The architecture profession is changing. And we believe you are its next leaders.
The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) aims to train the next generation of leaders in architecture through a series of nine half-day sessions. The curriculum focuses on honing skills like:
• Entrepreneurship and firm management
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Negotiation skills
• Client development
• Community leadership
• Understanding industry trends
Each year, this competitive program accepts 16 emerging professionals to collaborate, learn together and develop as leaders in architecture. This program is ideal for members who are eager to advance in their career and either have not yet become a licensed architect, or have been licensed for 10 years or less.
Applications for the 2025 Class will be released this upcoming Fall.
Following is the schedule for 2024 sessions:
2024 Executive Committee
Chelsea Wade, AIA, – Chair
Johann Duran-Hunt, AIA, – Vice Chair
Leah Gordon, Assoc. AIA, – Chair Emeritus
Sarah Long, AIA, NCARB – Outreach Director
Lauren Hiatt, AIA, NCARB – Marketing Director
Ben Ludeman, Assoc. AIA – Business Development Director
Benjamin Champagne, AIA, NCARB – Treasurer
Christopher Kelley, AIA, was an active member of the Washington, D.C. architectural community who suddenly passed away in May 2012. He was a respected leader within the Institute, as well as within Gensler’s Washington office. Through his volunteer efforts, he participated and contributed to initiatives and programs that have had a positive impact on emerging professionals at different stages of their careers. In 2010, Kelley was honored with the AIA Young Architects Award for which the jury stated, “Christopher has proven himself a young leader within and around the AIA, a real example for other young professionals.” This program is intended to continue his legacy of leadership and activism.
In 2013, the AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program, which would help train and nurture the next generation of leaders. In 2016, it made its way to AIA Colorado. Prospective participants must go through an application process for selection where proven career success, community involvement, and the individual’s firm support will be considered.
Through the varied areas of study during the year, CKLDP gave me a bigger picture of the architecture industry as a whole. The variety of topics brought me out of my narrow understanding of the field and broadened my view on the industry and how we can shape its future.
Lindsay Slavin | Architect, Former Scholar
Pratiksha Achari
David Allen
Kelly Buchanan
Benjamin Champagne
Johann Duran-Hunt
Kierstyn Feldlavy
Andriy Grygorenko
Lauren Hiatt
McKenzie Hengel
Yung Hong
Seth Lehman
Sarah Long
Ben Ludeman
Lauren Sherman-Boemker
Linnea Stuart
Levi Wall
Jennifer Lozano Castillo
Ian Wilson
Colton Todd
Connor Sullivan
Katherine Ferguson
Chelsea Wade
Jackson Reed
Maureen Smith
Tiffany Vieth
Wells Landers
Anna Huey
Jenny Kivett
Stephen Mayer
Francesca Zucchi
Chris Isenhower
Kavya Wadhawan
Adam DeChant
Chris Holzward
Kaci Taylor
Annie Hoke
Molly Wheelock
James Graham
Chris Powell
Lauren Folkerts
Leah Gordon
Taylor Hawley
Samuel Palmer-Dwore
Christina Kim
Ben Burghart
Alexa Kaczor
Janna Ferguson
Raphael Chaves
Alisa Penkala
Matthew Joiner
Alicia Gonzales
Mark Beaver
Bennie McMulen
Tyler Michieli
Greg Behlen
Ramiro Diaz
Alex Jewett
Jen Anderson
Kyle Boyd
Whitney Swanson
Griffin Gilber
Mark Hageman
Hengchen Liu
Olga Braico
Jing Bao
Scott Blosser
Michael Bucher
James Erickson
Stefani Huey
Jinnie Hyung Lee
Zev O’Brien-Gould
Michael Reilly
Carson Shields
Lindsay Slavin
Brianne Smith
Melissa Styer
Rebekah Wagoner
Cody Weaver
Zack Writer
Ralista Kombakis
Emily Axtman
Nick Caravella
Charles Fentress
Christine Fronczak
Katherine Hawkins
Trent Hinze
Sam Kalscheur
Kahyun Lee
Kelsey Madden
Heather Morrow
Holly Paris
Brad Schlesinger
Mario Siciliano
Chris Smith
Katie Spicer
Jackie Squires
Kurt Basford
Dan Boghean
Ana- Marie Drughi
Jesse Garland
Alex Garrison
Lynsey Grace
Steve Greco
Stephan Hall
Jennie LeNoue
Afsaneh Makooi
Max McCloskey
Hannah-Hunt Moeller
Jenna Michieli
Abby Noble
Meg Schubert
Three members of my studio became scholars of the Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Program, and two went on to become association leaders. From my observations, the experience gained by my team members by being a part of this program plays a significant role in one’s growth and maturity as a professional.
Brian Erickson, AIA, LEED AP | Principal, Davis Partnership Architects
