Douglas L Steidl, FAIA, founding principal of Ohio’s Braun & Steidl Architects Inc., became the 81st AIA president December 3 at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Steidl succeeds Eugene C. Hopkins, FAIA.

In his inauguration speech, Steidl suggested that we define the moral obligation of our profession as “stewardship.”

“Let me offer what I believe anchors and motivates stewardship,” he said. “It’s an acceptance of accountability. ...

“Many architects, as well as community leaders and legislators, see the AIA as being primarily self-serving. They criticize us for being, as they see it, hardly more than a trade organization dedicated to a narrow agenda of self service and self interest,” Steidl continued. “This is not the organization I joined. It’s not the organization I serve. And it is certainly not the organization I will lead in the months ahead.

“I believe in an AIA that serves its members ... But service to society, the true measure of stewardship, must be foremost in our vision. If we serve society well, we will be valued as we as a profession will flourish.”

Citations from Ohio
Ohio Representative Chris Widener, FAIA, presented Steidl with special recognition and citations from the Ohio Senate, the House of Representatives, and Governor Bob Taft. “I am pleased to extend my warmest personal greetings and congratulations to Douglas L Steidl on your inauguration,” read the citation from the governor. “Your leadership, innovation, and expertise will be beneficial additions to the American Institute of Architects and will certainly help further the organization’s mission.”

“In numerous endeavors, you have earned the gratitude and esteem of many,” says the citation from the Ohio Senate. “You have set an outstanding example of professionalism and achievement, and your excellent work is truly the hallmark of concerned and responsible citizenship.”

“Over the years, you have proven yourself to be diligent, resourceful, and dependable,” echoed the statement from the Ohio House of Representatives. “In this new role, you will undoubtedly demonstrate the same enthusiasm and civic concern that have thus far distinguished your career.”

Reflecting our ideals
Steidl called upon the AIA to be “an interactive, focused force of 74,000 professionals organized into 300 components stretching from the Pacific Rim across the United States and into Europe, with the common goals of making the world a better place to live. ... Our profession must reflect our ideals,” he said. “‘Sustainable design,’ ‘smart growth,’ and ‘livable communities’ should all be terms the public immediately associates with the AIA.”

“I believe in the AIA. Together, we can make it the organization that speaks internationally for the preservation of our habitat, a healthier society, cultural enrichment, and the presence of beauty,” Steidl said. “I invite you to join me in shaping that future. And yes, I do believe we can change the world.”

Inspired leader
Steidl served the AIA as national treasurer in 2003 and 2004. He was a vice president in 2001 and a Board member from 1998–2000, at which time he proposed that the Institute’s budget be tied to AIM objectives. He has also been a member of the Finance and Audit and Component Business Development committees and served on the PIA Council and the PIA Executive Committee. Steidl has also been active at the state level, serving as the state convention chair, director, treasurer, president-elect, and president. Locally, he was president of AIA Akron and chair of its Government Affairs Committee. He initiated the AIA Akron mentorship program and “Architecture is ...,” which has introduced architecture to more than 13,000 students.

Steidl’s firm Braun & Steidl, a general practice firm with offices in Akron and Columbus, is a recipient of the AIA Ohio’s Gold Medal Firm Award. Registered in 21 states, Steidl and his firm provide architectural planning and interior design services for university, medical, religious, and commercial projects, for which they have won several design awards.

Steidl earned his BArch from Carnegie Mellon University and served three and a half years as a Civil Engineer Corps officer with the U.S. Navy. Steidl and his wife Susan, a CPA at Braun & Steidl, serve as church elders and give their time to many other community organizations. They have two daughters.

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