The Octagon is an integral part of the history of America, architecture and the profession. In developing new programming for The Octagon, we have an opportunity to illuminate the story of the craftsmanship of the building and highlight the people upon whose shoulders the architectural canon has, often silently, stood. As our storytelling reveals narratives from unrecognized voices of the past, it will also challenge visitors to consider which voices of modern day are silent, why, and what actions we can collectively take as evangelists for equitable, sustainable communities. The Octagon’s expanded programming will deepen the connection between the building’s past, and the future we wish to build.

As the home of the Architects Foundation and the front door to the American Institute of Architects campus, we must sensitively modernize The Octagon to serve its mission. The modernization project will serve as a demonstration of the benefits of preservation as an integral component of sustainability and equity in communities. We will lead and teach by example in demonstrating specialized solutions for historic buildings. The work will include accessibility improvements, HVAC upgrades, and a roof replacement, along with an overall technology upgrade for 21st-century interactions to reach new audiences.

We will enhance Communities by Design, a program that brings together volunteer professionals, the Foundation’s Diversity Scholars, and citizens to solve the most pressing issues facing the places we call home. This high-impact program uses a unique community-based approach to engage citizens in local problem-solving through a guided and democratic process. The enlarged program will scale this work, developing solutions that can be applied at the regional, state, and national levels.

Since 2014, AF has awarded more than500 scholarships. Yet we know we are leaving behind a large segment of students who could join the profession if only they were exposed to the field and had the help to apply for these scholarships. We envision a wraparound program that begins in the schools, with volunteer architects visiting targeted high schools and HBCUs to entice students into the field. Local architects will provide office hours to coach students on applications, portfolios, and essay writing. In collaboration with local AIA chapters, newly funded scholar engagement staff will create educational programming, networking and career fair opportunities for our scholars – something our scholars repeatedly tell us they need to advance their careers.

Our past scholars represent some of the most sought-after leaders in the field and some of the least recognized. We will curate the research, papers, and projects they produce and disseminate them through a modernized, searchable website as well as through exhibits at The Octagon. The Octagon will become a hub for cutting-edge salons and convenings on community building and problem-solving, applying architectural design-thinking to a wide range of challenges.

The Octagon will serve as the launching pad for architects’ service to the community. Expanded staff will develop new opportunities for leaders to engage with our scholars or participate in Communities by Design. We will develop a curriculum around civic activism, designed to position our scholars and current architects as leaders in their communities.

Making architecture accessible to a wider audience of students, and supplementing current STEAM opportunities, is a top priority for our expanded work. The Octagon can serve as a teaching device for STEAM, preservation, and the connection between people, place, and history.