Statement on the White House’s Memorandum Promoting Beautiful Civic Architecture

Dear Members, 

As many are already aware, on January 20th, 2025 the White House issued a Memorandum entitled “Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture” to the Administrator of the General Services Administration, which serves as the White House’s request to Review the GSA’s Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture. 

This action follows a previous Executive Order issued in December of 2020, during the first Trump Administration, which also called for “Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture.” This order mandated that the classical style, defined as “derived from […] Greek and Roman antiquity,” which encompasses “Neoclassical, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco” be the preferred style of architecture for federal buildings. 

At its issuance, AIA publicly denounced this directive, taking a style-neutral stance, and encouraging diversity of architectural styles. In part due to the AIA’s advocacy, this Order was revoked Biden Administration in February of 2021. 

Where We Stand 

AIA Illinois reaffirms AIA National’s Statement regarding our extreme concern for any revisions that may remove control from local communities, mandate federal design preferences, or otherwise hinder the freedom of local architectural expression. We believe that the style, character, and expression of a building must be reflective of the diverse communities in which architects serve. AIA Illinois remains agnostic of, and supports all, architectural styles and seeks to empower our members to work with each community to fulfill the responsibility of creating a building that best fits their needs. 

Our communities in Illinois are exemplary of this highest ideal, with Federal Buildings in a range of scales and styles, from many periods. Each is reflective of the community they inhabit, blending local culture and federal function. 

What’s Next 

As this is a Federal Order, AIA Illinois will support AIA National as they actively review the White House’s Executive Orders and continue to monitor the process laid out in the memorandum to ensure that feedback from our over 100,000 members is prioritized. At the State level, AIA Illinois & our Legislative Team is exploring any local & state level actions to protect the freedom of architectural expression, and to preserve community input in the design of public places and spaces. We will work diligently to keep you apprised of any advancements and welcome your input at council@aiail.org. 

Now is the time for Citizen Architects to act, as we have the distinct ability to pave the way to a better-built world. For those looking to leverage this power, I invite you to join our delegation on Capitol Hill at AIA National’s Leadership Summit, as well as at AIA Illinois Prairie Grassroots, our annual Lobby Day in Springfield. Empowered by you, AIA Illinois works everyday to champion the profession, I hope that you’ll join us in raising our collective voices. 

Sincerely, 

Jeremy Gentile, Assoc. AIA 

2025 President, AIA Illinois 

Monday Noon Webinars - Registration Open for January and February

AIA Illinois partners monthly with approved providers or collaborates with presenters to offer relevant, educational and useful content at least once a month on Mondays at noon. Webinars are always free and presented through Zoom. Below are the first two of the year. 

If you are interested in presenting on a particular topic or have a session to recommend, please submit your ideas to myoung@aiail.org

Click here for January 27 - Electronic Leak Detection: Lessons Learned from 

ELD Testing and Continuous Monitoring

Click here for February 10 - Design for Disassembly, Adaptability, & Reuse: Sustainable Interior Construction Virtual Tour

A Message from our Executive Vice President, Eric Klinner, CAE

I trust this letter finds you well in the new year of 2024. At AIA Illinois, we're gearing up for an exciting year filled with educational opportunities, networking events, and advocacy for the profession. To ensure a successful journey ahead, we recognize that your active participation is key.

Engaging with AIA Illinois opens the door to a world of connections, shared experiences, and staying abreast of the latest industry trends. By immersing yourself in the AIA Illinois community, you not only expand your professional network but also gain the chance to collaborate, contributing significantly to the growth of the architecture profession.

In 2024, our highly anticipated annual conference will return for its second year in person, providing unparalleled education and networking prospects. Beyond this event, we're excited to offer monthly webinars featuring our valued partners, along with our coffee talk webinars and our annual advocacy day at the Capitol on March 13, Prairie Grassroots. Embrace these opportunities to elevate your practice and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

For those seeking a more participatory or leadership role, consider joining one of our committees for the year. Actively participating in a committee is a powerful way to make a meaningful impact, whether your interests lie in advocacy, early professional activities, or community outreach. Your unique skills and perspectives can contribute significantly to the success of our initiatives, shaping the future of AIA Illinois.

If joining a committee is not within your current scope, but you have insights to share, seize the chance to participate in our new initiative launching at our February board meeting. Your involvement in these sessions provides a platform to voice your opinions and concerns directly to the board of directors, fostering a collaborative environment. As a member-driven organization, your engagement is crucial to the success and vitality of AIA Illinois. Together, let's forge a community that inspires and supports each other in achieving our professional goals.

Should you have any questions or require assistance in getting involved, feel free to reach out to the AIA Illinois office at council@aiail.org. We deeply appreciate your commitment to excellence in architecture and look forward to your continued participation.

Thank you for being an integral part of our AIA Illinois community!

Eric Klinner, CAE

AIA Illinois Executive Vice President