Democracy in Design Act, climate, and equity top AIA 2022 policy priorities

Congress is back in session, and multiple AIA policy priorities are on the agenda.

After a setback in December, negotiations continue on the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) (H.R. 5376). Billed as the most significant climate bill in U.S. history, the legislation includes critical support to incentivize the state/ local adoption of the latest building codes and stretch codes. It also provides robust investment in affordable housing, addressing both the supply and the energy efficiency of existing units. AIA members have sent more than 5,000 letters to Congress in support of architecture priorities in BBBA and an earlier infrastructure bill, the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” which was signed into law just before Thanksgiving.

As AIA continues its campaign in support of BBBA’s climate and equity investments, here’s a summary of other top policy priorities for 2022.

Robert Eisenstat and Paul Mankins receive the 2022 AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture

WASHINGTON – Jan. 13, 2022 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is honoring Robert D. Eisenstat, FAIA, the design leader for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Paul D. Mankins, FAIA, principal of Substance Architecture, with the 2022 AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture.  

The award recognizes architects, public officials, or other individuals who design distinguished public facilities and advocate for design excellence.

AIA statement Midwest/South tornadoes

In the days ahead, millions of people, across eight states in the Midwest and South will come to know all that was lost in the wake of more than four dozen powerful tornados that struck in recent days.

Thank you to the first responders and to everyone working on rescue and recovery efforts. Your courage, kindness, and strength provide much needed light during a dark and difficult time.  

AIA stands with the communities as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding shattered lives and restoring devastated communities.

America’s architects are committed to designing buildings and communities that serve the health, welfare, and safety of everyone, everywhere. In the coming days, AIA’s Disaster Assistance volunteers will work with emergency management at the state and local level in the affected areas; broadly we all must prepare for storms of this intensity to become more common.

In fact, even as we are still learning the full scope of the loss, we know that these types of natural disasters are the new normal as a result of a changing climate. We also know that compassion continues to be the most powerful force at humanity's command. ​

Dan Hart, FAIA
AIA 2022 President

Robert Ivy, FAIA

AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer