AIA Connecticut’s Committees and Knowledge Communities are practice-area or professional-based interest groups for the purposes of sharing information, organizing learning opportunities and events, advocacy and policy formulation, networking, and various other initiatives. The majority of the chapter’s programs are spearheaded by these Committees and Knowledge Communities.
Scroll down for overview of all our committees and communities.
To get involved, contact the staff coordinator listed below or email programs@aiact.org.
Please consult the AIA CT Calendar for up-to-date meeting information.
The Allied Advisory Committee provides a channel of support and communications between related service providers (Allied members) and AIA members. The committee assists AIA CT staff by providing support in planning major events and securing sponsors.
2026 Co-Chairs:
Ashley Anderson, Marvin
Brian Phillips, PE, Langan
Staff Coordinator: Tori Calabro
The BP&R Knowledge Community is committed to progressing building performance as it relates to occupant comfort, health, and the function, durability, sustainability, and resilience of buildings. The committee tracks the evolving landscape of building regulations, including state and federal building codes, regulations, ordinances, and practical issues affecting contemporary architectural practice. Working with AIA CT members, code officials, and other subject matter experts, the committee dialogues issues of performance and regulations in an engaging and educational environment
2026 Co-Chairs:
Brian Baril, AIA, A/Z Corporation
David O’Connor, AIA, Centerbrook Architects
Staff Coordinator: Joel Whitten
The Committee on Design promotes design excellence among members of the AIA, the broader design community, and the public. It promotes a range of activities to encourage dialogue on the art of building.
2026 Co-Chairs:
Daniel Horowitz, AIA, University of Hartford
Mahdad Saniee, AIA, Saniee Architects
Staff Coordinator: Tori Calabro
The COTE Knowledge Community crafts programming to keep the CT architectural community current on the latest best practices, innovations, and leading-edge sustainable design strategies. Through roundtables, building tours, and educational sessions, we aim to provide the building industry with the tools to deliver healthy, equitable, resilient, and sustainable design.
2026 Co-Chairs:
Dov Feinmesser, AIA, Newman Architects
Andrew Gorzkowski, AIA, Pickard Chilton
Staff Coordinator: Joel Whitten
The Emerging Professionals Community serves architectural designers pursuing professional and personal growth by providing resources that afford social, educational, and cultural opportunities.
The goal is to celebrate their unique talents while encouraging active involvement within the greater AEC community.
2026 Co-Chairs:
Ersa Llakmani, Assoc. AIA, HED
Aurora Perreault, AIA, Patriquin Architects
Staff Coordinator:
Tori Calabro
The EDI Committee is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusivity within the architectural profession and beyond. Its mission is rooted in understanding related challenges, fostering commitment and action, and supporting diverse future generations.
2026 Co-Chairs:
Jeremy Jamilkowski, AIA, Amenta Emma Architects
Ozlem Caglar Tombus AIA, Newman Architects
Staff Coordinator: Tori Calabro
The Professional Practice Knowledge Community’s focus is to identify emerging trends in practice and advance the knowledge and skills of architects and emerging professionals to enable a better understanding of and ability to adapt to the changing landscape impacting the practice of Architecture.
The Committee continually seeks to proactively facilitate and encourage open discourse among AIA Connecticut architects, designers, and allied members to advance member understanding of practice-related issues including topics such as business, ethics, construction law, taxes, human resources, marketing, and technology.
2026 Co-Chairs:
Amy Samuelson, AIA, The S/L/A/M Collaborative
David Varnish, AIA, VAKOTA Architecture
Staff Coordinator: Joel Whitten
The Small Firms Exchange advances the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. The group advocates for the value of small firms within the AIA and out in public. It also promotes business development, marketing, and leadership development.
The AIA CT SFx focuses on the national mission at a local scale, engaging and supporting small firms practicing in Connecticut.
2026 Co-Chairs:
Karin Patriquin, AIA, Patriquin Architects
Elizabeth Di Salvo, AIA, Trillium Architects
Staff Coordinator: Joel Whitten
The Women in Architecture Knowledge Community provides an environment for women architects and Allied professionals to enhance their professional development, networking, and leadership skills.
The knowledge community focuses on supporting professional growth through networking and connections, championing advancement to leadership positions, offering career guidance, strengthening community outreach, and providing support to women in their career development in architecture.
Click here for information on the 4×10 Mentorship Program.
2026 Co-Chairs:
Melinda Agron, AIA, Newman Architects
Marissa Mean, AIA, Svigals + Partners, an FCA Company
Staff Coordinators:
Viktoria Rubanova
The Government Affairs Committee assists as a watchdog for the profession, focusing on legislative and licensing issues, and encourages AIA Connecticut’s participation in local, state, and federal government.
2025 Co-Chairs:
Michael Ayles, FAIA, Antinozzi Associates
John J. Butkus, AIA, Arcadis
Legislative Coordinator: Gina Calabro
The Honors & Awards Committee helps determine award programs by finalizing criteria, forming diverse juries, and jurying specific awards.
AIA Connecticut Awards recognize personal successes, crowning career achievements, and exemplary design in various practice areas.
Staff Coordinator: Gina Calabro
The National Associates Committee is dedicated to representing and advocating for Associate AIA members in our national, state and local chapters. (Associate AIA members automatically become part of this community.)