Happy International Women’s Day!

BNIM celebrates the remarkable women whose talent, passion, and strength shape our firm's success. We extend our gratitude to all women in the industry for their tireless efforts in fostering equity and inspiring future leaders. ⁠ Laura Lesnieski and Jamie Intervalo had the opportunity to attend AIA’s 2024 Leadership Summit, held in Washington, DC in late February this year. This is the event formerly known as Grassroots since one of its highlights is for AIA leaders from across the country to visit Capitol Hill and meet with Senators and Representatives from their home states to advocate for issues relevant to our profession. Each year, AIA supports our leaders with talking points and general organization of this massive undertaking as our 98,000 members are represented on the Hill.

“I attended the Summit as an At-Large Director on the AIA National Board, now in my final year. The Summit also gave me the chance to reconnect with YAF leaders with whom I worked while on the Strategic Council, including Abi Brown, recently elevated to Fellow, and Matt Toddy, now a candidate for the At-Large Director on the Board. These two are among the finest of the future of our profession.”

Laura Lesniewski FAIA LEED AP WELL AP

“This year at AIA leadership summit, I had the privilege of representing San Diego chapter as President, which included participating in AIA Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. National leadership identified three important bills to advocate for on behalf of our profession and set up meetings with House Representatives in our region to meet with. In preparation for these meetings, AIA national director of advocacy shared insightful histories of each bill and the potential impact they carry, not only for our profession but also for the built environment.”

Jamie Intervalo AIA LEED AP BD+C

The bills include the Democracy in Design Act (HR 964/S 366), Revising Fee Limitations for Federal Contracts, and Tax Relief for American Families and Works (HR 7024. These bills carry significant potential impacts not only for our profession but also for the built environment.