2025 AIA President, Host of the Practice Disrupted Podcast joins Luckett & Farley’s Board of Directors

By Jamie Johnson, Building Kentucky

Evelyn Lee, FAIA, founder of Practice of Architecture, host of the podcast Practice Disrupted and 2025 American Institute of Architects (AIA) president joins the Board of Directors at Luckett & Farley, a Louisville, Kentucky, based design firm. Lee will be the first outside director for employee-owned Luckett & Farley, beginning her term in 2025.

“Evelyn is a pioneer in our industry, leading the way as the architecture industry responds to shifts in technology and the workforce while anticipating future needs,” said Rolf Provan, board president and chief executive officer of Luckett & Farley. “As a leading design firm that integrates architecture, engineering, planning and interior design, we look forward to bringing Evelyn’s experience and insights to strengthen our board, challenge our thinking and further advance our firm’s practices and culture as we move into the future.”

Lee is a trailblazer in her field and has served in many pivotal roles, including as the former head of workplace strategy and innovation for Slack and as a fractional chief operating officer for architecture firms guiding shifts in the architecture industry. Lee founded the Practice of Architecture, helping individuals and firms identify opportunities for growth and building effective practices for today’s world. Additionally, as the host of the Practice Disrupted podcast, Lee works to explore how technology, cultural shifts and emerging best practices are guiding the industry into the future.

On December 16, 2024, Lee was inaugurated as the AIA’s 2025 president. In her term as AIA president, she plans to guide the industry through rapid technological and environmental changes. During her inauguration, she shared, “The rapid pace of technological and environmental change has created challenges that can feel overwhelming… But moments of tension and uncertainty—are also opportunities. They call us to come together, collaborate and remind ourselves that our strength as architects lies not just in what we build but also in the communities we foster.”

Lee will serve the firm as the board’s first outside director, a welcomed voice providing outside insight and expertise to the firm. The growth and expansion of the board of directors will allow Luckett & Farley to build on the organization’s legacy and continue to move into the future.

Founded in 1853 and nearing its 175th anniversary, Luckett & Farley’s storied history includes the design of many notable structures, including the iconic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby) in 1894.

Although Luckett & Farley works nationally, the firm has long been a key player in delivering some of the most impactful projects in this region. Recent highlights include the Republic Bank Foundation YMCA in Louisville, Ky., the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering Student Success Center, and the New Albany Streetscape Plan in New Albany, Ind., among others. These projects underscore the firm’s strong commitment to shaping the communities and regions they serve.

Luckett & Farley has been at the forefront of industry changes throughout the firm’s history, including leading distillery projects pre- and post-prohibition and modernization projects for work the firm completed a hundred years before. In the 1980s, Luckett & Farley were early adopters of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and in the early 2000s, the firm anticipated the significance of LEED accreditation and is still a champion of sustainable design practices.

The announcement of Lee joining the firm’s Board of Directors will help Luckett & Farley continue its commitment to the future and harness the power of technological and industry shifts for the good of its clients and its employee-owners.

Share This Article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email