The 2025 AIA Arizona Board of Directors.
It is my great honor and privilege to serve as the President of AIA Arizona in 2025. As we enter this new year, we embrace the opportunity to strengthen our profession, engage with our communities, and drive innovation in architecture. Our collective efforts continue to shape the future of the built environment in Arizona and beyond.
First, I would like to take a moment to offer a heartfelt thank you and tribute to AIA Arizona Past President Alison Rainey, AIA. Alison’s leadership, vision, and dedication to our profession have been a true inspiration to us all. Her contributions have set a high bar, and I am deeply grateful for her hard work and commitment to advancing the goals of AIA Arizona. Alison, thank you for your outstanding service!
Looking ahead, we are focused on several key goals for 2025, which will guide our work throughout the year:
1. Support and Development of Local Chapter Goals
We recognize the importance of empowering our local chapters—AIA Phoenix Metro, AIA Southern Arizona, and the AIA Grand Canyon section—to thrive and meet the unique needs of their communities. This year, their initiatives will continue to be supported through networking events, professional development opportunities, meaningful community engagement, and other programs enriching the local architectural landscape.
2. Advocacy at the State and National Level
Advocacy remains a cornerstone of our mission. AIA Arizona will continue to represent the interests of architects at the state level while working in alignment with national efforts. In just two weeks, one key event will be Arizona Architect Capitol Day on Wednesday, February 12. In collaboration with NOMA and USGBC, we will engage with state legislators on key issues that impact our profession. This state capitol day is open to all members—RSVP at this link.
Additionally, I look forward to taking part with our contingent of 11 people in total—AIA Arizona members and staff—who will attend the annual AIA Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. in late February. This includes a day at the U.S. Capitol where AIA will continue our advocacy for policies that promote the value of architects in shaping vibrant, sustainable communities.
3. Growth of the AIA Arizona Committee on the Environment (COTE)
Environmental sustainability is critical to the future of architecture. This year, we will further develop and enhance the Committee on the Environment (COTE) to help guide our members toward more sustainable practices and innovative solutions. By expanding our resources and providing platforms for knowledge exchange, we aim to drive forward the conversation on climate action within the architecture community. COTE events in 2025 will focus on topics including transportation, carbon neutrality, and resource management.
4. Focus on Advancing National Presence
One of our primary objectives for 2025 is to elevate the profile of Arizona architects on the national stage. We will focus on increasing the visibility of our local talent by encouraging their participation in national awards and leadership programs, as well as aligning with the AIA Design Excellence Framework. Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen Arizona’s standing as a hub for forward-thinking design professionals and establish ourselves further as thought leaders on key topics we know intimately, such as water conservation, pay equity, smart development, and more.
What are you passionate about, and how can you contribute to making 2025 a year of collaboration, growth, and impact? As we work together to achieve these goals, I encourage you to actively engage with AIA Arizona. Whether through attending events, joining committees, or contributing to our advocacy efforts, each of us plays a vital role in shaping the future of our profession.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working with the 2025 AIA Arizona Board of Directors, our staff team, and all members on a successful year ahead. Together, we will continue to elevate the profession of architecture in Arizona and beyond!
Sincerely,
Rachel Green Rasmussen, AIA, NCARB
AIA Arizona 2025 President
Partner at Architekton in Tempe