Madhu Ayyamperumal Joins AIA National Next to Lead Cohort
DateOctober 05, 2026
We are excited to announce that STUDIOS' team member Madhu Ayyamperumal has been accepted into the AIA National Next to Lead Cohort. Next to Lead is an association and professional leadership program that prepares a diverse group of women candidates for volunteer leadership positions. The first program of its kind, it reflects AIA’s ongoing commitment to advancing equity within our organization, the architecture profession, and our communities.
Up to 18 women are accepted into this ten-month program to enhance their association leadership acumen, give voice to relevant topics affecting women in the workplace and the profession, and refine their leadership skills. Eligible candidates were reviewed by select jurors from AIA’s Equity and the Future of Architecture Committee (EQFA) and past Next to Lead cohort members.
"As a member of the Next to Lead cohort, I am excited to champion inclusive leadership and elevate critical conversations affecting women in architecture. Beyond advocating for equity, I look forward to sharpening essential executive skills—such as financial acumen, advanced negotiation, and strategic storytelling to drive meaningful impact across our projects and profession."
We are proud and excited for Madhu to join this group of emerging leaders and champion conversations within STUDIOS, and the larger industry. Congratulations, Madhu, on this exciting achievement! We look forward to what comes next.
In addition to her participation in the AIA National Next to Lead Cohort, Madhu serves as Secretary/Board Director of AIA Silicon Valley; Associate Director North, AIA California; and Board Director of SFNOMA. Madhu is also certified LEED AP, WELL AP, and is a Fitwel Ambassador.
Awards
- City of Palo Alto, Architectural Review Board (ARB) Design Award | The Hub at Stanford Research Park
- ULI Washington Awards for Excellence, Finalist | MLK Gateway II
- Future of Work Awards, Jury’s Special Prize | Ledger HQ
- BIM d’Or, Tech Show Awards | Google AI Hub
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Office Renovation, Winner | Meta EMEA Headquarters
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Medium Tech Office: Finalists | WHOOP Headquarters
- ULI Europe Awards for Excellence : Winner | L’Atelier Covivio
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Finalist: Large Early Education | Raymond Elementary School
- AIA DC, Awards of Excellence in Architecture, Chapter Design Award: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- ULI Washington Awards of Excellence, Excellence in Institutional Development: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- ULI Washington Awards of Excellence: Finalists | Raymond Elementary School
- USGBC, US Local Market Leadership Swards DC, MD, VA, Decarbonization Award: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- Fast Company, Innovation by Design Awards, Best Workplace Design: Honorable Mention | WHOOP Headquarters
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Display Installations: Winner | Welcome Galleries at the National Building Museum
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Best in office Buildings: Winner | Meta EMEA Headquarters
- Interior Design Magazine, NYCxDesign Awards: Finalist | 825 Third Avenue
- CoreNet NYC Design Excellence Awards, Project of the Year Under 25K sq ft: Winner | 825 Third Avenue
- USGBC, US Local Market Leadership Awards DC, MD, VA, Judge’s Choice Award: Winner | MLK Gateway II
- NAIOP DC MD Awards of Excellence, Best Washington DC Urban Office: Winner | MLK Gateway II
- CoreNet New England Awards of Excellence, Large Workplace: Winner | WHOOP Headquarters