Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

The architecture profession is changing. And we believe you are its next leaders.

2018 - 2019 SPONSORS

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.

Applications for the 2018 program have now closed, but take a look at some other opportunities that are still open.

AIA Colorado Programs

2018 - 2019 Program Schedule

Boot Camp

August 31, 2018 (mandatory attendance)

Introduction to the course and participants
Importance of leadership within the profession
“How To” set-up future courses in coming months
Breakouts with scholars to develop session content for year ahead
Sponsorship now and in your future

Session 1: Working Together

October 5, 2018

The role of architects relative to other project stakeholders, including public and private owners, developers, contractors, consultants, financial institutions, and allied professionals
Teams, groups, and organizational problem solving
Understanding your own leadership skills and how they relate to the rest of your team

Session 2: Entrepreneurship and Business Management

November 2, 2018

Entrepreneurship and Business Management
Office and Firm management
Leadership, ownership, and transition
Financial and succession planning
Business and project management standards

Session 3: The Art of Negotiation, sponsored by Haldeman-Homme, Inc.

December 7, 2018

Ethics and law, from contracts and codes to professional ethics and standards of behavior
Negotiating a contract
Contractual pitfalls
Stakeholder relationships

Session 4: Community Engagement

January 4, 2019

Community involvement and the role of volunteerism in a market-based society
Business practice of public interest design
Professional expectations for social responsibility and public service
Becoming more involved in the community through philanthropy and board involvement
Understanding how politics and advocacy effect the profession; civic leadership

Session 5: Closing the Deal

February 1, 2019

Business and professional communications including public relations, presentations, writing and professional speaking skills
Use of social media
Networking, Business Development and pursuing work

Session 6: Expanding the Definition of Practice

March 1, 2019

Expanding the Definition of Practice
Research and standard of care in the profession
Education within the University and the role of mentorship
Keeping abreast with new ideas through the academic setting
Alternative business models to a traditional firm
Providing a diverse, inclusive, and innovative practice

Session 7: Research, Education and Practice

April 5, 2019

Sustainability efforts as they relate to the environment, economy, and social ethics
The use of technology within the practice (BIM, VR, data gathering, etc.)
Learning by doing through the use of fabrication
Social responsibility of architects as community leaders

Session 8: The Future of Our Culture & Closing Reception

May 3, 2019 (mandatory attendance)

The future of architecture and the fundamentals of planning, design, documentation and service in a forward-thinking and fast changing profession
Work/life balance
The role of mentorship with recent graduates and recently licensed architects
Developing your own career path through reflection on the CKLDP
Leader effectiveness and personal development

Closing Reception to follow

To download the pdf version of the 2018 – 2019 schedule, click here.

You can also view the 2016 – 2017 or 2017 – 2018 schedule.

Current Participants

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

2018 - 2019 Application Documents and Materials

Applications for the 2018- 2019 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program have now closed.

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.