Get ready for the next generation of leaders!

CKLDP-PR

2026

Meet past scholars

The architecture profession is changing. We believe you are its next leaders!
Get to know us here!

What is this program about?

  • AIAPR Launches New Program for Emerging Professionals

    The AIAPR is excited to introduce a dynamic program designed for the next generation of architectural leaders.

    Program Highlights:

    • Up to 16 participants

    • 9-month program with monthly half-day sessions (Fridays)

    • Duration: February to November 2026

    Selection Process: Chosen by a committee appointed by the AIAPR Chapter, participants will be selected based on their demonstrated career achievements, community involvement, and firm support. This exclusive program is tailored for emerging architects who have graduated from an architectural degree program and/or are within 10 years of their first licensure.

  • The curriculum focuses on core skills such as:


    Boot Camp | Kickstart Your Leadership Journey
    Session #1 | Working Together
    Session #2 | Entrepreneurship & Business Management
    Session #3 | Ethics & Professional
    Session #4 | Rainmaking & Business Development
    Session #5 | Civic & Community Engagement
    Session #6 | Integrative Practices in the A/E/C Industry
    Session #7 | Redefining Practice
    Session #8 | TBD & Closing Reception

    See the Program Schedule hare!

    The selected scholars to the leadership program are responsible for planning and participating in each of the individual sessions. For additional information regarding past programs, please visit www.ckldp.com.

  • The program’s success is directly related to the attendance by the participants and therefore attendance is mandatory. Each participant of the program will be required to sign an Agreement Form that will require a signature from one of the participant’s principals of their firm. Provided due notice to the Executive Committee, with extenuating circumstances, each scholar will be allowed one excused absence. If two sessions are missed, a fine of $50 will be sent to the participants firm. A further absence will result in an additional $50 fine and expulsion from the program.

    Attendance is mandatory for all scholars at the first meeting of the group “Bootcamp” as well as the final session and closing reception.

  • Early submissions: $350

    AIA Members: $400

    Non‐AIA member: $450.

  • AIAPR may provide tuition assistance to a select number of participants.  This assistance is limited to 50 percent (50%) of the cost of tuition.

     

    Criteria for assistance include:

    ●       AIAPR Membership – you must be a member of the chapter.

    ●       Firm size - the firm shall be considered small and local.

    ●       Financial need   

  • It is intended that this program will have AIA CE credit made available for its participants. A minimum of 10 hours will be credited, the final number of hours to be determined based on session content.

History

Beginning in 2013, the AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program that would help train and nurture the next generation of leaders. The first 16 scholars were selected in July 2013, and the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program is completing its ninth year with great success in several AIA chapters throughout the nation.

Honoring Christopher Kelley

Christopher Kelley, AIA was an active member of the DC architectural community, whom unfortunately passed away in May of 2012. He was a respected leader within the Institute, as well as within Gensler’s Washington DC office. Through his volunteer efforts, he contributed to initiatives and programs that had a positive impact on emerging professionals at different career stages.

In 2010 Christopher was honored with an AIA Young Architects Award for which the jury stated,

“Christopher has proven himself as a young leader within and around the AIA, a real example for other young professionals.”

This program is intended to honor Christopher and continue his legacy of leadership and activism.

AIA National Recognition

In 2018 at AIA Grassroots, the AIA|DC CKLDP was recognized with the recognized with the AIA CACE Component Excellence Award for Knowledge Sharing Initiatives. Watch a brief video of this accomplishment and an overview of the program here.