There’s nothing quite as satisfying—or exhilarating—as witnessing the grand opening of a project you’ve poured your heart into. It’s a mix of pride and relief: You did it. It’s no longer just yours—it now belongs to the world, ready to be experienced and enjoyed by others.
But is it strange to feel a little…sad that it’s over?
There’s something humbling about seeing a project reach completion. Especially one you’ve shepherded through every phase, where every detail is etched into your memory. Sometimes, it feels less like a project, a child you’ve conceived in your thoughts and design and brought to life, other times like a companion—occasionally a friend, sometimes a foe. And when the moment comes to unveil it to the public, it can be unnerving. Suddenly, you’re defending or explaining design decisions:
“No, that rainwater pipe, the lightning rod, the light pole and sensors weren’t in the original plans—but we had to add them because…”
“Actually, the flooring transition was meant to happen here, not there, because of x, y, z…”
But no project ever turns out exactly as drawn or imagined. Those deviations are a testament to the problem-solving, perseverance, and teamwork that brought the design to life. If you happen to have control issues (and let’s be honest, many of us in this field do…), that transition can be tough. It all feels deeply personal because of the time, care, and effort that went into it. And now, it’s time to hand it over—for someone else to use, to maintain, to inhabit.
At the end of the day, if you can look at what was built and feel proud—proud of the space you created for others—then it was all worth it… even the countless design iterations, RFIs, submittals and shop drawings.
So, take a breath. Celebrate. Learn. And get ready to do it all over again.
AIA Baltimore will soon open submissions for the 2025 Design Excellence Awards. Does your project have what it takes to win the Grand Design Award or earn recognition from your peers? Start preparing now and be part of the celebration.
This week, AIA Maryland celebrates its 60th anniversary with the inaugural Future Forward Conference & Expo—a milestone event bringing together architects, engineers, tradespeople, and industry professionals from across Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Join us on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at The Crowne Plaza in Annapolis for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration focused on sustainability, innovation, and leadership. Learn more and register at: https://aiamd.org/future-forward-conference
Looking ahead, April marked the launch of Civic Lab 2025. Advocacy at the local, state, and national levels plays a vital role in shaping the future of architecture. Whether it’s pushing for equitable policies, promoting sustainable design, or championing diversity and inclusion, our collective voice can make a difference. Let’s continue to be strong advocates for our profession and make the most of everything AIA and your AIA Baltimore Chapter have to offer.
Here’s to a month of abundance, growth, and opportunities. Let’s face each day with openness and a readiness to act—whether it’s a new project that perfectly matches your skills or a spontaneous moment that leads to your next big idea.
Be sure to check out our newsletters and social media for updates. I hope to see you soon at some of our events! In the meantime, enjoy the May showers!
Best regards,
Madhuri Subramaniam, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
2025 President- AIA Baltimore
