The Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) began in 2012 as a next step after Emerging Leaders to address topics such as leadership effectiveness, influencing in complex environments, conflict management, and decision-making. The program is updated and reformatted as a 10-month “mini-MBA” program titled The Advanced Leadership Development Program (ALDP) and is now designed for senior leaders to help navigate elevated leadership roles, such as principals, junior principals, design directors, partners, and small firm owners. It is program that teaches architects how to think about the business of architecture and design.
Applications for the 2025-2026 Advanced Leadership Development Program are being accepted until 5:00pm on Friday, June 20, 2025.
The following are imperative for an applicant’s acceptance:
- The online application form must be completed in its entirety. All information is mandatory.
- At least one, but no more than three references must be provided using this online reference form.
- Completed application and reference form(s) are due by 5:00pm, Friday, June 20, 2025.
When the application period closes, the selection committee will promptly begin the review and selection process. Late submissions will not be considered.
Admission to the program is based on the applicant meeting all criteria. Preference will be given to current AIA Dallas members. We strongly urge that applicants hold meeting dates for 2025-2026 and do not apply if two or more dates conflict with their professional and personal schedule. There will not be any make-up sessions.
All applicants will be notified of the decision by July 11, 2025. Upon notification, invoices for program fees will be sent to all selected applicants who may choose to forward to their sponsoring firm. Payment of tuition must be received by August 1, 2025.
The 2025-2026 Advanced Leadership Development Program Kicks off this August
Continuing Education Credit: 5.5 LUs per session for total of 55 LUs.
AIA Dallas is offering a new program for the development of senior leaders in the architecture and design professions, including principals, associate principals, partners, junior partners, directors of design, and small firm owners.
The content of the inaugural “mini-MBA” program will be a blend of individual learning and reflection, lively class discussions, and team-based simulations and experiences.
LEADING THE ENTERPRISE
Introduction to Strategy: Chess versus Checkers
Risky Business: Understanding and Managing Risks for Architects
LEADING OTHERS
The Talent War: Hiring, Engaging, and Retaining Great Talent + Coaching and Mentoring to Strategically Upskill Your Workforce
Creating and Leading High-Performing Teams
LEADING THE BUSINESS
Developing Financial Acumen to Make Sound Business Decisions
The Brand Blueprint: Crafting Your Identity in Five Guided Steps
LEADING SELF
The Modern Leader + Purpose, Power and Presence – Owning Your Executive Influence
The Rising Role of Emotional and Relationship Intelligence in Leadership
LEADING INTO THE FUTURE
Leading Change: Designing Strategy-Driven, People-Centered Transformation
Technology & Generative AI: Its Impact on the Future of Architecture
Integration and Capstone Presentations
Program Requirements
To qualify for this program, an applicant must be:
- Employed full-time by an architectural firm in the immediate chapter area of AIA Dallas or AIA Northeast Texas,
- A senior leader in their firm, including individuals who are a principal, associate principal, partner, junior partner, section leader, design director, or small firm owner,
- In good standing with the American Institute of Architects and all other professional organizations, and
- Able to commit the time and effort necessary to fully participate in this program.
Continuing Education Credits
Assuming 100% attendance, participants who are AIA members will receive approximately 55 learning units upon completion of the program.
Tuition
A tuition fee of $3,950* shall be paid on or before August 1, 2025. Tuition is non-refundable on the date of the program’s first session, August 15, 2025. Late payment of the tuition forfeits your candidacy which will be offered to the first qualified alternate.
Tuition for a non-AIA member is $4,950.
Commitment
The AIA Dallas Advanced Leadership Development Program requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Participation involves one Friday per month from August 2025 to May 2026 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with preliminary assignments for each of the sessions. Participants must be able to fulfill program attendance requirements to graduate. Missing three Fridays or more will result in dismissal from the program.
Participation involves Orientation August 14th (from 4:30pm – 7:00 pm) and sessions on one Friday per month from August 2025 to May 2026 (from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm) on the following days: August 15, September 12, October 17, November 21, December 19, January 16, March 20, April 17, and May 15.
All sessions will be in-person. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
“AIA Dallas’ Advanced Leadership Development Program (ALDP) has been a revelation in business strategy and leadership excellence. The program’s combination of expert insights and peer collaboration gave me not just knowledge, but actionable strategies to drive meaningful growth for my firm. The curriculum directly addresses the complex challenges firm leaders face, and offers clear frameworks for planning, decision-making, and organizational development. Beyond the content, the connections formed with fellow cohort members have become an ongoing source of inspiration, support, and fresh perspectives. For any leader committed to elevating their firm’s performance and their leadership impact, this program delivers immense value. It’s a rare opportunity to step back, think bigger, and return with the tools and confidence to lead at the next level.”
– DeQuales Thompson AIA, NOMA, EDAC, Managing Principal of IDG+ Architects