Throughout 2025 there seemed to be a word that echoed out of meetings, minglers, phone calls, and e-mails: transition. When a new leader steps in, an organization does inherently go through some change. This transition, this change was so much more than just a new person keeping all the plates spinning, it was about YOU. In 2025, YOU, leaned in, spoke up, and helped to shape a new trajectory for our chapter, AIA Pittsburgh.
First and foremost, thanks to a lot of planning, cost reductions, and future planning, I’m very happy to announce that there is a ZERO-dollar local dues increase for 2026. The board and staff recognize that the market has some uncertainty now, and we wanted to provide some relief. At the same time, 2025 allowed me the opportunity to visit over 20 firms in Southwest PA, beyond just Allegheny County. This opportunity was invaluable to learn about the good work happening and challenges that our suburban and rural friends have in Butler or Indiana, PA. I will continue to visit firms and members into 2026 and would love to drop by.
Having the unique honor to have Bob Shelton, President of Shelton Design/Build, at the helm of the board this year gave us the space to reinvigorate our relationships as a chapter with our friends at the Master Builders Association, Green Building Alliance, NAIOP, and many others. As architects, designers, and planners, we certainly do not work in a vacuum. The more our field interacts in the greater Architectural, Engineering, and Construction sector, the more we all win. Better communication and understandings result in better outcomes, whether in finance or efficiency. We also celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the AIA-MBA Joint Committee this year. They crafted the Yellowbook which is the industry standard in communication and shared responsibility from designer to contractor.
At the same time, the new energy for our chapter was palpable. We brought on over 40 new members and have reached a new high in chapter membership at over 614. I am very happy to share news about member benefits, new and old, to ensure that everyone makes the most out of their own individual membership. From our membership to our dedicated committees, to the work of our board, we are strong because of you.
Lastly, allow me to convey my thanks and gratitude for the privilege to serve as your Executive Director of AIA Pittsburgh. You have welcomed me from 2024 with open arms and a plenty of coffee. Please keep it coming! You all do such amazing work and I’m genuinely excited to celebrate it and show it off to the greater community, especially our elected friends, as we advocate for our field with the incoming city administration, various departments, county governments, and state leaders.
Please know that I’m always open to a conversation, even it may be a tough one. Our chapter trajectory is a shared one and I’m excited to continue to see the new heights we are reaching toward materialize.
Thank you for your continued membership in AIA Pittsburgh. Thank you for all you do in the built environment in Southwest PA. Thank you for making our communities brighter and better.
With Kindest Regards,
Endy
Executive Director, AIA Pittsburgh