Thierry Paret, FAIA, MRIAI, ARB, Richard Upjohn Fellow
The AIA Strategic Council advances the architectural profession by informing about important professional issues, opportunities, and threats. The Council has an outward and forward-focused vision with an emphasis on long-term goals and outcomes. To learn more about the role and activities of the Strategic Council, click here.
As I begin my second year of the three-year term as AIA International’s representative on the AIA Strategic Council, I’ve gained a much clearer picture of how this group operates alongside the National Board. It truly serves as the Institute’s think tank, generating forward-looking ideas and acting as a vital resource for the Board. When I was a Director-At-Large back in 2016–2017, I didn’t have quite the same window into its workings.
The Council brings together a remarkably diverse group of AIA members, drawing from every corner of the profession and a wide range of market sectors and practice expertise. Its core role is to advise the National Board with strategic recommendations that help secure the long-term success of our membership and the Institute as a whole. Equally important, it acts as a two-way bridge, channeling insights and concerns from members up to leadership, and sharing national priorities back out to the field.
Study/research group
Each year, the Council launches fresh study groups to dig into emerging issues. For 2026, the five active groups are focused on:
• Group 1 – Regenerative Nation
• Group 2 – Housing – (Study Group I belong to)
• Group 3 – Practice
• Group 4 – Value
• Group 5 – Neuroarchitecture
Study/research group
By year’s end, these groups will synthesize their own research with insights from past task forces, Knowledge Communities, and earlier Strategic Council efforts. They’ll deliver clear, actionable recommendations to the National Board for consideration and potential implementation.
I hope many of you can join us at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026 (AIA26), June 10–13 in San Diego. It’s always the biggest gathering in our field, packed with inspiring keynotes, timely seminars, and plenty of chances to reconnect with colleagues. The Practice Committee, together with AIA International, will once again host a special evening gathering—look for details as the program firms up. Registration is open now, with early-bird rates available through April 10: conferenceonarchitecture.com
Another timely opportunity: the 2026 AIA Future Forward Grant. If you’re a student, emerging professional, or architect licensed for less than 10 years, you can apply for up to $10,000 to explore bold, disruptive ideas around practice, process, or product in architecture. Applications are open through Friday, April 17, 2026 (11:59 pm ET). Full details and the application portal are on the Young Architects Forum page in the AIA Community Hub: communityhub.aia.org (search for “2026 AIA Future Forward Grant”).
Finally, I hope the monthly Strategic Council reports I’ve been sharing are keeping you in the loop on what’s happening at 1735 New York Avenue. They’re meant to give everyone a clearer sense of the conversations and directions shaping our Institute.
As always, please feel free to reach out with questions, ideas, or suggestions about any of the Council’s work or broader Board initiatives. I’m here to listen and connect.
Best regards,
Thierry Paret, FAIA, MRIAI, ARB, Richard Upjohn Fellow
AIA International Strategic Council Representative
