Michael L. Prifti, AIA, is managing principal of Bower Lewis Thrower Architects, a 60-person Philadelphia firm. A member of the Institute for nearly 18 years, his career has been marked by continually expanding efforts in behalf of the Institute and our profession:

AIA National
• Director, Pennsylvania Region (2000–2002)
• Director, AEC Direct (2000-2001)
• Professional Development Advisory Committee (1999, 2000 chair)
• Component Relations Advisory Task Force (1999–2001)
• National Convention Committee (1999–2000)
• Firm Benefits Task Force (1995)

AIA Pennsylvania
• Treasurer (1997–98)
• Director (1996–1999)
• Chair, Long-Range Planning Committee (1996–1999)

AIA Philadelphia
Co-chair, national convention 2000 (1998–2000). Titled "New Century New Vision—Livable Communities for America's Future," this event was characterized as "the benchmark against which all other conventions will be measured."
• President (1995)
• Treasurer (1993)
• Finance Committee (1992–1997, chair 1994)
• Exhibits Committee co-chair (1989–1994)

Education
• University of Pennsylvania: BA ,1976; March, 1979
• Registered in Pennsylvania; New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; Massachusetts; Florida; NCARB

Community
• President, Young Smyth Field Condominium Association
• Co-coach LMSC Dynamos Soccer Team (2001 U-10D Delco Champions)

Statement of philosophy

In the past few years, we have worked diligently to put our financial house in order, and must always keep it so. Now we focus on our future. Architects, and The American Institute of Architects, should be leaders in our society. Architects' opinions are valued and their views are respected. The AIA is poised to advance our profession, our Institute, and our communities. The future, though, presents new and different challenges and should be met with new initiatives. To accomplish this position in our society we should:

• Be inclusive and expand our community and the Institute with more architects, architecturally trained non-practitioners, and other professionals who value our built environment, while preserving the value of "AIA" for the registered architect

• Continue to enhance and market the AIA brand through the pursuit of responsible and ethical community leadership and by communicating a message of design excellence

• Use our broader membership base and valued community image to lead livable community initiatives in new and renewing areas of our country

• Achieve the goals of the AIM plan with improved and transparent communication that will build consensus, forge new alliances, promote trust, and enjoy the energy and vision of our renewing membership.

We must continually burnish the reputation and capabilities of our Institute, both for our members within and the public without, so that we enhance our leadership role.

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.