A program built
by you, for you

The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) is training the next generation of leaders in architecture through a curriculum that hones skills in entrepreneurship and firm management; collaboration; negotiation; client development; industry trends; development; equity; community engagement; and civic leadership.

Congratulations to the 2023 Class!

Gulcin Becerik, AIA; Sean Flaharty, AIA; Jessica Gardenhire, AIA; Jennifer Hamilton; Jennifer Hsiaw, RA; Jennifer Kilpatrick, AIA; William Margulis, Assoc. AIA; Stephanie Martin-Goodwin, AIA; Sara McMullen, Assoc. AIA; Chloe Newton, Assoc. AIA; James K. Pirch, AIA; Chantal Safi, AIA; Marissa Swanson, Assoc. AIA; Zachery Terry, AIA; Katherine Uhrin, AIA; Sydney Vatalaro, AIA

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

AIA Georgia’s CKLDP program is unique because of its participants. A participant-led curriculum creates unique experiences geared toward the professional and community engagements of each class. Invited lecturers, tours, and demonstrations are all carefully curated by session leads with the ever-changing climate of the profession in mind.

After the sudden passing of Christopher Kelley, AIA, an active and honored member of the Washington, D.C. architectural community,  AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program that would help train and nurture the next generation of leaders. The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program was created as a year-long institute attended by a competitively selected group of 16 emerging professionals. These participants are selected for their proven career success, community involvement, and the individual’s support of their firm.

AIA Georgia began its CKLDP chapter in Fall 2017, supporting dozens of architects in their growth in and outside of the profession. Expanding to Tennessee and Alabama applicants, the program has grown to continue the legacy of Kelley’s leadership and activism.

2024 Executive Team

Mae Murphy, Assoc. AIA
Mae Murphy, Assoc. AIAChair
The Beck Group
AIA Atlanta
Katherine Uhrin, AIA
Katherine Uhrin, AIAChair-Elect
Niles Bolton
AIA Atlanta
Michael Garcia, Assoc. AIA
Michael Garcia, Assoc. AIAPast Chair
LS3P Architects
AIA Savannah
James Pirch, AIA
James Pirch, AIACKLDP Advisor
Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors
AIA Atlanta
Parker Stewart, Assoc AIA
Parker Stewart, Assoc AIACKLDP Advisor
HKS Inc
AIA Atlanta

Contact

Tangela Monroe
Assistant Director
AIA Georgia
(678) 553 0508
Email >

Apply

Applications for the 2024 CKLDP class are now closed. Please check in Fall 2024 for information for the 2025 class.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be an AIA member to apply?

Though AIA membership is encouraged for all scholars, it is not mandatory. Preference will be given to AIA Georgia members, though other allied organization members are welcome to submit an application for consideration.

Do I have to have a nomination from my firm to apply?

Individuals may be nominated by their firm or can nominate themselves and will be selected on the basis of a written application, recommendations, and resume.

Review the application materials and questions.

What is the involvement of my firm, if any?

Other than an optional nomination letter, all participants must sign an Agreement Form. This form will require a signature from one of the participant’s principals of their firm/agency. The agreement certifies that the firm will give the candidate time off for the class sessions once a month. 

Does this program provide AIA continuing education credits?

It is intended that this program will have AIA CE credit made available for its participants up to a potential 35 CEUS.

Will I Gain HSW credits for this program?

The percentage that is eligible for HSW is dependent on the curriculum designed by the participants.

Am I required to attend all sessions?

The program’s success is directly related to the attendance by the participants and therefore attendance is mandatory. One excused absence will be permitted. Before you apply, please review session dates against personal and work calendars.

What if I miss more than one session?

If two sessions are missed, a fine of $100 will be sent to the participants’ firm/agency. A further absence will result in an additional $100 fine and expulsion from the program.

Is there a cost to this program?

Tuition for AIA Members is $500 and non-AIA member tuition is $750. This fee goes directly to supporting the sessions with speaker fees, participant travel reimbursement, space rental, food and refreshments.

Are there any scholarships available to help with program fees?

AIA Georgia may choose to offer tuition assistance to AIA members who may be from small firms that would otherwise not be able to participate. The amount and number of tuition assistance will be at the discretion of the Advisory Committee. 

An application for this assistance is made available on this form.

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