CivicLAB

About CivicLAB

Gain the skills to be a citizen architect.

Architects are advocates for the built environment. CivicLAB is an opportunity to learn from experts about the local, state and federal issues that directly affect architects and develop the skills to be an effective advocate. Learn how to use your skills as an architect to take on leadership roles in your community and professional life.

CivicLAB introduces architects, designers, and allied professionals to opportunities for civic engagement across the full spectrum of their careers. We invite emerging leaders to expand their role in critical issues facing our communities and the profession and to communicate and demonstrate the role of architecture in civic life.

During monthly sessions, participants learn the tools of engagement from proven leaders who have guided communities to achieve advocacy results at local and national levels.  Group activities and advocacy opportunities will illustrate how we can make a positive impact within our communities.

2024 Schedule

February 21, 2024. Session 1 – Advocacy/Citizen Lobbying for Architects and Designers: AIA Baltimore

February 27 – March 1, 2024.  Congressional visits in conjunction with AIA Leadership Summit (optional)

March 6, 2024. Session 2 –     Local and State Sustainability & Planning: Baltimore City Dept of Planning, Baltimore Metropolitan Council, MD Dept of Planning

March 13, 2024. Session 3 –   Makerspace Legislation: Open Works

March 27, 2024. Session 4 –   Urban Infrastructure: Ghost Rivers Walk

Selection Process

While tailored to AIA Emerging Professionals (Associate AIA or AIA members within their first 10 years of licensure) participation in CivicLAB is open to all design professionals and limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Participants will be selected on the basis of a nomination and statement of interest. Criteria for acceptance to the program will include expressed interest in becoming involved in community advocacy or prior involvement in community organizations. Participants are encouraged to get sponsored by their employee with a nomination statement; however, scholarships will be available for members who need financial assistance or are in school. Applicants may self-nominate.

Tuition and Funding

Tuition is $100 for AIA Members/$150 for Non-Members. Scholarships are available to participants for whom funding is a challenge. Tuition is due after applicants are selected for the program and prior to the first session in February.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the application.

Step 2: Have your employer or another reference complete the nomination form. Self-employed or unemployed applicants may self-nominate.

Step 3: Pay the application fee by sending a check to:

AIA Baltimore
The Center for Architecture and Design
One Charles Center
100 N. Charles Street
Suite P-101
Baltimore, MD 21201

Tuition is $100 for AIA Members/$150 for Non-Members. Online payment can be arranged the phone by emailing Lauren Hill at lhill@aiabalt.com

If you require financial assistance and would like to request a scholarship, please reach out with a statement of need.

Deadline

The deadline to participate in CivicLAB 2024 is January 30, 2024.