Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, gives remarks in her first moments as president. | Photo courtesy AIA
Kimberly Dowdell has become the first Black woman to be elected as the president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). At 40 years old, Dowdell, a principal at HOK, is known for her determination to make a positive impact on the world through her work as an architect. Her appointment as the 100th president of AIA on Dec. 15 marks a historic moment for the organization.
Her election follows the leadership of Emily Grandstaff-Rice, AIA’s 99th president, emphasizing a wave of women leading at the American Institute of Architects. The inauguration ceremony was overseen by Lakisha Woods, the CEO and executive vice president of AIA since 2022. Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, is set to take over as the 2024 President-Elect at the end of the year, leading AIA through 2025.
Dowdell’s career has been multifaceted, including roles in architecture, government, education, and property redevelopment. As a LEED-accredited professional since 2007 and currently the director of strategic relationships at HOK, Dowdell’s vast experience has prepared her for this prestigious role. Prior to her time at AIA, she served as president of the National Organization of Minority Architects from 2019 to 2020 and was elected 2023 AIA First Vice President/2024 President-Elect at AIA’s annual meeting on June 9, 2022.
In her inaugural speech as president, Dowdell expressed her vision for the future of architecture and AIA, aiming for a world where architects take greater responsibility for sustainable practices, contribute to solving societal challenges, and reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Her commitment to creating a future where more people understand the critical role of architects serves as a cornerstone of her presidency.
“I see a future where the population of architects more proportionately reflects the communities that we serve, where our ZIP code do not determine our life expectancy, and where everyday people have a better understanding of what architects do.” – AIA President Kimberly Dowdell
Architecture significantly impacts our lives, with most of our time spent in and around architect-designed spaces. Buildings influence our everyday experiences, affecting our physical and mental health. Dowdell recognizes the power of design to address real-world challenges, emphasizing the importance of diversity and equal opportunity within the architecture profession.
There is hope for increased diversity in the field, as a 2023 report from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards indicates an improvement in representation among newly licensed architects. The report shows progress in racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, with more women and people of color entering the profession.
In 2023, the report highlights the findings that new Black/African American architects are behind other groups. According to the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) 2021-25 Strategic Plan, they prioritize justice and equity in the architectural profession and the communities it serves.
Kimberly Dowdell, the 100th president of the AIA, is the seventh female president, the third Black president, and the first Black female president in AIA’s 166-year history. She envisions bringing change as the first AIA president of the millennial generation and aims to enhance the organization’s impact.
Kimberly Dowdell started her tenure as the 100th president of AIA 100 years after Paul R. Williams, the renowned Los Angeles architect, became the first Black member of AIA in 1923. In her role, Dowdell is committed to elevating, supporting, and propelling architects to create a more sustainable and equitable built environment for all, focusing on design excellence and improving people’s lives.
AIA aims to grow its membership, reaching 98,000 members for the first time in its history, with the goal of 100,000 members under Dowdell’s leadership. The organization also strives to attract more resources to help shape the future through sustainable and equitable architecture.
AIA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., is undergoing renewal, led by San Francisco-based architecture firm EHDD and expected to be completed in early 2025. Additionally, AIA CEO Lakisha Woods has authored “Never Get Their Coffee: Empowering Fearless Leadership.”
The article provides more detailed information about Kimberly Dowdell, diversity in architecture, architectural licensing representation, and AIA’s strategic plans.
