As we enter the first official days of Fall, it is satisfying to look back on a very busy season for AIA Ohio, and simultaneously look forward to the meaningful work yet to be done this year. As we embark upon the final quarter of the first year of our new strategic plan, I am inspired by the efforts of our member-led work groups who are turning ambitious goals into measurable progress in member engagement, government advocacy, organizational vitality, and public outreach. A heartfelt thank you goes out to every task force chairperson, member, and volunteer who has pushed this work forward. Your time and leadership not only make these efforts possible, but the collaborative process of executing these strategic goals is a testament to the success of our organization.
September 25 was a wonderful night as we recognized excellence at the AIA Ohio Awards Celebration which brought our community together in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus at an inspiring industrial venue in the city’s arts district. We recognized projects designed by AIA Ohio member firms that uphold the Institute’s values and demonstrate performance, craft, and the power of design to uplift communities. To every Design Award recipient: Congratulations! Your hard work makes Ohio a great place to live, work, and play.
It was truly my pleasure to recognize the four Honor Award recipients this year whose leadership, advocacy, mentoring, and public service bolster the profession today and pave an optimistically expectant path for tomorrow. Thank you for establishing a high standard, and setting an example for others to follow across our state.
The third installment of the reimagined AIA Ohio Conference concluded on Friday evening under the theme of “Integrate”. This year offered two days of engaging learning opportunities, inspiring tours, and thought-provoking keynotes. The schedule showcased a wide range of sessions from preservation and adaptive reuse to practice innovation in advocacy, case studies on specific project typologies, and even a napkin sketch competition.
In the months ahead, our workgroups and committees will continue advancing the AIA Ohio Strategic plan, deepening our effectiveness in advocacy, growing opportunities for emerging professionals and elevating the value of membership to architects across the state. These work groups are chaired by our board members, but offer multiple opportunities for engagement that is open to all members. If you haven’t joined a committee yet, consider this your invitation; your expertise is exactly what keeps AIA Ohio strong and thriving. Please share your interests here: https://aom.formstack.com/forms/aia_ohio_board_committees
As 2025 AIA Ohio President, I am honored to serve alongside you all. I’m pleased to announce our upcoming Annual Meeting and our slate of candidates for the 2026 board, who will continue to advance our efforts forward in the year ahead. Thank you for the efforts you lead in your communities, with your clients, through our profession. I look forward to seeing what we can build together.
All the best,
ERIC F. PROS, AIA, MBA, CPD
Director of Design
AIA Ohio President
Historic Preservation | Adaptive Reuse Studio Director
DS ARCHITECTURE
LISTEN | LEAD | INNOVATE