Shine The light
June 2025
Passionately advancing global collaboration through architecture.
Shine the Light is a new series in our newsletter spotlighting members whose passionate efforts advance AIA International’s values, visibility, and voice. For our second feature, we’re proud to present Jason Holland, AIA, Treasurer of AIA International and convenor of the inaugural Global Architecture Symposium 2025, held during the AIA Conference in Boston.
The symposium, titled “Shaping the Future of Design Across Borders,” addressed the challenges, opportunities, and strategies architects face in an increasingly globalized world. It stands as an inspiring model of international collaboration across chapters, sections, and global members.
Below is a summary of a conversation between Jason Holland [JH] and Yew Kee [YKC]:
[YKC] We admire your passion. Can you share your vision for launching the Global Architecture Symposium at AIA 2025 in Boston? What were some of the key challenges in pitching for this proposal and in getting it off the ground?
[JH]
During my time volunteering with various areas of AIA International, AIA Shanghai, and AIA Middle East, I have consistently been amazed by the breadth and depth of AIA’s global presence. The organization has grown organically abroad based on a common eager embrace from essentially all areas of the world. However, when attending National conferences, I noticed that there was a lack of formal representation that highlights all the work happening throughout AIA internationally. Of course, there were some singular sessions focused on global topics, but I felt there was potential to really shine the light on global architecture. Hence, the idea for a full-day symposium was born and it provided an opportunity for various chapters, sections, leaders, and practitioners to share a wide variety of perspectives on working abroad.
As with any new idea, we had to show a proof of concept. This required 3-fold buy-in from: AIA National, chapters/speakers, and attendees. There were certainly doubts that we could pull this off, especially as a Symposium at National requires an additional ticket purchase to cover logistics, but I was convinced that there would be enough demand.
We quickly had an out-pouring of interest of speakers after our AIA International call for speakers, which enabled us to be able to identify a broader theme and eventually put curated sessions together. AIA National eagerly braced the Symposium when the saw the draft agenda we had created with speakers from around the world represented.
Anticipation over ticket sales estimates was the final challenge, as despite the enthusiasm we weren’t sure if people would be willing to pay the extra cost for it. Luckily, the tickets sold out quickly, National was very supportive to give us a larger room and allocate more seats, and we had the great support of NorthGlass as a sponsor.
Overall, the process had some challenges and healthy scepticism, but there was great support across the board to drive this forward. A big thanks to everyone who helped make the event happen and especially to Genie who was crucial to the process.
(Note: did later learn that variation of this had been hosted previously, but it was quite long ago and a new team at National was in place.)
[YKC] Were you surprised by the response of registrants? And what are two key takeaways from such a successful event?
[JH]
Genuinely, yes I was surprised. I thought there was an error in the system when our session first showed “sold-out”! However, there was such a diverse crowd that attended that it proved the interest in global architecture goes well beyond our group and is a poignant issue for many attendees.
First key take-away is there is a wide-spread interest regarding international practice in the AIA community. Well beyond our current reach. This is a great opportunity to understand the needs and wants to help connect and grow our community. This is a great opportunity to grow a relationship with the Global Practice Committee.
Second key take-away is that leadership at National level see a lot of potential and the importance of international practice. Not only past, present, and future AIA National leadership, but also leaders who joined us from RIBA, the Australian Institute of Architects, and Architectural Association of Kenya (A.A.K.).
Finally, it was special to hear SHoP architects journey of work abroad through Africa pre-faced by an intro from the A.A.Kenya President and then followed by large firm leaders (KPF, PerkinsEastman, HKS, Buro Happold) sharing perspectives from large firms where internationally growth is critical. This highlights the broad range of perspectives and opportunities when working abroad.
[YKC] Moving forward, what’s on your wish list for future editions of the Symposium?
[JH]
I do hope this Symposium at National conferences becomes another signature event hosted by AIA International and continues to take place annually. I plan to stay involved next year as Chair for this event to apply lessons learned and then hope it can be continued.
We learned quite a few things this year. Including, there is a clear demand, but we still should actively promote the session and speakers. The AIA National conference is a competition for attention with multiple sessions, tours, and meetings. Even ticket sales doesn’t guarantee the seats will be filled.
I would also like to curate the overall theme and have sessions more calibrated towards a common topic. Based on the success of the session this year, we will likely open call for proposals internally earlier and then focus on curating a good mix of sessions.
Also, a full-day makes for a long day. We may look at options of shortening the event or including a tour to break up the agenda.
A’26 will be located in San Diego and I am excited to look at opportunities to highlight firms working in the local area that are working abroad, as well as speakers from nearby L.A and S.F areas. It is also a great opportunity for Latin American speakers to be in focus.
Thanks again to all speakers, guests and organizers! It was you all that really made this a success.
Stay tuned for updates on next year’s Symposium!
Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, MSIA
2024-2025 AIA International President
2024 President, AIA Southeast Asia
yewkee.cheong@aiainternational.org
