Harriman’s Judy Johnson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Elected to AIA’s National Strategic Council

AIA Maine Board Member and Harriman Principal Judy Johnson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C has been selected by American Institute of Architects (AIA) New England to serve on the AIA National Strategic Council. Johnson will be one of 55 representatives on the council, each representing different regions and areas of interest across the United States. The three year appointment began on January 1, 2017.

Judy’s one-year term as president of AIA New England ended on December 31, 2016. Previously, she served a two-year term as president of AIA Maine. She has been a driving force for change at both levels, starting initiatives that refreshed the complexion of AIA Maine and AIA New England into more relevant, active groups, bringing awareness of opportunities to her fellow AIA members, and connecting the groups to the national level.

The AIA formed the National Strategic Council in 2014 as an advisory group for the Board of Directors, tasked with assembling goals and objectives, recommending public policy, reviewing operational plans and budgets, and disseminating information and insights of important professional issues. The council is designed to help the AIA better serve all members.

“The AIA serves architects and the profession around the country, addressing architects’ concerns and setting policies that benefit all architects, whether they are AIA members or not,” said Johnson. “My involvement with the AIA has evolved from the state level, to the regional level, and now the next step in my journey is serving on the national AIA council. My passion for architecture and promoting the profession, combined with my experience of serving the AIA on state and regional levels, has prepared me for this next step.”

Judy’s goal as a Strategic Council member is to take a proactive role in advancing the profession and spreading awareness of the value of the AIA. Judy brings in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the practice of architecture, including business concerns and the challenges of practicing architecture and advancing quality design. In her previous roles with the AIA, Judy organized many educational events, encouraged communication between the various chapters, and spearheaded a strategic plan that addressed board diversity, mission, goals, strategic priorities, and committee structure.

Judy’s 34-year career as an architect has focused on innovative sustainable design strategies and measures, particularly how to reduce the carbon footprint in building design. As a principal at Harriman, Judy is responsible for leading the Portland Studio, which focuses on design excellence for a wide range of project types including municipal, hospitality, governmental, institutional, healthcare, corporate, and recreational facilities. Notable projects include a LEED Platinum-certified call center in Auburn, the LEED Gold-certified residence hall at the University of Southern Maine, and the new community center in Presque Isle which has achieved the Maine Advanced Building Award.

A registered architect in nine states, Judy is also NCARB certified and LEED AP BD+C accredited. In addition to her active membership in the AIA, AIA Maine, and AIA New England, Judy is a member of the Portland Society for Architecture and the U.S. Green Building Council. Judy holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Photo Credit: Blind Dog Photography