To my esteemed AIA New Jersey colleagues, supporters, and friends,
I want to extend my deep appreciation for our 2025 President, Andrew Thompson, who has done an exceptional job leading AIA New Jersey with care for each member, diligent action on behalf of our profession, and an aspirational vision for our collective future. Thank you, Andrew, for your dedication and the time that both you and your family have given to AIA New Jersey.
I am excited and humbled to embark on the year ahead with all of you. 2026 is a homecoming for me as it marks a decade of my involvement with AIA New Jersey. In the summer of 2015, I responded to an email from AIA New Jersey calling for individuals interested in reviving the state emerging professionals group – this sparked what we now know as EPiC, our Emerging Professionals Community, which brought me to the AIA New Jersey Executive Committee for the first time. It is only fitting that on this milestone year, we brought the EPiC Firm award to New Jersey to celebrate those who support the next generation of architects.
Over the last 10 years, I have been a consistent presence within AIA New Jersey leadership, as well as a national volunteer leader with AIA, NCARB, ACE Mentorship, and NAAB where I work to amplify diverse thoughts and ideas to elevate the built environment. With a professional focus on affordable and attainable multi-family housing, I am passionate about creating places of belonging and empowering individuals to positively impact our global community.
I have had the privilege to learn from members, supporters, and leaders across our state and throughout the AIA family over the years. I am excited to build upon the legacy they have created – a legacy that EGNAGES members, EMPOWERS architects, and EXPANDS our reach across New Jersey.
Together, we will ENGAGE MEMEBERS of all professional career stages to combine efforts to reach our collective goals:
with events to expand professional growth and development;
with impactful programming to meet evolving member needs; and
with opportunities to support members in all career stages.
Together, we will EMPOWER ARCHITECTS and AIA members with information and tools that will keep the architecture profession relevant:
with tools to advance industry knowledge;
with resources to enhance and support businesses; and
with inspiring technological advancements to propel our profession forward.
Together, we will EXPAND OUR REACH to activate and engage a diverse range of voices, thoughts,
and experiences:
to include allied organizations that help architects thrive;
to include members of the public to share our goals; and
to include K-12 students and showcase architecture as a pathway for them.
If you are as excited as I am to see what we can do together, whether you are available to volunteer an hour a year, an hour a month, or an hour a day, please reach out to me or any of our local Chapter leaders to get more involved. I look forward to connecting with you, collaborating to amplify your voice, and enhancing the mission and goals of AIA New Jersey.
On behalf of the AIA New Jersey Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2026!
To view a video of President O’Donnell giving her inaugural address, click HERE.
