Declare candidacy as a board member
The American Institute of Architects seeks well-qualified and eager candidates for the AIA Board of Directors and other leadership positions.
Any AIA Architect member in good standing may declare candidacy for national office as an elected AIA officer.
Declare candidacy as a board member
Deadline to declare is January 29, 2027
The role of each member of the AIA Board of Directors varies significantly based on the responsibilities assigned in AIA's governing documents. Chapters 5 and 6 of the Bylaws and the Rules of the Board provide an overall scope of responsibility for those elected to the board. These position descriptions have been created to provide members, potential candidates, and the board with an overview of each role and its corresponding responsibilities.
Open positions for the 2028 Call for Candidates
AIA members interested in serving as candidates for the 2028 AIA Board of Directors should direct their questions to AIA Secretary Jonathan M. Taylor, AIA, c/o Caitlin Couture, CAE, Vice President, Governance & Awards at boardofdirectors@aia.org.
Election and term of office
The President-elect shall succeed to the office of President upon the expiration of the President’s term, or if the office of President becomes vacant, in which case the President-elect shall become President and shall complete the unexpired term and continue to serve as President the following year.
Time and travel commitment
Travel is a significant part of the President-elect’s duties, shared in part with other members of the board to meet AIA’s needs. The President-elect has an account to cover the costs of representing AIA outside of the board and other AIA meeting commitments.
The President-elect should expect to spend a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) hours per week in support of the requirements of this position; that commitment will be greater during times of preparation for and attendance at board meetings, conferences, and other AIA events. AIA recognizes and appreciates the amount of time and travel the President-elect dedicates during their leadership years. In recognition of the volunteer hours donated to AIA, a stipend will be paid on a quarterly basis. (The President-elect will receive an IRS Form 1099 for this stipend.) This stipend is offered in addition to the travel reimbursement policies outlined above.
Election and term of office
The AIA Treasurer is elected by the voting member delegates and is one of the Officers of AIA. The Treasurer shall serve one (1) term of two (2) years, or until their successor is elected. The Treasurer is not eligible for re-election to a consecutive term.
Time and travel commitment
The Treasurer should expect to spend a minimum of three (3) to five (5) hours per week in support of the requirements of this position; that commitment will be greater during times of preparation for and attendance at Board meetings, conferences, and other AIA events.
The Treasurer, as with all AIA Board members, may have some travel responsibilities in communicating the work of the Board and in seeking input from members on issues affecting the profession. The AIA will cover expenses incurred as a result of such travel.
Election and term of office
Of the eight (8) At-large Directors, three (3) are elected by the delegates during the annual election, three (3) are selected by the Strategic Council, and up to two (2) are appointed by the President at the President’s discretion. The At-large Director shall serve one (1) term of one (1) year, or until their successor is appointed. The At-large Directors are not eligible for re-election to a consecutive term.
Time and travel commitment
At-large Directors should expect to spend a minimum of three (3) to five (5) hours per week in support of the requirements of this position; that commitment will be greater during times of preparation for and attendance at Leadership Exchange Network calls, board meetings, conferences, and other AIA events.
The candidate packet has all the information potential candidates need to know about the 2028 election process.
Eligibility
Any Architect member in good standing may declare candidacy for national office as an elected AIA officer. Any individual eligible under the Bylaws for selection as an At-Large Director by the delegates at the annual meeting may declare candidacy for that office.
Campaign rules
A member or other individual becomes a candidate, and therefore subject to the campaign rules stated in Section 6.4 of the Rules of the Board, by announcing candidacy at the last board meeting of the year, by publicly declaring themselves as such at any meeting comprised largely of AIA members or on social media, or by notifying the Secretary in writing, indicating the office sought.
Key dates
* Dates are subject to change.
- Dec. 1, 2026 - Call for Nominations open
- Jan. 5, 2027 - Candidates’ briefing with Secretary Taylor (3:00-4:00pm ET)
- Jan. 6-29, 2027 - Candidate review period (candidates cannot publicly campaign until after COI disclosure review period is complete and candidates are notified by AIA Corporate Secretary)
- Jan. 29, 2027 - Publication of declared candidates (names and component affiliation)
Call for Resolutions announced (timeline and process published)
Deadline to declare candidacy:
• Members considering candidacy are encouraged to declare their intent (to allow for candidate materials to be shared at Leadership Summit; see Feb. 10th deadline and to be posted online.)
• Read and sign the AIA Leadership Agreement.
• Candidates must submit a headshot, bio, philosophy statement, and transcript of their live speech for AIA Leadership Summit.
- Jan. 29, 2027 - Publication of declared candidates (names and component affiliation)
- Feb. 10-13, 2027 - AIA Leadership Summit (all declared and vetted candidates invited to attend and give live speeches)
- Feb. 26, 2027 - Deadline to submit resolutions
- Mar. 8-15, 2027 - Resolutions Committee initial review of submittals. As needed, the Resolutions Committee calls with sponsors to consider a combination of similar resolutions, ensuring clarity of intent and outcomes, etc.
- Mar. 19, 2027 - Announcement of Annual Meeting date and location (60 days prior to meeting)
Count of the membership taken for apportionment of voting delegates for the Annual Meeting - Mar. 20, 2027 - Deadline for candidates to submit:
• Videotaped speech for Annual Meeting at AIA27;
• Chapter or state letter of support; and
• Three (3)-five (5) candidate nominating petitions supporting declared candidates (to meet all requirements outlined in the Rules of the Board). - Mar. 31, 2027 - Board of Directors Meeting (consideration of resolutions and approval of bylaws)
- Apr. 9, 2027 - Official Delegate Information Booklet published
Proposed Bylaw Amendments (no less than 30 days)
Distribution of Resolutions (40 days prior to meeting)
AIA Townhall at 3:00pm ET (Overview of Resolutions and Review of proposed Bylaw amendments) - Apr. TBD, 2027 - CACE Delegate Accreditation Session
• ED/President renewed
• Delegates renewed
• Member IDs - Apr. 12, 2027 - Updated candidate speeches posted to the Annual Meeting page (no later than 30 days before Annual Meeting)
- Apr. 13-May 4, 2027 - Delegate accreditation period
- May 19–22, 2027 - AIA Conference on Architecture & Design® 2027 in Philadelphia, PA
- May 19, 2027 - Elections will occur after the 2027 Annual Meeting
- May 20, 2027 - Announcement of AIA election results