After six years of dedicated leadership, Gwen Dakis, AIA is stepping down from her position as Chair of the Pittsburgh Architecture Foundation. Throughout her tenure, Dakis championed civic engagement, sustainability, and leadership development, helping to shape programs like the Leadership Institute, the Façade Renovation Program, and the Blueprint for Better campaign. Her passion for the role of architecture in public life has been a guiding force, inspiring architects and designers to engage meaningfully with their communities. Read on for her reflections and insights on the Foundation’s past, present, and future.
What has the Foundation meant to you personally and professionally?
I started my career at the Pittsburgh Architects Workshop – the precursor to the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh. Working in the communities and creating opportunities to showcase how Architecture can be the most important of the public arts has always been important to me. I know I cannot change the world – but I can try to positively affect my corner. Being a Citizen Architect is a super-power that we all have!
Which program or initiative do you think has had the most significant impact?
The Leadership Institute (started by Dan Rothschild, Sean Sheffler, and Jen Bee) was our premier program for a long time. The Façade Renovation Program had some real success prior to Covid – and will again! This last cohort of the Leadership Institute included participants from the broader AEC arena, and was Championed by Dina Snider, Eric Booth and John Ryan. The program combined our cohorts’ engagement with the exploration of potential situated in challenged communities – bringing leadership, learning, and positive impact together. I can’t wait to see the continued and amazing success that the latest LI grads will have in their firms, communities and personal lives.
What hopes do you have for the future of the Foundation and its role in the city?
Under Jeff Murray’s leadership as the new Chair, we have a great opportunity to really make an impact in the advocacy space. Sharing the importance of Architecture on our health, mental health, pride in our neighborhoods and region, and the sustainable qualities of good design teaches us all how important design is to how we “feel”, how we respond, how we interact. Reigniting the Blueprint for Better conversation starts a whole new chapter that the Foundation is ready to take on.
How can people stay involved or support the work of PAF moving forward?
The foundation has always run on the time, energy, and heart-felt commitment of an impressive group of volunteers along with thoughtful guidance from our former Executive Director, Michelle Fanzo. With a motivated new Chair, a strong group of Champions steering the Leadership Institute, and a rejuvenated Façade Program, there will be all sorts of ways to participate and see what you can do for your corner of the world. Keep an eye out for intriguing opportunities in the near future!
