Are you a Citizen Architect? Do you participate in civic engagement or play a role in advancing public policy? If so, we want to know! Email [email protected] and share your civic work in public roles at the local, state, or national level.
“Citizen Architect” has been used to describe architects who have given back in a civic capacity. The term is most commonly associated with Founding Father and architect Thomas Jefferson, and Rural Studio co-founder Samuel Mockbee, FAIA. Both narratives tell compelling career stories that illustrate the spirit of creative leadership applied through design and activism, and have inspired generations of architects that followed. In essence, Citizen Architects give back to their communities through civic work in public roles to help educate on the value of architecture.
The profession of architecture is inherently suited toward civic engagement because architects design both the public and private spaces that citizens live, work, and play in. With specialized knowledge, skills and experiences of how the built environment affects the wider community, architects have the potential to be an influential voice in government.
The American Institute of Architects seeks to serve as a resource to Citizen Architects by encouraging greater involvement through AIA Advocacy programs and by enriching professional leadership resources, programming, and networking opportunities. Read more at Citizen Architect Handbook.