AIA Oregon President Elect Candidate | Bryan Cavanaugh, AIA, NCARB
I've been actively involved with the American Institute of Architects for more than two decades. During that time, my involvement has taken many forms, from serving on committees and design awards juries to mentoring emerging professionals and holding leadership positions within the organization. Through these experiences, I've come to appreciate the important role the AIA plays in supporting architects, advancing the profession, and demonstrating the value of architecture to the public.
I previously served as President-Elect, President, and Past President of AIA Portland, as well as President of the Center for Architecture from 2016 to 2020. During that time, I worked to broaden the organization's civic engagement, elevate public discussion around design, and create opportunities for architects to connect with one another and the larger community. Serving in these roles gave me a much better understanding of what makes the AIA effective, where it can improve, and how much depends on members who are willing to contribute their time and ideas.
My involvement with the AIA has also extended beyond Oregon. I've served on numerous AIA design awards juries across the country, including at the national level, and currently serve on AIA National's International Membership Task Force. I also serve as my firm's liaison to the CEO group of the Large Firm Round Table (LFRT) and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Innovation Design Consortium (IDC). These roles allow me to engage with leaders from across the country and participate in broader discussions about the future of architectural practice.
In 2025, I was honored to receive the AIA Oregon President's Award, recognizing my contributions to the profession through leadership and service. This recognition was especially meaningful because it acknowledged something that has been important to me throughout my career: a commitment to architecture that extends beyond my own practice and projects.
Today, I serve as Vice President and Managing Principal of Huitt-Zollars' Portland office. Over my career, I've worked in firms of many different sizes, including co-founding and leading my own practice. These experiences have given me an appreciation for the different challenges architects face, whether working in a small design-focused studio, a large multidisciplinary firm, or somewhere in between. I believe that perspective is particularly valuable for an organization representing architects working in such a wide range of settings.
Priorities for AIA Oregon
Three priorities would guide my approach to leading AIA Oregon.
1. Build on Past Leadership and Strengthen Institutional Memory
Maintaining institutional knowledge has been a challenge for the AIA at all levels, and I believe we need to address it. My first step would be to understand what previous leadership has accomplished, what initiatives are currently underway, and where there are opportunities to build on that work. Too often, valuable work and momentum can be lost during leadership transitions. I would like to explore ways to better document our efforts, maintain continuity between successive boards, and ensure that new leadership can carry forward the work of those who came before them rather than starting over.
2. Rebuild a Shared Resource for Oregon's Design Community
The loss of Portland's Center for Architecture, while understandable, has left a void in our design community. The Center provided a place for architects, designers, students, and the public to come together around exhibitions, lectures, discussions, and other programming. Having served as its President for four years, I understand firsthand the value of having a physical space dedicated to architecture and design. I would like to explore opportunities to recreate a similar resource, potentially through partnerships with other organizations, institutions, and members of the broader design community. The goal would not necessarily be to replicate the previous Center, but to establish a new platform for engagement that reflects the needs and resources of today's architectural community.
3. Facilitate Critical Discussions on AI and the Future of Architectural Practice
Artificial intelligence is changing architectural practice in ways we are only beginning to understand. Its implications extend well beyond the tools we use to design and deliver projects, raising important questions about how firms operate, how architects are educated, professional responsibility, and ultimately, the value of our work. While AIA National is addressing many of these issues, I believe AIA Oregon has an important role to play in bringing these discussions directly to our members. This is something I am already actively engaged in through my involvement with the LFRT and the IDC. I would like to see AIA Oregon provide opportunities for architects to share their experiences, learn from one another, and critically examine how AI is changing our profession.
Above all, I believe effective leadership begins with listening. AIA Oregon represents architects working in different regions, practice settings, and stages of their careers. Understanding what matters to our members, where the organization is succeeding, and where it can do better will be important to making AIA Oregon more effective and relevant.
I would welcome the opportunity to serve as AIA Oregon President-Elect and bring my experience and commitment to an organization that has played such an important role in my professional life.