This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I had the great pleasure of welcoming Elizabeth Wolverton, Executive Director of the AIA Trust. If you don’t know much about the AIA Trust, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s often called “AIA’s best kept secret.” And after my conversation with Elizabeth, I can tell you—that’s something we need to change.
The Trust is one of the most valuable resources available to small firm architects. It’s built around a simple but powerful idea: helping architects manage risk, protect their practices, and plan for a resilient future. Today, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways from our conversation, and why I believe every small firm architect needs to learn more about what the AIA Trust offers.
And after reading, I encourage you to listen to the full episode at https://entrearchitect.com/605.
Elizabeth Wolverton’s Journey to Leading the AIA Trust
Elizabeth’s story is rooted in service to the architecture profession. Growing up in Virginia, she developed an early appreciation for architecture surrounded by historic colonial structures. Her professional path, however, wasn’t a straight line to architecture. She started in regulatory affairs and risk management within the healthcare industry.
It was when she joined AIA’s Honors and Awards department in 2011 that her passion for architecture really flourished. Over the years, she moved into AIA governance, working closely with the AIA Strategic Council and the Board of Directors—gaining invaluable insights into how architects work, the unique challenges they face, and the impact they have on society.
When the opportunity came to lead the AIA Trust, Elizabeth initially hesitated. But after encouragement from trusted mentors—and some reflection on the article she’d read about women too often underestimating their readiness for leadership roles—she went for it. Thankfully, she did. Today, Elizabeth brings her broad experience, passion, and leadership to serve architects through the Trust.
What Exactly is the AIA Trust?
You may be wondering, what is the AIA Trust, really?
Formed in 1952, the AIA Trust is a separate but related organization to AIA. It was created to protect architects by offering benefits, risk management resources, legal support, and retirement options—all tailored specifically for architects.
Why is it a separate entity? Mostly to shield AIA itself from any legal complications tied to insurance programs. But the Trust remains closely aligned with AIA’s mission, and its Board of Trustees is appointed by the AIA president.
One key point Elizabeth made: the Trust exists to serve you, the architect. Especially small firm owners and sole practitioners, who often don’t have easy access to the kinds of resources or protections that larger firms can afford.
Not Just Insurance—A Holistic Approach to Support
It’s tempting to think of the AIA Trust as simply an insurance provider. But that doesn’t tell the full story.
Elizabeth described how the Trust offers a broad range of services, including:
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Business Owners Policies
- Cyber Insurance (a growing need)
- Key Person Insurance
- Retirement Plan Options
- Risk Management Resources and Guides
- Continuing Education Opportunities
And it’s not just about firm needs. The Trust recognizes that architects have lives outside of work, too. They provide supplemental options for health insurance, life insurance, and personal financial planning—filling the gaps where a firm’s benefits might fall short.
Elizabeth emphasized that the Trust is needs-based, not just affinity-based. They are constantly asking, “What do architects actually need today?” and finding the right partners and programs to deliver on that.
Why Cyber Insurance is Becoming Essential
One takeaway that stood out for me: the rising importance of cyber insurance.
Elizabeth explained that professional liability insurance often doesn’t cover cyber incidents. If you experience a data breach, ransomware attack, or even a financial transfer fraud situation tied to a contractor or project partner, your PLI likely won’t protect you.
Cyber threats are increasing every year—and it’s not just for the big firms. Small firms are often the most vulnerable targets. Elizabeth strongly encouraged every firm to consider adding cyber coverage to their risk management strategy.
The Trust has been working hard to educate architects about this growing risk, and they offer cyber insurance solutions directly tailored to our profession.
The AIA Trust Isn’t Just for AIA Members
One of the most surprising things I learned: You don’t have to be an AIA member to access many of the AIA Trust’s resources.
While some insurance plans may require a member number, the wealth of risk management articles, firm transition guides, and continuing education resources are completely open and available to the public. No paywall. No member login required.
Their newly redesigned website (theaiatrust.com) features an intuitive Product Finder tool to help you quickly identify the resources and programs that fit your needs, based on a simple series of questions.
If you haven’t visited lately, it’s well worth your time.
Preparing for the Future: Climate, Risk, and Resiliency
Elizabeth and her team are not just thinking about today’s risks. They’re actively working on tools for the risks of tomorrow.
One exciting initiative she shared is the development of a climate risk fact sheet—designed to help architects educate clients about the real geographic impacts of climate change and resilience strategies that go beyond today’s outdated building codes.
They’re also keeping a close eye on shifting trends around environmental claims, firm ownership transitions, and evolving insurance requirements for government contracts.
The goal of the AIA Trust is simple but powerful: keep architects resilient and thriving long into the future.
How You Can Start Leveraging the AIA Trust
If you’re a small firm architect looking to build a stronger, safer, more resilient practice, here’s what I recommend:
- Visit theaiatrust.com.
- Use the Product Finder tool to see what programs fit your needs.
- Explore their risk management articles and continuing education resources.
- If you’re attending the AIA Conference in Boston this June, visit the AIA Trust booth and say hello to Elizabeth Wolverton and her team.
- Mark your calendar for AIA Trust Week—coming up September 15-19, 2025—for a week of free virtual learning and 20+ CEUs.
And if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the site, Elizabeth made it clear: you can email her directly at elizabethwolverton@aia.org. She genuinely wants to help you find the right resources to support your success.
Don’t Go It Alone
If there’s one takeaway from this conversation that I want you to remember, it’s this:
Don’t go it alone.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. The AIA Trust has built a foundation of knowledge, resources, and protection specifically for you as a small firm architect. You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.
You have a community. You have support. You have the tools to build a better business—and a better life.
Learn more and listen to the full episode with Elizabeth Wolverton at https://entrearchitect.com/605.
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