ADVOCACY MISSION STATEMENT

The AIA WNC Advocacy Committee advocates for a stronger Western North Carolina by empowering architects to inform public policy, protect public health, safety, and welfare, and shape resilient, thriving communities through engaged and expert leadership.

CRAN MISSION STATEMENT

CRAN WNC connects professionals through local, regional, and national networks, providing a platform to share expertise, discuss technical issues, and address the unique challenges of residential practice.

The Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) is a Knowledge Community of the AIA dedicated to supporting architects focusing on custom residential work. Its mission is to educate, advocate, and promote the value of custom residential architecture, providing a forum for sharing resources, ideas, and best practices among its members across Western North Carolina.

Key Pillars of the CRAN Mission:

• Support: Facilitating the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and resources for residential practitioners.

• Advocate: Increasing public awareness and exposure for custom residential architecture while engaging in government relations.

• Value Promotion: Elevating the role of architects in the custom residential design process.

• Educate: Provide continuing education, specialized programs, and professional development opportunities.

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS / YOUNG ARCHITECTS MISSION STATEMENT

The AIA WNC Young Architects & Emerging Professionals Committee is dedicated to supporting the growth, development, and success of early-career architects and emerging professionals. Through resources, programming, and outreach, it fosters meaningful connections, supports licensure pathways, and empowers the next generation of architects to thrive in practice and shape the future of the profession.

K-12 MISSION STATEMENT

The American Institute of Architects Western North Carolina is dedicated to inspiring and supporting the next generation of architects through meaningful outreach and education.

We connect with high school students through career days and classroom engagement, introducing pathways into the profession and demonstrating the impact of design in shaping our communities. At the elementary level, we foster creativity and curiosity through hands-on design experiences while equipping teachers with resources to integrate architecture into everyday learning.

By engaging students early, we strive to develop a creative and prepared future for the profession of architecture in Western North Carolina.

OUTREACH MISSION STATEMENT

The AIA WNC Outreach Committee strengthens and expands the AIA community by engaging current and prospective members through meaningful programs, events, and partnerships. It identifies member needs, promotes awareness of industry trends, and supports inclusive growth by fostering a diverse, connected, and forward-looking network of architects and allied professionals.

PROGRAMMING + EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT

The AIA WNC Programming + Education Committee is a collective of architects, design professionals, and allied members dedicated to hosting events that foster community outreach and facilitate communication among our members to facilitate region-wide collaboration.

Our committee provides educational and developmental opportunities through our monthly section meetings, lunch-and-learns, and other specialized programs. We are committed to introducing and incubating new ideas that support the professional growth of our community.

RESILIENCE + RECOVERY MISSION STATEMENT

Empower architects, allied professionals, and communities to strengthen WNC’s capacity to recover, rebuild and build future capacity to adapt to human-made and natural disasters through facilitating partnerships, education and championing design assistance.