Wow, it seems like only yesterday that I was putting on the President’s cowboy hat from Peter Darby, AIA and now that hat has passed on to Michael Malone, FAIA!
In that nano second of time which we call 2025, I want to now pause and reflect on what has been a truly meaningful year for AIA Dallas—a year defined by advocacy, engagement, and the collective impact of our members, staff, and volunteers.
At the beginning of this year, we set out with a clear focus on strengthening our voice, expanding our reach, and advancing architecture as a force for positive change in our communities. Thanks to your commitment and participation, we made real progress toward those goals. Together, we demonstrated what is possible when a chapter aligns around purpose and shared values.
2025 has been a busy and successful year, with strong attendance at our signature events, network programs, Architecture on Tap, the Architecture Matters lecture series, and our co hosted Gala for Architecture, which sold out this past March.
Our annual Golf Tournament was, as always, a great success, and we had a record number of sponsors this year which are already lining up for 2026!!! This is a testament to how our members engage with our vendors and sponsors, not only at the golf tournament but throughout the year. We need their expertise in the AEC industry and we truly see them as partners, a big thank you to each and every one of them.
The EMPOWERING Conference continues to be a highlight and sells out each year; this year’s stellar lineup concluded with a keynote from Carol Ross Barney, FAIA.
The Home Tour team did a phenomenal job curating a beautiful selection of homes, from the premiere party residence to the tour weekend itself, where we were blessed with great weather, enthusiastic volunteers, and strong attendance showcasing the depth of design talent in Dallas.
We also hosted the national Regional and Urban Design (RUDC) Symposium (thank you Mr. Darby) where we had 75 attendees from across the country and suffice to say, they were impressed with Dallas.
One of the standout moments of the year was hosting the Texas Society of Architects Convention in Dallas. This was a unique opportunity to showcase our city, our architecture, and our profession on a statewide stage. The success of the convention was a testament to collaboration, thoughtful planning, and the pride our members take in representing Dallas architecture at its best.
Throughout the year, our advocacy efforts took center stage. We elevated conversations around permitting reform serving as a key partner to the City on IRC/IBC code amendments. Our committees continue to lead discussions on workforce housing affordability, adaptive reuse, and resilient infrastructure—issues that matter deeply to our profession and to the future of Dallas and North Texas. Through public forums, partnerships, and leadership at the local and state level, AIA Dallas continued to be a trusted voice and an engaged civic partner. Our expertise continues to shine as we engage on the I-345 project and now with Dallas City Hall threatened, we have the opportunity to bring our creativity and problem-solving skills into full view of the citizens of Dallas.
Equally important was the strength of our design community. With more than 2,500 members and hundreds of programs, tours, and events, the chapter remained one of the most active and engaged in the country. From Emerging Leaders to Advanced Leadership, from design excellence to professional development, our programs reflected the diversity of interests, experience, and talent within our membership. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our committees, volunteers, and the exceptional AIA Dallas staff who support this work every day. Thank you Zaida for your leadership.
As we look ahead, the work does not slow. The development of a new strategic plan will help guide AIA Dallas into 2026 and beyond, ensuring that we continue to align our mission with the evolving needs of our profession and our communities. The foundation laid this coming year positions us well for continued growth, relevance, and impact.
To our members: thank you for your engagement, your leadership, and your belief in the power of architecture. Your voices, ideas, and energy are what make AIA Dallas strong. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside you, and I am confident that what we accomplished together in 2025 will continue to shape an even stronger future.
A special thank you and good luck to Michael Malone, FAIA, the 2026 AIA Dallas President to lead us next year and my full support to all we have planned. I am excited about the next Strategic Plan and where it will take us into 2030!
Wishing you and your families a restful holiday season and a bright start to the year ahead.
With humbleness, humility and gratitude,
Thank you,
Mattia Flabiano, AIA
2025 AIA Dallas Chapter President