Date: February 27, 2026
Location: CAW Architects, San Jose
2026 Executive Committee:
C0-Chairs: Srivarshini Balaji, AIA & Konstantinos Moustakas, AIA, NCARB, LFA, Fitwel Ambassador
2024 Founding Chair: Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA
Sponsorship: Maria Madrigal, AIA
Graphics Advisor: Sreedevi Krishnan, Assoc. AIA
2026 AIA Silicon Valley’s CKLDP Bootcamp Session Recap
The 2026 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program officially launched on February 27, 2026 with its Bootcamp session at CAW Architects in San Jose. Bringing together the new cohort, the CKLDP Executive Committee, and guest speakers, the afternoon marked an energizing start to the year ahead. The session was led by Srivarshini Balaji and Konstantinos Moustakas, co-chairs of the 2026 CKLDP.
Lunch Reception
The session kicked off with a lunch reception that allowed the cohort, committee members, and guests to connect before the formal program began.
Welcome and Program Overview
The Executive Committee opened the Bootcamp with an introduction to the program’s purpose, structure, and expectations. This overview helped frame the year ahead and reinforced the program’s focus on leadership development, engagement, and active participation.
Opening Keynote | Journey to Leadership
Katia McClain, Partner and Chief People Officer, Steinberg Hart
Katia McClain opened the day with a thoughtful reflection on her journey to leadership. Her remarks centered on courage, resilience, and intentional decision-making, encouraging the cohort to reflect on their own motivations and leadership paths with greater clarity. Her keynote established a strong foundation for the conversations that followed.
Cohort Introductions | Pecha Kucha
The eight scholars then introduced themselves through a Pecha Kucha format, sharing personal insights into who they are, how they currently lead, and the kind of leaders they aspire to become. The session brought energy and personality into the room while beginning to build trust across the cohort.
Breakout Session 1 | Brainstorming the Issues Shaping Practice
Participants moved into breakout discussions to explore the realities shaping the profession today. Themes included value, technology, sustainability, and social responsibility. The session encouraged the cohort to think critically about the issues that influence leadership in architecture and the broader responsibilities that come with practice.
Regroup and Teaming
After regrouping to share discussion highlights, the Executive Committee paired the eight scholars into working teams and assigned monthly topics. This was an important step in shifting the cohort from orientation into ownership, as participants began taking an active role in shaping the year’s sessions.
Breakout Session 2 | Pre-Planning for the Year Ahead
Working in their new teams, participants began outlining session learning objectives, agendas, resources, speakers, venues, and sponsorship needs. This planning exercise emphasized that leadership in the program extends beyond discussion and into execution, coordination, and follow-through.
Template and Logistics Review
The Executive Committee then reviewed the tools and systems that will support the cohort throughout the year, including session summaries, graphics and photographs, Google Drive templates, sponsorship materials, and financial tracking. This practical session helped ground the program in clear expectations and shared accountability.
Closing Keynote | Courageous Leadership in a Changing Profession
Leah Alissa Bayer, President and Director of Powerful Practice, Architects FORA
Leah Alissa Bayer closed the day with a powerful keynote that challenged the cohort to question the systems, norms, and standards the profession continues to accept. Her remarks pushed participants to think more critically about the responsibility leaders carry in reshaping practice with courage, intention, and accountability. It was a strong and fitting close to the first session of the year.
Closing Conversation
The formal program ended with questions and closing comments, giving participants an opportunity to reflect on the day and look ahead to the work of the months to come. The evening continued with a happy hour, where conversations and connections carried on in a more informal setting.
Thank You & Acknowledgements
We thank the AIA Silicon Valley board members, Gayatri Medury, Madhubala Ayyamperumal, and Mary Morris, who participated in the conversation, and extend special thanks to CAW Architects for hosting the 2026 CKLDP Bootcamp in their San Jose studio. The session set an ambitious and thoughtful tone for the year ahead, and we are excited to see how this cohort will define its impact through the program.
