Three Pickard Chilton architects selected for AIA Leadership Academy’s Inaugural Class

New Haven, CT According to Pickard Chilton, three of its architects – senior associate Michael Hensley AIA, RIBA, LEED AP, BD+C, WELL AP and associates Adrienne Nelson AIA, LEED Green Associate and Stephen Harris AIA – have been invited to join the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Leadership Academy for its 2020-2022 inaugural class. 

This highly selective three-year program is the first and only program for architects that focuses on firm, professional, and community leadership development. A team of business experts, architects, company leaders and coaches will work with the class during a series of annual retreats, virtual classes and individualized sessions to develop the future leaders of the architecture profession, in both practice and in their communities. 

Licensed AIA members in good standing with a minimum of eight years of firm experience were invited to apply for the 28-person inaugural class. A committee comprised of AIA members and staff reviewed applications and made their selections based on leadership potential or experience, intent to put the lessons into action after graduation, and a thoughtful understanding of the challenges facing the industry. 

“We are incredibly proud of Adrienne’s, Michael’s and Stephen’s acceptance into the inaugural class of the AIA Leadership Academy,” said Jon Pickard FAIA, principal of Pickard Chilton. “They each have demonstrated leadership within the studio and the profession. The resources and opportunities offered by the AIA Leadership Academy will help them build upon their strengths and further develop the skills necessary to be the next generation of leadership within both the studio and the profession.” 

Hensley has led the design team for several of Pickard Chilton’s significant headquarters and high-rise office projects such as T3 RiNo and 1144 Fifteenth St., both in Denver; a confidential corporate development in Ohio; and, 3001 Turtle Creek Blvd. in Dallas. Hensley is currently leading the studio’s research efforts on mass timber for office developments, serves as chair of the studio’s Technology Committee, and is a member of the Sustainability Committee.

Nelson served as project manager for Boston Properties’ 325 Main St., a corporate office tower for Google in Cambridge, Mass. For five years, she has been a key contributor to 2+U, an office tower and public plaza in Seattle, Washington.  Nelson was recently an AIA Connecticut board member and is the co-chair of the AIA Connecticut Emerging Professionals Community. She is also a mentor and former team leader for the New Haven affiliate of the ACE Mentor Program.

Harris is currently project manager for a 37-story high-rise multi-family development in Houston. He recently served as project leader for Hines’ One Worldcenter, a mixed-use high-rise in the Miami Worldcenter development. Internally, Harris leads Pickard Chilton’s recruiting efforts. He is currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Hartford, teaching an advanced undergraduate design studio.