As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with both challenges and celebrations—yet above all, a year for which we can be deeply grateful. Back in January, we set out with a theme: to make 2025 the year we Learn, Inspire and Connect. Together, we have made remarkable progress, and I am excited to share the full scope of our accomplishments at our annual meeting on December 5.
What am I most proud of this year?
We truly lived our theme by inspiring and connecting with our chapter members. Although the Spring Lecture Series began with lower-than-usual attendance, the momentum quickly grew. Summer brought multiple groups to the Inner Harbor for City Sand despite the mid-season heat, a fantastic August day of networking on the courses at Eagle’s Nest for our Annual Golf Outing, and several engaging book readings and signings at the Center.
Fall, as always, energized our members and the broader community with Doors Open and the outstanding programming coordinated by BAF during Architecture Month. The Design Awards Committee celebrated exceptional design work later that month at the Engineer’s Club, and the Urban Design Committee launched its inaugural Urban Design Showcase. Throughout the year, in-person events consistently reached record attendance.
These highlights represent only a portion of the year’s efforts. Our Historic Resources Committee, Committee on the Environment, Emerging Professionals Committee, and Practice Management Committee have each worked steadily on initiatives that advance education, advocacy, practice, and exemplary design. In addition, the Board has continued to prioritize equity, providing guidance on how to better engage and support our diverse membership. Working with committee chairs, we identified several strategies this year to further our long-term goals.
This year’s achievements are so numerous that I wish I could name everyone. As I look back, I am humbled by the privilege of serving as your president. It has been an honor and a meaningful opportunity to grow closer to our staff, students and membership. Behind the scenes, AIA Baltimore and BAF Executive Director Lauren Bostic Hill has been building a strong and talented team—welcoming new colleagues while empowering familiar faces—all dedicated to supporting our committees, enriching member experiences, and ensuring we continue to deliver essential HSWs. I am especially grateful to Lauren for introducing the 2025 Civic Lab class; their renewed energy and thoughtful engagement give me great confidence that our young leaders will navigate our legislative responsibilities as informed and responsible citizens. We launched many exciting initiatives in 2025, and I am thrilled that they will continue to grow in 2026. Please be sure to follow our newsletters and social media for opportunities to participate and get involved.
I am equally honored to pass the presidency to my dear friend and steadfast leader, Lori Lessem. Having worked and volunteered alongside Lori for many years, I know firsthand the compassion, clarity, and problem-solving focus she brings as a small business owner. She is exactly the leader to guide our chapter into 2026, and I wish her every success in her presidency. I look forward to all we will achieve in the year ahead.
My deepest appreciation goes to 2024-25 AIA Maryland President Scott Bowen and AIA Maryland Executive Director Jaclyn Faulkner—shining examples of visionary leadership. Thank you to our dedicated AIA Baltimore staff, who bring our chapter’s initiatives to life, and to our committee chairs, whose volunteer time, energy and passion into everything we do. And finally, thank every member who reached out, participated, attended, or simply offered encouragement. Working with you this year has been a joy.
Since this is my final letter to you, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you to all our members for entrusting me with this role. Thank you to my employers—HNTB and now Urban Engineers—for their unwavering support throughout my presidency. Special thank you to my husband for caring for our young twins during the many late evenings spent at AIA events. This year demanded long hours and unexpected commitments, and his constant support, flexibility, and love made all the difference. I could not have taken on this role without him. I’d also like to recognize our past presidents, Chris Parts and Laura Wheaton, whose mentorship and support has meant so much this year.
Although the year’s end marks the conclusion of my presidency, I see it not as a closing, but the turning of a page. I’m humbled to have represented the chapter at the National AIA and state conferences voicing for our profession and members. I look forward to a new year and to the continued growth of AIA Baltimore as we serve and strengthen our design community.
Wishing you all a joyful, safe holiday season—and I look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting.
It has been both a pleasure and an honor to serve you.
Warm regards and Namaste,
Madhuri Subramaniam, AIA, LEED AP
2025 President – AIA Baltimore
