The influential American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently elected Kimberly Dowdell to serve as the organization’s president starting in 2024. The vote marked a historic milestone, as Dowdell will become the first Black woman to hold the position in the AIA’s 165-year existence when she begins her term.
Currently working as a principal at architecture firm HOK, Dowdell laid out an ambitious vision centered on advocacy, diversity, sustainability, and technology in her campaign. She brings over 15 years of experience spanning private practice and the public sector.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Dowdell has devoted much of her career to championing minority groups within architecture. As president of the National Organization of Minority Architects in 2019-2020, she boosted membership threefold and implemented new leadership programs.
Additionally, she co-founded an initiative promoting economic, social and environmental justice standards in design. Dowdell now hopes to continue addressing issues of representation and access industry-wide as head of the prominent AIA.
Proven Leadership Capabilities
Along with her activism credentials, Dowdell has showcased strong leadership talents at Chicago’s HOK office and served on AIA’s Equity and Future of Architecture committees in recent years.
Her well-rounded expertise and concrete policy vision for supporting architects positioned her as an ideal candidate to help evolve the AIA.
Blazing a Trail for Others
As only the 295th licensed Black female architect in America, Dowdell overcame great odds in establishing her career. Now the native Detroiter strives to inspire young minorities and women to view leadership paths in the field as achievable through her own groundbreaking example.
Implementing Change As A “President For All”
While representing marginalized groups, Dowdell stressed a desire “to be the AIA president for all” members and profession stakeholders. Her nomination signals the organization’s ongoing efforts to transform from within while acting as an influential change agent advancing equity ideals throughout the architecture world.
When Kimberly Dowdell takes the helm of the American Institute of Architects in 2024, the organization will reach a long-overdue landmark. As the first Black woman elected president in AIA’s 165-year history, Dowdell will finally shatter a prominent glass ceiling.
But the principled trailblazer also packs the passion, experience and big vision to implement overdue change. She has prepared to guide members towards greater inclusivity and social responsibility.
