Discovering Architectural Innovation at AIA25 Boston

Written by Katherine Mestas, Associate AIA

As the recipient of the Recent Graduate Travel Grant 2025, I was able to attend the AIA25 Conference on Architecture & Design in Boston for the first time, which was an incredible opportunity as I begin my professional journey. This experience left me feeling inspired and more confident about how I want to move forward in my career.

Throughout the conference, I attended different lectures and workshops that explored where architecture is headed and how we can shape it. While I attended sessions on topics like architectural branding, sustainability, and social responsibility, it was the AI-related lectures and workshops that stood out to me because there is so much to explore and learn in this area within our profession. I walked away with both inspiration and a clearer idea of how to start incorporating these tools to improve my work.

Outside of the sessions, I joined the AIA Gala after party, which was a fun way to celebrate and connect with other professionals in a more relaxed setting. Meeting several AIA Ohio colleagues helped make the large conference feel closer to home. One of the highlights of the week was meeting Yiselle Santos Rivera, the 2026 AIA President-Elect and 2027 AIA President. Her journey was especially meaningful to me as a woman and a Latina in architecture, reminding me of the importance of representation in our field.

Even though I did not have much time to explore, Boston still left a strong impression on me. Walking through the city’s historic neighborhoods, even briefly, showed me how architecture continues to evolve, and we are a key part in shaping people’s experience through the built environment.

I am grateful to our AIA Toledo chapter for making this opportunity possible and for their constant commitment to supporting emerging professionals like me. This experience has given me such an important insight into the challenges and possibilities ahead, and I cannot wait to see how everything I learned shapes my career.

Latinx Architects and Designers and Arquitina members with AIA 2026 President Elect/2027 President Yiselle Santos Rivera

Katherine Mestas, Associate AIA at AIA25

AIA Toledo Associate Members, Katherine Mestas & Isabel Souza at the AIA Gala