Graphic Materials

Section 3 | Statement of Contributions

John A.Padilla, AIA leads by example supporting and encouraging others to reach their full potential and capabilities in leadership roles with the AIA. His efforts to have all members voices heard are evident in his commitment to Diversity and Inclusion and working to advance and celebrate the mission and vision of the AIA.

With a dedication that began in 1979 while at the University of Houston College of Architecture as a member of the AIAS Chapter, John and a dedicated group of architecture students hosted the AIAS annual meeting Forum 1979. After a successful conference, he continued to lead the chapter and was awarded the Alpha Rho Chi “Leadership Service Merit” medal in 1980. Upon completion of his education and years of working and starting a family in Houston, Texas, John moved his family to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1991. That’s where his story of substantial and positive contributions to local, state, regional chapters and AIA National really begins.

He started as a representative from AIA Santa Fe to the AIA New Mexico board where he was responsible for communications to and from local chapter and state chapters. John moved to lead AIA Santa Fe as President in 2002. He joined the WMR 2002 Conference planning team as the Tradeshow and Expo chair and produced a very successful event that actively engaged exhibitors with attendees.

To engage local chapter members in more than just a monthly meeting John established the AIA Santa Fe 5X5 Summer event that is an opportunity for five Architect members to present their work for five minutes at an event that is social and educational and supports fellowship and networking for the chapter. This program continues annually at exciting architectural sites in Santa Fe. Recognizing a void for local architects to have their work acknowledged John established the AIA Santa Fe Design Awards program that continues annually to recognize excellence in Architecture by AIA Santa Fe members. He continues as a resource to the chapter serving as an Advisor to the Board sharing his knowledge and experience fromservice on the Regional and National Board of Directors. In 2013 John and a group of dedicated AIA Santa Fe architects formed the 501C3 Friend’s of Architecture Santa Fe whose mission is outreach and education of the public exposing them to architecture and the Value of Design.

John’s commitment to community is evident in his citizen-architect roles serving the City of Santa Fe. He’s served as a member of the Historic Districts Review Board (1996-2001) and served as Co-chair during his tenure. He served as Architect member of the City’s Planning Commission and served as Secretary of the Summary Committee (2013-2015). In 2009 he was appointed to and continues to serve as a member of the Mayor’s Community Development Commission.

John served as President–elect in 2002 and as President in 2003 of AIA NM. As he did in 2002, John was a part of the successful WMR Conference planning team in 2008 and 2014 and served as the conference Tradeshow and Expo chairman and produced two very successful events for exhibitors and attendees. As the State Government Network Representative for NM from 2004-2006 he was responsible for coordinating the state’s advocacy efforts with the AIA National network of state representatives advocating for the profession of architecture.

John was awarded the AIA New Mexico Architects Medal in 2004 for his dedication, service and leadership of the AIA in New Mexico. John was invited to serve as the Chair for the 2002 AIA Colorado Design Awards program, his first opportunity to serve the members of the Western Mountain Region. Representing AIA NM, he served as a member of the WMR Honors Awards Jury from 20042005 and served as its Chair in 2006. With a desire and passion to lead the region he was elected to the Board of the Western Mountain Region and served as Treasure from 2005-2006. This experience allowed John to understand the needs of the region and challenges facing the large geographical area that constitute the WMR. This personal knowledge and understanding of the region motivated John to seek the Regional Director position where he served in 2007- 2009. As the Junior Regional Director, John established and secured funding for a retreat where regional leadership convenes to discuss strategies to best serve the members of the region. This event continues annually to allow leadership which turns over annually