The AIA is currently undertaking a Repositioning effort, which they define as, “about better understanding our members – us – and providing programs, services, and priorities that advance the profession in a more visible way.” To this end the AIA has selected a number of Repositioning Ambassadors to “help make the AIA a diverse, relevant, and successful 21st century organization.” We are pleased to announce that PAYETTE’s Elizabeth Kankainen has been selected as one of two New England representatives. The AIA Repositioning Ambassadors will play a key role in sharing the AIA’s new message and facilitate their region’s engagement with the new effort.
With two years under her belt as a Young Designer’s Core (YDC) Co-Chair at PAYETTE, Elizabeth brings enthusiasm for engaging emerging professionals with the AIA and a passion for connecting people. In her application for the ambassadorship Elizabeth wrote,
“I believe that through engaging young professionals, the AIA will become more relevant. In the past two years I have seen how the energy of young designers can revitalize an entire firm. Emerging professionals have an amazing ability to become entrepreneurs. They are more connected to current trends and technology; from learning Revit to Twitter, it’s the young designers who pick it up the quickest and adapt. I believe that as the future leaders of the AIA, the emerging professionals should take ownership in the AIA and the Repositioning.
When young designers gain responsibility and make their voice heard, I believe the individual and profession are elevated. It’s ownership in the AIA that young architects currently lack. By shifting the ownership not only will membership grow, but the profession will as well. The Repositioning must put emerging professionals at the forefront.”
Congratulations Elizabeth!
Repositioning Ambassadors will work closely with the AIA Board Communications Committee in charting the progress of Innovation Fund recipients as the new program initiatives move the AIA closer to the goal of becoming vital and relevant for every member. Additionally, Ambassadors’ insights will be shared with the AIA Board as it sets AIA-wide priorities that are informed by feedback received through the local Component Community Conversations.
Find your local AIA Repositioning Ambassador here.
The 2025 OpenLAB Boston studio work will be exhibited at Virginia Tech Monday, March 2nd through Wednesday, March 4th.
Please join us for the following events on Monday, March 2nd:
11:00am - Lecture with Parke MacDowell
1:00pm Lobby talk with Kevin Sullivan
This year’s studio identifies seven sites along the frayed edges of Boston’s Greenway. The Greenway is a one-mile-long linear park running through the heart of the city, reconnecting downtown Boston with its waterfront. Many of the parcels along its edges remain undeveloped and present mute, blank facades to the public realm. Addressing and repairing these edges through acts of infilling, layering, grafting, framing, and placemaking is the core focus of the studio—SUTURE.