This section explores public life as a place where service, leadership, and local action come together. From military service and civic identity to neighborhood planning, public space, policy, and community engagement, I’m interested in how people show up for the places they call home and help turn shared values into visible change.
Last week, I joined fellow members of the Associated General Contractors of America Environmental Committee on Capitol Hill for conversations with congressional staff from both sides of the aisle about PFAS, permitting reform, and the practical effects of environmental policy on the construction industry.
Read MoreThis Veterans Day, I’m reflecting on a personal journey I took recently at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. As I explored the exhibits, I was struck by the depth of Native American military service and the resilience of the veterans whose stories filled the museum. Though I had always known of Native Americans’ contributions to our country, seeing these artifacts, hearing their stories, and learning of their unique service traditions left a profound impact on me.
Read MoreOn September 26th, industry leaders and AI experts gathered for the GBAC Public Meeting to discuss how AI is transforming federal buildings. With a focus on project delivery, facility operations, and sustainable renovations, this event showcased the practical applications of AI across these critical areas. As the moderator of the AI in Facilities panel, I had the privilege of leading a discussion with distinguished industry experts, diving into strategies for integrating AI into building operations while driving long-term sustainability. This listicle highlights five key takeaways from that conversation.
Read MoreWhen I learned about the Envision Adams Morgan project in late 2016, I was inspired to get more involved in my community's affairs. I saw where could add value because it was apparent to me that the community lacked champions to raise awareness about this plan, and to add energy to activating its thoughtful goals.
Read MoreLast week, I joined community leaders, design consultants, and the leaders of the Adams Morgan Partnership business improvement district to kick off the Gateway Beautification Project in Adams Morgan.
Read MoreAs an architect and urbanist, I searched on the web for local groups and initiatives underway I could check out to see where I could contribute my time and energy most effectively. This is how I learned about the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) in Washington, D.C.
Read MoreThis past weekend, commissioners from the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) along with friends and members of the Adams Morgan community gathered with me at what the Washington Post calls “the best coffeehouse in the district”, to discuss a path forward to activate key goals from the Adams Morgan Vision Framework Plan.
Read MoreTransMilenio is a bus system with dedicated bus lanes which run through Bogota. Passengers typically reach the stations via a bridge over the street. Usually, four lanes down the center of the street are dedicated to bus traffic. There are both express and local buses, the latter stopping in every station to pick up passengers.
Read MoreCOPYRIGHT © 2000 - 2026 Fernando Arias. Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)
