What is this program about?

The AIAPR launched a new program targeted to our emerging professionals.
Up to 16 participants
9 month program
Monthly half-day sessions | Friday afternoon
Schedule: November 2024 - May 2025
Participant selection by committee appointed by the AIAPR Chapter
The year-long program consists of nine individual half-day sessions attended by a competitively selected group of 16 emerging architects (has graduated from an architectural degree program and/or is within 10 years of first licensure). Prospective participants must go through an application process for selection where proven career success, community involvement and the individual’s firm support will be considered.
The curriculum focuses on core skills such as:
Marketing and business development
Office and firm management
Presentation and public speaking
Professional ethics and the law
Philanthropy and board involvement
Community service
Industry trends
The future of the practice.
The selected scholars to the leadership program are responsible for planning and participating in each of the individual sessions. For additional information regarding past programs, please visit www.ckldp.com.
The program’s success is directly related to the attendance by the participants and therefore attendance is mandatory. Each participant of the program will be required to sign an Agreement Form that will require a signature from one of the participant’s principals of their firm. Provided due notice to the Executive Committee, with extenuating circumstances, each scholar will be allowed one excused absence. If two sessions are missed, a fine of $50 will be sent to the participants firm. A further absence will result in an additional $50 fine and expulsion from the program.
Attendance is mandatory for all scholars at the first meeting of the group “Bootcamp” as well as the final session and closing reception.
It is intended that this program will have AIA CE credit made available for its participants. A minimum of 10 hours will be credited, the final number of hours to be determined based on session content.

History

Beginning in 2013, the AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program that would help train and nurture the next generation of leaders. The first 16 scholars were selected in July 2013, and the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program is completing its ninth year with great success in several AIA chapters throughout the nation.

Honoring Christopher Kelley

Christopher Kelley, AIA was an active member of the DC architectural community, whom unfortunately passed away in May of 2012. He was a respected leader within the Institute, as well as within Gensler’s Washington DC office. Through his volunteer efforts, he contributed to initiatives and programs that had a positive impact on emerging professionals at different career stages.

In 2010 Christopher was honored with an AIA Young Architects Award for which the jury stated,

“Christopher has proven himself as a young leader within and around the AIA, a real example for other young professionals.”

This program is intended to honor Christopher and continue his legacy of leadership and activism.

AIA National Recognition

In 2018 at AIA Grassroots, the AIA|DC CKLDP was recognized with the recognized with the AIA CACE Component Excellence Award for Knowledge Sharing Initiatives. Watch a brief video of this accomplishment and an overview of the program here.