In focus

Board members comment on their involvement in AIA Chicago

Peter Exley, FAIA
First Vice President, President Elect
ArchitectureIsFun, Director of Architecture

AIA Chicago intersects my life as the principal of a small design firm, as an adjunct professor and as an organizer of community events such as PechaKucha Night. As a board member and first vice president, my role is to bring members of our community together, connecting us and injecting the conversation with a sense of humor, passion, relevance and delight. This is accomplished by working to create a visible and dynamic awards program, participating in and encouraging advocacy for issues that affect AIA Chicago members, connecting students with the profession, and representing AIA Chicago in conversations at local, regional and national levels.

Over the past 25 years, AIA has been my place for mentorship, friendship and collaboration. It is a place for teaching, learning and sharing. For me, AIA is about the celebration of architecture, the sharing of knowledge and the visibility of our profession. By recognizing, accommodating and celebrating the multiple perspectives of membership, we build a community through AIA Chicago and ensure that architecture is topical and part of the everyday conversation. This brings value to us all.

AIA is fun and worthwhile. Collectively, we make a difference.

Is there something unique that YOU get by being an AIA member? Let us know.