AIA25 highlights anxiety and AI as architecture faces turbulent times
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently hosted its 2025 Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, a notable gathering marked by pressing themes of anxiety and the impact of artificial intelligence on the architectural profession. This year’s event unfolded against a backdrop of significant national turmoil, amid heightened tariffs on aluminum and steel imports announced by the White House and escalating protests across various U.S. cities. These developments served as a poignant reminder of the instability within which architects and design professionals currently operate.
Amidst its challenges—including ongoing legal issues and leadership transitions, as the AIA seeks a new chief executive after Lakisha Woods' departure—the conference aimed to inspire resilience among its members. Interim CEO Stephen Ayers invoked the uplifting message of Lee Ann Womack's classic song, urging architects to embrace the uncertain future before them: “It’s a message of hope, courage, and the determination to seize life's moments,” he stated, reflecting on the broader emotional landscape facing the profession in light of economic and environmental challenges.
Evelyn Lee, the 2025 AIA President, echoed this sentiment by urging attendees to transform their anxieties into constructive actions, reminiscent of the tenacity exhibited by the AIA's founders in 1857. She emphasised that their ability to adapt during turbulent times models the resilience needed today. During a keynote conversation, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg highlighted this notion, suggesting that with the current landscape seeming chaotic, there lies immense potential for growth and innovation.
Interestingly, while optimism permeated the conference atmosphere, the presence of artificial intelligence was a dominating topic throughout the sessions. Despite only 8 percent of architectural firm leaders having integrated AI into their practices, the emphasis on digital transformation continued to expand across the profession. Sessions like “Empathetic AI: How AI Can Help You Understand Human Experience” suggested a growing recognition of AI’s potential, albeit with a cautionary lens regarding its implementation. No doubt, this theme resonated with many attendees seeking to navigate the complexities of modern architectural practices.
With nearly 13,000 attendees participating in over 450 sessions, the conference also showcased architectural tours across Boston, revealing landmarks that epitomise the city’s rich architectural heritage, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Brutalist Boston City Hall. The expo floor buzzed with energy, hosting more than 600 brands, which positioned it as a critical hub for networking and insightful discussion among industry professionals.
Award winners shared impactful insights during the conference. Notably, Wendy Rogers, CEO of LPA Design Studios, captured the audience with her compelling assertion that firms of any size can achieve greatness when they focus on delivering design excellence without reservations. Her address underscores a broader call to action for architects—to remain both accountable and driven, regardless of external pressures.
Looking ahead, the AIA25 concluded with a clear recognition: while the state of the world remains tumultuous, the architectural community is both resilient and hopeful. Deborah Berke, the recipient of this year’s AIA Gold Medal, encapsulated this sentiment by urging the profession to collaborate in building a more sustainable and beautiful future. As the architectural community prepares for the next AIA Conference on Architecture & Design in San Diego, the overarching message remains clear: together, architects can rise to the occasion.