AIA Detroit is pleased to introduce the 2026 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Cohort. A special “Thank You” to our Co-Chairs, Sarah Doornbos and Megan Finley, for guiding this cohort, and our generous Program Sponsor, HOK + ROSSETTI!

The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) is a year-long, immersive experience shaping the next generation of architectural leaders. Founded in 2013 in honor of visionary leader Christopher Kelley, the program brings together a select cohort of emerging professionals for a dynamic series of sessions focused on leadership, business acumen, and community impact.

More than just a curriculum, CKLDP is a living, evolving network—where participants not only learn but lead, collaborating to shape each session and mentoring future cohorts. Rooted in legacy and driven by innovation, the program empowers architects to define their future and the future of the profession.

GET TO KNOW THIS YEAR’S CKLDP SCHOLARS: (more…)

Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 8 am – 4 pm | Heritage Hall, Lansing

Join AIA Michigan and AIA Detroit for Legislative Day on April 30 in Lansing—your opportunity to meet directly with lawmakers, advocate for issues impacting the profession, and help shape policy through the collective voice of architects. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll be equipped with briefings, talking points, and scheduled meetings to make your voice count.

REGISTRATION:

To register for AESLC Legislative Day, please complete the online registration form at the following link: https://kclobbyday.wufoo.com/forms/m1pjqm420ejavic/

At the end of the registration form, you will have the option to contribute to the AIA Michigan APAC. You do not need to donate to register. A $100 contribution is suggested. If you do not wish to donate, click a donation option, but know it won’t require you to pay upon completing registration.

ABOUT THE PROPOSED BILLS:

Members will be advocating in support of House Bills 4503 and 4504, which propose critical updates to the Michigan Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HTC). The legislation aims to significantly increase the annual credit cap, expand eligibility, and boost incentives for smaller and residential projects—making it easier to finance the rehabilitation of historic buildings across the state.

These updates are intended to drive economic development, create jobs, and support community revitalization in both urban and rural areas by unlocking investment in underutilized historic properties, increasing housing opportunities, and strengthening local economies.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE

Congratulations to this year’s Fellows! A magnificent achievement, and we’re proud to have THREE Fellows representing Michigan.

• Jack Bullo, FAIA, HED
• Cory Lavigne, FAIA, Houseal Lavigne
• Michael Perry, FAIA, Progressive Companies

Your hard work and dedication to this profession are admirable, and we’re lucky to have you!

AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become members of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3% of the AIA members have this distinction.

See the full list of Fellows here.

Please join the AIA Detroit Board and membership at our 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place on Tuesday, November 11th, at Lawrence Tech’s Lear Auditorium in Southfield, beginning at 6:00pm.

This meeting will include the annual report to the membership and the election of the 2026 AIA Detroit Board of Directors.  AIA Members will also be voting on our Chapter’s Bylaws changes. We will discuss our updated Strategic Plan and other successes from 2025.

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

Those unable to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting may request an absentee ballot by emailing elections@aiadetroit.com with your name and AIA Member number by November 10, 5:00pm. Absentee ballots must be completed by 12:00pm on November 11th. (You must be an AIA Detroit Member in good standing to vote)

RSVP Here for the 2025 Annual Meeting

GET TO KNOW THIS YEAR’S SLATE OF CANDIDATES…

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Join AIA Detroit COTE, USGBC Michigan, Detroit 2030 District, & Wayne State for an exclusive screening of Women of Carbon!

Join AIA Detroit‘s Committee on the Environment (COTE), USGBC Michigan, Detroit 2030, and Wayne State for an exclusive Detroit viewing of Women of Carbon A Documentary Film by Basia + Leonard Myszynski, a film about female leaders driving decarbonization in the Built Environment.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with local leaders. Refreshments provided. Wayne State students get in FREE!

Innovative women are redefining our relationship with carbon by repurposing living materials, reengineering waste into valuable chemicals that clean the climate, and driving decarbonization in our built environment. They share life/work challenges while thriving in male-dominated industries. Their collective wisdom comes together to form a singular belief and purpose to restore, protect and ultimately preserve the planet.

The secret lies in the Earth itself. Told through a feminine lens, the film delves into the minds and spirits of dedicated, driven and dynamic 21st century trailblazers whose work is placing them at the core of decarbonization, human health and economic opportunity.

See the trailer at: https://womenofcarbon.solareye.biz/#about

REGISTER HERE

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WASHINGTON – September 26, 2025 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Board of Directors voted unanimously to select Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, as the next AIA Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer.  

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Don’t miss this engaging panel with AIA Detroit’s Women in Architecture Committee!

Ready to earn what you’re truly worth? Whether you’re navigating a job offer, preparing for a promotion, or looking to renegotiate your current salary, this session will help you with the confidence and strategies you need to advocate for yourself effectively. Don’t miss this event hosted by AIA Detroit’s Women in Architecture Committee! Refreshments provided. Students get in free!

In this interactive session, you’ll learn:

• Proven negotiation techniques that get results
• What to say—and what not to say—during salary conversations
• How to handle pushback and counteroffers professionally
• Ways to negotiate beyond salary (benefits, flexibility, bonuses, and more)

Continuing education will be provided by AIA Detroit. A Special “Thank You” to our sponsor for this event, GENROSE Stone and Tile.

REGISTER HERE

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AIA Detroit is pleased to announce the 2025 AIA Detroit Scholarship recipients, Manuela Hanna and Zaynab Alhisnawi, both hailing from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture + Community Development (SACD).

AIA Detroit awarded two annual scholarships, (1) $1,500 and (1) $3,000, to support and foster a diverse profession that is representative of our greater chapter community. (more…)

The Fellows Fund for Equity (F2E) is a grant for newly licensed Black, Hispanic, Native American (and other individuals from underrepresented groups) architects who are actively practicing architecture.

The grant is intended to help reduce their remaining student debt and/or as reimbursement for expenses associated with the licensing exams, while at the same time, awarding performance, creativity, and perseverance.

The fund was adopted by the Michigan AIA (American Institute of Architects) College of Fellows with a collective understanding of its broad intent: to help diversify the profession by opening up opportunities through interaction with Michigan AIA Fellows and local AIA Chapters.

Michigan’s AIA Fellows recognize the persistence and determination necessary to become a licensed architect, and that licensure is fundamental to becoming a leader in the profession. In addition to monetary assistance, this one-time grant includes mentorship with a state of Michigan-based member of the AIA College of Fellows.

The grant for 2025 will be $4,500, plus one year of mentorship. Award applications and materials are due via email by September 15 of the award year.

Learn more & apply here

Hosted by the AIA Detroit Women in Architecture committee on how to avoid burnout and manage it all!

Join the AIA Detroit Women in Architecture committee for an empowering conversation on navigating the challenges of work-life balance for women in the architecture and design industry.

Through candid discussions and shared experiences, our distinguished panel of women leaders will provide valuable insights on finding balance, setting boundaries, and fostering supportive environments in the workplace and beyond.

Continuing education provided by AIA Detroit

REGISTER HERE

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