2023 Application Process

 2023 Leadership Collective Application

Applications will be accepted through Friday, December 16, 2022 for the 2023 Leadership Collective Class.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for the program an applicant must be:

  • Employed full time by an architectural firm in the Austin Area, OR be employed full time by an AIA Austin Allied Member organization (up to 5 Allied Members may be admitted each year). If you are currently unemployed, please note in your application;
  • On a path to licensure or have recently become licensed (may not be applicable for Allied participants);
  • In good standing with the American Institute of Architects; and
  • Able to commit the time and effort necessary as outlined in this document.
  • Applications must be neatly typed. Do not use additional pages or attach resumes or other documents.
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation are required along with this application.

Completed application and letters of recommendation are due by midnight on Friday, December 9, 2022.


The application committee will review and determine acceptance to the program. Upon acceptance, an invoice for Program Fees will be emailed to applicant from AIA Austin for payment by applicant or applicant’s firm. If you have additional questions about the program, please contact courtney@aiaaustin.org.

TUITION AND FUNDING

  • Tuition is $500 per participant and covers program materials, speaker fees, administrative fees, and other meeting expenses. Tuition is priced far below the market value of the content in order to promote accessibility and diversity.
  • Thank you to the AIA Austin Women in Architecture (WiA) committee, WiA is offering 2 scholarships for women in architecture and related professions, preferably awarded to BIPOC (black, indigenous, and/or person of color) women, as a part of their initiative to increase representation throughout the field of architecture through education. A WiA representative will serve on the LC application review committee and determine the recipient(s) at that time.
  • In addition, some financial assistance may be available upon request (especially for participants from small firms)

TIME COMMITMENT
The program consists of:

  • (1) kickoff retreat February 3rd and 4th (Friday afternoon + full day Saturday)
  • (7) half-day afternoon sessions to be held on First Fridays from March – October (excepting a July break)
  • Optional (but highly encouraged) happy hours following each monthly session
  • A mandatory graduation celebration on the evening of October 6 (following the last session)
  • Monthly meetings with Leadership Lab accountability partner and/or mentor
  • Up to (2) hours of additional homework per month (may include Leadership Experiments, reading, etc.)
  • Each participant is allowed (1) excused absence (excluding initial retreat and graduation). Please provide advance notice to program coordinators regarding any absences or time conflicts.
"The structure of the program, in terms of the frequency of meetings and the mix of activities, works remarkably well to build community in a way that doesn't feel forced. That may sound somewhat simple or fundamental, but I think it actually can be one of the biggest challenges for professional development programs. Outside of school there are not many opportunities for collective reflection and dialogue on workplace and societal issues. I really value the space that LC has created in my life for those conversations." - Kalen McNamara, Alumni