Hallie Crouch, Assoc. AIA

It has been my pleasure to serve as Ohio’s representative to the AIA National Strategic Council for the past three years. As I near the end of my term, I reflect on how special this role is: it is a two-way channel between members and National, and a pathway for the Ohio and Midwest perspective to shape the research and discussions at Council.

Upon reflection, I am most proud of leading the successful amendment to the AIA Code of Ethics, which every member received notice of in August. The amendments expand the scope for environmental equity, acknowledge multiple heritages may influence a site, introduce an ethical standard for equitable environments, and expand protected classes from discrimination and harassment. That work began in my first days on Council in December 2023.

I thank Ohio members for your consistent involvement and input, whether by serving on committees, participating in conferences, or taking national surveys. AIA Ohio is a vibrant state component, and National recognizes it as one with a voice and ambition.

Hannah Evwaraye, AIA, NOMA, Past President of AIA Columbus, enters this role in December as a bright strategic leader well-suited for Council. I’m excited to see what she and AIA Ohio can achieve together.