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 ten years or less.

The application period for the 2019-2020 program has now closed.

Application & Supplemental Materials

2019 - 2020 Program Schedule

Boot Camp; August 30, 2019 (mandatory attendance)

Session 1: Working Together, October 4, 2019

Session 2: Community Engagement, November 1, 2019

Session 3: Entrepreneurship, December 6, 2019

Session 4: Contracts and Negotiation, January 10, 2020

Session 5: Business Management, February 7, 2020

Session 6: The Changing Nature of Practice, March 6, 2020

Session 7: Research, Education and Expanding Practice, April 10, 2020

Session 8: The Future of Architecture & Closing Reception, May 8, 2020 (mandatory attendance)

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.