Meeting is one of the few times throughout the year that AIA Detroit can reflect on our progress and discuss the future of the organization with our members.

Food and beverages will be provided. We hope you will attend!

Those unable to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting may request an absentee ballot by emailing elections@aiadetroit.com with your name and AIA Member number by November 13, 5:00pm.  Absentee ballots must be completed by 12:00pm on November 14th. (You must be an AIA Detroit Member in good standing to vote)

RSVP Here for the 2023 Annual Meeting

GET TO KNOW THIS YEAR’S SLATE OF CANDIDATES…

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WHAT ARE WE OFFERING?
We are offering up to two scholarships: (1) $2,500 and (1) $3,000.  The 2024 scholarships are a joint program between AIA Detroit and AIA National, who awarded our component $1,000 in funding!

PURPOSE:
The scholarships are created to support and foster a diverse profession that is representative of our greater chapter community. AIA Detroit is committed to supporting the next generation of licensed architects and recognizes that diversity in the profession starts by diversifying the pipeline to the profession and supporting individuals along the long path toward becoming licensed architects.

The AIA Detroit Scholarships are being established to recognize deserving architecture students who will be attending a NAAB-accredited institution within our chapter boundary (University of Detroit Mercy and Lawrence Technological University) or whose permanent residence is in the AIA Detroit chapter boundary (Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties) and is enrolled in a NAAB-accredited institution elsewhere.

Scholarship funds can be applied towards tuition, books, and other educational-related fees.

The scholarships intend to support future BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or women architects as we aim to have our profession better reflect our diverse chapter community.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be considered for selection, the following criteria must be met:
1. The applicant must be a Junior, Senior, or graduate candidate with at least one year left to complete their architectural degree.
2. The applicant must be a student enrolled in an architectural program at the University of Detroit Mercy or Lawrence Technological University OR A student whose permanent residence is in the AIA Detroit chapter boundary (Macomb, Oakland,
St. Clair or Wayne counties) who is enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architectural program outside of the AIA Detroit chapter boundary.
3. The applicant should identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or be a woman as we aim to foster a diverse profession that represents our greater chapter community.
4. The applicant should demonstrate enthusiasm and participation in areas of the built environment. Participation in school activities and/or leadership roles in other organizations may be considered.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
1. Applications must be received no later than December 1, 2023, by 5:00 pm EST.
2. Complete the biographical data section of the Application Form.
3. Upload official transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended to be used for verification of year- not grades.
4. Upload (1) academic/faculty/personal letter of reference of your choice.
5. Write a 200-500-word essay to explain why you want to be an architect and should be a recipient of one of these scholarships.
6. Submit the Application Form for the 2024 Scholarship Jury to review.
7. The winning recipients will be contacted and there will be an announcement posted on the AIA Detroit Chapter website.
8. Questions regarding the application procedure may be directed to: scholarship@aiadetroit.com

Please complete the AIA Detroit Scholarships Biographical Data, essay, and upload your supporting documents HERE.

QUESTIONS: Questions regarding the application procedure may be directed to: scholarship@aiadetroit.com