Dear Members,

As we wrap up an incredible year (and wow, it went fast!), I’ve taken some time to reflect on where we began. In my first letter, I expressed gratitude to my predecessor, Martina Reilly, AIA, whose leadership and guidance helped me transition into this role. Her support set a strong foundation for the year we’ve shared. Now I try to set up a similar transition for the next Board Leader.

This week, we have the exciting opportunity to come together at the Annual Meeting at Whitehall Mill to celebrate our accomplishments and chart the path forward. It will also be a time to transition and welcome our incoming Board President, Madhuri Subramaniam, AIA. Madhuri brings extraordinary experience, a deep passion for design, a long time history of volunteering with AIA and the Chapter and a thoughtful vision for the year ahead. I am confident that AIA Baltimore is in excellent hands as she steps into this leadership role.

Back in September, the board dedicated time to reflect on our chapter’s strengths and areas for growth. Through this process, we laid the foundation for AIA Baltimore’s next Strategic Plan, reaffirming our commitment to building on our successes while addressing areas for improvement. Under Madhuri’s leadership, I know we will continue to advance our mission of sustainability, equity, and advocacy with renewed purpose.

This year’s successes would not have been possible without the remarkable work of the AIA staff. Led by Lauren Bostic Hill and supported by Katherine Somerville, Ally Lancaster, and Meghan Hudson, they have been instrumental in keeping AIA Baltimore and our foundation, BAF on course and thriving. I am deeply grateful for their hard work and dedication.

To you, our members — thank you for your participation and support. Whether you attended events, volunteered, or shared your ideas, you have helped shape AIA Baltimore into the resilient and vibrant community it is today. As we move into next year, I encourage you to fully engage with all the chapter has to offer. We need the diversity of ideas and people – think about attending an event, visiting the Design Center, volunteering for a particular program AIA does, and continuing to support this incredible organization.

Looking ahead, let’s engage and empower one another to help us all thrive in this profession. Together, we can tackle tomorrow’s challenges and amplify our impact as architects and advocates for the built environment and the places our neighbors, friends and family work and live.

Thank you for making this a truly remarkable year. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Annual Meeting as we celebrate our achievements and set our course for an exciting future.

Warm Regards,

Ryan Jordan Pfarr, AIA
2024 President, AIA Baltimore