A Dedicated Force For Change
Jessica Reinert Celebrates 20th Anniversary with AIA Iowa.
Jessica Reinert, Hon. AIA Iowa, has been a dedicated force behind the American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter (AIA Iowa), evolution over the last two decades. As the executive director, she remains keenly attuned to the industry’s shifts and their impact on the organization’s members. She’s seen change affect the organization in many different ways—both big and small.
“When I first started, everything was done on paper—forms, directories, magazines. But now, we have embraced digitization,” Reinert explains. She focuses on harnessing technology to enhance member services. “We prioritize streamlining our internal processes to ensure we can provide the latest and most relevant programs and educational offerings to our members,” she adds.
One of Reinert’s proudest accomplishments as executive director has been fostering diversity within the organization.
“Increasing diversity and creating a platform for members from all backgrounds has been a primary goal,” she emphasizes. Simple steps, such as making the Board of Directors’ election process more transparent, have had a positive impact. “By increasing accessibility, we can achieve higher member satisfaction and make a larger impact across the state,” Reinert notes.
She has also taken measures to diversify the AIA Iowa staff, recognizing the unique perspectives and efficiencies that a diverse team brings. Reinert acknowledges that architectural nonprofit experience is not common, so she actively taps into her team’s wide range of skills and talents to drive success.
Reinert’s ability to quickly adapt to unfamiliar territory has been instrumental in her leadership journey. Starting as the director of communications and progressing through roles like deputy director to her current position as executive director, she has seamlessly transitioned from a task-oriented mindset to strategic decision-making.
“Today, I focus on long-term strategies to anticipate staffing and member needs of the future. I constantly ask myself how our actions today will create a ripple effect five to 10 years down the road,” Reinert shares.
During her tenure, Reinert has navigated significant challenges, including the Great Recession and the recent pandemic. Understanding the members’ needs has guided her efforts.
“Above all, our members needed to feel connected to us, knowing that we are advocating for them and listening to their concerns,” she states. In response to the recession, AIA Iowa implemented special programs to support members transitioning to new career paths, providing continuing education and volunteer opportunities. Similarly, during the pandemic, the chapter served as a vital support system. “We reached out to members [and] conducted extensive research to understand their unique situations, the current market, and ensured they had a sense of community,” Reinert explains.
Reinert envisions a future for AIA Iowa that embraces increasing diversity to tackle tomorrow’s challenges and sustain the profession as well as the workforce. She also encourages AIA Iowa members to advocate for themselves and tell their stories.
“Chapter staff advocate for architects and architecture through various programs and initiatives, but we could move the needle even further if our members shared their own unique narratives. By highlighting why hiring an architect matters and showcasing the impact architects have on communities, they can inspire others and demonstrate the remarkable work our members do,” she asserts, humorously adding, “Sometimes, I wish I had a magic wand to make this type of self-advocacy happen.”
Sustaining the volunteer core of the organization is another aspiration for Reinert. She acknowledges that technology has allowed the chapter to remain connected virtually, but retaining volunteers requires providing engaging opportunities and programs aligned with their interests is a must for the long-term success of the organization. “It’s a reciprocal relationship—captivating volunteers with exciting events generates member participation and support,” she emphasizes.
Reinert is thrilled about recent initiatives such as the Bee an Architect activity book for kids and a guidebook for school administrators, both aimed at making an impact on children and teachers in the state. She expresses pride in these endeavors and hopes to publish more informative materials that provide accurate information to diverse owner groups, furthering the mission of AIA Iowa.
When reflecting on her appreciation for architecture over the past 20 years, Reinert recalls her limited exposure to the profession during her upbringing on a farm in northwest Iowa. Her passion for the arts served as a bridge to architecture and the creative fields. “I have come to love how personal architecture can be. It can mean something entirely different to each person, much like art,” she muses.
Her current passion lies in supporting the unwavering dedication of architects. “During their college years, our members form a tight-knit community, and we assist them in navigating their path to becoming architects. It is rewarding to witness their growth, seeing students I knew from ISU become firm principals or establish their own firms. Supporting their journeys is paramount,” Reinert asserts.
Reinert embodies a servant-leader mentality, viewing her role as one of support and nurturing. She relishes the opportunity to provide assistance during challenging moments or to help individuals achieve their career goals. “I have a bird’s-eye view of the profession, and I feel like a connector, linking people together to help them achieve their aspirations,” she describes her approach.
As two decades of impactful leadership testify, Jessica Reinert has played a pivotal role in driving positive change. Yet, she remains steadfast in sharing the credit with the collective effort of the staff, board members, and committees. “It’s a big group of people; putting the right people in the right places is the key to the success of our volunteers and the organization. I never want anyone to feel they’re not getting the thanks they deserve—it’s a collective group that’s moved things forward, and I don’t want to discount that.” Reinert’s unwavering commitment continues to propel the monumental ship of AIA Iowa forward.
Leading By Example
Jessica Reinert’s AIA Component Executive of the Year award may have been the culmination of 20 years as an industry executive, but it really came about because of the relationships she’s built during that career.
According to Angela Lammers of AIA South Dakota, who nominated Reinert for the award, “What makes Jessica especially worthy of this award is that she does the work, and she takes the time to lift others up.”
Reinert says, “This award is significant because it honors a milestone in my career and is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. But it’s really special because an esteemed colleague took the time out of her full schedule to nominate me.”
Initially Lammers wanted to surprise Reinert with the nomination, but after talking with colleagues in Reinert’s office, she changed her mind.
“Angela ended up reaching out to me to tell me about the nomination,” Reinert says. “We’ve known each other for more than eight years, and our relationship has always been very open. She didn’t like talking to my colleagues without my knowledge. It was so thoughtful of her to reach out to me and make sure I was comfortable with the nomination.”
Once the paperwork was submitted Reinert heard no more about it. And then her name was called at the annual conference in Atlanta this past August.
“I didn’t know I’d won until that night,” Reinert says. “I was surprised and overwhelmed. There are so many people doing great work that it’s humbling to be the one that was recognized this year.”
She already has a reputation for building relationships and mentoring other AIA members. Receiving the Component Executive of the Year award has made that even more of a priority for Reinert. “It’s given me a sense of momentum to keep moving forward in this career path and to keep mentoring others in association management,” she says.