I didn’t always know I wanted to be an architect.

My professional career in architecture has been shaped by a commitment to belonging, service, and redefining and strengthening the systems that support our profession. After becoming licensed, I found not only clarity in my own path as an architect, but a deeper sense of purpose through engagement across practice and with the American Institute of Architects. Especially as a queer woman, seeing that architecture is not monolithic - that there is room for many identities, perspectives, and ways of practicing - changed how I engaged both in my career and as well as my commitment to others around me and coming after me.

Through my involvement at the local, state, and national levels, I have focused on connecting people, amplifying member voices, and reinforcing the vital role of chapters and individuals as the heart of a member-driven organization. That’s the impact of the AIA, and the connectivity I will continue to grow across all our communities. One that both advances big initiatives, and solves challenges in our own backyards by connecting people to people. When we get that right, we don’t just strengthen the one - we strengthen trust, relevance, and belonging across the entire organization, our communities and clients we serve. Within and beyond, we empower the collective voice of more than 100,000 members.

My path in architecture has been shaped as much by the baseline for belonging as by the practice itself. My work and engagement in the AIA is rooted in the understanding that when people have the resources, see value, and feel connected to this organization and profession, they don’t just stay - they lead, transform, and change our world.

Work in practice, empowering the collective through connection, and impact of belonging is not small, and I recognize there is more work to do. Let’s work together.

~ Sarah Woynicz, AIA, NOMA, NCARB
Candidate | 2027-2029 AIA At-Large Director