Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are open now!
Applications are open through Monday, August 18, 2025.
About the 2025-2026 Program
The Pittsburgh Architecture Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 cohort of the Leadership Institute! The purpose of the Leadership Institute (LI) is to explore and grow the potential, capacity, and skill set of emerging leaders, and therefore make a positive impact as an individual, a member of their firm, and within the Pittsburgh region. Participants will explore their leadership journey to date and delve deeper into how they want to make an impact in the future.
The program is open to the broader AEC Community. Emerging leaders in the AEC professions will engage with each other and collaborate on real-world challenges, while learning valuable leadership skills. Classes will be held on the third Thursday in September, October, November, December, January, February, and March from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. This includes a “Day of Learning” (March 19th: 12-6pm) where participants will present the findings of their community projects. Some collaboration with other participants is to be anticipated outside of class time.
The program combines classroom learning with group discussions & activities grounded in Adaptive Leadership principles. Participants will develop leadership skills, while applying what they learn to address an existing challenge within one of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods. Participants will work as teams to partner with one of three non-profit community organizations on a priority initiative in their community. Each cohort will go through the process of examining their leadership style to date, while exploring and practicing new skills. The goal is for the cohort to develop their leadership skills, while learning to work together on pressing issues in our region and exploring opportunities to make an impact at a broader level. Community engagement work will be dependent on agreed upon scope of the project and vary throughout the length of the course but participants can expect to put in at least 2 hours a month outside of class time.
Program participants can expect to develop and discover skills in:
- Redefining leadership, and working out of your comfort zone
- Community and Civic Engagement Practices
- Recognizing bias, and considering culture & context
- Communicating and Collaborating in the AEC Professions
- Firm culture and its impact
- Working effectively within teams & time management
- Making an Impact: Ongoing reflection, learning, and goal setting
LI classroom sessions are being submitted for a possible total of 10 CEUs.
Eligibility
It is suggested that interested applicants have been working in their profession for not less than 5 years and not more than 15 years – or not registered for more than 10 years.
Fees
The application process is free but competitive – class size is limited. Tuition for AIA Members is $1,350.00. Tuition for non-AIA Members is $1,500.00. Tuition is due at the time of acceptance into the program not at the time of completing your application.
Scholarship
New for 2025-2026 Cohort: NOMA Pittsburgh is graciously offering a scholarship for one lucky individual to attend the Leadership Institute. To qualify, you must have an active NOMA PGH membership. Preference will be given to small firms
Help support the Pittsburgh Architecture Foundation’s programs and opportunities for our local young leaders. Donations are tax deductible.