Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

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.

Congratulations to the 2020-2021 Class
Adam DeChant
Ben Burghart
Raphael Chavez
Janna Ferguson
Lauren Folkerts
Leah Gordon
James Graham
Taylor Hawley
Annie Hoke
Chris Holzwart
Alexa Kaczor
Christina Kim
Samuel Palmer-Dwore
Chris Powell
Kaci Taylor
Molly Wheelock

Application & Supplemental Materials

2022 Program Schedule

Boot Camp: January 21, 2022 (mandatory attendance)

Session 1: Working Together, March 11, 2022

Session 2: Community Engagement, April 8, 2022

Session 3: Entrepreneurship, May 13, 2022

Session 4: Contracts and Negotiation, June 10, 2022

Session 5: Business Management, July 15, 2022

Session 6: The Changing Nature of Practice, August 19, 2022

Session 7: Research, Education and Expanding Practice, September 16, 2022

Session 8: The Future of Architecture & Closing Reception, October 14, 2022 (mandatory attendance)

Past Participants

2019-2020 Session

Jen Anderson
Mark Beaver
Greg Behlen
Kyle Boyd
Olga Braico
Ramiro Diaz
Griffin Gilber
Whitney Grant
Alicia Gonzales
Mark Hageman
Alex Jewett
Matthew Joiner
Hengchen Liu
Bennie McMulen
Tyler Michieli
Alisa Penkala

2018-2019 Session

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

2017-2018 Session

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

2016-2017 Session

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

History of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

Christopher Kelley, AIA was an active member of the DC architectural community and suddenly passed away in May of 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 Christopher 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.