STRONGER TOGETHER

April 9, 2026

Reflecting on Q1 and Shaping the Future of Texas Architecture

Looking back on the first three months of the year, I have had the opportunity to connect with members and represent Texas architects in several meaningful ways, from the TxA Leadership Retreat in Austin to the AIA Leadership Summit and Hill Day in Washington, D.C., and most recently at our TxA Design Conference in Arizona.

Each of these moments offered a different perspective on our profession, but all reinforced the same idea. Our strength lies in our willingness to engage with one another, to share ideas, and to show up in support of our communities and our work.

Shaping the Future of TxA

That spirit of connection guided our time at the TxA Leadership Retreat, where we brought together our Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and component leaders from across the state to begin the year in conversation. We also kicked off the development of our next Strategic Plan. This effort will guide the direction of TxA for years to come.

This is a critical moment for our organization, and it will depend on honest and thoughtful input from our members. In the coming months, we will be asking for your perspective through surveys and engagement opportunities. Your input will help shape the future of this organization and the profession in Texas.

Advocacy in Action

Beyond these internal conversations, advocacy remained a key focus this quarter. At the AIA Leadership Summit, more than 30 Texas members met with our Senators and Representatives to discuss issues that directly impact our profession and communities, including housing affordability, federal student loan limits, democracy in design, sustainability, and the role of architects in shaping the built environment.

These conversations are a reminder that our collective voice matters. Engagement is essential to advancing the issues we care about.

“Our strength lies in our willingness to engage with one another, to share ideas, and to show up in support of our communities and our work.”
Krystyn Haecker, AIA
TxA President

Investing in the Next Generation

March concluded with TxA’s Q1 Board meeting at Prairie View A&M University, where we continued our efforts to connect more directly with students and schools of architecture across Texas. As one of a small number of HBCUs with an accredited architecture program, PVAMU plays a critical role in educating future architects and graduates more Black architecture students than any university in the country.

During our visit, we also learned more about the NOMA HBCU Professional Development Program, an initiative focused on strengthening connections between the profession and HBCUs. Spending time with students, faculty, and leadership was a meaningful reminder of the importance of strengthening pathways into the profession and creating opportunities for the next generation of architects to thrive.

Looking Ahead

Thank you for the ways you continue to contribute to this community. I look forward to the work ahead and to our continued conversations throughout the year.