Board Position: Director
Paige Lincoln, a lifelong Tennessee native, was raised in Johnson City before moving to Knoxville to pursue her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Tennessee. Upon graduation, she joined Daniels Chandler as an architectural designer. At the time, Daniels Chandler was a four-person firm and has since grown to seventeen. In 2024, the partners approached her with an innovative idea to preserve the company's vibrant culture. This led to Paige becoming the "Curator of Culture," a role where she gauges team morale, participates in business development, and fosters relationships with current and future clients. She now dedicates roughly half her time to this unique cultural role and the other half as an architectural designer, primarily in the commercial and growing civic sectors. Outside of the office, Paige is continuously exploring new hobbies, reading, and enjoying Nashville's culinary scene.
What do you see as the value of AIA?
AIA has been instrumental in shaping my early career as a professional in Nashville. My wish is that all emerging professionals could benefit from the same invaluable opportunities I've encountered. The connections formed—from peers navigating similar career stages to seasoned industry veterans—are truly priceless. The "Welcome to Nashville" event in 2021 was a turning point; I was absolutely amazed by the access AIA provided to top industry professionals. That experience solidified my commitment, leading me to not only maintain my Associate Membership but also to actively serve on the Emerging Professionals (EP) committee. The strong sense of community within the EP committee energizes my efforts to encourage broad participation among young members.
Why are you interested in serving on the Board?
The AIA holds significant importance for me and for our entire community. I'm passionate about curating the experiences and resources it offers. Having served on the Emerging Professionals (EP) board for four years, I've cherished every moment, finding immense value in helping our young professionals transition into the industry and providing them with essential resources. I recognize it's time to step into a larger role, bridging the gap between EPs/Associate AIA members and regular members. I believe this is a perfect opportunity for me, as I'm confident in my ability to engage effectively with both groups.
What do you wish to contribute as a Board Member?
As I mentioned, I excel at bringing people together and advocating for all members, ensuring everyone maximizes their AIA experience. My primary goal in this position would be to significantly increase new membership among younger professionals. I believe that once individuals join the AIA, they quickly recognize its value, leading to continued engagement. Gaining this exposure as early as possible is crucial for fostering long-term value throughout all stages of membership.