Business Details
Your Trusted Architects Association in Philadelphia
AIA Philadelphia stands as a vital membership association for over 1,800 architects, 250+ architecture firms, and 175+ allied partners in the design and construction industry. As the second oldest AIA chapter in the United States, we have cultivated a legacy of advocacy, design excellence, and community service spanning centuries. Our mission focuses on elevating architectural expertise, advancing professional knowledge, and promoting the transformative impact of architecture through continuing education programs, design award recognitions, and policy advocacy at City Hall. We champion climate action leadership and equity initiatives while operating the Center for Architecture and Design, a public-facing nonprofit that educates the community about design's societal influence.With a dedicated board of directors representing diverse architectural specialties, we maintain strategic operations that ensure financial stability and organizational effectiveness. Our team of professionals works tirelessly to empower architects at every career stage through networking opportunities, professional development workshops, and collaborative industry events that foster innovation. From historic preservation efforts to cutting-edge design forums, we bridge tradition with future-forward thinking to shape Philadelphia's built environment sustainably and equitably for generations to come.
Services
Design Advocacy
Continuing Education
Awards Programs
Community Engagement
Policy Consultation
Highlights and features
- We maintain 300+ years of architectural legacy in Philadelphia
- Our network includes 1,800+ architects and 250+ architecture firms
- We operate the Center for Architecture and Design public outreach platform
- We administer design excellence award programs since 1871
- Our advocacy efforts influence citywide policy decisions impacting architecture
What people say
Design awards
Historic preservation
Policy influence
Professional networks
Public education
Services
Design Advocacy
We advocate for architectural excellence through policy recommendations and city planning consultations. Our team engages with municipal authorities to improve Philadelphia's public spaces while promoting sustainable building practices. This includes testifying at council hearings, submitting design guidelines, and collaborating with urban planning departments to create more livable environments for all residents.
Continuing Education
Our educational programs keep architects current with evolving industry standards and technologies. Workshops cover topics like green building practices, accessibility requirements, and emerging design software. These sessions maintain professionals' licensure qualifications while fostering innovation through knowledge exchange among regional architecture communities.
Awards Programs
We celebrate architectural excellence through annual awards honoring outstanding design achievements across multiple categories. The program evaluates projects based on creativity, functionality, sustainability, and contextual integration. Recognition includes public exhibitions, media coverage, and opportunities for winning architects to share their work with wider audiences through lectures and publications.
Community Engagement
Our Center for Architecture and Design connects the profession with general audiences through exhibitions, workshops, and youth programs. We organize building tours, design competitions, and interactive demonstrations to educate the public about architectural impact on daily life. This outreach inspires future generations while fostering appreciation for Philadelphia's architectural heritage.
Firm Networking
We facilitate collaboration through networking events connecting architects, allied professionals, and design stakeholders. Monthly mixers, industry roundtables, and special interest groups create opportunities for knowledge sharing and business development. These connections strengthen Philadelphia's architectural community while supporting cross-disciplinary innovation.
People
Danielle DiLeo Kim
President
Principal of DDK Consulting LLC, Danielle leads AIA Philadelphia's strategic vision while specializing in architectural consulting and firm management. With extensive experience guiding design practices, she focuses on enhancing professional development opportunities and strengthening industry partnerships across the region.
Katie Broh
President-Elect
As Principal at MGA Partners, Katie brings decades of architectural leadership experience to her role. She specializes in historic preservation and contemporary design, advocating for thoughtful integration of old and new architectural elements in urban environments through both practice and policy work.
Rebecca Johnson
Executive Director
Overseeing AIA Philadelphia's day-to-day operations, Rebecca coordinates strategic initiatives and member services. With deep expertise in non-profit management, she ensures organizational effectiveness while connecting members with vital resources and professional growth opportunities across the architectural spectrum.
Elsa G. De Len
Director of Equity, Diversity + Inclusion
As Associate AIA at MGA Partners, Elsa champions inclusive design practices and workforce development initiatives. She leads equity-focused programming that addresses representation challenges in architecture while mentoring emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds to strengthen the field's future leadership.
Ian Smith
PhilaNOMA Representative
Leading Ian Smith Design Group, he represents National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) interests within AIA Philadelphia. His work focuses on expanding opportunities for underrepresented professionals while promoting equitable access to architectural education and career advancement pathways.
Questions
How does AIA Philadelphia support local architects?
We provide continuing education, award recognition, policy advocacy, and professional networking opportunities through regular events and member resources.
What is the Center for Architecture and Design?
This public-facing nonprofit promotes design's societal impact through exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs for all ages in Philadelphia.
How can I find Philadelphia architects?
Use our online directory to locate qualified architects and allied professionals with specialized expertise in various building types and design approaches.
What architectural history resources do you have?
Access the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings database with over 267,000 projects and 26,700 professionals documented since the 17th century.
Do you offer continuing education credits?
Yes, our professional development program provides AIA-approved continuing education courses covering current design standards and emerging trends.
How can I get involved with advocacy efforts?
Join our advocacy committees to participate in policy discussions about zoning reforms, historic preservation, and sustainable development practices affecting Philadelphia.
