As we approach the halfway mark of 2025, AIA Utah is proud to reflect on a strong and productive start to the year. With a renewed focus on engaging members, offering meaningful programs and driving advocacy efforts, the chapter has already made significant progress toward its strategic goals. These achievements underscore the commitment of our leadership, volunteers and members to advancing the profession of architecture throughout the state.

Advancing Our Goals

At a mid-year strategic retreat, AIA Utah outlined clear priorities:

• Provide regular events and activities for members.
• Expand architectural tour opportunities.
• Improve member engagement.
• Support issue-focused task forces for the betterment of our communities.

We’re pleased to report strong strides across all of these fronts.

Dynamic Events and Member Engagement

January: Kicking off With Impact

• The year began with the Government Affairs Committee Legislative Kick-Off, energizing members around policy issues affecting architecture in Utah.
• Tours showcased exceptional local work, including visits to 2024 AIA Utah Design Award winners: the Spanish Fork Library and Fire Station 62.
• Members donned hard hats for a behind-the-scenes look at the UVU Engineering Building, gaining insight into the ongoing construction process.

February: Policy and Community Building

• The Legislative Breakfast offered invaluable face time with state legislators and staff, reinforcing the profession’s presence and value in public policy discussions.
• The Young Architects Forum (YAF) hosted a well-attended New Year’s Happy Hour, bringing over 30 emerging professionals together to build connections.

March: Leadership and Learning

• Our second annual AIA Utah Leadership Summit focused on the needs of small firms and residential architects, facilitating tailored insights and discussions.
• Attendees explored the North Capitol Building during an educational session and a hard hat tour focused on design strategy and structural innovation.
• The Southern Section met in St. George with a focus on strengthening regional ties and architect engagement.

April: Celebrating and Reflecting

• We concluded the legislative season with the 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up, a key event in our ongoing advocacy cycle.
• The Utah College of Fellows hosted a session on the pathway to Fellowship, supporting members in advancing their careers.
• A sold-out tour of the Asher Adams Hotel hosted by YAF reinforced the need for engaging architectural experiences.

May: Broadening Impact and Visibility

• The BEC-UT/COTE Spring Symposium offered a platform for building science and envelope design evolution and design discussions.
• Members enjoyed a tour of the Salt Lake City Library’s renovated rooftop, learning about its architectural transformation.
• A special session on what juries look for helped members prepare for award submissions.
• Our annual Scholarship Golf Tournament raised funds for architecture students in Utah.
• AIA Utah proudly hosted AIA National President Evelyn Lee, fostering direct dialogue between local and national leadership.

Task Forces and Strategic Initiatives

In alignment with our task forces for good initiative, three new task forces launched this year:

• DFCM Design Standards Review Task Force
• Affordable Housing Task Force
• School Safety Task Force

Each task force has been created to respond to real-time needs in the built environment, demonstrating how AIA Utah is helping shape policy and design standards that directly impact communities.

Strengthening Communication and Culture

This year saw the expansion of Punchlist, our events and opportunities bulletin, improving how we communicate with members and allied organizations. Punchlist and Reflexion serve as a hub for ongoing engagement.

Programs like Dear Architect, our storytelling and mentorship platform, continue to deepen the sense of community and shared purpose across generations of architects.

Looking Ahead

With five months of robust activity behind us, AIA Utah remains focused on delivering even more value in the second half of 2025. From legislative advocacy to design tours and leadership development, every initiative underscores our commitment to a vibrant and inclusive architectural profession in Utah.

Stay connected. Stay engaged. We’re building something meaningful — together.