In 2025, AIA Utah advanced its mission of helping architects be better architects by educating, advocating for and engaging with our members across the state. It was a year defined by energy, collaboration and meaningful progress for the profession.
A Year of Impactful Engagement
AIA Utah partnered with allied organizations to provide 17 collaborative events and independently hosted an additional 35 events, giving members access to 52 total programs at free or reduced cost.
These offerings drew 974 member attendances and reflected our commitment to delivering value to our members. Each program was intentionally aligned with our chapter values, which continue to guide our work and shape the profession in Utah.
Design Excellence
Actively seeking design excellence through education and celebration.
From building tours to award celebrations, members experienced firsthand the innovation shaping our state. Highlights included the Central Section Design Awards, the Fairpark Historic Homes Tour, UVU and U of U project tours, and our capstone event — the AIA Utah Conference and Architecture Awards. These programs showcased exemplary work, elevated design dialogue and reinforced Utah’s leadership in thoughtful, high-quality architecture.
Our architectural achievements will also be highlighted through our new partnership with America ByDesign, where we will be able to showcase the incredible design work of Utah architects. This on-going partnership will highlight the work by Utah architects for years to come.
Stewardship
Representing the health, safety and welfare of people and our natural surroundings.
Stewardship continued to be a defining focus in 2025. Members explored critical topics including zero-emission housing, high-performance materials, water infrastructure, historic preservation and transit-oriented development. Tours of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Park City Water Treatment Facility and Spanish Fork Library Hall connected policy, sustainability and design in a meaningful, hands-on way.
We were able to support the Division of Facilities Construction and Management at the State of Utah through a review and recommendation of improvements for the State Design Standards, ensuring state-funded projects use public funding wisely and enhance state operations.
We also strengthened partnerships with organizations advancing environmental leadership — from USGBC to Utah Clean Energy — broadening the chapter’s reach and shared impact.
Integrity
Maintaining honesty and professional ethics in practice.
AIA Utah supported members in navigating licensure, professional development, ethics and firm management. Programs such as Architect Licensure in Utah, the Salary Negotiations Workshop, Pathway to Fellowship and our Government Affairs legislative briefings equipped members with clarity and confidence in their careers.
We are also starting an architectural integrity task force to explore ways to support qualifications-based selections and fair value for architectural work within the state to support integrity and professional ethics statewide.
Through these efforts, we reinforced the standards, professionalism and transparency that define both our chapter and the broader architectural community.
Inclusivity
Creating space for all voices through networking, collaboration and mentorship.
Throughout the year, AIA Utah strengthened community connections and expanded member engagement. Events such as Pioneering Women in Architecture, EQxD & NOMA Utah’s Visa Sponsorship workshop, NOMA Project Pipeline, YAF Crafted Conversations and social gatherings across the state fostered new relationships and helped support our emerging professionals, firm leaders, students and allied partners.
Our Affordable Housing Task Force has championed the architect’s role in supporting equitable and attainable housing within Utah. This engagement will continue into next year to support this important issue.
We even had an opportunity to engage with AIA National voices, including AIA President Evelyn Lee and AIA National candidates, to meet with our board and members, further reinforcing our commitment to belonging, representation and chapter development.
Organizational Success in 2025
In addition to programmatic achievements, AIA Utah made significant internal and administrative progress that strengthened the foundation of the chapter:
We proudly operated within our approved 2025 budget, delivering every planned program and meeting our annual goals while maintaining responsible fiscal oversight.
The chapter successfully:
- Updated and adopted improved bylaws
- Drafted and implemented revised operating policies to support the bylaws
These updates clarified processes, reduced administrative complexity and created a more seamless experience for members and volunteers.
We expanded collaboration with AIA National as well as local affiliate organizations, including Preservation Utah, the Utah Society of Landscape Architects, AGC and ACEC — broadening our shared impact and strengthening the voice of design in Utah.
Through firm visits, AIA Utah listened to member needs, identified new opportunities and deepened relationships with firms of all sizes.
Our Firm Leadership Summit, focused on small firms and residential practices, provided a platform for discussing challenges and shaping future resources to better serve every segment of our membership.
Looking Ahead
This was a year of meaningful progress, strong engagement and strategic growth for AIA Utah. Through collaboration, advocacy and continued commitment to our values, we strengthened the profession and supported architects across the state.
Thank you to our members, volunteers, partners and leaders for making this year one of connection, momentum and shared achievement. We look forward to building on these successes in 2026 — continuing to help architects be better architects.
