As summer begins to wind down, I’m excited about everything that still lies ahead for AIA Utah. In just a few weeks, we’ll gather for our 2026 Annual Conference, “Defining/Designing the Utah Moment,” to learn from one another, strengthen our profession and help shape what’s next for architecture in Utah.

But first, I want to thank our members for supporting the 2026 AIA Utah Scholarship Golf Tournament. Your participation helped raise scholarship funds for students in Utah’s accredited architecture programs at the University of Utah and Utah Valley University. It was wonderful to have student representatives from both schools join us at the tournament as a reminder of the importance and impact of investing in the next generation of architects.

As we look ahead, three themes capture what is next for AIA Utah: Build, Grow and Celebrate.

Build

Earlier this summer, the AIA Utah Board of Directors gathered to refine our strategic direction, continuing both the work from our 2024 retreat and our partnership with LENS to facilitate the session. We revisited the core purpose of our organization, aligned our thinking with AIA National’s new Strategic Plan, and reflected on the progress we’ve already made. Just as importantly, we focused on where we need to go next.

We’re excited to begin sharing these strategic initiatives with the membership at this year’s Annual Conference. This isn’t simply a rollout; it’s the beginning of a conversation. We want your feedback, your ideas and your perspective as we refine these initiatives together. AIA Utah is strongest when its direction reflects the voices and aspirations of its members, and we are committed to making this process transparent, collaborative and meaningful.

Grow

Our Annual Conference on Sept. 17 will explore the extraordinary opportunities and challenges shaping architecture in Utah today. As our state continues to evolve with rapid growth, housing needs, environmental pressures, the approaching Olympics, changing practice models and an increasingly unique regional identity, we have an opportunity to help define what comes next.

The conference is one of the greatest benefits of AIA membership, offering meaningful continuing education, fresh perspectives, inspiration and the chance to reconnect with colleagues from across the state. This year, we’ll kick things off with a residential home tour and evening social in Park City, creating another opportunity to experience great design together while strengthening the relationships that make our profession so rewarding.

Celebrate

Shortly after the conference, we’ll gather once again for our annual Celebration of Architecture on Oct. 8 at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the presentation of this year’s AIA Utah Honor Awards. This event expands how we recognize excellence within our chapter — not only through our Honors and Awards program, but by celebrating the people, projects, committees and newly licensed architects whose contributions elevate our profession and strengthen our architectural community.

We have much to celebrate as we head into the final months of the year, and I hope you’ll join us as we build our future, grow together, and celebrate the people and projects that make AIA Utah such a vibrant community.

I look forward to seeing you there.