Highlights from the 2026 AIA10 + Newly Licensed Architects Workshop
On Friday, March 6, members gathered at the AIA Arizona office in Phoenix for a half-day program geared toward AIA10 members (architects who became licensed within the past 10 years).
The workshop included insightful presentations and conversation about what the early years of practice really look like—from professional liability and financial management to leadership growth, collaboration, and exploring alternate career paths.
Speakers and panelists included:
Aaron Bass, AIA, Principal at Stance Architecture
Jacob Benyi, AIA, President at Jones Studio
Tara Brown, AIA, Managing Principal at HDR
Geoffrey Cox, AIA, Architectural Project Manager at Davis
Jerry Greer, AIA, Project Director at Okland Construction
Marlene Imirzian, FAIA, Principal at Imirzian Architects
Scroll down to see images of the day.
James Wesala, AIA, and Jessica Lacy, AIA, welcome attendees.James Wesala, AIA, discusses key benefits of membership.Marlene Imirzian, FAIA, Principal at Imirzian Architects, speaks to members about protecting yourself from professional liability.Jacob Benyi, AIA, President at Jones Studio, discusses money management in architecture.Tara Brown, AIA, Managing Principal at HDR, presented strategies for overcoming collaboration conflicts and building stronger, more effective working relationships.A dynamic panel from left: Aaron Bass, AIA, Principal at Stance Architecture; Geoffrey Cox, AIA, Architectural Project Manager at Davis; Jerry Greer, AIA, Project Director at Okland Construction; and moderator Jessica Lacy, AIA, discussed alternate career paths within and beyond traditional practice, offering perspective on the many ways an architectural education can evolve.
