Shaping architecture
statewide
AIA Georgia is governed by a 13-person board that includes elected officers and directors. The board also oversees the administration, annual budget, programming, and local and state advocacy. Voting will begin October 21.
Meet the candidates running for AIA Georgia Board of Directors and State Representatives elective offices.
President-Elect
April Mundy
At-Large Director
Ryan Murphy
At-Large Director
Hsu-Jen Huang
At-Large Director
Carmen Evans
At-Large Director
Anthony Grisafi
At-Large Director
Bryan Houser
Strategic Council
Liz York
Strategic Council
Shelly-Anne Tulia Scott
Treasurer
Jessika Nelson
Young Architect Representative
Adam Drummond
Young Architect Representative
Chad Reineke
Young Architect Representative
Namrata Dani
April Mundy
Desired Position: President – Elect
Biography:
I’ve had the privilege to serve two terms as the AIA Georgia Treasurer and am honored to run for AIA Georgia President-Elect. I am deeply passionate about mentorship, the design of educational spaces, and the vital role architects play in shaping healthy, sustainable, and vibrant communities. As President-Elect I remain committed to championing this mission. Over the past several decades, I have had the privilege of serving across diverse facets of our profession—from design to policy engagement—collaborating with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of excellence and ethics.
As a steadfast advocate for architecture, I have worked diligently to protect our profession’s core values and public mission. Whether addressing legislative challenges, supporting licensure integrity, or mentoring the next generation of architects, my approach is rooted in openness, collaboration, and a deep respect for the voices within our community.
If entrusted with the responsibility to serve as President, I will continue to harness my extensive industry experience and servant leadership to unify our members, amplify our collective voice, and advance meaningful initiatives. Together, we can ensure the architectural profession not only endures but thrives—remaining a beacon of innovation, stewardship, and advocacy for the built environment and the communities we are privileged to serve.
Statement of Qualifications:
Senior Project Manager, April Mundy, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP brings over 20 years of experience across all phases of design and construction. Her extensive portfolio in educational design includes multi-school campuses as well as elementary, middle, and high schools, CTAE facilities, and technical colleges. Many of these projects have achieved LEED certification, including LEED Gold status. April also has experience in civic and commercial work, including libraries, city halls, courthouses, public works facilities, and commercial interiors.
She is well-versed in blending the technical, aesthetic, and functional needs of complex, multi-building educational campuses.
April’s passion for professional and community service is evident in her longstanding involvement with the AIA and various local organizations. She has served as Treasurer for AIA Georgia, AIA Savannah and the Savannah YAF, and is a dedicated member of the AIA Savannah High Design Party Committee. Her volunteer work includes Compassion Christian Church, the ACE Mentor Program of Savannah, America’s Second Harvest Food Bank, Chatham County Little League, and the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity.
Chad Reineke
Desired Position: Young Architect Representative (Y.A.R)
Biography:
I believe I would be a strong choice to serve as AIA Georgia’s Young Architect Representative because my career has consistently bridged leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for emerging professionals. As COO at Lightroom and BIM Manager at Meticulous Design + Architecture, I operate at the intersection of design excellence, technical rigor, and professional growth. I have guided teams through complex projects while also mentoring younger architects and students, ensuring they gain the tools and confidence to lead.
My commitment extends beyond practice. As an educator at Kennesaw State University, I have championed design-build pedagogy that empowers students to “learn by making,” directly aligning with YAF’s mission of preparing the next generation of architects. Through roles as a BSA Merit Badge Counselor in architecture and founder of the Winding Vista Nature Preserve, I have fostered mentorship, service, and community engagement.
In the YAR role, I hope to strengthen Georgia’s pipeline of young architects by amplifying mentorship opportunities with the College of Fellows, expanding recognition of emerging voices through awards, and ensuring that the concerns of recently licensed architects—such as equitable career pathways, licensure support, and work-life balance—are heard at both the state and national level. I also seek to connect Georgia’s diverse architectural community with national conversations on design, advocacy, and leadership, so that young professionals in our state are positioned not only to succeed but to lead.
Through this service, my goal is to elevate, connect, and empower young architects across Georgia.
Statement of Qualifications:
I am the Chief Operating Officer at Lightroom in Decatur, Georgia, where I guide firm operations, oversee project delivery, and mentor the next generation of architects. In parallel, I serve as BIM Manager and Senior Project Architect with Meticulous Design + Architecture, leading technical standards and quality assurance for complex public and healthcare projects.
My path in architecture began as a carpenter, giving me a deep respect for craft, construction, and collaboration that continues to shape my work today. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Southern Polytechnic State University (now Kennesaw State University), I built a career that bridges design leadership, technical management, and teaching.
As an educator at Kennesaw State, I have advanced design-build pedagogy, fostering learning through making and hands-on community projects. Internationally, I helped lead Lightroom’s participation in the 2025 Venice Biennale, curating and presenting work that positioned Georgia’s architectural voice on a global stage. Beyond practice, I serve as an Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor with the Boy Scouts of America and as founder of the Winding Vista Nature Preserve, both of which extend my commitment to mentorship and community stewardship.
As Young Architect Representative, I will bring this blend of professional, leadership, and community experience to advocate for emerging professionals, strengthen mentorship with Fellows, and amplify Georgia’s presence nationally. My aspiration is to connect and empower young architects so their voices shape the future of the profession.
Liz York
Desired Position: Strategic Council
Biography:
I want to serve on the AIA Strategic Council because I believe architects have a unique responsibility—and opportunity—to shape the future. Our work touches health, climate, and community every day, and the Council is where we can step back, look ahead, and make sure AIA members are equipped for what’s coming next.
My career has shown me the power of connecting vision with action. At the CDC, I led planning and sustainability for a $3.82B real estate portfolio—work that saved millions annually while improving the health and quality of the workplace. At GSA, I re-imagined underused federal buildings as community-serving, climate-conscious developments. And now, through my consulting practice, I continue to explore how architecture, public health, and investment can work together to create measurable impact for people and the planet.
On the Strategic Council, I’d like to bring those lessons to the table—and make sure Georgia’s voice is part of the national conversation.
My priorities include:
-Advancing climate – responsive leadership as a core skillset for all architects.
-Broadening pathways and participation in the profession – ensuring the next generation has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
-Exploring resilient practice models – to help firms stay strong and relevant in a changing economy.
For me, serving is about listening well, thinking big, and making sure the ideas we develop don’t just stay on paper—they become tools and insights that help every member succeed.
Statement of Qualifications:
I’ve always believed that architects are at our best when we use design to improve people’s lives. My career has taken me from leading sustainability and facilities strategy at the CDC and GSA to mentoring students at Georgia Tech and shaping community initiatives through Southface. At every step, I’ve worked to connect design excellence with bigger goals—health, resilience, and opportunity. That’s the perspective I would bring to the Strategic Council on behalf of Georgia.
Service to AIA has been a constant thread in that journey.
I’ve had the privilege of:
-Chairing the Committee for Climate Action and Design Excellence (2021), guiding the rollout of the Climate Action Plan and the Framework for Design Excellence.
-Helping draft AIA’s first Climate Action Plan (2020) as part of the Task Force.
-Serving on the Sustainability Leadership Group (2019–2020) to advance policy and tools for practice.
-Co-chairing the Design & Health Leadership Group (2017–2020) to integrate health into architecture.
-Serving on the Secretary’s Advisory Committee (2022–present), connecting governance conversations to member needs.
Here in Georgia, I’ve supported AIA committees and events and chaired the Southface Institute Board and the Georgia Tech College of Design Advisory Board, where I’ve focused on broadening pathways for students and connecting communities across traditional boundaries.
I would be honored to represent you on the Strategic Council—listening to your concerns, amplifying Georgia’s voice, and making sure our state’s talent, innovation, and ideas shape the future of the profession.
Shelly Anne Tulia Scott
Desired Position: Strategic Council
Biography:
As Georgia’s AIA National Strategic Council Representative, I will champion a forward-thinking vision for Georgia’s architects. By fostering honest dialogue, strengthening community bonds, pushing for greater equity, and guiding the profession to embrace innovation responsibly. I will actively foster networks that connect Georgia architects with allied professions, emerging technologies, and community partners, ensuring we are well-positioned for the future. My ultimate goal is to serve as a bridge: amplifying member voices at a national level, facilitating thoughtful dialogue, and supporting strategic decisions that ensure our profession remains resilient, relevant, and forward-looking for generations to come.
I believe I am a strong choice because I bring a combination of professional experience, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to connecting diverse voices across the architectural community. The profession is at a critical juncture, navigating developing technologies like AI, evolving partnerships, and the need for deeper community engagement. To effectively shape policy and prepare for the 21st century, we must also proactively address the needs and expectations of a multi-generational membership.
With two decades of experience working on and leading complex projects and teams, I have a proven track record of building consensus and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. My work emphasizes inclusive design, mentorship, and community-centered outcomes—skills essential for bridging generational and disciplinary perspectives within the AIA. Furthermore, I have founded and led initiatives that successfully bridged architects, allied professionals, and the public. These efforts have directly reinforced the profession’s relevance and strengthened our connection to the communities we serve.
Statement of Qualifications:
Shelly-Anne Tulia Scott’s professional journey reflects design excellence and a commitment to equity, inclusive design, and resilience. With two decades of experience, she has contributed to major architectural projects across the Southeast, spanning higher education, civic, religious, and mixed-use developments. Tulia’s philosophy emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and engaging diverse voices to create meaningful outcomes. In her career she has managed diverse teams to deliver impactful community-focused projects.
Tulia’s leadership extends beyond practice as the 2024–2025 NOMA Atlanta President, serving on the FAMU SAET Advisory Board, and having served on the NAWIC Atlanta Board. Recognized with the 2025 AIA Georgia Carmen Stan Elevation of the Profession Award, she has also participated in leadership programs including AIA Next to Lead, Christopher Kelley Leadership Development, National Intercultural Leadership Program, Grassroots Leadership, and Leadership Greenville (SC). Tulia has also participated in local advocacy and at the AIA Leadership Summit. At AIA Atlanta, she founded initiatives like URBANfronts Storefront Galleries to foster dialogue between the AEC community, local communities, and artists, and has chaired programs such as Architectural Tours, Photography Competition, and Design Equilibrium Publication.
As Georgia’s AIA National Strategic Council Representative, Tulia brings extensive professional expertise, inclusive leadership, and broad community engagement to amplify the voices of Georgia architects nationally. She aims to advocate for the challenges of the profession, build stronger networks among AIA, allied organizations, and communities, and inspire the next generation of diverse architectural leaders while shaping an innovative, outward-looking vision for the profession including multiple generations.
Hsu-Jen Huang
Desired Position: At-Large Director
Biography:
I believe I would be a strong candidate for the role of at-large director of AIA Georgia because of my commitment to advancing architecture as both a profession and a public responsibility. With over two decades of experience in architectural education and community engagement, I bring a perspective that bridges academia and practice, as well as local and global contexts.
My career has centered on fostering the next generation of architects while also contributing to design excellence, sustainability, and cultural awareness. I have worked to integrate architectural thinking with broader issues—environmental stewardship, heritage preservation, and social equity—ensuring that design serves both people and place. These values align closely with AIA Georgia’s mission to lead, advocate, and inspire.
As at-large director, I hope to strengthen connections among practitioners, educators, and students across the state, creating more opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth. I am particularly interested in amplifying diverse voices in architecture, expanding outreach to underrepresented communities, and highlighting the role of design in addressing urgent challenges such as climate resilience and urban equity.
Ultimately, I see this position as an opportunity to serve the architectural community by listening, collaborating, and advancing initiatives that promote design excellence and social impact. I would be honored to contribute my experience, energy, and vision in support of AIA Georgia’s ongoing leadership in shaping the built environment.
Statement of Qualifications:
Dr. Hsu-Jen Huang is a professor of architecture at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he has taught since 1998. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, he earned his Ph.D. in Architecture from the Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow University in Scotland. His academic and professional expertise spans architectural and urban design, digital representation, and hybrid media presentation, with a focus on connecting design innovation to cultural and environmental contexts.
In addition to teaching, Hsu-Jen is an accomplished photographer and researcher whose projects have explored Buddhist life on the Tibetan Plateau, the construction of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and the architectural heritage of southern China. His work has been exhibited in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, reflecting his commitment to bridging global perspectives with local communities.
Hsu-Jen brings to this role more than two decades of leadership in higher education, mentoring emerging architects, and fostering dialogue between academia and professional practice. His community engagement includes interdisciplinary collaborations that highlight sustainability, cultural preservation, and the social impact of design.
As an at-large director of AIA Georgia, he aspires to expand opportunities for mentorship, elevate diverse voices within the profession, and strengthen connections across generations of architects. He hopes to advance initiatives that emphasize design excellence, environmental stewardship, and equity in the built environment, while ensuring AIA Georgia continues to serve as a vital platform for advocacy, collaboration, and innovation.
Ryan Murphy
Desired Position: At-Large Director
Biography:
I have been honored to serve as an At-Large Director for AIA Georgia, bringing a clear and consistent voice to the challenges and opportunities facing architects across our state. My 17+ years of experience in both the private and federal sectors have given me a broad perspective on design excellence, public policy, and the leadership role architects play in shaping communities. As a co-founder and president of Shamrock+, I have helped build a thriving business that delivers cutting-edge technology solutions to the AEC industry, experience that has strengthened my ability to connect innovation with practical outcomes.
During my first term, I championed initiatives to engage members in meaningful ways, including the continued development of the Citizen Architect Matching & Placement System (CAMPS). This program is designed to connect architects with opportunities to serve on civic boards, commissions, and councils—putting our expertise where it matters most and amplifying the profession’s impact. I will also continue to support the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP), which I view as one of AIA Georgia’s stand-out benefits for cultivating and equipping the next generation of leaders.
If elected to a second term, I will focus on implementing CAMPS across Georgia, providing training and resources to prepare architects for public service, strengthening CKLDP’s reach and impact, and positioning AIA Georgia as a leader in civic engagement. My goal is to ensure every member sees a pathway to meaningful participation, leadership growth, and influence in their community.
Statement of Qualifications:
Ryan R. Murphy, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, is a Senior Architect and Program Manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he provides national-level leadership in military construction design excellence, sustainability, and architectural criteria. He serves as principal advisor to the USACE Chief Architect and manages the agency’s Standards & Criteria Program, shaping policy and guiding enterprise-wide initiatives that impact the planning and delivery of mission-critical facilities worldwide.
Ryan has over 17 years of experience across private practice and federal service, including a 13-month civilian deployment to Afghanistan and multiple hurricane recovery missions with FEMA. He is the co-founder and president of Shamrock+, a growing firm delivering precision construction progress monitoring, 3D virtual tours, and advanced reality-capture services to the Southeastern U.S. In recognition of his contributions to the profession, Ryan was honored with the 2023 AIA Young Architects Award, presented by AIA National.
Within AIA, Ryan has served as AIA Savannah Chapter President, Chair and Past Chair of AIA Georgia’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP), and currently as an At-Large Director for AIA Georgia. He is committed to advancing leadership development, advocacy, and civic engagement initiatives, including the Citizen Architect Matching & Placement System (CAMPS).
As an At-Large Director, Ryan will continue to expand CKLDP’s impact, implement CAMPS across Georgia, and create clear pathways for members to grow as leaders and influence their communities through meaningful civic participation.
Carmen Evans
Desired Position: At-Large Director
Biography:
I would like to express my strong interest in the At-Large Board Director position. As a long serving member of the AIA Savannah, I believe in the value that service to the profession provides. My goal is to help expand our professions reach into the community and help students and young professionals reach their goals within the field.
My career as Associate Vice President / Design Studio Manager and my extensive community leadership experience have prepared me to contribute to the Board’s strategic vision for the upcoming years ahead. I am committed to mentorship and team development. My previous service as President of AIA Savannah gave me invaluable experience in setting a chapter’s strategic direction and representing its members. During my term, I hosted AIA National President Jane Frederick to discuss resilient design and actively participated in the equity and diversity initiative. My time as a member of the inaugural Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program provided the foundation for understanding the workings of the AIA Georgia and the value of community relationships.
I am confident that my experience in leadership, strategic thinking, and dedication to AIA’s mission will be an asset to the Board. I am eager to contribute my time and energy to serving the AIA Georgia membership.
Statement of Qualifications:
As an active and engaged member of the architectural community, I have a strong record of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. My commitment to the profession is demonstrated through my service in various board positions and my consistent participation in professional engagements.
I have served in key leadership roles, including President of AIA Savannah and was recently appointed a Director for the Architecture Foundation of Georgia. I have managed accreditation processes and led initiatives on equity and diversity. As Chair of the USGBC Savannah Branch Leadership Group, I played a vital role in advancing sustainable building practices in the community. I regularly contribute my expertise as a guest critic for undergraduate and graduate architecture studios at Savannah College of Art and Design. My involvement extends to a variety of jury roles for prestigious design awards, including those for AIA Miami, AIA Richmond, and AIA Northwest Florida. I have also been an invited speaker throughout the years at industry events and career days, sharing insights on sustainable design and the future of architecture. My featured written work covers topics such as LEED v5, net-zero design, and building paths to certification. My volunteer efforts and teaching experience further underscore dedication to both community development and the education of future architects.
Anthony Grisafi
Desired Position: At-Large Director
Biography:
I am honored to submit my candidacy for Director at Large on the AIA Georgia Board. As a committed architect and long-time member of the AIA, I bring a passion for advancing the profession, strengthening our community, and promoting equity, sustainability, and innovation in the built environment. With over 25 years of experience in architectural practice, leadership, and advocacy, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities our profession faces. I believe my experience allows me to contribute meaningfully to the strategic direction of the AIA, ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of our diverse membership.
My key priorities as a Director at Large would include:
Enhancing Member Value: Ensuring our programs, services, and resources empower architects to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Elevating Emerging Professionals: Strengthening pathways for leadership, licensure, and mentorship.
Championing Equity and Inclusion: Advocating for a more just and representative profession at every level.
I believe that serving on the AIA Board is both a privilege and a responsibility—to listen, collaborate, and lead with integrity on behalf of our members. I am committed to fostering meaningful dialogue, building consensus, and amplifying the voices of all architects to advance our collective mission.
Statement of Qualifications: Anthony Grisafi, AIA, LEED AP is an architect with a wide array of practice area experience. He joined McMillan Pazdan Smith in Augusta, GA in 2021 after relocating from New Jersey. A 2025 graduate of the AIA Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program’s Georgia Chapter, current president of AIA Augusta, Anthony brings experience on leading the recent transition of AIA Augusta from a chapter to a section of AIA Georgia. Anthony is passionate about preserving our history and contributing to a sustainable built environment. Living at the eastern board of GA, Anthony looks forward to frequent regional collaborations with neighboring states such as South Carolina and North Carolina. In his community, Anthony also serves on the executive board as Treasurer of the Aiken, SC Bicycle Club, further advocating for equity in the streets of his community.
Jessika Nelson
Desired Position: Treasurer
Biography:
Jessika Nelson, AIA, NCARB is the Founder and Managing Partner of Fifteen70 Development, a multidisciplinary design and real estate development firm focused on community-driven, mixed-use, and affordable housing projects. With over a decade of experience in architecture and development, she combines design expertise with financial acumen, managing budgets and financing for multi-million-dollar projects. Jessika currently serves as Treasurer for the Architecture Foundation of Georgia, where she leads financial strategy and reporting to advance scholarships and Impact Grants. A graduate of the ULI Atlanta Center for Leadership Program, she brings a collaborative, systems-level approach to tackling complex community challenges. Jessika is deeply engaged with the American Institute of Architects, having served as Programs Director for AIA Atlanta (2016–2020) and contributing to AIA Georgia and AIA South Atlantic Region initiatives. As the current Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Alliance of Georgia, she champions diversity, equity, and inclusion as a means to achieve better outcomes for architects and the communities they serve. Passionate about public advocacy and education, Jessika works to amplify the role of architecture in creating equitable, thriving communities across Georgia.
Statement of Qualifications:
As a licensed architect, real estate developer, and past Treasurer for the Architecture Foundation of Georgia, I bring proven experience in financial stewardship, strategic planning, and community leadership that align with AIA Georgia’s mission. As AFGA Treasurer, I have strengthened budgeting and reporting processes to support scholarships and Impact Grants. In my professional environment, I manage budgets and financing for multi-million-dollar projects focused on affordable and workforce housing, mixed-use developments, and community placemaking—skills that directly translate to managing AIA Georgia’s resources with transparency and purpose. My deep engagement with AIA includes serving as AIA Atlanta Programs Director for four years, steering the ASPIRE Regional Conference for 3 years, and countless local initiatives that advocate for architects and educate the public about the value of design. I am passionate about ensuring AIA Georgia’s financial health and strategic growth so it can continue to empower members, support emerging professionals, and amplify the impact of architecture statewide.
Namrata Dani
Desired Position: Young Architect Representative (Y.A.R)
Biography:
I currently work as a Project Architect in Corgan’s Education studio out of Atlanta. I graduated from Georgia Tech with an M.Arch degree and have over a decade of experience in various architectural projects. Building upon my multi-faceted experience in commercial mixed-use projects, I focus on various educational typologies serving K-12 and higher educational learning environments.
Having lived and experienced architectural spaces in different cities and climates, agility and adaptability had shaped the core of my professional journey. Building upon this adaptability while collaborating with young architects in different states would be beneficial in bringing forth new ideas while identifying and addressing the needs of the young architectural professionals in Georgia.
Statement of Qualifications:
I have served in leadership positions in school and throughout my career. I’ve had an opportunity to serve as a Programs Director on the AIA Atlanta board previously, while graduating from the AIA Georgia Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program Class of 2022. I currently serve as a Co-Chair for AIA Georgia’s Equity in Architecture committee.
I’m a dedicated and passionate AIA member that believes in carving your own professional path
while leaning in for support within the architectural community.
As the current generation of young architects transition to the missing middle leadership roles in architectural firms, there is a great opportunity for AIA to step in and provide camaraderie and resources to navigate the nuanced career challenges. I would like to connect with various architectural representatives across the nation and bring back the collaborative knowledge and resources to apply to the unique challenges in Georgia.
Adam Drummond
Desired Position: Young Architect Representative (Y.A.R)
Biography:
I believe I would be a strong choice to serve as Young Architect Representative because advocacy has been at the center of my professional journey. I am passionate about ensuring that architects, especially emerging professionals, feel their voices are heard and their contributions are valued. I have represented our profession through AIA Georgia’s Day at the Capitol, served nationally on the AIA/AGC Joint Committee, and consistently sought opportunities to advocate on behalf of others.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I created Young Architects Discussing COVID-19, an online forum designed to connect and support architects during a time of deep uncertainty and isolation. What began as a small idea quickly grew to 91 members across Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, California, Maryland, Texas, New Jersey, and Virginia, as well as internationally in Canada, India, Sweden, and Puerto Rico. Together, we shared resources, addressed challenges such as job loss, pay cuts, and mental health, and reflected on how our industry would evolve in the years ahead.
As YAR, I hope to continue creating platforms where young architects across Georgia can engage in meaningful dialogue, access mentorship, and contribute to shaping the future of our profession. I will focus on strengthening connections between local components and the national organization, amplifying the concerns of young architects, and ensuring their voices are reflected in tangible actions and resources. This role represents an opportunity not only to serve but to empower—and I am eager to build a more connected, supportive, and forward-looking community.
Statement of Qualifications:
The simple answer to my biography is that I am an architect, firm partner, and CKLDP Advisory Committee member. The fuller answer is that I am simply someone who has reached this point in my career thanks to the guidance of incredible mentors and peers—and I believe it is now my responsibility to extend that same support to others.
My focus has always been on making resources accessible, building connections, and creating opportunities where they don’t yet exist. Through leadership roles in AIA, within my firm, and across community initiatives, I’ve worked to open doors and foster networks that empower others to grow.
Growing up in Kentucky before the internet, I know what it’s like to feel far from opportunity and community. I remember the day my dad installed our first computer, and I saw how transformative it was to suddenly have access to resources and networks, no matter the distance. That perspective continues to shape how I lead today: with a commitment to ensuring young architects feel connected, supported, and within reach of the tools they need to succeed. One thing I know is that I will approach the Young Architect Representative position differently than anyone else has before—always with the goal of amplifying the voices of emerging professionals and making sure they see themselves reflected in the future of our profession.
Bryan Houser
Desired Position: At – Large Director
Biography:
I humbly submit my candidacy for At-Large Director on the AIA Georgia Board. I believe that my 30+ years of experience in professional practice in Georgia, and my multiple leadership positions in nonprofit organizations to advance the development of architects and the pipeline to architecture have prepared me to successfully take on the At-Large Director role.
Throughout my career I have always been attracted to opportunities to support others in multiple stages of their career journey. I’ve also enjoyed leading large teams through design, documentation, and the construction administration of complex architectural developments. I have enjoyed participating in the AIA Mentor Program, and as Director of Education for the Atlanta Center for Creative Inquiry, now SPIKE Studio, to inspire young minds to become architects. I have also embraced multiple leadership roles in NOMA Atlanta (Parliamentarian, Vice-President, and President) to advocate for and celebrate minority architects and architectural students in the southeast region.
In my current role as VP of Pre-Construction Lifecycle at IHG Hotels & Resorts, I’m honored that part of my remit is to lead our Sustainable Design team to embed key energy conservation measures into our brands and speak at industry events like ALIS to support our sustainable environment goals across a wide estate of projects.
In the role of At-Large Director, I will strive to continue my committed advocacy of architects across the state to provide relevant resources, deserved recognition, and greater empowerment to execute our duties for the betterment of our industry, environment, and communitie
Statement of Qualifications:
I have been a Georgia resident since 1994, after graduating from Hampton University with my Bachelor of Architecture degree. I was excited to jump into the design & construction frenzy leading up to the 1996 Olympic Games. I will bring this knowledge of where we’ve been and what we can accomplish together to the board to constantly push the envelope of greater opportunities for our members.
I have been honored to develop my skills under leaders of legacy firms like JW Robinson & Associates and TVS in Atlanta. At these firms I was able to gain valuable experience in all aspects of the profession on convention center and hotel projects. But of equal importance to that practical experience, was the incredible network of colleagues that came together to teach and learn from each other, challenge and inspire each other, and hold each other up to accomplish great things. I will use this experience to build more bridges between our membership to make us all stronger together.
In 2011, I joined IHG Hotels & Resorts and their Design & Construction team to support the hospitality design industry with the full design lifecycle from brand creation through design and construction. This experience has exposed me to global forces in marketing and supply chain that impact us locally, and it has given me the opportunity to strategically plan for success in the face of headwinds. I will use this experience to help us be strategic and visionary to fulfill our mission.
Additional Resources
- Current Board of Directors: Explore AIA’s current Board of Directors and AIA staff leadership.
- AIA Georgia Bylaws (2021): Read the ratified understandings for the State Chapter.
- AIA Membership: Learn more about AIA and how to join over 100,000 other architects worldwide.
