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 CivicLAB 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.

2025 Schedule

April 30 Citizen Architect. Public Interest Design + Alternative Shelter

Todd Ferry, AIA Special Projects Manager, Neighborhood Design Center
Randy Sovich, FAIA Principal, RM Sovich Architecture

May 8 AIA Maryland Conference (Optional, Full day; Register separately by April 23rd)

May 14 Designing for Affordable Housing + Social Impact

Martina Reilly, AIA Vice President, Moseley Architects
Catherine Stokes Vice President, Project Management, Diamond and Associates

May 21 Keeping, Making and Taking Places in Baltimore

Ren Southard, AIA, NCARB Redevelopment Strategy Planning Supervisor
Neighborhood Development Division
Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development

May 27 Maryland Legislative Recap (5pm)

Chris Parts, AIA Principal, Hord Coplan Macht
Ben Roush, P.E. Principal, FSi Engineers

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 seek sponsorship from their employer; 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: Tuition is $100 for AIA Members/$150 for Non-Members. Invoices will be emailed to the address indicated on the application and can be paid online or by check to:

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

For questions, please contact 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 submit an application is April 25, 2025.