Candidate for AIA Secretary

As problem solvers and critical thinkers, architects stand at the forefront of societal impact, with an influence extending far beyond the projects we design.

My candidacy for Secretary is driven by a commitment to advancing our shared mission and fostering collaboration within our membership and the communities we serve.

Advancing Shared Imperatives

AIA serves as a dynamic platform where our voices are amplified to effectively address global challenges, including the urgent need for climate action and the pursuit of equity within the profession and society.

Communication and Transparency

The evolving landscape of the profession underscores the significance of communication and transparency in successful governance. Clear and open channels of communication are essential not only for decision-making processes but also for promoting inclusivity and collaboration across all levels of the AIA.

Vision for Our AIA

At the AIA, our commitment must revolve around our members, placing them at the core of everything we do. With their diverse expertise, invaluable insights, and passion for architecture, AIA members drive our initiatives, shape our direction, and inspire our collective journey towards excellence.

Background

  • American Institute of Architects

    • AIA Strategic Council 2024 Vice Moderator, 2022-2024 State Representative; Strategic Council Best Practices Committee

    • Strategic Council Design and AI Study Group 2023

    • AIA Secretary’s Advisory Committee 2023

    • AIA Documents Committee, 2018- Present;

    • Task Group Chair for the 2024 Design-Build family of agreement forms (publication forthcoming);

    • Task Group co- author of the 2020 Design Assist and Delegated Design agreements and the 2019 release of the AIA Construction Management family of agreement forms

    • 2017 Practice Innovation Lab Steering Committee

    • Chair - Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee, 2016

    • 2013-2014 Knowledge Director, YAF Advisory Committee

    • 2014 AIA Sustainability and Health Advisory Committee

    • 2013-2014 Board Community Committee

    • AIA National Convention Education Proposal Review Committee, 2012-2019

    • 2012 YAF Summit 20 Steering Committee

    • 2011-2012 Young Architect Regional Director, Gulf States Region

    AIA Tennessee

    • 2022 – 2024 Ex Officio Director – Strategic Council Liaison

    • 2021 Ex Officio Director for Regions Dissolution and State Realignment

    • President 2019

    • Government Relations Committee 2010- Present

    • State Government Network Representative, 2014-2019

    AIA Memphis

    • President 2012

    • Chair, Emerging Professionals Leadership Program Steering Committee 2012-2019

  • Gresham Smith

    Senior Risk Manager, Legal Counsel (2020 - Present)

    HBG Design, Inc.

    General Counsel (2005 - 2020)

  • University of Tennessee College of Law

    Doctor of Jurisprudence, May 2005

    University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design

    Bachelor of Architecture, May 2001, magna cum laude

  • Intersection of Design and Law: Four Factors Transforming Future Practice, 2024 AIA Florida Convention, Palm Beach (forthcoming)

    Intersection of Design and Law: Four Factors Transforming Future Practice, Practice of Architecture Professional Development Course 2022

    Delegated Design and Design Assist C403 and C404, AIA Contract Documents Video Series, 2021

    Demystifying the Payment Application Process, AIA Contract Documents Video Series, 2021

    Contracts 101: Choosing and Completing Owner- Architect Agreements, AIA Contract Documents Video Series, 2020

    Getting the Most out of Your AIA Membership, 2019 AIA National Conference, Las Vegas

    Contract Clauses and Negotiation, AXA XL Design Professionals Risk Control Group (DPRCG), Risk Management Workshop, Chicago 2015, 2016,

    2017, 2018, 2019

    Lessons from the Practice Innovation Lab, 2018 AIA National Conference, New York

    Conflicting Expectations: Understanding the Standard of Care – 2017 CSI National Convention, Providence, RI

    2016 AIA National Convention, Philadelphia

    • Mini MBA for Emerging Professionals: Mastering the Business of Architecture

    • Collaborative Partnerships for Research and Development: The Governor's Chair

    2015 AIA National Convention, Atlanta

    • Mini MBA for Emerging Professionals: Mastering the Business of Architecture

    • The Collaboration Generation: Project Communication for Young Architects and Contractors,

    • Architecture Practice Bootcamp: An Introduction to the Architect's Professional Primer,

    • Pop Up Nation: Design of Temporary Installations

    BIM Contract Negotiation and Risk Allocation, AGC of West Tennessee, 2013, 2014, 2015

    Advancing the Profession and Your Career: Strategies for Bridging the Gap from School to Practice from the Young Architects Forum, 2014 AIAS Forum, Nashville

    2014 AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Student Leadership Institute, University of Oregon – Portland Campus

    • Keynote: Where Will Your Career Take You: Scaling Architecture Practice

    • Mini-Hackathon: What Does Your Dream Career Look Like?

    2014 AIA National Convention, Chicago

    • Mini MBA for Emerging Professionals, A Joint Workshop of the AIA Large Form Roundtable and the Young Architects Forum

    • Emerging Professionals Leadership: A Presentation and Discussion with Influential Voices

    • Starting Your Own Architecture Firm: The Young Architect Perspective, A Joint Presentation of the AIA College of Fellows and the Young Architects Forum

    • Career Advancement in Design Firms: Ownership Transition and Succession Planning for Emerging Professionals, A Joint Presentation of the Practice Management Knowledge Community and the Young Architects Forum

    Architecture + Law: Legal Trends Shaping Practice, University of Tennessee Invited Guest Lecturer in Professional Practice, February 2014-2021

    Leadership Programs that Enhance Career Advancement – 2014 AIA Grassroots Legislative & Leadership Conference, Washington DC

    Keynote: Career Advancement for the Next

    Generation of Architects – AIAS South Quad Conference, Montgomery, October 2013

    Emerging Practices: Lessons on Starting a Design Firm – AIA National Convention, Denver, June 2013, moderator

    Sustainable Design and Risk Management – CSI Memphis, 2012

    Managing the Risks of Project Communications 2011 CSI National Convention, Chicago, September 2011

    Document Retention for Design and Construction Projects – 2010 CSI National Convention, Philadelphia, 2010

    Understanding the General Conditions of the Contract for Construction – 2009 CSI National Convention, Indianapolis, June 2009

    Managing Post Construction Claims – Construct 2008 Conference, Las Vegas, June 2008

  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

    • 2019 Continuing Education Evaluation Workgroup

    • 2014-2017 ARE 5.0 Item Development Subcommittee – Construction & Evaluation Exam

    • 2008-2010 Architect Registration Exam Graphic Pretest Subcommittee

    • Architect Licensing Advisor, Gresham Smith

    National Architecture Accreditation Board

    Visiting Team Chair

    • 2023 Ball State University

    • 2022 Samford University

    • 2022 Louisiana State University

    Visiting Team Member

    • 2021 Rochester Institute of Technology Substantive Change

    • 2020 Fairmont State University

    • 2019 Bowling Green State University

    • 2017 Rochester Institute of Technology

    American and Tennessee Bar Associations

    • ABA Forum on Construction Law- Contract Documents Committee

    • ABA Business Law Section

    • TBA Construction Section

    Building Design+Construction Magazine

    • 2014-Present - Editorial Advisory Board

    • 2014-2015 – BD+C Under 40 Summit Planning Committee

    Association of Corporate Counsel

    • IT, Privacy & eCommerce Committee

    • Nonprofit Organizations Committee