Elections
2024 Board of Directors
October 26 – November 8 (5:00 pm ET)
Welcome to the online voting portal for the 2024 AIA Atlanta Board of Directors. Members in active standing are encouraged to vote for the candidates they feel can best advocate for members’ interests, elevate the profession, and empower architects to do their best work.
2024 Candidates
President-Elect
Treasurer
Continuing Education Director
Emerging Professionals Director
Programs Director
Communications Director
Ballot
For any problems, please contact us here or send us a text at (404) 737-1973.
Hiroshi Noma, AIA
Name
Hiroshi Noma, AIA
Desired position
President-elect (2025 President)
My background
I am an architect with a design-build company that primarily serves the manufacturing sector. I lead the design of large scale projects from conceptual stage through construction. Most of my clients are Japanese and some of them are coming over to US for the first time. Therefore, it is not rare that we join their calls with utility companies, commercial real-estate companies, AHJ, etc. prior to their land acquisition to help with language/culture barrier. I feel good about my company’s ability to assist our clients with much more than design & construction and navigate them through the uncharted territory.
Qualifications for this role
After reading through the bio’s of the board members, I see that experiences in many sectors are covered but seemed to lack experience in the international and manufacturing sectors. I feel like I can fill in that space. More well rounded the board’s experience is better it can serve the architectural community and beyond. I also have a passion for educating the younger designers. Faster they can get up to speed, the longer they become quality architects. Which means better and safer buildings the society can occupy and enjoy. This will lead to more respect for our profession overall. I am also interested in bringing up the level of appreciation of architecture by the society in general. In today’s speed, speed mentality, quality buildings seem to be too few and too far between. It would be my honor to contribute to this cause even in a small capacity. It would be great to carry on the mission by the board members of past and present and move the needle in the right direction. I used to participate in Habitat for Humanity, volunteer as a coach for youth sports, etc. This would be a great opportunity for me to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I am hopeful that my experience as a project manager on large scale projects will help me perform well in the role as a president-elect. Thank you.
Marc Johnson, AIA
Name
Marc Johnson, AIA
Desired position
President-elect (2025 President)
My background
Marc Johnson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA is an Architect and Designer who has accumulated a broad range of experience for over 27 years. He is originally from Los Angeles, schooled in DC at Howard University, and now resides in Metro Atlanta. He has led notable projects including several projects for the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport and the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Since his years in college, Marc has always found the time to be involved with his community. Lately, he spends his free time advocating for the profession of architecture through organizations such as the AIA and NOMA.
Qualifications for this role
I previously served for three terms from 2013-2015 first as the Academic Director for the first year, then as the membership director for two years. Additionally, I was a part of the Executive Director search that brought David Sutherland to the Atlanta and Georgia group. I also served as jury member on the high school design competition.
I have also served in many positions within NOMAtlanta dating back to the group’s resurgence in 2008 to 2018 from membership chair to presidency of 2016. I served as Advocacy Director up until 2021.
As the NOMAtlanta president-elect, as well as the AIA membership chair during the same year the AIA conference was in Atlanta, I chaired the AIA Diversity and Inclusion at the Center for Civil and Human Rights event. This event was done along with the assistance of AIA National and provided financial benefits enjoyed by NOMAtlanta to this day.
Professionally, I have led several award-winning projects including the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Porsche Experience center, and the Atlanta Airport Canopy project as an Associate and Principal of both Locally and Nationally recognized design firms.
For the coming terms, I would love to focus the board on increasing the financial earning potential of Atlanta area architectural firms and its employees. Whether it is through collaboration nationally or working with our allied groups around the AEC community.
Architects are an integral part of the development of any city’s real estate improvements thereby raising a city’s value. In my opinion, the architect’s perceptive value should closely match the actual value that we bring to the table. For any new AIA initiative it should be seen through a lens of financial benefit for investing time and effort?
Ashvini Dinoy, AIA
Name
Ashvini Dinoy, AIA
Desired position
Communications Director
My background
My name is Ashvini Dinoy. I am a Principal at Dwell Design Studio.
I believe the key to growth is to push yourself into situations that are beyond your comfort zone. I enjoy a good challenge and have worked in 6 cities over the span of 18 years on all kinds of architectural projects. I specialize in mixed-use residential & high-rise projects; I love seeing the pieces of the puzzle come together to create something spectacular. When not on the drawing board, I spend a lot of my time working on streamlining the design process, mentoring and talking about DEI.
Qualifications for this role
Ever since, I joined architecture school in 2000, I felt like I became a part of this exclusive club and life finally made sense. We tend to forget how lucky we are; that our work and passion are mostly on the same veins. I often quote – if you love what you do, you don’t have to work a single day in your life! And true to that everyday has been a wonderful roller coaster ride for the past 18 years in the field of architecture.
In 2017, one of my colleagues suggested my name to attend the AIA WLS and not to exaggerate, but it changed my life forever. Women uplifting women to better the world – sign me up! Ever since, I have been instrumental in setting up DEI councils in two large firms in ATL. Jumping through all the hoops to understand how a council is formed, creating the structure, talking to executive teams and managing delicate conversations, are some of the tasks that have shaped my leadership abilities. I would like to think that I am someone who strategizes, pushes myself and my team to get the job done in the best way possible.
Another area that I am closely interested in, is mentorship and advocacy and I love the various efforts AIA has been taking on in this front.
Overall, AIA plays such a critical role in bringing together architects and designers that impacts people’s lives from every walk of life. I would be honored to help and contribute in any way I can. And although, Atlanta is relatively a new city for me, it is my home, and I would love to build and be a part of the wonderful architectural community here.
Corey Miller, AIA
Name
Corey Miller, AIA
Desired position
Continuing Education Director
My background
Corey Miller is a Project Leader and Sr. Associate at The S/L/A/M Collaborative. As a registered Architect with over twenty-eight years of experience, he has worked across a variety of project and delivery types for both private sector and government clients. Project types include collegiate sports, corporate office, banking/financial services, and technology facilities. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, travel and mentoring the next generation of young architects.
Qualifications for this role
As your current Director of Continuing Education, I have had the amazing opportunity to partner with AIA Atlanta staff, members, patrons, and others in the A/E/C industry over the last two years. In that time, I have worked hard to help evolve the CE programs in the Covid and post Covid-19 environments. Recent technological advances in software, WFH, social and other factors have significantly shifted the way we work, gather, and consume information. This requires a fresh and progressive approach to how CE programs are developed and delivered. To evolve with these changes, I have partnered with all stakeholders to improve existing programs and provide new ones to better serve you.
It is my hope you have had the opportunity to experience some of the changes to these programs, like the long standing Learn Over Lunch program, where focus has been directed for a more inclusive mix of partners along with a variety of content delivery methods. In addition, new programs have been developed, such as the Architect’s Business Blueprint series, focusing on how to help Architect’s do business better.
It is my strong belief Architects, emerging and seasoned, need to have the best information to be able to develop their skills and lead the profession and industry. In a second term, I will continue to build on the work I have started to help transform AIA Atlanta continuing education programs to meet the future needs of our members and professional community.
Moath Rababah, Assoc. AIA
Name
Moath Rababah, Assoc. AIA
Desired position
Continuing Education Director
My background
Moath brings over 8 years of professional design experience to the field of architecture, with a strong focus on areas like residential, healthcare, and laboratory sectors. He holds a Master’s degree in Design Computation from Georgia Tech 2022, a Master’s in Architecture from the University at Buffalo (SUNY) 2014, and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Jordan University of Science and Technology 2010. Moath’s noteworthy academic history is enhanced by his active participation in national design contests and his role as a part-time educator. Currently, Moath is contributing his expertise to WSP USA Lab Planning Science + Technology in Atlanta.
Qualifications for this role
I am excited to present my qualifications and aspirations for the role, which align with my passion for architectural education and my unwavering dedication to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within AIA Atlanta.
With a rich background in architectural education and professional development, I am well-equipped to research, evaluate, and propose a post-pandemic Continuing Education (CE) strategy that caters to evolving work patterns and member preferences. I am adept at gauging the changing needs of our members and adjusting our educational programs accordingly. My unwavering commitment ensures that these offerings consistently mirror AIA Atlanta’s commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This means crafting educational programs that are accessible, relevant, and inclusive, catering to a diverse range of architects and allied professionals.
Collaboration and partnership are central to my approach. I intend to collaborate closely with Allied Directors and Development Directors to create the annual event calendar, aligning our education offerings with the AIA Atlanta Patron Program. This alignment will enhance our interactions with industry stakeholders and create a seamless, mutually beneficial experience for our members.
My vision extends to setting annual continuing education objectives for the chapter that harmonize with the core priorities of the architectural field, equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. These objectives will serve as guiding principles for our efforts, ensuring that our educational programs remain responsive to the evolving landscape of the architectural profession and societal expectations.
I intend to expand our educational resources by forging partnerships with related education groups and content providers, broadening our knowledge network to better serve our diverse membership. My aspirations are firmly grounded in an unwavering commitment to excellence in architectural education and a resolute dedication to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Together, we can shape the future of architectural education, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable built environment for all.
Sincerely,
Moath Rababah
Zachery Terry, Assoc. AIA
Name
Zachery Terry, Assoc. AIA
Desired position
Emerging Professionals Director
My background
Zachery is an architectural designer who received his Bachelor of Architecture from Kennesaw State University. As a student, he served on the AIA Georgia Executive Board as Student Director. He then served as an Executive Board Member for the Architecture Foundation of Georgia for three years.
In 2021, Zachery was elected as AIA Atlanta’s Emerging Professionals Director where he has been able to act on his passion for assisting young professionals in their Architectural Journey.
Zachery’s work experiences have exposed him to a number of markets including biocontainment/ laboratory planning; large-scale industrial centers and smaller scale community / civic spaces.
Qualifications for this role
I would be honored to continue my service as an Emerging Professionals director. I believe my prior 2 years of service in this role has positioned me perfectly to continue developing the relationships that I have established with the students and recent graduates. I am confident this foundation can be built upon for the betterment of the Emerging Professionals.
My passion to assist, inspire and advise the future generation motivates me to confront and address critical disconnects and unnecessary impediments that exist between the academic and professional realms of Architecture. Staying relevant and being aware of these issues is critical and requires active involvement and direct communication with emerging professionals. I have found by participating as a mentor to college architecture students through the AIA Atlanta Mentorship Program, I am granted insight into the current challenges from the student perspective. This insight and understanding is essential to providing effective, efficient solutions.
Finally, being a Christopher Kelley Leadership & Development Graduate has imbued me with invaluable insight from the Professional perspective. Not only can some of this knowledge be shared with Emerging Professionals, but I believe the knowledge gained from being a CKLDP Scholar has equipped me with leadership qualities that will help me better serve the next generation of Designers and the profession as a whole.
Jennifer Kilpatrick, AIA
Name
Jennifer Kilpatrick, AIA
Desired position
Emerging Professionals Director
My background
Jenn believes inspired Architecture is rooted in an understanding and respect for the history and culture of a space, place and the people who occupy it.
She is a graduate of SCAD (Master of Architecture with certificate in Preservation, 2011) and the University of Maryland (Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2007), and recently completed the AIA Georgia’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (2023).
In 2013, Jenn joined Gensler Atlanta, where she has worked in the retail and mixed-use practice areas. A licensed Architect, her experiences focus on international retail implementation as well as retail prototype and brand development and management.
Qualifications for this role
I am a licensed Architect with nearly 15 years of professional design experience within the Commercial Retail, F&B, and Mixed-Use practice areas. 10 years ago, I began my journey at Gensler as a Junior Technical Designer and have grown into a Senior Project Architect leading a team of Architects and Designers across multiple Retail Accounts.
As a scholar in the 2023 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, we were asked to draft our summary statements for our application to the AIA’s College of Fellows. In response, I wrote that I want to be known for inspiring our future generations of Architects and for helping to bridge the gap between the Academic and Professional worlds. Outside of the AXP and NCARB’s support for the path to licensure, we as an industry, don’t have established programming for new graduates and young professionals. I believe that the Emerging Professionals Directors have the unique opportunity to help focus on filling that gap.
My community leadership roles have been a great foundation for stepping into the role of Emerging Professionals Director. As a member of AIA Atlanta’s High School Design Competition planning committee, I have engaged with High School students interested in pursuing careers in Architecture. As a co-leader of Gensler Atlanta’s University Outreach program, I have engaged with College students starting their Architecture and Design journeys. I have helped pilot a mentorship program for Gensler staff and local Atlanta design students, aimed at providing students with exposure to real-world practice. As an Emerging Professionals Director, I hope to help build on this foundation of engagement with High School and College students, to connecting with Emerging Professionals to help build the support and resources they need as they begin their careers in Architecture.
Lily Chen, Assoc. AIA
Name
Lily Chen, Assoc. AIA
Desired position
Emerging Professionals Director
My background
I was born in China, raised in Canada, and I now live in the United States.
I am captivated by a blend of traditional and modern design elements. My eye for design has largely been impacted by both my travels and from my past lives as a traveling musician and my background in finance. My passions have taken me around the world and allowed me to make friends from all walks of life.
I am interested in just about everything and if you come to know me, you’ll see that I know a little about most things.
Qualifications for this role
My background itself is quite diverse as I have traveled the world as a musician in a performing arts orchestra, transitioned into finance, then transitioned again into the field of architecture. This plethora of experience has taught me a lot about communication, teamwork, and the less glamorized sides of simple work that has to be done behind the scenes. The phrase “10 years of practice for one-minute on stage,” has not fallen on deaf ears.
Some of the things I loved while attending architecture school was the passion, creativity, and even the sleep deprived nights. I relished being a student, but I also remember how lost I was as a student. Now, having come out of that end and still early in my career, I want to be able to work with students and help them navigate this career path. I feel AIA is a great tool for professionals and students alike to navigate their careers, so I would like to be a part of this and work on the board.
All else, I hope my passion is conveyed through.
Heli Shah, Assoc. AIA
Name
Heli Shah, Assoc. AIA
Desired position
Programs Director
My background
Heli Shah works at Cooper Carry where she specializes in K-12 Architecture and is passionate about creating impactful educational spaces for the future leaders of the world. Heli currently serves as the GA Statewide Associate Representative for the National Associates Committee, Co-Chair of the Research + Advocacy Committee of GA Equity in Architecture and is an Advisor for the current CKLDP Class. She is also the recipient of the 2021 AIA Atlanta John. A Busby Jr. Emerging Professional Award, named to the 2022 Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta’s 30 Under 30 Class and was awarded the 2022 AIAS Emerging Professional Alumni Honor Award.
Qualifications for this role
During her leadership as Chair of the Young Architects Forum of AIA Atlanta, Heli focused on strengthening the YAF motto through three main areas of development which included Continuing Education, Community Engagement and Connection.
Over the years, Heli has hosted several continuing education events like Spotlight on Atlanta Projects that highlighted several categories of notable design like Adaptive Reuse, Sustainability, Female-lead projects, and student design categories. She has also organized several events, specifically for emerging professionals like the AEC + Chill Summer Social, The YAF + SEOAG Winter Social and most recently, Heli helped coordinate efforts to organize a luncheon for the Early Leaders Track at the South Atlanta Regional ASPIRE Conference. As Advisor for the CKLDP, she has also provided guidance to the scholars of the 2023 class as they plan their session “Civic and Business Leadership” at the ASPIRE Conference in 2023.
Through her leadership and outreach, Heli has helped create an environment where emerging professional and early leaders are empowered to elevate the profession and giveback in their own capacity. She believes her past involvement with various organizations has provided her with the experience needed to succeed in this role as Programs Director. Heli hopes to continue to create camaraderie within the industry by creating strategic partnership with other AEC professional organizations, elevate existing programs and create additional value for membership.
Desmond Johnson, AIA
Name
Desmond Johnson, AIA
Desired position
Treasurer
My background
Desmond Johnson is an Atlanta-based architect, currently working as Design Director for Middle Street Partners. He is a 2013 alum of Florida A&M University, where he received his B.S. in Architectural Studies; and a 2015 alum of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received his Master of Architecture degree. Professionally, he has a broad range of experience in both the public and private sectors, where he has successfully contributed to mixed-use, multi-family, office, hospitality, retail, institutional, industrial, and urban design projects of varying scales. Outside of the office, Desmond is active with NOMA, NCARB, and the AIA.
Qualifications for this role
Desmond has served on the AIA Atlanta Board of Directors since 2017, first as the Emerging Professionals and Membership Director. Over the past 4 years, however, Desmond has found his passion in the role of Treasurer. In this role, he has successfully managed the financial affairs of the chapter, kept the board – and chapter – advised on fiscal issues, and has spearheaded a strategic approach to the chapter’s investment funds consistent with the chapter’s stated business values.
In addition to his leadership with the local AIA Atlanta chapter, Desmond has had a larger footprint on the AIA across the region and across the country. He has been a regular volunteer/panelist with the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, he has been a speaker at the regional ASPIRE conference in 2022 and 2023, he participated in the AIA’s inaugural Practice Innovation Lab, he was on the steering committee for the Young Architect’s Forum’s ‘Mission 2130’ Summit, he has served as a juror for various Honor and Design awards across the country, and a host of other contributions. Desmond’s peers and mentors within the Institute continue to rely on his ability to inspire individuals, catalyze change, and achieve results.
Desmond has the experience, the passion, and the trustworthiness to continue in the role of Treasurer, and he looks forward to the opportunity to serve and continue the financial work that he’s started.