WASHINGTON, DC.- George H. Miller, FAIA, partner at Pei Cobb Freed & Partners LLP, was inaugurated as the 86th president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) during ceremonies held on December 4th. He succeeds Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA, and will represent the more than 86,000 AIA members in the coming year. Miller was elected at the AIA 2008 annual convention in Boston, and has served as AIA first vice president this past year. His inaugural speech highlighted the need to elevate the voice of architects in their communities and to enhance the public’s understanding of the value of design. His term will be highlighted by the theme, “Design Matters” as a way to draw attention to the core values of design – beauty, sustainability, health, safety and productivity. He also called on AIA members to focus their efforts on designing better schools, affordable housing, mass transportation and sustainable communitie