Leading Through the Now: How Women in AEC Are Shaping the Future of Architecture

Deltek was proud to sponsor and participate in this year's American Institute of Architects (AIA) Women's Leadership Summit (WLS 2025), the architecture, engineering and construction industry's premier event dedicated to accelerating women into leadership roles in architecture, design, and the allied building industries. Over three inspiring days of networking, education, and community, women from across the country gathered to share ideas, celebrate progress, and work towards a more equitable future for the profession.

Building Community, Confidence, and Change

At its core, WLS 2025 was about connection and empowerment. Through a mix of keynote sessions, workshops, and peer-to-peer discussions, participants gained the knowledge, resources, and confidence to lead boldly and shape the future of architecture.

The event celebrated the trailblazers and rising stars redefining leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. By bringing together the AIA community and supportive sponsors like Deltek, WLS continues to advance gender equity, ensuring women have equal opportunities to lead, innovate, and thrive.

Deltek’s Leadership in Action

On November 5, Deltek's Margo Martin, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, moderated one of the conference's standout sessions: "Leading Through the Now." The panel featured an impressive lineup of industry leaders—Evelyn Lee, FAIA (2025 AIA President); Emily Schickner, AIA (Principal Architect, Harrison Design); Rosa Sheng, FAIA (Vice President, SmithGroup); and Tara Bayke (ITR Economist and Senior Consulting Speaker).

The discussion addressed the pressing realities facing today's AEC professionals, including economic pressure, burnout, climate disruption, and political instability, and how women are responding with creativity and resilience. The panelists explored how systems thinking and strategic resilience are shaping the next era of architectural practice, highlighting the power of intentional, fearless leadership in uncertain times.

"The industry is currently going through mergers, layoffs, and new business models are being built.  Women leaders need to stay resilient during these times of transition," said Margo."

A Vision for the Future

The key takeaway from WLS 2025 was clear: the future of architecture depends on diverse voices and inclusive leadership. Women across AEC are not only navigating "the now," but actively shaping what comes next by championing sustainability, well-being, and innovation within their firms and communities.

"There are so many opportunities right now for women in architecture, and my advice is to pursue what you are most passionate about," shared Margo.

Deltek is honored to support this transformative movement and to help empower women leaders who are driving meaningful change across the built environment.