Ryan Mills, AIA, NCARB, CDT recently completed the Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Program alongside 15 other graduates. This exclusive group of emerging professionals was chosen based on their proven career achievements and community involvement.
The curriculum
The year-long program, consisting of nine individual half-day sessions, focuses on a curriculum of core professional skill advancement. Participants develop their skills in entrepreneurship and firm management, working together and collaboration, the art of negotiation, client development, community leadership, industry trends, and developing your future in the profession. Scholars are also tasked with the responsibility of establishing the curriculum on day one.
Honoring AIA legacy
The program was developed in 2013 to honor the legacy of Christopher Kelly, AIA after his sudden passing in 2012. As a respected leader in AIA, the Washington DC architectural community, as well as within the Gensler's Washington office, Christopher had a dignified impact on emerging architects of all moments in their profession and was awarded the AIA Young Architects Award in 2010. Graduates of the program exemplify Christopher's legacy and are the next models of leadership and activism.
After ten years with Synthesis, Ryan has lead and contributed to a wide range of projects that have come through the studio. Within the last 5 years, he has served as the project manager and project architect on 25+ higher education projects with a focus in renovations and research environments. Other project experience includes building condition assessments, building code compliance reviews, and water treatment facilities. Recent master planning projects include architect for the Lawrence Trades District Master Development Plan and contributing designer for the IAA Terminal Optimization project. With a background in diverse project types, Ryan has a wide range of experiences to leverage for solving architectural problems.
We are thrilled to celebrate Ryan on this most recent accomplishment. Congratulations to all of the 2022 scholars!