Carole Wedge - AIA National CEO  

This course features a wide-ranging conversation with Carole Wedge, FAIA, Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Institute of Architects, exploring the evolving role of architects as leaders, advocates, and business strategists. Participants gain insight into the origins and impact of the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, the importance of inclusive advocacy, and how firm culture influences professional longevity and success.

The course examines challenges facing the profession in 2026, including workforce transitions, firm consolidation, business education gaps, sustainability leadership, student debt, and public policy impacts on architectural practice. Through real-world examples and reflective discussion, the session emphasizes how architects can articulate their value, build resilient professional communities, and lead meaningful change within firms, institutions, and the broader built environment.

This course is ideal for architects seeking to strengthen leadership skills, better understand the business of architecture, and engage more effectively in professional advocacy.

Photo courtesy ©️Judy Davis

Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer.