December 11, 2024
Mixed Legacy: AIA CEO Lakisha Ann Woods Resigns
Above: Lakisha Ann Woods; Photo credit: American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Diversity advocate announces departure amidst controversy and accomplishments
Lakisha Ann Woods, the CEO and executive vice president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), has announced her resignation, effective February 2025. Woods’ leadership tenure, marked by milestones in diversity and financial recovery, was also marred by controversies and internal dissent. AIA’s celebratory press release praised Woods for her transformative impact, highlighting achievements such as record membership growth, a 41% revenue increase, and the organization’s first balanced budget since 2020. However, scrutiny surrounding her leadership remains a key facet of her legacy.
Inside Lighting reported in June 2024 allegations of financial impropriety and retaliatory practices during her tenure. These issues included accusations of nepotism, misuse of funds for a lavish retreat, and purported interference in internal selection processes. While an independent investigation cleared Woods of wrongdoing, skepticism about her decision-making persisted among AIA stakeholders.
A Celebratory Departure Amid Controversy
AIA’s official announcement highlighted Woods’ achievements, particularly her focus on diversity and inclusion. Under her guidance, women now account for over a quarter of AIA’s membership — a historic milestone. Additionally, Woods spearheaded several initiatives that modernized the organization, such as the “Future Focused” series, promoting underrepresented voices in architecture, and managing AIA’s trade show in-house, generating millions in additional revenue.
Despite these accomplishments, Woods’ tenure faced backlash from 23 former AIA presidents, who signed a letter in April 2024 alleging financial mismanagement and cronyism. These accusations, initially reported by Bloomberg, triggered a cascade of media coverage and internal investigations. AIA’s subsequent response — characterizing the allegations as a “coordinated campaign” against its leadership — added fuel to the fire.
How the Architectural Media Reacted
The news of Woods’ resignation has sparked varied responses across architectural trade publications, reflecting the polarized perception of her leadership.
- The Architect’s Newspaper: Reporting on Woods’ resignation, The Architect’s Newspaper recounted both her groundbreaking role as AIA’s first woman of color CEO and the allegations that defined her tenure. The article highlighted the disconnect between her supporters, who praised her progressive agenda, and critics who accused her of disrupting organizational traditions.
- Architect Magazine (published by the AIA): Paul Makovsky’s article portrayed Woods as a transformative leader who drove financial stability and inclusivity while navigating resistance from traditionalists. The piece noted her groundbreaking initiatives, such as the annual Women’s Leadership Summit, but also acknowledged internal divisions over her leadership style.
- Archinect: Josh Niland’s report focused on the controversies that overshadowed Woods’ tenure, emphasizing the misconduct allegations and subsequent independent investigation. Archinect drew attention to the polarized reactions from AIA members and the organization’s effort to quell dissent with counter-investigations.
- Architectural Record: In its coverage, Architectural Record balanced Woods’ accomplishments against the challenges she faced, framing her departure as a culmination of both success and controversy. The report revisited allegations of nepotism and financial mismanagement but contextualized them within the broader landscape of organizational change under Woods’ leadership.
- Bloomberg: While not "architectural media" Bloomberg has closely followed Woods' AIA tenure over the years. Bloomberg highlighted the broader implications of Woods’ resignation, noting the tumultuous backdrop of her tenure. The publication reiterated its previous reporting on the allegations against her and the subsequent internal investigations, emphasizing the enduring divide within AIA’s leadership.
- AIA: Not surprisingly, the AIA issued a press release that presented a narrative solely focused on the positive aspects of Lakisha Woods. Titled, in part, “AIA Board of Directors Celebrates Accomplishments of Lakisha Woods,” the release, prepared by the AIA's PR and marketing department, highlights her leadership milestones and contributions to the organization.
Woods plans to dedicate her next chapter to workforce development, focusing on equity and innovation in the workplace. Meanwhile, the AIA Board of Directors has appointed Stephen Ayers as interim CEO, signaling a transitional period as the organization searches for her successor in 2025.
Woods’ departure highlights the challenges of modernizing legacy institutions while navigating internal resistance and external scrutiny. As the AIA moves forward, questions about reconciling innovation with tradition remain pivotal.
