aiaohio.org

AIA Ohio, established in 1933, works to organize and unite in fellowship the membership of the architectural profession; to promote the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession; to advance the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training and practice; to coordinate the building industry and the profession of architecture to ensure the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment; and to make the profession of ever-increasing service to society.

The AIA Ohio Board of Directors took action on a number of issues at the July meeting help at AIA Columbus and the Columbus Center for Architecture.  The mid-summer meeting is usually a busy meeting, but efforts to move both new and existing projects forward made for a lengthy day.

The Board of Directors reviewed agenda items, including current finances, the Presidents and President-elects reports as well as the legislative report from David Field, CAE Hon. AIA.  A presentation on the Strategic Alignment Task Force was made by Terry Welker AIA.  Welker has worked over the past several months to compile information gathered by task force members and to provide a summary of comments and suggestions. The board voted to accept the report and will move forward at the next meeting in addressing specific issues identified in the report.

Over 115 architects and associate architects fought the bad weather to come to the Columbus Renaissance Hotel on Friday, May 21 for the AIA Ohio Spring Meeting, Helping Architects and Firms Survive in Lean Times.  The programs were kicked off by Ray Kogan, who discussed current trends and offered ways for firms and architects to manage their way out of the recession.  Kogan was followed by a legislative update by AIA Ohio EVP/CEO, David Field, CAE, Hon. AIA.  After a quick lunch, the group broke out into different sessions, covering Marketing and Finding Projects, Staying Relevant in Today's Economy, Successful Project Interviews, and Successful Resumes and Job Interviews.  AIA Ohio Past President Doug Steidl, FAIA, gave the keynote summary focusing on the Future of the Profession.  This free event built on the first AIA Ohio Spring meeting, held last year, and was offered to all Ohio architects.  Many thanks to Steve Shinn, AIA, for putting together such a strong program.  Handouts and presentations can be found by clicking here. 

AIA Ohio continues its efforts to collect information and to provide for informed planning sessions as we move forward through the rest of the year and into 2011.  The organization has been concentrating on the Strategic Alignment Task Force, created last year, that has been charged with collecting information and offering comments and opinions on a wide range of issues facing AIA Ohio.  This task force, set to conclude its work on May 7, will provide the board with suggestions on ways to address issues relating to dues, management, representation, conventions, and the overall mission of the organization.  Members of this committee, appointed by their chapters, are asked to address as many of the questions in each of of the eight categories as possible prior to May 7, 2010, to allow a summary to be prepared by committee chair Terry Welker, AIA for the May 21, 2010 board meeting.

On April 9th and 10th, The AIA Ohio and AIA Ohio Valley Region emerging professionals retreat was held at the Center for Architecture in Columbus.  Coordinated by AIA Ohio Associate Director Greg Spon, Assoc. AIA, the program included speakers and discussions throughout Friday afternoon and Saturday morning as well as opportunities to network and discuss opportunities, ongoing chapter programs and needs of interns, young architects and members of AIAS.  Speakers at the program included members of the AIA Ohio Board of Directors, including President Bruce Sekanick, AIA, President Elect, Steve Shinn, AIA and Secretary Judd Kline, AIA as well as the Ohio Valley Region College of Fellows representative David Collins, FAIA, Jack Bauman, AIA Ohio Valley YAF representative and Brian McAlexander, Assoc AIA Ohio Valley Associate Director.