2026 Timely Topics Series | Session 1: More Than a Great PM: What it Takes to Lead a Firm
This is the first session in AIA Seattle’s 2026 Timely Topics Series, a new education program exploring the pressing topics shaping the AEC industry today to foster peer-to-peer learning, strengthen community connections, and prepare the next generation of leaders.
More than a Great PM: What it Takes to Lead a Firm explores the evolution from principal-centered practice to shared leadership, helping participants recognize where their firms are today and what leadership structures and practices they will need next.
As architecture firms grow, leadership has to evolve with them. The approaches that work in a principal-led practice—where a few people hold the client relationships, make most decisions, and oversee the work—can eventually become a constraint. Sustainable growth requires firms to build systems, distribute responsibility, and develop a broader group of people capable of leading the business.
The workshop also looks at leadership development from the perspective of the individual: What does it take to move from being a great project manager to becoming an effective firm leader? Facilitated by Emily Hall, President, AVEC, participants will examine the shift from managing work and solving problems themselves to coaching others, making strategic decisions, developing client and business relationships, and taking responsibility for the broader success of the firm. Through practical frameworks, reflection, and examples, emerging leaders can identify the skills and experiences they need to build now, while current leaders can consider how to create opportunities that prepare the next generation to lead.
Join us to engage and connect in our first learning program at Smith Tower on Thursday, December 3, 3:00 – 6:00 pm for 2026 Timely Topics Series | Session 1: More than a Great PM: What It Takes to Lead a Firm (2 LU).
Meet the Facilitator
Emily leads AVEC’s daily operations and contributes to the firm’s long-term vision, with a focus on managing the company-wide resources required to deliver exceptional service to AVEC clients. She brings over 20 years of architectural marketing and business experience to AVEC, with a focus on discovering a firm’s authentic personality and using it to drive strategy. She served for over six years as Senior Associate and Director of Marketing and New Business Development at Union Studio Architecture & Community Design and for nine years at DBVW Architects, both architectural firms in Providence, Rhode Island that have experienced significant growth. She received an MBA from the University of Rhode Island, a Master of Industrial Design from Rhode Island School of Design, and a BA from Colorado College. Emily is based in Detroit, Michigan.
*All sessions and speakers subject to change.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize stages of firm development and identify how leadership structures, systems, and responsibilities must evolve as a practice grows.
- Differentiate leadership, ownership, and governance roles and evaluate approaches for distributing responsibility and decision-making across the firm.
- Identify the skills and experiences needed to move from project manager to firm leader, including strategic thinking, business insight, relationship-building, and developing others.
- Assess opportunities to build leadership capacity—both personally and across the firm—through delegation, mentorship, business development, networking, and increased responsibility.
- Examine how leadership and firm culture interacts with business challenges and solutions and impacts both the work and the communities we’re designing for.
- Explore emerging models of practice and future-focused leadership strategies that strengthen a resilient and sustainable business.
Cost
Includes continuing education credit + light refreshments (2 LU)
$82 AIA Member/Corporate Allied Partner (CAP)/Allied Member
$82 Government
$51 Associate Member
$140 Non-Member
REGISTER
*Space is limited. Register early to secure your spot!
Early Bird Deadline: Thursday, November 19, 5:00pm PT. After this time, the price increases 15%.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 5:00pm PT.
Reduced rate options are available! Please submit the Continuing Education Scholarship / Reduced Rate Request form via email by Thursday, November 19, 5:00pm PT.
Learn more about our program pricing, the member ticket rate, and other benefits associated with membership. Explore the other major education programs we offer.
Venue
- Venue Access: You must be a registered guest of AIA Seattle to attend an event at the Conference Center on the 21st Floor of Smith Tower. Enter the building from 2nd Ave, and check in at the security desk near the elevator bank. Security will provide elevator access only for the 21st Floor. When you exit the elevator on 21, look for signage pointing to the Conference Center, to the right of the elevator bank.
- Transit: We encourage visitors to take advantage of public transit options and plan your trip.
- Parking: Pioneer Square’s Butler Garage (114 James St, Seattle, WA 98104) is the closest secured parking nearby.
Accessibility
- Smith Tower meets ADA accessibility standards. Rolling access is available from the 2nd Ave entrance. An accessible restroom is located on the 21st Floor. As with all AIA Seattle + Seattle Design Festival events, contact staff in advance if you require additional information or if we can support your participation in any way.
- Presenter files and other program materials (as applicable) will be available on the password-protected attendee resources page at least 1-2 business days before the program. The password will be sent in follow-up email communications to all registered attendees.
- We encourage speakers to create accessible presentations to ensure attendees can fully engage with the session content.
If you have accessibility needs for this program, please note them in your registration form or contact Programs Coordinator, Pamela Tagata. You can reach Pamela via email at pamelat@aiaseattle.org or via phone at 206-957-1922. Please reach out by November 12. We will do our best to support any needs conveyed after this date.
About the Timely Topics Series
AIA Seattle’s Timely Topics Series is a new education program exploring the hottest topics shaping the AEC industry today. Each session offers bite-sized learning through engaging talks, case studies, and hands-on activities, followed by networking happy hours to foster connection. The program aims to foster peer-to-peer learning across career stages, position our community at the forefront, and prepare the next generation to lead. Session topics are identified based on member needs and pressing issues.
Have an emerging topic you want to see explored? Complete this form!