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[posted 2/23/26 6:00 p.m.]
Jefferson Architecture Student Elected President of International Student Organization
From the studio to the global stage, Luke Vastano will lead the American Institute of Architecture Students.
As president of the American Institute of Architecture Students, Luke Vastano aims to help students navigate the transition from college to professional life.
Bachelor of architecture and master of urban design student Luke Vastano has been elected the 70th president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)—a significant national honor that highlights his leadership and Jefferson’s commitment to preparing students for impact beyond the classroom.
An independent, nonprofit, student-run organization, AIAS supports architecture and design students across the country and around the world. Each year, it serves thousands of students enrolled in architecture and design programs, providing advocacy, professional development and community-building opportunities.
“This organization is run by students, for students,” Vastano says. “We’re elected by our peers, and our goal is to represent architecture students in real conversations about education, accreditation and what professional life looks like after graduation.”
As president, Vastano serves as an external-facing leader for AIAS, representing student voices within the broader architectural alliance, including the American Institute of Architects and other professional organizations. His role places him in the room for discussions that directly affect students’ futures, from licensure pathways to work-life balance.
A Lifelong Love of Building
Vastano’s path to architecture began early. “I was a Lincoln Logs kid,” he says. “I loved building things, taking them apart and starting over.”
As he grew older, that curiosity expanded into an awareness of how buildings and spaces shape everyday experiences, from schools to neighborhoods. “I realized how intentional architecture could affect my life,” he says. “That process is still very true for me.”
“Jefferson gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had anywhere else,” says Luke Vastano, pictured at the Venice Biennale last year.
At Jefferson, Vastano found an environment that encouraged exploration rather than a single, prescribed path. He points to the strong connections between students, faculty, alumni and professionals across creative disciplines as one of the University’s greatest strengths.
“You don’t have to do just one thing after graduation,” he says. “Talking with alumni who are graphic designers, strategists and people in unique roles helped me see what’s possible and opened doors I didn’t even know existed.”
Preparing for Leadership on a National Stage
Vastano credits Jefferson with helping him develop the skills and confidence needed for an international leadership role. As a dual-degree student in the accelerated 5+1.5 bachelor of architecture and master of urban design program, he regularly collaborates with program directors and administrators, learning how to communicate clearly, manage priorities and understand his limits.
“Jefferson gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had anywhere else,” he says. “It also taught me how to say no, prioritize my time and step into leadership thoughtfully.”
Those lessons are especially important as he balances his responsibilities as AIAS president and a full-time student. Staying connected to Jefferson’s AIAS chapter keeps Vastano grounded.
“Our chapter here is tight-knit,” he says. “Being a student reminds me why this organization matters in the first place. It makes the job easier.”
Supporting Students Through Change
One of Vastano’s primary goals as president is helping students navigate the transition from college to professional life, a landscape that has changed dramatically in recent years.
“There’s no longer just one timeline or one version of what it means to practice architecture,” he says. “Students are exploring what their role in the architecture community can be and are becoming more and more curious to find where they can make the most impact.”
As part of Jefferson’s accelerated bachelor of architecture and master of urban design program, Luke Vastano regularly collaborates with program directors and administrators, giving him the skills and confidence needed for an international leadership role. Pictured here is one of Vastano’s renderings.
Through AIAS programming, Vastano hopes to ensure students’ voices shape the future of the profession and the role that architects play in society. “Students deserve a seat at the table,” he says.
Looking Ahead and Giving Back
While Vastano has always wanted to drive change through design, his leadership experiences have expanded his definition of impact. “Making a difference also means empowering people,” he says. “Helping students advocate for themselves and find opportunities has been incredibly rewarding.”
Vastano credits strong mentorship at Jefferson, particularly from Barbara Klinkhammer, dean of the Jefferson College of Architecture and the Built Environment, for pushing him to dream bigger.
“She believed in me from the start,” he says. “She constantly challenged me to ask, ‘What’s next?’ and helped break down the walls I thought were there.”
Klinkhammer says Vastano’s election as AIAS president reflects his outstanding leadership and the collaborative community Jefferson fosters.
“His dedication to amplifying student voices and engaging thoughtfully with the future of architectural education exemplifies the kind of impact we hope all our students will make,” she says. “We’re incredibly proud of Luke and excited to see how he continues to influence the profession on both the national and international stage.”
That support inspired him to pay it forward. “I want to give others the same support I received,” Vastano says. “That’s what leadership means to me.”
For students interested in getting involved, his advice is simple: start, listen and stay open. “You don’t have to be good at leadership right away—you just have to try,” he says. “Surround yourself with people who support you, keep learning and don’t put limits on yourself. You never know how far you can go.”