Leadership Programs

Guiding the next generation of leadership in the architecture industry.

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Emerging Leaders Program

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) identifies, cultivates and mentors young leaders in three areas of leadership: the firm, the profession and our community. Going into its 12th year, the Emerging Leaders Program boasts more than 250 graduates and draws rave reviews through its curriculum that combines leadership discussions, class-developed panels, and class projects benefiting the greater community. Past community projects undertaken by the Emerging Leaders include the design of a playground for CityWalk@Akard, the design of the Promise House Street Outreach shelter, the site plan of Bonton Farms and design of its Community Center, a children’s playground at Fair Park, a columbarium at CitySquare, and a facilities and site plan for Dallas Pets Alive. The reformatted 6-month program began in 2023 with Suzanne Smith, MBA, facilitating the discussions. Through engagement in the program, participants will develop a personal leadership development plan to directly address individual needs and substantially impact their organization.

Applications for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program are open now through Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

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Peer Reviews

Participating in the AIA Emerging Leaders Program has allowed me to keep learning and enhanced my appreciation for the practice of our craft.”
Morgan Harrison, AIA
2017 Emerging Leaders Program Graduate
A great primer for mid- to upper-level managers and executives, the program covers personal introspection, skill levels, work style traits and habits, personality types, and interpersonal working relationships.”
David Combs, Assoc. AIA
2012 Advanced Leadership Program
Through participating in the Emerging Leaders Program, I am better equipped to lead teams of diverse individuals, making the most of each person’s strengths, communication styles and talents to develop quality solutions to complex problems.”
Jason Mellard AIA
2011 Emerging Leaders Program Graduate
This program offered the opportunity to validate and strengthen professional skills and judgments with colleagues in the AEC industry facing similar challenges in a respectful, collaborative, and knowledge rich environment.”
Kent Leach, AIA
2012 Advanced Leadership Program
The AIA Emerging Leadership Program was instrumental in my professional development.”
Stephen Elwood, AIA
2010 Emerging Leaders Program Graduate
Participating in the AIA Emerging Leaders Program has allowed me to keep learning and enhanced my appreciation for the practice of our craft.”
Morgan Harrison, AIA
2017 Emerging Leaders Program Graduate
A great primer for mid- to upper-level managers and executives, the program covers personal introspection, skill levels, work style traits and habits, personality types, and interpersonal working relationships.”
David Combs, Assoc. AIA
2012 Advanced Leadership Program
Through participating in the Emerging Leaders Program, I am better equipped to lead teams of diverse individuals, making the most of each person’s strengths, communication styles and talents to develop quality solutions to complex problems.”
Jason Mellard AIA
2011 Emerging Leaders Program Graduate
This program offered the opportunity to validate and strengthen professional skills and judgments with colleagues in the AEC industry facing similar challenges in a respectful, collaborative, and knowledge rich environment.”
Kent Leach, AIA
2012 Advanced Leadership Program
The AIA Emerging Leadership Program was instrumental in my professional development.”
Stephen Elwood, AIA
2010 Emerging Leaders Program Graduate

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Thank you to our amazing sponsors, whose support is the lifeblood that keeps AIA Dallas going strong. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for your firm, contact us today.

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