LOOKING AHEAD

July 15, 2026

Reflecting on Q2 and Shaping the Future of Texas Architecture

As we move into the second half of 2026, I’ve been reminded that our profession is at its strongest when we gather to learn from one another and celebrate one another’s successes. Over the past several weeks, I had the opportunity to represent TxA both nationally at AIA26 in San Diego and here at home during our Summer Board Meeting in Austin. Both experiences reinforced the momentum of our profession and the important work happening on behalf of our members.

Bringing Texas to AIA26

Last month, I joined architects from across the country at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design in San Diego, where I represented TxA as one of our delegates during the AIA Annual Business Meeting. Alongside members from across the country, we elected AIA’s next national leaders, who will help guide the Institute in the years ahead.

Congratulations to Joyce Owens, FAIA, 2027 President-elect (2028 President); Jonathan Matthew Taylor, AIA, 2027–2028 Secretary; and Sarah Woynicz, AIA, 2027–2029 At-Large Director. We are especially proud to see Sarah continue Texas’ strong tradition of leadership at the national level.

Texas Continues to Lead the National Profession

One of the highlights of every AIA Conference is Texas Trailbreak, our annual celebration of Texas architects receiving national recognition. Hosted this year by SmithGroup and made possible through the support of our generous sponsors, including Acme Brick, AIA Dallas, Asta America, Avalon, Kwik-Wall, Natura, and Sierra Pacific. The Trailbreak is one of my favorite traditions, because it gives us the opportunity to gather as a Texas architectural community, recognize the remarkable achievements of our members, and celebrate the impact they continue to make across our profession.

This year, we recognized six newly elevated Fellows from Texas:

Michael Ford, FAIA, NOMA, Dallas
Whitney Fuessel, FAIA, Houston
Daimian Hines, FAIA, NOMA, Houston
Gianna Pigford, FAIA, NOMA, Dallas
Thomas Powell, FAIA, Dallas
Connie Rivera, FAIA, Corpus Christi

I invite you to learn more about these newly elevated fellows in Stories From Texas’s 2026 Fellowship Cohort in a recent issue of Texas Architect.

We also celebrated Texas recipients of national AIA Honors and Awards, including Michael Ford, FAIA, 2026 recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, and Samantha Markham, AIA, 2026 recipient of the AIA Young Architects Award. Congratulations to each of our Texas honorees for representing our state with distinction and demonstrating the leadership,
service, and design excellence that continue to elevate our profession.

Beyond the awards and celebrations, AIA26 was an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the country, exchange ideas, and bring new perspectives home to Texas. I was also proud to celebrate the release of Letters to Ms. 1000: Stories and Reflections from Black Women Architects, featuring our own Melvalean McLemore, AIA. The book shares the experiences and perspectives of Black women architects while inspiring future generations of the profession. I left San Diego energized by the conversations, inspired by the accomplishments of our members, and excited about the future of our profession.

“As we move into the second half of 2026, I’ve been reminded that our profession is at its strongest when we gather to learn from one another and celebrate one another’s successes.”
Krystyn Haecker, AIA
TxA President

Your Board at Work

Following AIA26, the TxA Board of Directors gathered in Austin for our Summer Board Meeting to continue advancing the work of the Society on behalf of our members.

One of our most important responsibilities as a board is looking beyond today and planning for the future of the Society. Our primary focus during the Summer Board Meeting was the development of our next three-year strategic plan.

Over the past several months, we have been listening to members through a leadership survey, a Society-wide membership survey, and a series of focus groups to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing our profession. Building on that valuable feedback, the board worked alongside BrewerPratt Solutions to identify strategic priorities and begin shaping a roadmap for the Society over the next three years. I’m encouraged by the thoughtful discussions and collaborative approach, and I look forward to sharing more as the strategic plan continues to take shape.

The board also fulfilled several important governance responsibilities. We approved the 2027 Slate of Officers, which will be presented to the membership for approval during our Annual Business Meeting on October 15 in San Antonio, as well as the recipients of the TxA 2026 Honor Awards. I look forward to celebrating these outstanding leaders, firms, and projects with many of you at the TxA26 Annual Conference & Design Expo in San Antonio this October.

While in Austin, we also had the opportunity to tour Preservation Austin’s new headquarters. It was an inspiring reminder that preservation is about more than protecting historic buildings. It is about preserving the stories, culture, and identity that define our communities while ensuring these places continue to serve future generations.

Looking Ahead

Everything we accomplish as a Society is possible because members choose to engage, volunteer, lead, and invest in one another.

Thank you to everyone who gives your time and talents to the Texas Society of Architects. Whether you serve on a committee, participate through your local chapter, attend our programs, or simply stay engaged with the work of the Society, your involvement makes this organization stronger.

I look forward to seeing many of you in San Antonio this October as we GATHER for the TxA26 Annual Conference & Design Expo. Until then, thank you for your continued engagement, your leadership, and your commitment to advancing architecture across Texas.

“One of our most important responsibilities as a board is looking beyond today and planning for the future of the Society.”
Krystyn Haecker, AIA
TxA President