Hello AIA members!

The theme of my presidency is simple: to make every member’s professional life 5% easier. While that might sound like a small, incremental change, achieving it would be neither easy nor insignificant.

I know each of you works tirelessly to make your life and work a little better—easier, more lucrative, more stable, more artistically rewarding—and a little less stressful. I believe we all share these goals.

In my office, my partner introduced me to the Japanese concept of Kaizen, or “continuous improvement.” At first, part of me thought, Ugh, that sounds exhausting. But my better, architect-self knows that Kaizen is actually the smartest and most sustainable way to get where we want to be. It’s also how AIA can better support you in achieving your professional goals.

Over the past few years, there’s been a lot of talk about Artificial Intelligence helping us solve problems. But here’s one challenge I think only we humans can tackle: AI doesn’t live our lives. It hasn’t pulled countless all-nighters in school, worked through weekends perfecting a client presentation, or worried about providing for a family on an emerging architect’s salary. It hasn’t had to be scrappy finding a first job or starting a firm. It hasn’t felt the joy of creating a design that fully reflects your talent or the satisfaction of solving a complex puzzle to meet a client’s needs. And it hasn’t wrestled with sleepless nights worrying about keeping staff after losing a big client or during an economic slowdown.

We understand those experiences. And that’s why neither I nor the AIA Colorado Board can solve this challenge alone—we need your help.

I’m asking each of you to contribute one good idea. It can be about any aspect of the profession, and it doesn’t matter how much experience you have. We’re going to crowdsource ideas from the most qualified group I know: you. 

Together, let’s answer the question, How do we make our profession—and your job—5% easier?

Here’s how it works: Look at your current practice and identify something that’s working well for you. It doesn’t need to revolutionize the industry. Even small improvements can make a big difference. 

Once we collect your ideas, AIA staff and the Board will organize them and share the best ones with everyone. You’ll be able to pick and choose the suggestions that resonate most with you and your work.

Let’s embrace the spirit of Kaizen and improve our profession collectively. I can’t wait to hear your ideas and share in the wisdom of this incredible community.
 

Scott Rodwin, AIA

2025 AIA Colorado President

Call for Nominations

2026 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils 

We are seeking AIA Colorado members to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and as state representatives to AIA national councils. The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making and strategic planning. The national councils are peer group networks who provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy to the national level of the Institute. 

Ideal candidates are AIA members who are strategically minded, service-oriented and capable of identifying and responding to industry trends—to enhance and propel the profession and to help members excel in their areas of practice. 

AIA Colorado is committed to broadening equity, diversity and inclusion to create a stronger profession. Towards that end, the nominating committee will make every attempt to recommend a diverse, strategy-driven and competency-based slate of candidates.

To learn more about the opportunities, their critical competencies sought, and the responsibilities and commitments, please go here.
 

TO APPLY

Applicants who are interested in being considered for board or council service by the Nominating Committee should complete the application here on Submittable by October 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST.