2027 Call For Volunteers

Volunteering with AIA Colorado is a great way to use leadership skills, meet like-minded colleagues, expand your network, and shape the profession. As you consider involvement, note that many committee meetings take place via video conference, allowing geographical participation from across the state. Commitments for committee participation are for one calendar year and committee chair positions are appointed annually. We encourage candidates from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds including career stage, firm size, practice type, location, and personal demographics. 

All current volunteers must submit an application to reaffirm their commitment to serve in 2027.

Before applying, review all volunteer opportunities and descriptions (aiacolorado.org/call-for-volunteers)

Selections are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. These opportunities are reserved exclusively for AIA members in good standing, AIAS members, and 2027 AIA Colorado Allied Members. Assignments are made based on the stated preference and qualifications of each applicant along with team composition and capacity needs. We will endeavor to find a place for everyone but cannot guarantee appointments for every applicant.

To apply, complete the form below by 11:59pm, December 4, 2026.

Thank you for your interest in serving!

Overview

Overview: The Christopher Kelley Leadership Program was first brought to AIA Colorado in 2017. The program was originally launched in 2013, where the AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program that would help train and nurture the next generation of leaders. This year-long program brings together a competitively selected cohort of 16 emerging leaders for nine half-day sessions focused on leadership development and professional growth.

The program is intended for professionals who have established a foundation in their careers and are seeking to expand their leadership skills, influence, and impact within the architectural profession. For the purposes of this program, an emerging leader is defined as someone who demonstrates leadership potential, initiative, and influence within their firm, profession, or community. Eligible candidates must be licensed architects or individuals pursuing a career in architecture, have a minimum of five years of professional experience (which may include experience outside the architectural profession), and, if licensed, be within 10 years of licensure. Prospective participants must go through an application process for selection where proven career success, community involvement and the individual’s firm support will be considered.

Honoring Christopher Kelley

Christopher Kelley, AIA, was an active member of the DC architectural community and suddenly passed away in May 2012. He was a respected leader within the Institute as well as within Gensler’s Washington DC office. Through his volunteer efforts, he participated and contributed to initiatives and programs that have had a positive impact on emerging professionals at different stages of their careers. In 2010, Christopher was honored with the AIA Young Architects Award for which the jury stated, “Christopher has proven himself a young leader within and around the AIA, a real example for other young professionals.” This program is intended to continue his legacy of leadership and activism.

Curriculum

The curriculum focuses on core professional skills such as entrepreneurship and firm management, collaboration, the art of negotiation, client development, community leadership, industry trends, and developing your future within the practice. The selected scholars are responsible for planning and participating in each of the individual sessions. The program will be kicked off by an Opening Ceremony session to introduce the participants and to further develop the desired curriculum for the year. This session is mandatory and will be held on January 15th, 2027 from 10:30am – 5pm. Remaining sessions will be held monthly through October.

 2027 Schedule

• Opening Ceremony: January 15 (mandatory attendance)
• Session 1: Management and Mentorship; March 12
• Session 2: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; April 16
• Session 3: Community Engagement; May 14
• Session 4: Business Development and Entrepreneurship; June 11
• Session 5: Contracts and Negotiation; July 16
• Session 6: Sustainability in Design; August 13
• Session 7: Research, Education, and Technology; September 10
• Session 8: The Future of Architecture and Closing Ceremony; October 15
• Closing Ceremony: October 22 (mandatory attendance)

 Application Process

Individuals will be selected on the basis of a written application, recommendations, and resume. Successful applicants will represent a diverse group of emerging professionals that demonstrate a strong potential as a future leader. A jury will convene in December to make the selections of the 2027 program scholars. Candidates will be notified of their selection to participate in the program by mid-December.

PDF version of Complete CKLDP 2026 Application Requirements 

Tuition

Tuition for AIA Members is $500; non‐AIA member tuition is $850. AIA Colorado may choose to offer tuition assistance to individuals who may otherwise not be able to participate. The amount and number of tuition assistance will be at the discretion of the CKLDP Executive Committee.

AIA Membership

Though AIA membership is encouraged for all scholars, it is not mandatory. A scoring preference will be given to AIA Colorado members, though other emerging professionals are welcome to submit an application for consideration.

AIA Continuing Education

This program includes AIA CE credit for all participants. Scholars are responsible for writing the learning objectives of their assigned session; the program targets a total of 32 CEU’s for the year, some of which may be HSW.

Required Commitment to the Program

The program’s success is directly related to the attendance by the participants and therefore attendance in person is mandatory. Each participant of the program will be required to sign an Agreement Form that will require a signature from one of the participant’s principals of their firm. Provided due notice to the Executive Committee, with extenuating circumstances, each scholar will be allowed one excused absence. If two sessions are missed, a fine of $125 will be sent to the participant’s firm. A further absence will result in an additional $125 fine and expulsion from the program. All scholars are required to attend the Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony, missing either will result in an automatic $125 fine. Missing both Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony will result in expulsion from the program.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY BE DISQUALIFIED.

1. Letter of Recommendation – each application must include a letter of recommendation. Letters are limited to one page and should be uploaded in PDF format. (named as Last Name-First Name-Letter of Recommendation.pdf) 
2. Personal Resume – including applicant’s education, employment history, organizations or activity involvement, and honors and awards. Resumes are preferred to be no more than two pages and uploaded in PDF format. (named as Last Name-First Name-Resume.pdf) 
3. Agreement Form – completed, signed, and uploaded in PDF format. Please see additional  application materials on AIA CO CKLDP website to download a copy of the form. (Last Name-First Name-Agreement.pdf) Find it here
4. Short Answers (named as Last Name-First Name-Short Answer.pdf) 

• Statement of Interest (250 words)
• Are you an emerging leader, who is a licensed architect or individual pursuing a career in architecture, has a minimum of five years of professional experience (which may include experience outside the architectural profession), and, if licensed, is within 10 years of licensure? Yes/No
• Are you an AIA member? Yes/No
• Have you applied to the CKLDP Program before? Yes/No
• Have you participated in the AIA Ascend Program? Yes/No
• Have you participated in AIA EP/YA events? Yes/No
• What do you feel are the 3 most significant issues and opportunities facing the profession today? (250 words)
• What are the specific skills or knowledge you hope to gain from your participation in the CKLDP? (250 words)
• How do you define leadership and how have you demonstrated leadership skills to this point in your career? (250 words) 

Tuition Assistance Form (optional) Find it here

Tuition Assistance is limited to AIA Colorado members and dependent upon firm size. Individuals are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance if they qualify. Please review the criteria carefully.

For questions, please contact aiacoloradockldp@gmail.com

For more program information, please see our website: Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

2027 Executive Committee: 

• Christina LoConte, AIA – Chair – email
• Charles de Pottère, AIA – Vice Chair - email
• Taylor Higgins, AIA – Chair Emeritus – email
• Geoff Mittler, AIA – Business Development Director
• Macy Huffaker – Outreach Director
• Gina Frenette, Assoc. AIA – Treasurer
• Julia Lecy, AIA – Marketing Director

The Ascend Program connects emerging architecture professionals with mid-career architects through mentorship as an intentional first step into the profession. These connections will support EP’s in the early stage of their careers, guiding through challenges, setting goals, and developing the skill set to succeed. Ascend groups are organized locally. 

Mentors and Mentees are invited to apply no later than December 4, 2026.

Program Outcomes

1.  Guidance 

• Awareness and identification of culture of architecture profession. Training on professional etiquette and expectations. Negotiate the adjustments from academia to profession.  

2.  Support, problem solving

• Preparing for and dealing with challenges in the working environment. Problem solving. 

3.  Career Planning, Goal Setting

• Understanding the different career paths in architecture. Setting goals in a career and developing a pathway to achieve those goals.

Attendance

This program’s success is directly dependent on the consistent attendance by the participants and therefore attendance is mandatory. Each member will be allowed one excused absence. The agreement form must be filled out and signed by the applicant. The signature of a firm principal is also required showing the commitment of the firm to the applicant’s full participation.

2027 Schedule:

• Ascend Kickoff meeting: February 25. Introductions and icebreakers.
• Session 2: March 25. Design Your Life exercises.
• Session 3: April 29. Discussion on Atomic Habits and skills development.
• Session 4: May 27. Leadership skills from Leadership on the Line.
• Session 5: June 24. Range and the importance of having a broad skill set.
• Closing session/Ascend Reunion: August 26
• 1 Mentorship meet-up between each session

*session topics subject to change*

Program Requirements

• Emerging professional and AIA member 
• Currently working in the architecture field
• Between 1 - 5 years of professional office experience
• Unlicensed
• Started AXP process Perferred
• Recent Graduates can apply

Program Overview

The Ascend Program will empower people to see the future of their career in architecture, and develop a path for their next 5-10 years in the profession. 

This program has been developed to fit as the first step in a series of established AIA Colorado opportunities to enrich careers and provide opportunities for leadership. Graduates of the Ascend program are encouraged to continue their professional development through these other programs:

1. The Ascend Program

2. Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

3. Volunteering

A. Local advisory councils

B. Committee work

C. Knowledge communities

D. Board membership

4. College of Fellows

Mentor Selection

• Licensed Architects
• Currently working in the architecture field
• Between 10 - 15 years of professional office experience
• Hold a leadership or Senior position
• Engaged on active projects