From DC Firms

The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program is one of the best investments our office has made in our emerging staff.  It is like an executive MBA for the architect, focused on leadership and the business of architecture.  Having had several scholars in the program, our firm has benefited from their renewed passion, elevated awareness of the business side of the practice, and definitely bring more value back into our office than the modest investment of their time and tuition.  Regardless of firm size, firm structure or practice focus, there is not a better program out there for leadership and professional development of professional architectural staff.

Shannon Kraus, FAIA, FACHA, LEED AP
Senior Vice President
HKS, Inc.

Over the past three years Quinn Evans Architects has sponsored four team members to participate in the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.  Despite very different personalities and professional interests, each month our CKLDP scholars came back from their work sessions with new leadership skills, excitement, and energy that they shared with their colleagues… We are delighted with the program’s impact on our scholars and their teammates, and feel we have a great return on our investment as the scholars have taken on greater leadership and responsibility within our firm.

Alyson Steele, AIA, LEED BD+C
Principal
Quinn Evans Architects

WDG has and will continue to support the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program because it is an opportunity for us not only to recognize our young talented staff, but also give them support in developing professionally outside of our office environment… We have seen that the scholars from our office that have participated in the program have gone from architects that we have targeted as a future leader to young professionals that have more confidence in themselves and their career choices.  The CKLDP has given them a better appreciation of the business of architecture and how we as architects can be influential in our communities and advocates for the profession.

Sean M Stadler, AIA, LEED® AP
Principal
WDG ARCHITECTURE

Our participants in the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program come back to the office with new ideas to share and further explore. The experience is a positive one – for not only the individuals – but the firm as a whole, as we watch our team members grow and develop.

Mary Kay Lanzillotta, FAIA, LEED AP
Principal
HARTMAN-COX ARCHITECTS

We have been fortunate to have had two of our staff members participate in the CKLPD program.  The program exposed them to valuable information and a perspective about how a firm is created and operated. Both have grown from the experience and have become more rounded professionally and more valuable to our firm. More importantly, however, the program expanded their own professional network with other emerging professionals of their own age. As the future principals of firms, they will benefit from this network throughout their professional careers. We strongly support this program and hope to continue to encourage our staff members to participate.

Steven L. Spurlock,  FAIA LEED ® AP
Principal
WNUK SPURLOCK Architecture

We have had two promising young professionals from our firm complete the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.  The program encourages development of strong organizational and leadership skills; scholars were encouraged to reach out to experts in various aspects of practice in order to develop their own unique curriculum for each class…  Participants come away with a rekindled academic passion in architecture, valuable practical knowledge applicable in daily practice, an expanded professional network and great self-esteem and confidence based on exposure and hands on leadership. 

David Haresign, FAIA
Principal
Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS

From DC Scholars

“I like the scholarly content that was presented. It was great to have thought provoking conversations about our field and to meet so many engaging people.”

“This is an awesome program, very enlightening and exceeded my expectations! Each class was a learning experience and really expanded my professional network.”

“I like that the program is guided by the scholars within a flexible framework provided by the Executive Committee.”

“It is extremely difficult for architects to get all this information and education in one class, and I was astounded by the topics and the amazing support that the class has.”

“The CKLDP provided a wide range of topics and concerns that are often elusive to young professionals.”

“I think this is an excellent leadership program geared towards architects! The topics were great, and broad enough that teams could take a bit of liberty with the development of a sessions.”

“The Executive Committee have done a great job in establishing the CKLDP, I’m so glad I took part in the program and have already begun to put these skills to good use within my firm.”

ALLIED PROGRAMS

CKLDP – AIA DC – Visit Site

CKLDP – AIA Colorado – Visit Site

CKLDP – AIA Detroit – Visit Site

CKLDP – AIA Miami – Visit Site

CKLDP – AIA Georgia