Empowering Architects & Enhancing Communities

About AIA Prairie

AIA Prairie is dedicated to enhancing the built environment through innovative design and community collaboration. As a proud chapter of the American Institute of Architects, we serve the architectural community in Illinois by providing resources, education, and advocating to advance the profession. Our members are committed to creating sustainable and impactful architectural solutions that enrich the lives of those in our state. Together, we strive to uphold the highest standards of excellence in architecture and design.

Prairie Districts

Northern District

Central District

Southern District

AIA Prairie Headquarters

2025 Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Douglas Draeger, AIA
BLDD
Tel: 309-264-4822

1st VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER

Carol Dyson, AIA
Tel: 217-836-9052

2nd VICE PRESIDENT/SECRETARY

Alex Block, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Crawford, Murphy & Tilly | Engineers & Consultants
Tel: 217-572-1156 | M: 217-622-4282

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

NORTHERN

Jennifer M. Spencer, AIA
Studio GWA
Tel: 815-963-1900

SOUTHERN

Rob Anderson, AIA
Tel: 618-447-1250

AIA ILLINOIS DELEGATE

Karen Shoup, AIA
IDOT
Tel: 217-494-3721

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mary Young
Tel: 217-522-2309 x3

SECTION LEADERSHIP

Bloomington Normal

Scott Swanson, AIA
Heartland Community College
Tel: 630-200-7862

Champaign/Urbana

Scott Burge, AIA
Farnsworth Group, Inc.
Tel: 217-352-7408 x231

Decatur

Temporary Contact: Mary Young
Tel: 217-522-2309 X3

Metro East

Chad Morris, AIA
AAIC Inc.
Tel: 618-960-4905

Moline Rock Island

Temporary Contact: Mary Young
Tel: 217-522-2309 X3

Rockford

Oceanz Appiah-Sokye, Assoc. AIA
Larson & Darby Group
Tel: 815-484-0739

Springfield

Cynthia Petheram, AIA
Farnsworth Group
Tel: 217-528-3661

Association Staff

Executive Director

Mary Young

Read Bio

Born and raised in Springfield, Ill., Mary joined AIA Illinois in 2001 and previously served as Program Director until 2023, overseeing events and meeting planning, continuing education program development, answering questions about Mandatory Continuing Education (CE requirements, accessing transcripts, resources), as well as the development and implementation of the annual Honor Awards program. In addition to ongoing CE and event planning duties, she facilitates downstate Fellowship recruitment, assistance with program fundraising/sponsorship, membership services, and office administration. She has a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from the University of Illinois Springfield. Mary also serves as the Prairie Chapter Executive Director.

LEADERSHIP Opportunities

American Institute of Architects in Illinois

BOARD OF DIRECTORS / SECTION LEADERS

Interested in becoming a member of the board, serving on a committee or do you have ideas for the chapter?

Email here –aiaprairieillinois@gmail.com

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UIUC JOB POSTING

The Architect, Capital Maintenance Planning, has primary responsibility for pre-planning efforts addressing deferred maintenance for Academic Facilities. Using project delivery expertise, technical knowledge of systems and codes, develop preliminary project scopes and budgets to address known deficiencies, assist in the prioritization of campus capital renewal needs, review construction documents and shop drawings to confirm conformance with identified scope, provide opinion on applicable codes, and accurately track completed deficiencies in the Facility Condition Reports.

Click here for the full listing.

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