An Evening with Evelyn Lee, FAIA & 2025 AIA National President

“An Evening with Evelyn Lee, FAIA & 2025 AIA National President”

Please join us for a discussion with Evelyn Lee, FAIA who will share her insights on the evolution of architectural practice, leadership development, diversity in design, and the integration of technology within an ever-evolving world.

THRIVE in 2025 and Beyond: Evelyn outlined her plan for this year via the acronym THRIVE: leading AIA to be an organization that is transparent, human, resilient, intrepid, visionary, and empowering.

“Let’s build a profession that not only designs the world around us but leads it toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring future… Let’s reimagine what it means to be an architect—not just as a designer of buildings, but as a leader, a collaborator, and a force for good.” – Evelyn Lee

Q&A will follow after the interview.

FEATURED SPEAKER

Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA – 2025 AIA National President

Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, is a multi-faceted professional who uniquely blends her architectural background with a tech-driven focus. As an architect now immersed in the tech industry, she serves as an angel investor, startup advisor, and fractional COO for SMB Architecture firms, playing a pivotal role in their growth and success. Despite her career transition, Evelyn’s passion for architecture remains unshaken, fueled by a deep admiration for the professionals in the field, their dedication to serving clients, and the indelible impact they imprint on communities.

A sought-after speaker, Evelyn regularly shares her insights on the evolution of architecture practice, leadership and team development, the integration of technology in practice operations, and the exploration of alternative careers. Outside of her architectural pursuits, she is a founding advisor for Women Defining AI, championing a more inclusive and diverse landscape in artificial intelligence. Evelyn Lee’s leadership and forward-thinking approach are not just about innovation and progress, they’re about guiding the architectural profession towards new, uncharted directions.

HOST

Ken Downing, AIA – Light Build Design

Ken started his career as a residential designer in 1999 working with San Francisco clients such as the Getty and Shorenstein families. His interest in sustainability next led him to specialize in panelized construction and this passion for innovation continued during his decade with Luceplan where he contributed to the development of the world’s first series of sound-absorbing acoustic lighting. Since joining Light Build Design in 2022, Ken has focused on supporting lighting designers and architects across Southern California working globally. He has judged the IES lighting awards three times and his commitment to healthcare and education is deeply personal. Ken is dedicated to continual learning and inspiring others always seeking to improve client comfort and health through industry leading lighting solutions.

AIA CES: 2 LU Approved

1. Participants will be able to articulate Evelyn Lee’s vision for the architectural profession as outlined in her THRIVE initiative, and its implications for the future of the AIA and the industry.

2. Participants will be able to identify strategies for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within architectural practice and the design community.

3. Participants will be able to analyze the role of leadership and collaboration in driving innovation and positive change in the architecture field.

4. Participants will be able to explore the integration of technology and emerging trends in architectural practice to address evolving societal and environmental challenges.