「Architecture is an art for everyone;

everything is architecture, and everyone is an architect.」

 

Founded in 1957, our Institute will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our honorary presidents and senior members, who have built the history and traditions of the Institute since its founding and who continue to support and encourage the growth of architectural culture.

 

Over the past 20 years of working with this Institute, I have always believed that the core values of our work are participation and service. Based on my experience in the Institute and the professional network I have built over the years, I hope to serve the Institute more fully for the continued growth of our organization.

 

To help Korean architecture find the right direction in this time of change, I would like to focus on the following key priorities.

 

1. Expanding Social Contributions

 

The Institute will fulfill the social responsibility of architects by improving the quality of architectural culture and helping all citizens experience and enjoy it. We will speak more actively and practically on social issues and suggest meaningful solutions. In particular, we will strengthen our work on laws and policies so that the knowledge and experience of architects can be properly reflected in architectural policy-making.

 

We will also strengthen various architectural culture programs, including experience programs, field visit programs, educational programs for the general public, and public service programs for socially vulnerable groups, so that architecture can become easier to understand and enjoy for everyone.

 

It is often said that “film is the art of the director, drama is the art of the writer, and theater is the art of the actor.” Then, whose art is architecture? I believe architecture is the art of everyone. Everything is architecture, and everyone is an architect.

We will do our best to ensure that all citizens can enjoy architectural culture.

 

2. Proactively Responding to Technological Innovation

 

I believe that one of the best ways to support our members is education. In order for the Institute to present a future vision and lead technological change, we will strengthen educational programs for both our members and the general public.

 

The development of artificial intelligence can greatly change the role of architects. The Institute will take a more active role in preparing educational programs and clear guidelines for these technological changes, helping architects use new tools creatively and responsibly.

 

Our Institute will become an important force in creating better living environments and healthy communities that can grow in a sustainable way.

 

3. Strengthening Communication and Collaboration with Members

 

It is said that William Shakespeare, one of England’s greatest writers, once passed through an unknown rural village, stopped in front of a humble grave by the roadside, and said, “The person buried here could have been Shakespeare.” This story reminds us that a person’s future can change depending on the environment in which they are born and raised.

 

It is still an important challenge that many outstanding architects and architectural works are concentrated in the capital region and certain major cities. The Institute will make greater efforts to support regional architects and to build architectural culture that reflects the unique qualities of each region.

 

We will support regional architecture, create platforms to discover new architects, build an Institute that truly puts its members at the center, provide practical benefits to them, and make their rights and interests our top priority.

 

We will be a trusted companion to our members, supporting them throughout their architectural journey.

Together, we find strength; together, we find hope.

 

Park, Sang Jin

President

Korean Institute of Architects

February 25, 2026