The American Institute of Architects defines a “Citizen Architect” as a member that uses their talent, insight and experience to make positive contributions to their community. This is done primarily through engaging in the administrative and legislative political process and embodying the ideals of public service.

The article recounts his path working as an architect and his transition to public service.

“The public service bug had bitten Fiala years earlier, however, as his firm worked with leaders in education throughout the state to plan new school projects. “I felt the excitement of engaging with the community,” Fiala said. “I also had an epiphany: I realized that, as architects, we are trained to problem-seek and -solve, then to communicate our solutions. However, with the unique tools that we, as designers, possess we are rarely at the table in public policy and planning discussions and decisions.”

Through its founding and early years, Fiala made sure tda was built on a different operating model. In fact, under his direction tda’s design philosophy—“Think, Design, Act”—had a community- and public policy–oriented feel. The firm is driven by an “insatiable desire to learn” and “to create tailormade design solutions.” In other words, to accomplish what public officials attempt to accomplish: identifying and executing a shared vision.”

Read the full article here.  

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