Kate Schwennsen, FAIA

Design matters! Architecture has the power to enrich lives, Architects have the ability to make the world a better place, and AIA Members have the responsibility to enhance our collective community, knowledge, and voice.

As AIA President, I would:

Bridge the profession’s communities
The AIA is its members: It should be easy for any member to say, “This is what my Institute does for me.”

• Strengthen local, regional, and national connections.
• Expand the community: Membership should be an inclusive majority of eligible architects.
• Mentor and learn from our next generation.

Connect architecture’s areas of knowledge

• Architectural knowledge must be legitimized to sustain the profession in the 21st century.
• Increase, connect, and disseminate professional information and knowledge.
• Provide easier access to information and resources to members.
• Support research and its translation to lifelong learning.
• Cross-pollinate the expertise of traditional and nontraditional members.

Strengthen our collective voice
Architecture’s continuing professional status is dependent on our making the world more commodious, sustainable, and delightful.

• Be the primary advocate for the design of livable, beautiful, healthy communities.
• Place the profession firmly in debates about suburban sprawl, environmental sustainability, and affordable housing, with a clear voice in the media and government.
• Maximize the use of advocacy resources through the interplay of government affairs, advertising, and awards.
• Update health, safety, and welfare definitions to 21st century standards.

Experienced practitioner and educator
Broad practice experience as a manager of a nationally recognized architecture office and its projects is the foundation of my career. I practiced for 10 years in professionally critical areas, including design, personnel, marketing, and construction administration. As the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, I am responsible for budgeting, strategic planning, and curricular oversight for the 2,000-student College of Design, Iowa State University. As an architecture faculty member, I “preach practice,” teaching design and professional practice courses.

Proven leadership and results
I have served the AIA and its collateral organizations at all levels, including: AIA state (AIA Iowa President 1997) and national boards (Vice President 2003, Board of Directors 2000–2002) and committees (Topaz Jury and Education Honors Chair, PIA Council, Educators and Practitioners Net PIA Chair); NCARB committees and the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners; AIAS national task forces and the ISU chapter; and the American and Iowa Architectural Foundations. Results include publications, policies, and programs at every level.

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