Purpose
The 2003 AIA Leadership Institute prepares architects for the role of community leader through a series of focused discussions and workshops moderated by faculty from Georgetown University’s Center for Professional Development as well as architects known for their leadership. The goal is to enable architects to exercise greater influence outside the profession through participation on civic and community boards, elected or appointed office, or volunteer activities that demonstrate the important contributions architects can make.

From October 8–11, a select group of 25 AIA members will discuss the meaning of leader/architect, identify and define their own leadership roles, and apply what they learn to elevate the public perception of architects. Each participant will have the opportunity to assess his or her leadership skills and experience, discuss the assessment with faculty skilled in executive coaching, and develop an individual plan to achieve leadership goals. Through these activities, the participants will concentrate on identifying their special skills and talents, how those skills and talents can benefit the community and the profession, and the steps the participants can follow to make their leadership goals a reality.

Who should attend
Accomplished members of the AIA who have demonstrated:
• Management responsibilities in the firm and a history of civic or community leadership
• The ability to apply what they gain from the Leadership Institute to elevate the public perception of architects.

How to apply
AIA members may nominate themselves for the Leadership Institute by completing the application and sending it along with the required attachments to Director Linda Hopper, Training and Organizational Development, Georgetown University, Healy Hall, Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20057. Nominations must be postmarked by September 10. Alternatively, applications may be e-mailed to hopperl@georgetown.edu.

Applicants must oversee the collection and mailing of all materials. Only applications that are completed will be accepted. Each applicant must include two letters of reference. One letter of reference must be from a supporter outside the applicant’s firm. Applications will be reviewed by representatives from the AIA and Georgetown University.

Each letter of reference must include:
• The reference’s name, address, and phone/fax/e-mail
• How the reference knows the applicant and the duration of the relationship
• Your specific leadership attributes that have been demonstrated outside the architecture practice
• Your current civic contributions
• How the applicant has and will contribute to his or her community
• Your greatest leadership contribution.

Applicants must provide:
1. A career précis that details your contributions to the community (include volunteer community service activities and professional activities)—two pages, maximum
2. A letter that:
• Describes your most challenging leadership experience and how you handled it (failures are as important as successes)
• Defines the qualities of an effective leader and explains how your attendance at the Leadership Institute will help you meet your career goals
• Describes the qualities that you will bring to the Leadership Institute to make it successful and how you will apply the information you gain as a participant.

General information
Cost: The enrollment fee of $2,000 is due within 30 days of notification of acceptance into the program. This fee does not cover airfare, lodging, or food costs during the program. All checks should be made payable to Georgetown Center for Professional Development.

Accommodations: Lodging and some meals will be at the Georgetown University Conference Center on the university campus. A single-room reservation will be made in your name for the duration of the program.

Cancellation Policy: A $200 administrative fee will be assessed for cancellations within two weeks of the program. Cancellations or withdrawals on or after the opening of the program are subject to a fee.

For more information, contact Linda Hopper, 202-687-4494 or hopperl@georgetown.edu, or AIA Managing Director of Continuing Education C.D Pangallo, 202-626-7410 or cpangallo@aia.org.

Copyright 2003 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page