AIA Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is an organization of architectural design professionals dedicated to enhancing the quality of our built environment, and thereby the quality of life. The Chapter endeavors to bring together and serve all who are interested in the art and science of architecture. AIA Rhode Island aspires to increase the public’s knowledge and understanding of the architectural profession, expand the knowledge of all participating in the architectural process, and improve the quality of services provided by architectural professionals.
“The corporation is not organized for profit. Its purposes are to organize and unite in fellowship the members of the architectural profession within the State of Rhode Island; to promote the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession; to advance the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training, and practice; to coordinate the building industry and the profession of architecture within the State of Rhode Island to ensure the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment; and to make the profession of ever-increasing service to society.”
AIAri Articles of Incorporation
Guided by AIA Rhode Island’s mission to advocate for the role of architecture and architects in elevating the quality of the built environment for all, the 2026 AIAri Board of Directors has developed a new strategic plan, the 2030 Rhode MAP. The core priorities of this plan draw from the previous strategic plan which remains as relevant as ever. The 2030 Rhode MAP was developed through a series of workshops and discussions building upon the Chapter’s foundation and incorporating new ideas and opportunities identified through the Chapter’s recent work.
The 2030 Rhode MAP focuses on three strategic priorities: Membership Support and Engagement, Advocacy, and Public Engagement and Outreach. The goal of Membership Support and Engagement looks to provide AIAri members with the resources, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive. Advocacy is about not only political advocacy, but also includes promoting design excellence, sustainability, and innovation in the field. Public Engagement and Outreach is our opportunity to educate the public about the value of architects and elevate the visibility of the profession through strategic relationships and engagement with future generations of architects.
Together, these priorities provide a clear framework for strengthening our membership, advancing the profession, and increasing architecture’s positive impact across Rhode Island. Supported by measurable goals and accountability metrics, the Rhode MAP will guide the Chapter’s work through 2030.
SUMMARY OF PROCESS
| January 2026 | The Board set a goal to update the strategic plan this year. |
| February 2026 | The Board scheduled a Saturday full day Strategic Workshop for March. |
| March 2026 | The Strategic Subcommittee met to participate in the full day Strategic Workshop at NEAS’ office in Warwick. The workshop started with a brainstorm of Chapter goals, based on the prior strategic plan as well as AIA National’s new strategic plan. Those goals were organized into specific strategies, and those strategies were then organized into the three main goals of the 2030 Rhode MAP. |
| April 2026 | The Strategic Subcommittee met virtually to work on the specific objectives the Chapter aims to target to support the goals laid out in the Rhode MAP. Along with each objective, the group set a baseline measurement for this year and targets to achieve for 2027 and 2029. Perennial goals are broken out and tracked separately for the Board to continue to revisit and monitor each year. |
| June 2026 | The Strategic Subcommittee met one final time at SMMA’s office to review the proposed 2030 Rhode MAP graphic and finalize the objectives and measurements. |
| July 2026 | The Board formally adopted the 2030 Rhode MAP. |
