WASHINGTON – September 18, 2024 – The Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is embarking on a promising new era with a strategic shift in focus and the search for a new Executive Director.  This transition comes as the Foundation aims to strengthen its impact on the architectural profession and society by accelerating its initiatives and enhancing its mission.

“We are immensely grateful to Marci Reed for her dedication and unwavering commitment to the Architects Foundation over the past seven years,” said Bill Roschen, FAIA, President of the Architects Foundation Board of Directors. “Her leadership has laid a strong foundation for our future, and now our focus is on finding an Executive Director who will drive forward our vision of empowering future generations of architects. The Foundation is poised to elevate our transformative initiatives that will expand our effectiveness.”

Key among the Foundation’s strategic priorities is to grow its scholarship programs, aimed at supporting emerging architects and promoting equity and diversity within the profession. Additionally, the Foundation plans to reimagine The Octagon, leverage the work and legacy of Communities by Design, and explore global collaborations to enhance its influence worldwide.

Dan Kirby, FAIA, the 2025 Board President, expressed, “In this transformative period, the Architects Foundation is poised to accelerate our efforts to support, empower, inform and collaborate.”

ABOUT THE ARCHITECTS FOUNDATION

The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic efforts that champion the future impact of architecture, empowering equity and diversity within the profession. The Foundation’s cornerstone initiatives include its scholarship programs, community collaboration through Communities By Design, and positioning the historic Octagon house as a home and inclusive space for the Foundation, our scholars, and community convening. For more information on the Architects Foundation’s mission and programs, visit architectsfoundation.org or follow on LinkedIn.