AIA North Carolina invites you to join us for a preview session of Designing Forward: Leadership North Carolina, an advanced leadership development program launching in 2026 in partnership with Apostrophe Consulting.

This session introduces the vision and design of the year-long program—created for mid-career architects ready to elevate their leadership, strengthen their practice, and shape the future of the profession. Discover what the program offers, what participants can expect, and how to join the inaugural cohort.

Hear from featured leaders in the state, Zena Howard, FAIA, Practice Leader, Firmwide Cultural and Civic at Perkins&Will; Ben Cahoon, FAIA, Mayor of Nags Head and President of Cahoon+Kasten Architects; and Kevin Kennedy, AIA, CEO and Co-Founder of Cluck Design, in a conversation moderated by Je’Nen Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA, Founder of Apostrophe Consulting. Together, they’ll explore leadership insights, industry trends, and the evolving state of practice in North Carolina.

Whether you’re considering joining the 2026 cohort or simply curious about leadership in design, this session offers valuable takeaways and a first look at this transformative initiative.