

It is with great pride, and a tinge of sadness, that AIA Pennsylvania announces the departure of Amal Mahrouki, Director of Legislative Affairs, and her transition to her new role with AIA National as their Senior Director of State and Local Affairs.
Since 2017, Amal served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for AIA Pennsylvania. In this role, she led advocacy and industry engagement efforts, championing legislation that advanced the profession while safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare. Under her leadership, AIA Pennsylvania developed a robust political infrastructure, including a government affairs committee, specialized sub-committees, and a political action committee.
During her time with AIA Pennsylvania, Amal successfully raised our organization’s profile within Harrisburg’s legislative community. She worked to update professional licensure and scope-of-practice legislation, modernize building codes, and implement new state standards for continuing education and certification. She also spearheaded initiatives such as District Days, connecting AIA Pennsylvania’s members directly with their legislators.
Through her advocacy efforts, AIA Pennsylvania was instrumental in the passage of many bills designed to improve the health, safety and welfare of the public and the professional careers of architects.
- Act 144 of 2024 – Established Mandatory Continuing Education for architects and certification for interior designers.
- Act 107 of 2020 – Established the State Housing Tax Credit.
- Act 13 of 2019 – Expanded the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Tax Credit.
- Act 70 of 2019 – Overhauled and streamlined Pennsylvania’s Planning and Construction Workbook (PlanCon) for Pennsylvania’s Public Schools.
- Act 30 of 2018 – Established Pennsylvania’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program
- Act 44 of 2018 – Established and appointing an architect to the School Safety and Security Committee through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
- Act 40 of 2017 – Enabled Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy funding for counties and municipalities.
- Act 36 of 2017 – Updated the Uniform Construction Code in Pennsylvania.
Recognized as one of City & State PA’s and Central Penn Business Journal’s Top Lobbyists, Amal also served on the American Society of Association Executives’ Government Relations and Advocacy Professionals Advisory Council and the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations board, as well as being a leader and member of many other organizations in the field.
Reflecting on her career path, Amal remarked, “I didn’t grow up wanting to be a lobbyist, but I’m happy I did. Advocacy allows me to work long-term to create meaningful change, both for the profession I represent and the communities we serve.”
AIA PA Executive Director, Steve Swarney, said of Amal, “[She] was my first hire and new team member at AIA Pennsylvania. She helped build the award winning component that we have today and I am forever grateful for all of her outstanding contributions and loyalty over the years. What sets her apart, and what most people don’t see, is the hard work and dedication and study of the issues that she does to prepare herself to lobby on behalf of AIA Pennsylvania. Pair that with the “Amal personality” and you have the best lobbyist in Harrisburg. I’m sad to see her go, but very proud and happy that she will be taking advantage of a tremendous opportunity for her and her family, while staying within the AIA family. We all wish her nothing but the very best and know she will be a fantastic addition to AIA National.”
Outgoing AIA Pennsylvania Board President, Michael Metzger continued “Amal’s dedication and tireless advocacy have been invaluable to AIAPA, culminating in the successful passing of our continuing education bill. Her impact on the profession in Pennsylvania is immeasurable, and while we will deeply miss her leadership, we are thrilled to see her take on this next chapter at AIA National. There’s no doubt she will continue to do incredible work!”
To cap off Amal’s career with AIA Pennsylvania, the Board voted this week to bestow upon her the title of Honorary Affiliate of AIA Pennsylvania, for her service to the public, our members and Board, and the industry of architecture.
All the best to Amal!