Pillars Leadership Program
AIA Kansas City's Pillars Leadership Program is a training program that prepares a representative cross section of the chapter’s emerging leaders for their role in shaping the future of both the architectural profession and the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The training program includes active participation in programs and exposure to community leaders and issues. Applications are accepted for the program once each year. Criteria for acceptance include proven career success and community involvement. The benefits of the program include: development of relationship skills, skill development, team performance, and chapter and community leadership.
Topics that will be discussed throughout the year include: Government, Development, Community Outreach, Sustainability, Transportation, Local Arts, Food and Entertainment and Innovation and Technology.
Watch a video to learn more about the Pillars Leadership Program.
2026 - 2027 PILLARS CLASS
Macrina Abdouch, AIA - HOK
Maddy Alves, Associate AIA - Populous
Matthew Ayers, AIA - McCownGordon Construction
Payton Castleberry, Associate AIA - BRR Architecture
Austin Curnutt - Apex Engineers
Nathan Dysko, Associate AIA - Populous
Sam Haney, Associate AIA - Crawford Architects
Brighid Hegarty, AIA - Black & Veatch
Tanya Jana-Ford, AIA - Perkins & Will
Lindsey Leardi, AIA - HNTB
Claire Namovich, Associate AIA - ACI Boland
Peyton Nolan, AIA - DLR Group
Megan Povirk, Associate AIA - Finkle + Williams Architecture
Rapheal Prevot, Associate AIA - Treanor
Dean Randolph, Associate AIA - PGAV
Brent Sontag, Associate AIA - Hoefer Welker
Pillars October 2026 Overview
The cohort kicked off with an October session exploring the role transportation has played in shaping Kansas City’s growth and development. From early commerce along the Missouri River to the expansion and eventual contraction of the region’s railroad network, the session examined how transportation infrastructure has influenced the city over time and continues to shape its future.
Looking to the past, the day began at the Arabia Steamboat Museum with a presentation and discussion led by David Hawley, who discovered the Arabia and established the museum. Following the presentation, Joshua Norwood guided the group through the museum, providing additional insight into the history of river transportation and its role in establishing Kansas City as a center for commerce and trade.
