Mike Cox’s vision, leadership and insight advance the architectural profession in North Carolina and
the southeast.
Through his professional leadership and AIA service, Mike Cox is positioning the profession to survive
unprecedented challenges and is shaping an environment for the profession of architecture to thrive.
Mike established the North Carolina Recovery Coalition, directed the reestablishment of the state’s
Continuing Education Academy, and engineered the financial vehicle for the construction of the AIANC
Center for Architecture and Design (CfA+D). These achievements, in the face of financial hardship,
continue to direct political action, provide professional education, ensure the Chapter’s financial solvency,
and place architecture and professional practice at the forefront of public awareness.
Building Coalitions
Mike Cox’s AIA leadership has resulted in enduring coalitions and connections between the
profession, policy makers, the public, and AIA legacy leaders. Mike advanced a professional
agenda, challenging legislative inaction and obstructionism. Mike founded the AIANC Recovery
Coalition and populated the group with state construction industry leaders. North Carolina’s AIA
Legislative forum was thus transformed into a multi-disciplinary movement that continues to
this day. A recovery coalition has since taken root in South Carolina. The movement serves as a
model for AIA components to promote the shared interests of allied industries and professions
to benefit building design and construction and influence public policy. Mike launched the
AIANC Legacy Award, which honors patrons of architecture and draws them closer to the
professional community, while raising the profession’s public profile by directly connecting
architects with decision makers. He instituted the Past President’s Medal for all living and future
presidents, reengaging retired professionals and reconnecting them with the AIA community.
His continued involvement with the CfA+D provides expanded forums for collaboration between
architects, programs for public outreach, and projects faith in the future of architects and the
built environment.
Advancing Education
Mike led a reorganization of North Carolina’s Continuing Education Academy (CEA), elevating and
expanding AIANC’s role in fulfilling members’ CE requirement and doubling the chapter’s non-dues
revenue. The program was presented as a 2009 Grassroots workshop and recognized with a 2009
AIA component award. It is a model for member-driven continuing education for the Utah chapter
and elsewhere. Mike’s involvement with “Design Architect and You” expands an AIA Michigan
initiative, introduces design to young students and fosters future diversity in the profession. His
work advances new K-12 education paradigms despite limited public funding and resources
through his design practice.
Advancing the Profession
As Chair of Facility Finances in the midst of economic turmoil, Mike ensured the funding,
development and construction of the AIA North Carolina Center for Architecture + Design (CfA+D).
Conceived of as a forum for collaboration between architects, a model for sustainable design,
and a center for public and government outreach, the CfA+D was made possible through Mike’s
financial insight and guidance, as well as his commitment to the profession’s future. He researched,
developed and stewarded the CfA+D’s financing vehicle and brought Recove