From 2018 through 2021, Hawk served as the AIA liaison to the AIAS Board of Directors. Here, he chaired the personnel committee, mentored student leaders, and was a resource for professional development. As AIA President, Hawk will engage emerging talent as advisors…to elevate their perspective and inform major decisions.

As CEO of WSA Studio, Hawk has expanded practice, quintupling revenue over the last seven years. Thinking “beyond the building” has fueled a focus on design strategy, branding, and organizational behavior. As AIA President, his real world experience leading the evolution of his own practice will provide him with the necessary knowledge and experience to be a more effective leader.

Hawk is widely recognized as an engaging design speaker where he demonstrates the power of design strategy to solve complex community and organizational challenges. (yes, that is Doris Kearns Goodwin, backstage at an advocacy presentation). As AIA President, Hawk will leverage public engagement to expand AIA partnerships and build industry coalitions.

Hawk has served at the local, state, and national level of the AIA. Most recently, he served as 2019-2021 At-large Director and 2022-2023 Institute Treasurer. During his term, Hawk served on the Board Knowledge Committee and Chaired the Government Advocacy Committee and the Finance & Audit Committee. Having served under eight AIA Presidents, Hawk will utilize lessons learned to advance his AIA Presidency.

As the AIA liaison to the American institute of Architecture Students, Hawk supported student presentations and mentored student leaders to build their confidence and expand their sphere of influence. As 2027 AIA President, Hawk will leverage his ability to facilitate and train to advance the work of the board, the strategic council, and knowledge communities.

Hawk served as national Chair of the Government Advocacy Committee where he led the development of the 2020 Architects Platform, a position statement that initiated engagement with the government administrations on topics relevant to the profession. As AIA President, Hawk will seek to expand advocacy education and training, and coordinate stronger connections among local, state, and national advocacy programs.

As a 2016-2018 Strategic Councilor representing the Ohio Valley, Hawk piloted community engagement programs across the country. Additionally, he served as the Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and was a leader in the development of the 2021-2025 AIA Strategic Plan. His experience crafting and implementing strategic plans will shape and influence his AIA Presidency.

Hawk is a strategist and approaches challenges with the long game in mind. As a new Grandfather, he is motivated to expand AIA’s efforts in climate action as the 2027 AIA President and position architects at the forefront of this important work….for his Granddaughter and the next generation.

Honored with the AIA Ohio Mentor Award in 2020, Hawk has dedicated his entire career to working with students and emerging professionals. He regularly participates in formal mentorship programs and remains in touch with many. As AIA President, Hawk will continue to engage emerging professionals for advice, counsel, and feedback.

Hawk was elevated to Fellow in 2014 for his nationally recognized efforts to make design present in a small sized city. He co-founded the Columbus Center for Architecture & Design in 2010, a 501c3 non-profit which works in collaboration with AIA Columbus to engage the public, increase the professional pipeline, and promote interdisciplinary design thinking.

Hawk maintains a close relationship with two of his favorite people, sons Sam and Spencer, who make a difference in their chosen life paths. Sam is a manager at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and resides in Columbus with his wife Summer and their new daughter. Spencer is an architectural photographer and marketer with WSA.

A prolific plein air watercolor painter, Hawk is represented by Sharon Weiss Gallery. He paints Ohio small town streetscapes and urban landscapes. He uses hand sketching as a design and illustration tool in practice and regularly teaches urban sketching to peers at conferences. His creativity will enrich his term as AIA President.

For the past 25 years, Hawk has been an adjunct faculty member of architecture at both Columbus State and the Knowlton School at Ohio State. He teaches history, design, and professional practice and works to strengthen connections between the profession and the academy. His teaching experience provides Hawk with a unique perspective that will inform and shape his AIA Presidency.

Hawk has been married for over 36 years to Kristin, a 30 year employee of NBBJ. Together, they enjoy travel, community service, and parenting…and are both over the moon to be recent Grandparents. As 2027 AIA President, family stability will provide strong foundational support.

In 2022, Hawk founded Hawk’s Nest Urban Housing, LLC, a development company focused on the design and construction of prototypical single family infill housing. His goal is to reduce housing costs, reduce carbon emissions, and create financially accessible housing. His entrepreneurial experience will provide unique knowledge to inform his engagement across the industry as AIA President.

Throughout his career, Hawk has been recognized with local, regional, and national design awards for his architectural designs. His firm, WSA Studio, is widely recognized as a regional design leader and a studio model where emerging designers are supported and enriched. As AIA President, Hawk will work hard to reposition design as the centerpiece of our collective conversation, and connect architects to allied professionals.

Engagement and stakeholder input is essential to Hawk’s approach to design and leadership. As AIA President, he will seek to directly engage allied leaders in the industry and build coalitions to position the architect at the forefront of the AEC industry.

Hawk has reorganized his firm to attract, develop, and nurture emerging talent. One of a few firms consistently selected as EP Friendly +, a prestigious distinction in Ohio.