The Leadership and Ad hoc members engaged in extensive discussions and meaningful contributions to AIA staff this year on Institute-wide goals such as championing the Chief Architect initiative, and significant member contributions to the AIA Federal Affairs team for its advocacy for successfully increasing the statutory (A-E) service fees on DoD projects from a 6% cap to a 10% cap through the National Defense Authorization Act. This achievement is particularly noteworthy because many of us, as civil servants, are subject to rules and regulations that prevent engagement in public discourse that may affect our public organizations. Our role is often to remain calm while storms rage, to work within specific projects and capital planning efforts, to support our teams of consultants, and to ensure that we effectively steward the development, management, and long-term care and preservation of the public assets that are under our care.
On November 5, the PAKC hosted a virtual Town Hall to welcome any new members interested in our work and to introduce two new leadership team members, Mary Womble, AIA and David Powell, FAIA. Thanks to our incoming leaders Mahbuba Khan, AIA, 2026 president, to Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, incoming vice president, and to all members and past committee leaders who have contributed to the work of the PAKC while balancing their personal and other professional duties.
We look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Phil Neuberg, FAIA
Chair, Public Architects Committee