Leading through Challenge: A Vision for Architect’s Future
Leading Through Challenge: A Vision for Architecture's Future By Timothy Hawk, FAIA
In times of unprecedented challenge, our profession stands at a critical crossroads. As we navigate through economic headwinds and social pressures, the architectural community needs strong, unified leadership more than ever before.
The Reality We Face
The numbers tell a sobering story. The Architects Billing Index has been declining 3-4% monthly for nearly two years, resulting in a staggering 45% reduction in overall volume. This contraction isn't just a statistic – it's putting real pressure on firms to compete on price, potentially triggering a race to the bottom that threatens the quality and integrity of our profession.
Beyond Economics: The DEI Challenge
We're facing more than just economic headwinds. Recent legislative actions in Ohio and elsewhere are attempting to restrict discussions of equity and climate change in university settings – core elements of architectural education and practice. These challenges strike at the heart of our profession's commitment to creating inclusive, sustainable communities.
Learning from Crisis Leadership
The pandemic response of 2020 offers a powerful blueprint for action. Under the leadership of Jane Frederick and Peter Exley, the AIA demonstrated its ability to pivot quickly and support members through:
Formation of healthcare triage support task forces
Technology transition assistance
Negotiated software discounts with providers like Autodesk
Development of the 2020 Architects Platform for policy advocacy
A Vision for Recovery
As your potential 2027 AIA President, I'm committed to bringing this same agile, creative leadership approach to today's challenges. We need to:
Support recent graduates entering a tight market
Help firm leaders manage risk while maintaining service quality
Develop recession-proofing strategies for architectural practices
Maintain our focus on equitable community development
Unite our 100,000 members in mutual support and professional strengthening
The Power of Collective Action
The AIA may be a large organization, but with experienced leadership and clear direction, we can mobilize quickly to support our members when they need it most. My experience as a local, state, and national leader has equipped me with the know-how to rally our profession effectively.
Looking Forward
In 2026 and 2027, we'll likely be in recovery mode. This isn't the time for isolation – it's the time for unified action. Through strong leadership, deep practice experience, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation, we can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
A Call to Action
The challenges we face are significant, but they're not insurmountable. Together, we can maintain our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and equity while navigating these difficult times. The AIA must be more than an organization – it must be a catalyst for positive change and a support system for every member of our profession.
Timothy Hawk, FAIA, is the CEO of WSA Studio and candidate for 2027 AIA President. With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, he brings a vision for unifying and strengthening the architectural profession during challenging times.