2024 Call for Nominations for Best Practices Committee

You may also be interested in the Call for Applications to join the PMKC Leadership >

Information

AIA Best Practices (aia.org/best-practices) is a collection of relevant, experience-based knowledge and expert advice on firm management, project delivery, contracts and more, aligned with the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th edition. The Best Practices committee manages this essential resource, including the creation of new articles and the continual curation of the existing content.

Best Practice committee members are responsible for seeking out and collaborating with thought leaders who can write Best Practices on subjects related to the professional practice of architecture. Topics can range from organizational development to financial management, and project management to research methods – anything that impacts the practice of architecture. Best Practices are expert-written, tested from experience, and immediately implementable to the wider AIA audience of practicing architects.

Traditionally this committee has eight members who serve for up to five years, works collaboratively with other groups especially the Practice Management knowledge community, and is supported by partial AIA staff. We are currently seeking statements of qualifications from individuals who have demonstrated leadership in the practice of architecture. We currently have up to three (3) open positions that would begin in January 2024 and end December 2028.

Characteristics of successful candidates

While subcommittee members can also write Best Practices, the focus of the assignment is to serve as the point person with potential authors and shepherd their material through an approval and editing process with both the subcommittee and AIA’s professional editorial staff. We are especially looking for members who:

• know about a variety of practice areas, including high-level expertise
• have experience with a range of firm types (e.g. niche vs. general practices, small vs. large firms),
• are natural connectors,
• have an eclectic network of fellow architects and other subject matter experts related to architecture to find potential authors.

While not required, our committee would particularly benefit from applicants that can help us ease the following gaps through their own expertise or their networks:

• Emerging professionals
• Human resources or professional development
• Equity and inclusion
• Research 

Duties and Expectations

• 1 hour/month: Participate in one hour monthly conference call
  2-10 hours/month (varies): Shepherd at least two articles through the development process per year (new or archived)
• Attend an event during each year to network with architects and keep abreast of developments in the industry (can be the AIA Conference on Architecture, a local component event, etc.)
• Support the work of partner committees as needed and available. Past partners include Practice Management, Construction Contract Administration, the AIA/AGC joint committee, AIA Conference on Architecture, etc.
• Commitment of intention to serve for full term of service of five years, with one optional renewal. (Partial terms can be considered upon request.)

Qualifications statements:

• Letter of interest, including a vision of what would you like to accomplish during your appointment and what topics you can provide expertise in.
• Resume with:
  • Professional accomplishments including volunteer activities.
  • Skills - leadership, organizational, speaking as well as your position and duties in your firm; what are the particular skills that you would bring to the committee
• Letter of commitment from a leader in your firm that demonstrates your firm’s commitment to supporting your involvement.

The American Institute of Architects actively promotes a diverse profession, including race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. The Best Practices committee strives to be an inclusive group representing diversity of thought, geographic diversity, both traditional and non-traditional practice and as well as providing opportunities for seasoned professionals, associate members and young architects.

Please submit the above information via the following link. The submission form will open on May 15. Applications are due by June 16 at 5pm ET. 

Questions? Contact Emma Tucker at emmatucker@aia.org.