AIA National President and CEO urge mayor to appoint chief architect in first Maui visit

This June, the local Maui and Honolulu chapters of AIA (American Institute of Architects), including AIA Maui President and Principal Architect at Hawaiʻi Off Grid David Sellers, welcomed AIA National President Kimberly Dowdell and AIA National CEO Laksiha Ann Woods to Hawaiʻi. The visit to the AIA Hawaiʻi chapters was its first in over 20 years.

While on Maui, Dowdell and Woods met with key local figures, including Maui City Council members, AIA Maui Board members, Mayor Richard Bissen and Maui’s planning director and director of Public Works. The AIA leaders toured the Lahaina burn zone and ʻOhana Hope Village, a midterm housing solution for those who lost their homes to fires, spearheaded by Family Life Center using 10-acres leased from King’s Cathedral and designed by Hawaiʻi Off Grid.

During her visits with Maui Mayor Bissen and Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi’s staff, Dowdell emphasized the importance of local mayors hiring a chief architect, a nationwide effort she is advocating. 

“If AIA can help spur this movement, we can help mayors solve some of our most pressing issues,” Dowdell said earlier this year to AIA Architect. “Having a chief architect advise mayors on climate action, affordable housing, and health equity could be invaluable. I’m excited to have a platform to speak to our national leaders and to represent the value that architects can bring to our communities.”

Dowdell and Woods also toured significant landmarks and sites across Oʻahu including a ride on the newly completed HART Skyline, a tour of the iconic Liljestrand house, and a gathering of wahine architects and friends to encourage and inspire continued diversity in the profession.

As part of their visit, AIA National donated $2,500-worth of Target gift cards for residents of ʻOhana Hope Village.

“We are so grateful for the show of support from our AIA leaders to come to Maui, to see firsthand, and to listen and learn from our AIA members, local officials, and community members,” said Sellers. “President Kimberly Dowdell’s initiative to encourage local governments to have a chief architect is a great fit for Maui, especially considering the work we have to do regarding housing and rebuilding Lahaina.”