2024 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

Beginning in 2017, the AIA Miami chapter undertook the initiative to develop a program which would help train and nurture the next generation of leaders following in the footsteps of the AIA DC chapter who created the program in 2013. This program, titled the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP), has been offered in Miami since 2017.

Based on the program’s success, AIA Miami in partnership with AIA Fort Lauderdale, looks to secure a promising faction of scholars for its class of 2023-2024. The year‐long program consists of nine (9) individual half‐day sessions attended by a competitively selected group of sixteen (16) emerging professionals (an emerging professional is defined as a graduate from college with an architecture degree and within 10 years of licensure). Prospective participants must go through an application process for selection where proven career success, community involvement and the individual’s firm/agency support will be considered.

The curriculum focuses on core professional skills such as entrepreneurship and firm management; teamwork and collaboration; negotiating skills; client development; community leadership; understanding trends within the industry; and developing your future within the practice. The selected scholars to the leadership program are responsible for planning and participating in each of the individual sessions. The program will be kicked off by a “Boot Camp” session to introduce the participants and to develop the curriculum for the year.

Sessions will be held monthly on Fridays from 12:00pm – 5:00pm, September through May. A full list of courses and specific dates are described in the 2024 Schedule.

Individuals may be nominated by their firm or can nominate themselves and will be selected based on a written application, recommendations, and resume. The sixteen (16) successful applicants will represent a diverse group of emerging professionals that demonstrate a strong potential as a future leader. The application process is not intended to be exhaustive but is competitive and should not be taken lightly. Throughout the application process, candidates are encouraged to emphasize their previous leadership experience; explain what expertise they intend to provide to the program; and clarify how they intend to utilize the skills learned through the program.

All applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 11:59pm on December 1, 2023 to be eligible.

Application Dates & Deadlines

• Call for Applications: The official Call for Application is announced September 8, 2023.
• Application Deadline: All forms must be submitted by 11:59pm on December 1, 2023 to be eligible.
• Notification of Acceptance: Candidates will be notified of their selection to participate in the program by December 8, 2023.

Application Process

Thoroughly review the full application requirements in the 2024 CKLDP Application Information Packet. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] and include the following documentation:

Required Uploads:

1. Letter of Nomination/Letter of Interest
2. Letters of Recommendation
3. Personal Resume
4. Agreement Form
5. Answers to the following required questions:
   NOTE responses shall not exceed 1,000 total characters. Be succinct and to the point with your responses.
   1. Is the applicant an emerging professional (Within 10 years of first architectural registration and has graduated from an architectural degree program)? Yes/No
   2. What do you feel are the 3 most significant issues and opportunities facing the profession today?
   3. What are the specific skills or knowledge you hope to gain from your participation in the CKLDP?
   4. How do you define leadership and how have you demonstrated leadership skills to this point in your career?
6. Tuition Assistance Form (optional)

All applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 11:59pm on December 1, 2023 to be eligible.

For more information, please contact the 2023-2024 CKLDP Executive Committee: