Applications are now open. Apply now! An interest call will take place on May 28, 2025. Register now!
There are many opportunities to volunteer with the AIA. Volunteering with the Institute means you are a representative of its growing membership. While your personal values are important, volunteering on one of the Institute’s national committees requires a personal commitment to the advancement of the mission and values of the AIA. As a volunteer, you will work on a team to think strategically about various initiatives of the Institute and seek to promote excellence through exemplary conduct.
Volunteering with the Institute not only requires personal commitment to the advancement of the mission and values of the Institute, but it also involves a serious time commitment. As a member of the NAC or YAF Advisory Committee, you will be required to participate in monthly conference calls, as determined by your committee, in-person and virtual meetings and conferences, and other events as needed. If you are unable to make regular phone calls or any of the other commitments, please consider if now is the right time to volunteer. Please see below for more information.
Required meetings:
YAF Leadership Transition Meeting – Virtual meeting, October 2025
YAF Annual Meeting – In-person meeting, February 2026
NAC Leadership Transition Meeting - Virtual meeting, October 2025
NAC Annual Meeting – In-person meeting, February 2026
Each director is expected to lead a workgroup of state representatives. This will include monthly working calls at a minimum.
Current YAF Openings:
The Young Architects Forum (YAF) is a committee of the American Institute of Architects that is organized to address issues of importance to recently licensed architects (those licensed less than ten years). The YAF is charged with providing early licensure resources in leadership, mentorship, and fellowship. The YAF works with the AIA Knowledge and Practice team to develop and carry out these important resources in order to foster effective career development and success.
*To learn more about the YAF and the roles and responsibilities of the open positions, please read:
2024 YAF Handbook
2026 Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair with committee responsibilities in preparation to become the Chair of the committee in their second year. This person shall serve as the Past Chair in their third year and may be expected to serve in a liaison role for external partners. This position serves a three-year commitment and may involve additional travel outside of the annual meeting.
2026-2027 Community Director
The Community Director leads the formation of strategic alliances and partnerships with other groups and organizations both within the Institute and within the larger design and construction community. This position serves a two year term.
2026-2027 Strategic Vision Director
The Strategic Vision Director leads the research and implementation of the 5-year thematic goal of the committee. This position serves a two year term.
Current NAC Openings:
The National Associates Committee (NAC) is a unique committee representing a particular membership category of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). While it is our sincere hope that the future of membership evolves and changes, we remain steadfast in our intention of serving and representing Associate AIA Members.
*To learn more about the NAC and the roles and responsibilities of the open positions, please read:
2024 NAC Handbook
2026 Vice-Chair / 2027 Chair
The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chair of the committee with committee responsibilities, in preparation to become the Chair of the committee in their second year, and Past Chair in their third year. This position serves a three-year commitment and may involve additional travel outside of the annual meeting.
2026-2027 VALUE Director
This At Large Director leads a work group of STARs to empower the Associate voice through the justice, equity, diversity, & inclusion foundation that the Institute has laid.
2026-2027 Climate Action Director
This At Large Director leads a work group of STARs to study knowledge gaps on the topics of Climate Action, Sustainability, & Resilience and explore ways to deliver sustainable career advancement for Associates and EPs through utilization of existing tools and programs available through AIA.
2026 Associate Representative on the AIA Strategic Council / 2027 Associate Representative to the Board
This position serves a two-year commitment. This person advocates for issues and topics related to Assoc. AIA members of the Institute on the AIA Strategic Council (year one) and Board of Directors (year two).
Selection Committees
Please note that selection committee members cannot provide letters of recommendation for candidate applications.
YAF Selection Committee
Kiara Gilmore, AIA, YAF Chair 2026 (chair)
Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA, YAF Chair 2025
Arlenne Gil, AIA, YAF Knowledge Director
Bill Hercules, FAIA, COF Liaison to the YAF
Trent Schmitz, AIA, MI YAR
NAC Selection Committee
Brett Wedding, AIA, NAC Chair 2026 (chair)
Darral Tate, Jr., AIA, NAC Chair 2025
Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA, Associate Representative to the Strategic Council
Melissa Sheffield, Assoc. AIA, Alabama STAR
Shaunda Henning (AIA Jacksonville) CACE Liaison
Kathleen McCormick (AIA National) Staff Liaison, non-voting
Submission Materials
- Statement of Interest: Please include a statement of interest outlining why you should be considered for this position (500 words or less)
- Resume/ CV
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Only two letters of recommendation will be considered: a primary and a secondary. Please read the descriptions carefully to ensure your letters meet the requirements for submission. Additional letters or those not meeting the details of the requirement may result in disqualification and will be reviewed at the selection committee's discretion. Note neither letter may be from a current selection committee member. Primary Letter of Recommendation: This letter of recommendation must be from a current or past AIA Component Leader (a Component President, Executive Committee member, or Component committee Chair) or AIA Component staff. This letter may also be from a current or past member of the AIA Board of Directors, AIA Strategic Council, or AIA national volunteer committee such as the NAC or YAF. Secondary Letter of Recommendation: This letter of recommendation may be from a current mentor, supervisor, or other person of note throughout your professional or volunteer career.
Timeline
An interest call will take place on May 28, 2025. Register now!
The application period closes at 5:00 PM EST Monday, June 16, 2025.
A preliminary review will occur from June 24-July 8, 2025.
Final candidate interviews will be held in late July.
Candidates will be notified by July 31, 2025. Announcements will follow in September.
Questions contact KathleenMcCormick@aia.org