MEETING MINUTES
AIA Virginia | 2018 Board of Directors
August 3, 2018
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design
Motions Made and Approved:
The Board of Directors of AIA Virginia voted as follows:
● Approval of the June 15, 2018 Meeting Minutes
● Approval of the motion to award Reggie Jones, Esq. the Architecture Medal for Virginia Service
● Approval of the AIA Virginia Honors Committee award recommendations
● Approval of U.S. Modernist request to include INFORM in digital archive
● Approval of placing the proposed bylaws change regarding the creation of a Disaster Assistance Committee before the membership in November at the Annual Meeting
● Approval of the 2019 AIA Virginia Slate of Officers
Motions Made and Approved in Closed Session:
The Board of Directors of AIA Virginia voted as follows:
● Notify Branch House Associates, LLC that the existing lease agreement will not be renewed.
● Empower the Executive Committee to make decisions on behalf of the Board of Directors regarding the execution of a lease at a location suitable for the organization’s operations
SUMMARY ITEMS BASED ON STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
1. Position Architects as vital contributors to our built environment:
National Mall Initiative: This initiative will continue under AIA National’s “Blueprint for Better Communities” initiative with the support of AIA DC and AIA Potomac Maryland. The three components are working together in strengthening the AIA’s voice as a resource on the National Mall. AIA DC and AIA Virginia recently submitted grant applications to the Institute. AIA Virginia will hold a one-time gathering on October 26 that brings together approximately 20 carefully selected participants, predominantly architects, to discuss how the AIA can be a resource to National Mall stakeholders.
Documenting Modern Architecture: The Department of Historic Resources would like to reconvene in the fall to hold a survey training workshop for the selected AIA members interested in surveying the Highland Hills neighborhood.
House Select Committee on School Safety: Bill Brown, AIA and Rob Winstead, AIA will present to the Infrastructure and Security subcommittee of the House Select Committee on School Safety on either August 16 or 17. On behalf of AIA Virginia, they will present on the design trends of schools since Columbine, the types of school spaces architects design, recent research findings regarding learning environments, and the differences in designing for new construction versus renovation.
2. Advance knowledge and expertise of members:
The Architecture Exchange East Task Force work session was held on June 29. The Task Force explored the format, content, and financials of Architecture Exchange East. There will be a progress check-in call in September, and a follow-up meeting will be held on October 5. The group is also exploring a way for members to give feedback at the upcoming conference in November
The AIA Virginia Student Prize will be moved to January.
The Art of Practice will take place in Northern Virginia and be similar to the Meeting of the Roundtables in format. The event will coincide with the Fellow’s Fete.
The Emerging Leaders in Architecture Steering Committee is exploring modifications to the existing program. Next year’s class project will be in Northern Virginia.
The next ACE Event will be in September in Lynchburg with Western Virginia Higher Education clients.
3. Advocate for the Profession:
The organization is investing $17,000 in closing the Qualifications Based Selection loophole in the Virginia Public Procurement Act. Williams Mullen will undertake educational sessions with pertinent legislators around the Commonwealth prior to the start of the General Assembly session. AIA members will be invited to participate in these educational sessions.
The PAC is currently at 76 investors.
4. Implement a communication program that informs and facilitates connections:
The Communications and Outreach Advisory Council recommends retaining the name INFORM but refreshing the identity and tagline. Work has begun on the branding of the new digital publication.
Work has commenced regarding the build out of the Firm Directory.
5. Become a model of a strong nonprofit and vibrant membership organization:
Membership increased by 30 members since June 30, 2018. There are currently 2,362 total AIA Virginia members.
The Member Services Advisory Council sent a survey to approximately 1,000 licensed resident architects from Virginia who are not AIA Virginia members. The organization incurred a 34% response rate. It was noted that 70% of respondents had once been AIA Virginia members. Another key takeaway was the tie between the perceived value of membership and dues were not in alignment.
The Memorandum of Understanding between AIA Virginia and the local AIA components was endorsed by all signatories.
6. University Update:
Robert Easter, AIA will Chair the Diversity Task Force, and it will focus on the participation of African Americans in the profession of architecture. The Large Firm Roundtables at the national level is collaborating with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Treasurer’s Report:
• AIA Virginia’s total excess revenue over expenses is over $124,000 greater this year than at this point in time last year.
• A contribution of $25k was made to the Financial Contingency Fund.
President-Elect’s Report:
• The Supplemental Dues Replacement Plan is being reviewed by the Director of Finance and will be reported to the Executive Committee in September and full board in October.
• The updated AIA Virginia website is currently in place.
Executive Vice President’s Report:
• The Executive Vice President attended the State Government Network Conference in Madison, Wisconsin from July 9-13. This is AIA National’s government advocacy meeting and covered topics like school safety, resiliency, Political Action Committees, the regulatory environment and qualifications based selection.
• AIA Virginia will be a sponsor of the 2018 International Code Council Annual Conference in Richmond.
New Business:
• A first draft of the Business Continuity Plan, which details how the organization would continue in the event of a disaster or interruption of service delivery was presented.
• The Board discussed a Public Outreach Plan document, which has four primary areas that demonstrate how AIA Virginia will support the efforts of the Branch. These areas are an annual exhibition, scholarships, Virginia By Design Awards, and Architecture Camps.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting of the 2018 AIA Virginia Board of Directors will take place Friday, October 12, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at The University of Virginia in Charlottesville.