AIA Rhode Island Welcomes New Executive Director
CAROLINE STEVENS
PROVIDENCE, RI ??? The American Institute of Architect???s RI Chapter (AIA Rhode Island) is pleased to welcome Caroline Stevens as our new Executive Director.??
She replaces Jen Zolkos who has led the Chapter for the last ten years and now looks forward to pursuing new career endeavors. Stevens will oversee the Chapter???s programs and operations, in accordance to AIA Rhode Island???s mission of expanding the knowledge and quality of services provided by architectural professionals, while increasing the public???s understanding of the architectural profession.
Stevens brings a breadth of experience and passion around architectural programming to her new role.
Over the past decade, her work has evolved from leading architectural tours and writing a Chicago-based building blog, to creating innovative place-based public programs in cities across the US.
Prior to moving to Providence, she helped launch and later managed the Chicago Architecture Foundation???s ???Open House Chicago,??? now one of the largest architecture and urban exploration festivals in the world.
In Providence she???s best known for her work directing Doors Open RI, a new??initiative she founded that organizes local place-based public programs.
Through her leadership, Doors Open RI has made its mark on Providence with such events as a funeral for the Fogarty Building and recent Doors Open RI Festival that gave over 4,000 people behind-the-scenes access to 24 buildings across Providence for one day.
Stevens is a recipient of an Embark Fellowship from Brown University, from where she recently graduated with an MA in Public Humanities.??
???I???m thrilled by the opportunity to build upon AIA Rhode Island???s legacy of enhancing the quality of our built environment,??? Stevens said. ???Rhode Island is exceptional for its rich architectural heritage and unparalleled creativity. Through building partnerships and supporting architectural education, Rhode Island can become a national leader in the design field. It???s this potential that especially excites me as I take on this new role.???
About AIA Rhode Island
Founded in 1875, AIA Rhode Island is a statewide component of the American Institute of Architects, and is the seventh oldest AIA chapter.??It is a professional association representing over 200 professionals and 50 affiliate members. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public, and colleagues of an AIA-member architect???s dedication to the highest standards in professional practice. Affiliate members include engineers, contractors, owners/clients, public officials, other allied professionals, students, and others interested in design and the built environment.
AIA Rhode Island remains highly committed to excellence in architecture and service to the public. It offers many programs that enhance the public understanding of design, as well as, the practice of architecture.