AIA25 Recap

This year’s AIA Conference on Architecture (AIA25) brought thousands of architects, designers, and changemakers to Boston — a city rich in architectural heritage and contemporary innovation. For several AIA Wisconsin members who attended, the experience was both professionally inspiring and personally memorable. From meaningful conversations with design leaders to immersive architectural tours, AIA25 delivered an energizing glimpse into the future of the profession.

Exploring the City That Shaped a Profession

For Daniel Inyang, AIA, attending his first AIA conference in Boston was particularly meaningful. “It has been an interesting conference,” he said. “It’s my first time in Boston, and I was able to visit some of the iconic buildings and places I studied back when I was a student at SARUP.”

Daniel reflected on two standout experiences:

Boston City Hall (Photo courtesy of Daniel Inyang, AIA)

• Walkable Boston: Lighting the Urban Nightscape
  A guided evening walk through downtown Boston and Beacon Hill highlighted the impact of thoughtful lighting on urban life. From gas-powered streetlamps in 1600s neighborhoods to the lively, user-filled parks, the tour demonstrated how light shapes public experience. Daniel described the experience as “both surreal and inspiring.”

Trinity Church (Photo courtesy of Daniel Inyang, AIA)

• First FAIA Investiture Ceremony
  Daniel also attended his first FAIA Investiture Ceremony at Boston’s historic Trinity Church, directly across from I.M. Pei’s iconic John Hancock Tower. He was struck by the ceremony’s venue, calling it “downright Byzantine — as in Hagia Sophia — in a good, inspiring way.”

Design at the Forefront of Innovation

Aaron Johnson, AIA, found the opportunity to connect directly with world-class architects and tour exceptional buildings one of the most valuable parts of AIA25. “They are proving what is possible in our industry and the power of design,” he said.

Ragon Institute (Photo courtesy of Aaron Johnson, AIA)

A highlight for Aaron was the tour of the Ragon Institute, a cutting-edge infectious disease research facility designed by Payette. The project represents a collaborative effort among Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard, and MIT, and showcases how architecture can support groundbreaking scientific research.

Wisconsin Leadership on the National Stage

AIA Wisconsin was also proudly represented at the national level during the conference. We are thrilled to announce that our Immediate Past Executive Director, Lisa L. Kennedy, FAIA, was elected to The American Institute of Architects' Board of Directors, to serve as 2026-2027 Treasurer. Lisa’s election reflects her long-standing leadership and deep commitment to the profession — and marks a proud milestone for our state’s architectural community. Click here to learn more.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate our members’ participation and achievements at AIA25, we’re reminded of the importance of staying connected to the broader AIA community. National events like this offer valuable inspiration, resources, and relationships that can fuel the work we do here at home in Wisconsin.

Thank you to all our members who attended and shared your experiences!