Building What Comes Next

October 7, 2026

As we head into the final months of 2026, there is a lot happening across the Texas Society of Architects (TxA). Our Board continues to plan for the future of the organization, the search for our next EVP/CEO is moving forward, and conversations with our peers across the country are helping us think more broadly about the challenges and opportunities facing our profession. And we will also have the chance to bring our community together shortly in San Antonio for our TxA26 Annual Conference & Design Expo.

EVP/CEO Search Update

This summer marked an important transition for TxA as we said farewell to Jennifer Briggs, CAE, after her service as our EVP/CEO. I want to again express my gratitude to Jennifer for her leadership, dedication, and many contributions to TxA and our members. We wish her all the best in what comes next.

As we look ahead, the search for TxA’s next EVP/CEO continues to move forward. Chaired by Connie Rivera, FAIA, the Search Committee is working with Staffing Advisors to understand the needs of the organization and define the leadership profile that will guide the search.

This phase of the process includes reviewing input from stakeholders, considering the opportunities ahead for TxA, and identifying the experience and qualities needed in our next EVP/CEO. From there, the search will move into recruitment and evaluation of candidates.

While the work of the Search Committee is confidential, I am committed to keeping our members informed about where we are in the process. Connie will provide an update on the committee’s work at the TxA Annual Business Meeting on October 15, and we will continue to share updates as the search progresses.

“While every state and component is different, many of the challenges facing our members are shared. Coming together gives us an opportunity to learn from one another, share what is working, and bring new ideas back to Texas.”
Krystyn Haecker, AIA
TxA President

Learning from Our Peers

In September, I joined leaders from 13 of AIA’s largest state components for the annual AIA Large States gathering in Chicago. Together, these components represent approximately 60% of AIA’s membership, making this an important opportunity to compare experiences, share resources, and discuss the issues affecting architects and our organizations across the country.

Our conversations covered many of the same issues we are discussing here in Texas: the value and relevance of architects in a changing marketplace, financial pressures on firms, workforce development and retention, gaps between architectural education and the business of practice, AI and technology, support for emerging professionals, and the sustainability of volunteer leadership.

While every state and component is different, many of the challenges facing our members are shared. Coming together gives us an opportunity to learn from one another, share what is working, and bring new ideas back to Texas.

“Spending time with students is always a welcome reminder that the decisions we make today help shape the profession they will inherit tomorrow.”
Krystyn Haecker, AIA
TxA President

Your Board at Work

In late September, the TxA Board of Directors gathered at the University of Texas at Arlington for our Q3 Board Meeting. Building on the Strategic Planning work we began this summer, the Board continued to refine our new three-year Strategic Plan, which we anticipate rolling out in 2027.

As part of that work, the Board approved a new mission and vision for TxA:

MISSION
TxA advocates for the architecture profession, empowering our members and serving as the voice of Texas architecture.

VISION
A thriving architecture profession, empowered to create a beautiful and sustainable Texas.

These statements establish an important foundation for our Strategic Plan and reflect where we believe TxA can have the greatest impact for our members and the profession. The Board also approved TxA’s 2027 operating budget, helping ensure that our resources are aligned with the work ahead.

Our time at UTA also gave us an opportunity to connect with students and faculty at the largest architecture school in Texas. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a significant Hispanic and Latino student population, UTA is educating a diverse next generation of architects. We saw impressive design work grounded in both theory and fact, along with innovative exploration through design-build, digital fabrication, AI, and architectural construction robotics.

Spending time with students is always a welcome reminder that the decisions we make today help shape the profession they will inherit tomorrow.

See You in San Antonio

Our TxA26 Annual Conference & Design Expo is almost here! On October 15–17, we’ll GATHER in San Antonio for three days of education, architectural tours, keynotes, the Design Expo, and opportunities to reconnect with colleagues from across Texas.

I especially hope you’ll join us for the TxA Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, October 15, where we’ll share updates on the work of the Society, hear from EVP/CEO Search Committee Chair Connie Rivera, FAIA, and elect our 2027 leadership.

And on Friday night, we’ll trade Society business for something decidedly less serious at the President’s Party. This year we’re going back in time for an ‘80s Prom at the historic Menger Hotel, so consider this your official reminder to dress to impress and dance accordingly.

I look forward to gathering with you in San Antonio to learn, celebrate, reconnect, and continue shaping what comes next for our profession and our Society.