A Mid-Year Reflection from the President
When I first stepped into the role of President, I envisioned a renewed and re-energized organization as we entered the second quarter of this century. Now, at the midpoint of my term, I pause to ask:
Have we strengthened our commitment to Learn, Inspire, and Connect—with our members, students, and civic leaders at the county and state levels?
We face no shortage of challenges. From securing sustainable funding and sponsorships for our Center, to developing future leaders and providing expert guidance to county and state representatives—some of these goals may extend beyond my tenure. However, with a solid succession plan and strong leadership within our Board and Executive Committee, we are laying the groundwork for lasting impact.
We are strongest when united by a shared mission. It’s been encouraging to witness increased member engagement and a growing awareness of the architect’s civic role. AIA Baltimore recently concluded the 2025 CivicLAB, reinforcing the idea that architects are advocates for the built environment. Participants gained valuable advocacy tools from experienced leaders who’ve shaped impactful change at both local and national levels. Congratulations to this year’s graduates—I look forward to seeing your continued involvement in key legislative efforts.
As we move forward, we must continue building a cohesive, committed Board and a resilient Executive Committee. We must leverage our collective strengths to create a more visible, impactful platform—one that highlights the incredible service our members provide.
We are also navigating a changing professional landscape. With federal funds currently frozen, many government-led projects face delays, cuts, or cancellations. This uncertainty may lead to slower workflows and tough decisions for some firms—including potential layoffs or reduced hours.
If you’re considering the next step in your career, I encourage you to submit your resume to the AIA Baltimore Resume Database. It’s a valuable resource for connecting talented professionals with firms seeking skilled team members. Even in challenging times, opportunities exist—and this simple step could lead you to the right one.
Together, let’s continue to build a stronger, more connected architectural community.
Thank you for your commitment.
Keep well, stay connected and safe travels this summer and to the AIA 25 conference in Boston. I’ll share a conference recap in 2 weeks.
Best wishes,
Madhuri Subramaniam, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
2025 President- AIA Baltimore
