THE IMPORTANCE OF FAPAC
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAPAC AND WHY ADVOCACY IS AS VITAL AS DESIGN
By: Tim Lemons, AIA, NCARB, President/CEO
Our office recently participated in AIA Orlando’s Annual Bowling Fundraiser for FAPAC. We didn’t take home the winning trophy, but we showed up for something far more important—our profession!
As an architect, business owner, and past president of AIA Orlando, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the power of advocacy through the Florida Architects Political Action Committee (FAPAC). By supporting FAPAC, we are amplifying our collective voice as architects to shape the policies that define our profession and the built environment. Our work as architects is deeply intertwined with the public good, and through FAPAC, we have a unique opportunity to tell our story to legislators, align our values with theirs, and demonstrate why design matters to everyone.
The power of our collective voice
Architecture is one of the most highly regulated and complex professions, with a profound impact on public health, safety, welfare, and quality of life. FAPAC provides a critical platform for architects to engage directly with policymakers, ensuring that the laws shaping our built environment reflect real-world insight and professional expertise.
Unlike the stereotypical image of lobbying—think suits, steak dinners, and special interests—FAPAC’s advocacy approach is grassroots, authentic, and grounded in practice. It relies on architects like you and me stepping up, sharing our stories, and speaking to the issues that matter most: sustainable design, fair regulations, small business growth, and resilient communities.
During my time as AIA Orlando President (2010–2012), I had the opportunity to visit both Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., where I saw firsthand the impact of face-to-face dialogue with legislators and staffers. These conversations clarified complex issues, forged enduring partnerships, and established architects as trusted policy advisors. Our shared goals—health, safety, welfare, diversity, job creation, small business growth, economic vitality, environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and climate resilience—depend on legislative decisions. Their policies directly shape our ability to design buildings and spaces that protect communities, drive prosperity, and combat climate change, making their support critical to our success.
Architecturally, they were simple—single-story structures built from whatever was local—wood, mud, stone—with a central hearth that doubled as heat and kitchen, a lockable door, and access to facilities like an outhouse or stable for horses. This was hospitality stripped to its bones: shelter, safety, sustenance. No frills, just function.
Romans built mansions to provide accommodation for travelers on government business. Monasteries and abbeys offered refuge to travelers regularly. Religious orders also built inns, hospices, and hospitals to cater to those on the move.
Why design matters
Some might consider design a luxury, but we know better. Design shapes how people experience the world. It touches every corner of our lives. From energy-efficient buildings that combat climate change to inclusive public spaces that make everyone feel welcome, our work has a ripple effect that touches every citizen. FAPAC enables us to advocate for policies that enable us to do this work effectively, whether it’s influencing the Florida Building Code, supporting licensure standards, or promoting initiatives that prioritize resilient design.
When we advocate through FAPAC, we’re not just speaking for ourselves—we’re speaking for the communities we serve. Our message is clear: good design improves lives, stimulates economies, and protects our planet. By supporting FAPAC, we ensure that legislators understand the importance of design and recognize architects as vital stakeholders in shaping a better future.
Where does the money go?
You might wonder: why donate money to FAPAC if our advocacy is grassroots? The answer lies in the resources needed to sustain our efforts. FAPAC’s funds support research, legal expertise, and strategic planning that help us craft a compelling message and propose meaningful changes to laws that impact our ability to practice. A donation to FAPAC is an investment in our future. It strengthens our ability to influence regulations, advocate for sustainable practices, and protect the interests of architects—many of whom run small businesses that drive local economies. By making a donation to FAPAC, you’re helping to ensure our profession remains vibrant, relevant, and capable of making a difference.
What else can architects do?
In addition to supporting FAPAC, there are many ways you can raise awareness of issues and provide assistance. Here are some examples of what you can do as an advocate locally:
Speak in public forums on issues important to you and the profession.
Join the AIA Government Affairs Committee.
Participate in AIA Legislative Days to meet with elected officials and policymakers about architectural and design issues.
Volunteer to serve on boards within your community, (e.g., Historic Preservation Board, or the Appearance Review Board)
Organize educational opportunities for your community and policymakers.
Volunteer as a subject matter expert for the Orlando Foundation for Architecture (OFA) or help identify the right people to talk to on a prevailing topic.
Run for public office! Seek opportunities to serve in your local government in state-appointed or elected positions on state boards and commissions.
The future starts with us
I personally thank you for your support of FAPAC and encourage your deeper participation moving forward for our profession and our community. As we look ahead, I’m reminded of a quote by C.S. Lewis that perfectly captures this moment:
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the future.”
— C.S. Lewis
Let’s start now. Together, we can ensure that design continues to matter—not just to us, but to everyone who experiences the spaces we create. Thank you, again, for your commitment to our profession and our shared mission to build a better world.