As we begin this new year, I'm honored to serve as Chair of the Public Architects Committee and bring my federal, local, and public sector experience to this role. I will be working alongside 2025 Award for Excellence in Public Architecture winner Kelly Hayes-McAlonie, FAIA, as vice chair, and AIA staff liaison, Lisa Berretta.
I am energized by the momentum we gained in our 1st meeting of the year and humbled by the expertise and dedication within our committee. With over 6,500 members, the Public Architects Committee represents one of the most diverse groups of architects from federal, state, local, institutional, and private sectors. Your collective experience, passion, and leadership make this committee a powerful voice for public sector design.
Our mission is simple and powerful: to elevate public architecture as a vital public service—one that delivers equitable, resilient, and community centered outcomes for all. This year’s goals reflect both ambition and opportunity.
Our signature initiative will be a day-long symposium at AIA’s global headquarters on October 20, 2026, bringing together public architects, civic leaders, and partners to explore the evolving landscape of public sector design. We will also host a series of online webinars to broaden access and share knowledge across the country. To strengthen communication and highlight our collective work, we will launch regular newsletters featuring resources, committee updates, and stories from public architecture practice.
We are also excited to host an open forum in collaboration with the Project Delivery Committee at the AIA Conference on Architecture in San Diego, CA. This joint session will create space for dialogue on project delivery challenges, innovations, and best practices across the public and private sectors.
There are many ways to get involved, and I encourage you to consider serving on one of our subcommittees—programming, communications, research, or outreach. Your leadership and participation will shape a meaningful and productive year. If you are interested in serving on a subcommittee, please contact Lisa Berretta at lisaberretta@aia.org.
Thank you for your dedication to public architecture and for the generosity you bring to this committee. I look forward to working alongside you as we advance design that strengthens communities and serves the public good.
Warm regards,
Mahbuba Khan AIA, MPA, LEED AP BD+C
2026 Chair, Public Architects Committee