As I consider the new year I’m brimming with optimism. While recognizing that architects and designers are by nature optimists – since the act of creating and building is at its essence one of optimism – none the less, we have much to be optimistic about as we enter 2019. Our industry is strong, promising opportunities abound, and in many ways, the understanding of how design – and architects in particular – can positively influence the built and natural environment is broader now than ever before.
I’m convinced the optimism that I feel – both as a practicing architect and as president of AIA Virginia – is shared across the AIA Virginia Board. The hard work, thoughtful decisions, and focused leadership of past boards have positioned AIA Virginia in a strong place financially, better able to serve members with purposeful advocacy, relevant programming, opportunities for peer and allied industry engagement, and recognition of member achievements and contributions. So, in 2019 the AIA Virginia Board will have the relative luxury of focusing on a variety of initiatives that advance the interests of our membership while raising public awareness and understanding in our communities.
Capitalizing on the spirit of collaboration and innovation that is bringing us to new heights in design excellence, we have much to learn and even more to gain by embracing our emerging leaders – a far more capable and engaged younger generation of architects that as a matter of practice are inclusive. I’m humbled by the younger generation that I work with. While undeniably talented, they share openly and expect collaboration. And, we have abundantly more ‘emerging leaders’ than those formally advancing through the ELA program, evident by the work they’re producing daily in our midst and by the steps they’re taking to grow professionally. We have an opportunity to embrace and engage this generation as we seek their input and involvement and support their interests, such as the fledgling Young Architects Forum. AIA Virginia can assist with bringing the vibrancy of the YAF program to ALL parts of the state, to ALL emerging leaders. I believe we want these future leaders to feel welcome, included, and most importantly, valued.
Regarding practice, there are always ways to improve the project process, and in the same spirit of inclusiveness described above, I’d like to explore building stronger bridges between Virginia architects and the administrative and review agencies that we work with. Recognizing the shared objective of design excellence, I hope to celebrate what’s working in this regard and then identify strategies to improve relationships and make the process more predictable. Would high participation of these agencies at ArchEx, The Art of Practice, Design Forum and other events improve the probability of more effective – even collaborative – working relationships? ‘The Art of Practice’ this spring may provide a forum to explore these topics.
Virginia architects have always led. In building a rich tradition of both exemplary architecture and innovative thinking – whether regarding design process or outcomes – Virginia is well-suited to advance the AIA 2030 Challenge and lead in a way that may shape both design and the industry. We will lead by doing. Demystifying the 2030 Challenge and better equipping firms across the Commonwealth with the tools to ‘sign on’ and implement the program is a worthy goal and a good start.
Finally, relocation of AIA Virginia operations to new space in the Bookbindery Building on Broad Street in Richmond is well underway. While the move will provide the AIA Virginia staff with space better suited to interaction and teamwork, AIA Virginia remains committed to our strategic alignment with and support of the Branch in pursuit of their mission.
As we move through 2019 please bring your insights, ideas, and concerns forward. Your thoughts are always welcome, and we will work to do all that we can to help our members be ever more successful.
It’s exciting to begin this journey with all of you. Thank you for this honor.
Rob V Reis, AIA, LEED AP
President
AIA Virginia