President’s Letter
April 2026
As we navigate a world marked by rapid change and growing uncertainty, the role of architecture remains fundamental to the future of society. Architecture is not only about buildings or technology, but also about responsibility, cultural understanding, and the long-term well-being of communities.
As President of the American Institute of Architects International, my goal is to strengthen our global platform, one that connects professionals, educators, researchers, and emerging talent across regions. Through collaboration, dialogue, and knowledge sharing, we continue to advance architecture as a positive force that serves humanity and supports sustainable development in an increasingly interconnected world.
This commitment was also reflected in our recent online AIA International Spring Conference (AIAISC’26), which brought together international participants from across the globe to engage in timely discussions on the evolving role of architecture in a rapidly changing global context. The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility across regions and disciplines.
“Architecture must go beyond form and function to address responsibility, resilience, and the long-term well-being of communities. Our role is to connect knowledge across borders and act collectively for a more sustainable future.”
Group photograph with leadership representatives of the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI), Taiwan’s national design institute dedicated to advancing design policy, innovation research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across industry and the public sector, reflecting international cooperation in architecture, design innovation, and professional knowledge exchange.
Learn more about TDRI
This quarter’s message highlights our ongoing progress in international collaboration, partnership development, and initiatives that support emerging professionals and global knowledge exchange.
Global Role of AIA International
Seoul International Architecture Forum
From left: Conseil National de l'Ordre des Architectes (France) (CNOA) President, Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) President, Africa Union of Architects (AUA) President, Seoul City Architect, Korean Institute of Architects (KIA) President, International Union of Architects / Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA) Presidetn, Conselho de Arquitetura e Urbanismo (CAU/BR) Presdietn, AIA International President-elect, and panel participants engaging in international professional dialogue.
View the forum recording here
The American Institute of Architects International chapter serves as a global platform that promotes connection, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within the built environment community.
Our intention is not to replace existing international organizations, but to contribute constructively to the global professional ecosystem by supporting dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperative development.
We maintain constructive collaboration with global professional organizations, including the International Union of Architects (UIA), Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA), and many other national and regional professional organizations.
Supporting Emerging Professionals and Education
Award presentation at the Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC), one of the world’s leading international student design competitions, recognizing outstanding student achievements and encouraging global participation of emerging designers.
Learn more here
Supporting the next generation of architects and designers remains a central priority.
International collaboration with student design programs, including the Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC), provides opportunities for young talent to gain global exposure and professional recognition through accessible international platforms.
TISDC is one of the world’s largest international student design competitions, with broad global participation from emerging designers each year. This collaboration represents an important step in strengthening international cooperation in design education and supporting the development of the next generation of architects and designers through a global platform.
As part of this partnership, AIA International will establish a dedicated Special Award category within TISDC and participate in the nomination of international jury members. Official registration information will also be shared to encourage broader global student participation.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Representatives engaging in collaboration dialogue while holding the MOU document to symbolize future cooperation and shared professional commitment.
AIA International continues to explore collaboration with professional and media partners beyond the architectural sector, strengthening international communication and knowledge exchange.
Through participation in Global Practice discussions within AIA National activities, we contribute to ongoing conversations on international professional collaboration and practice development.
Innovation, Sustainability, and Responsible Technology
President’s message emphasizing the role of architecture in sustainability, climate awareness, and responsible technological development in future practice.
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, will continue to influence architectural practice. However, technology must support professional responsibility rather than replace ethical judgment.
Architecture remains grounded in accountability, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. New tools should enhance professional capability while preserving the human judgment entrusted to the profession.
Sustainability and climate responsibility are central professional obligations. Collaboration with academic institutions, industry partners, and research communities continues to support practical approaches to environmental challenges.
Regional Engagement and Cultural Respect
Visit and cultural dialogue with UIA Council members at a local cultural heritage site, reflecting international friendship and respect for regional architectural traditions.
AIA International encourages participation across regions while respecting cultural diversity and professional traditions.
I acknowledge the important contribution of the Korean Institute of Architects, led by Young Keun Han, in supporting international architectural dialogue and strengthening global professional collaboration, including initiatives such as the Seoul Architecture Festival and the UIA Council meeting held at the end of last year.
International engagements in Taipei included constructive dialogue with academic, professional, and design communities, including the Taiwan Design Research Institute, the Taiwan Council of Shopping Centers and Commercial Real Estate, National Cheng Kung University, and the National Architects Association of the Republic of China.
I also appreciate the leadership of Chi-Yi Chang and the contributions of the Taiwan Design Research Institute in advancing design research, education, and international collaboration.
East Asia Dialogue Initiative
International fellowship and dialogue during a gala dinner with members of the UIA Council and representatives of Korean national and Seoul municipal stakeholders, supporting professional friendship and regional architectural collaboration.
Discussions with leadership from AIA Hong Kong, AIA Japan, AIA Taipei, AIA Shanghai, and AIA South Korea have explored the development of a future East Asia Architecture Symposium.
The symposium is envisioned as a rotating platform to encourage professional exchange and knowledge sharing, with initial hosting in South Korea supported by Korean Institute of Architects (KIA), followed by Taipei in collaboration with Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI).
TDRI is Taiwan’s national design institute, responsible for advancing national design policy, innovation research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across design, industry, and the public sector. TDRI also organizes and administers the Golden Pin Design Award, one of Asia’s most established and internationally recognized design award programs, promoting design excellence and global exchange.
Global Community and Humanitarian Responsibility
Visit to the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism 2025 exhibition, including a tour of innovative urban and architectural works led by Thomas Heatherwick, together with members of the UIA Council, reflecting global architectural dialogue and future design direction.
Watch a brief video clip here
Global developments continue to remind us that our professional community operates in complex and uncertain environments.
My thoughts are with colleagues, friends, and families in regions experiencing uncertainty. I sincerely appreciate the dedication of our global members who continue working to strengthen international professional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community engagement.
Safety, well-being, and mutual support remain our highest priorities as we navigate these challenges together. We remain hopeful that global conditions will allow professionals to gather safely for meaningful exchange, dialogue, and friendship.
Closing Vision
Dialogue with leadership representatives of Taiwan Design Research Institute reflecting continued commitment to international design research, education, and professional collaboration.
Architecture has always served as a bridge between cultures, disciplines, and ideas.
In a world shaped by rapid change and uncertainty, the American Institute of Architects International will continue to strengthen its role as a global platform that connects professionals, supports responsible architectural practice, and advances architecture as a positive force for society.
I sincerely thank our global community for its leadership, friendship, and commitment to the future of architecture.
Segene Park, AIA
AIA International President
