Elevating Public Architecture in 2026: A Year of Purpose, Partnership, and Impact

Originally posted on LinkedIn January 25, 2026

This year, I am honored to serve as the chair of the committee, alongside vice chair and AIA staff Lisa Bretta. It is a pleasure to welcome our architect executive director Carole Wedge FAIA NOMA LEED AP with over 6,500 members and PAKC leaders Phillip Neuberg FAIA, Mary E. Womble, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP, CFM, Leslie Kahn, AIA, LEED AP David Powell, FAIA, Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham, FAIA, LEED AP.

I echo the 2026 president's Illya Azaroff, FAIA mission, "leadership can't wait". Our committee's Mission is simple and powerful: to elevate public architecture as a force for equitable, resilient, and community‑centered outcomes.

Our 2026 Goals and Initiatives

🌟 A Day‑Long Symposium at AIA Headquarters

We are holding our signature event on Oct 20, 2026, at AIA’s global headquarters- a full‑day symposium bringing together public architects, civic leaders, and industry partners. Together, we will explore the evolving landscape of public‑sector design and the responsibilities we share in shaping equitable communities.

🌐 Expanding Access Through National Webinars

To broaden participation across the country, we will host a series of online

webinars featuring leaders, case studies, and emerging best practices in

public architecture. 📰 Strengthening Communication Through Regular Newsletters

Our new newsletter series will highlight resources, committee updates, and stories from public architecture practice, amplifying the work happening across our diverse membership.

🤝 Collaboration at the AIA Conference on Architecture

We are excited to co‑host an open forum with the Project Delivery Committee at the AIA Conference on Architecture in San Diego, CA in June 2026. This session will create space for candid dialogue on project delivery challenges, innovations, and lessons learned across sectors.

📣 Opportunities to Get Involved

I invite Architecture, Engineering, and Construction professionals interested in public architecture to join one of our subcommittees to help with programming, communications, research, or outreach. Your leadership and participation will shape a meaningful and productive year for our community.

I am thankful to my clients, consultants, and construction partners for trusting MnKhan Architects PLLC a minority firm I founded in 2011, as MnKhan continues to grow and serve the # community.

Thanks to my many mentors, friends, and family for the continued support. Graciela Carrillo, FAIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP Gianna Pigford, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, CDT Elizabeth Chen , Zaida Basora FAIA, Zainab Faruqui Ali, Marcela Abadi Rhoads, FAIA Edmond Gauvreau, FAIA, F.SAME, David Van Dorpe, P.E., PMP, Bryce Bounds, AIA, NCARB, CGC, Weston Burrer, AIA, NCARB, Jason Larrison, AIA, Julia Laue, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Paula Loomis, Adam Pantelimon, PhD FRIBA MRAIC MCIP OUQ, Michael Malone, FAIA, Bob Bullis, David Reyff, AIA, Hye Ree Kim, Rhonda Engelken, Robert Croysdale, AIA, USGBC BDC, Arshad Khan