AIA Philadelphia is a membership association of over 1,800 architects, 250+ architecture firms, and 175+ allied members, which are companies that partner with architects on various aspects of a project. AIA Philadelphia is the second oldest AIA chapter in the United States and has built a strong legacy of advocacy, design excellence, and community service.

Our mission is to support the architectural community by elevating design expertise, advancing knowledge and promoting the value of architecture. We do through our continuing education, recognition of design excellence through our awards, and we advocate at City Hall for the profession and for better design of the public realm. We focus our programs on:

Advancing Architecture
and Design

Climate Action
and Leadership

Equity and
Justice

About Us #3

In order to promote the value of architecture to the public, AIA Philadelphia is the proud founder of the Center for Architecture and Design. The “Center” is a public-facing nonprofit organization that engages the public and all design disciplines to promote and demonstrate the value and impact that design has on all of us.

AIA Philadelphia focuses on our members and their partners in the design and construction industry.

The Center focuses on all design disciplines and the general public, specifically students and families.

Board of Directors

Danielle DiLeo Kim, AIA
Philadelphia250,
President

Katie Broh, AIA
MGA Partners,
President-Elect

Brian Smiley, AIA, CDT, LEED BD+C
HOK,
Past-President

Robert Shuman, AIA, LEED AP
MGA Partners,
Treasurer

David Hincher, AIA, LEED BD+C
NELSON Worldwide,
Director of Sustainability and Preservation

Phil Burkett, AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP NCARB
Meyer Design,
Director of Firm Culture + Prosperity

Jesse Mainwaring, AIA
DIGSAU,
Director of Technology + Innovation

Elsa G. De León, Assoc. AIA
MGA Partners,
Director of Equity, Diversity + Inclusion

Ximena Valle, AIA, LEED AP
FIFTEEN,
Director of Design

Kevin Malawski, AIA, LEED AP
Karbon Architects,
Director of Advocacy

Fauzia Sadiq Garcia
Sadiq Garcia Design,
Director of Education

Michael Johns, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP
M Designs + MWJ Consulting,
Director of Equitable Communities

Danielle Fleischmann, AIA, WELL AP
DIGSAU,
Director of Strategic Engagement

Ian Smith, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, NOMA
Ian Smith Design Group, L.L.C
PhilaNOMA Representative

Nick Jabs, AIA, PLA, ASLA
PORT,
At-Large Director

Erin Urffer, Assoc. AIA
Bernardon,
At-Large Director

Cory Robbins
Gates Building Envelope,
At-Large Director

Andrew Ferrarelli, AIA
SITIO architecture + urbanism,
At-Large Director

Michael Penzel, Assoc. AIA
Moody Nolan,
At-Large Director

Scott Compton, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Compton Associates,
AIA PA Representative

Mitchell Schools, Assoc. AIA
Colliers Engineering and Design,
Director of Philadelphia Emerging Architects

Raphaella Pereira, Assoc. AIA
WRT,
Director of Philadelphia Emerging Architects

Tya Winn, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, SEED
Community Design Collaborative,
Public Member

Eleanor Sharpe
Urban Planner,
Public Member

Chapter Staff

Rebecca Johnson
Executive Director

Jermaine Jenkins
Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

Juli Foley
Director of Membership & Events

Daphne Gsell
Volunteer Engagement and Content Coordinator

History of Philadelphia Architecture

AIA Philadelphia pays tribute to more than 300 years of distinguished architectural history in our city. An expansive outdoor museum, the city's architecture represents some of the finest examples of nearly every period and style in America. The following are a few highlights in the rich history of our city and Chapter.

Researching a Philadelphia Architect or Building?  The Philadelphia Architects and Buildings database provides authoritative information on three centuries of Philadelphia buildings and designers. As of September 29, 2021, the American Architects and Buildings database contains more than 267,694 projects and buildings, 26,739 architects, engineers and contractors, and over 152,182 images.

Philadelphia Buildings Database