I was honored to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 last month in Orlando to represent you and AIA Virginia. I thought I’d use my column this month to share a few of my takeaways and inspirations.

The conference was highlighted by inspiring keynotes on what impact architecture has on society and our responsibility to be aware of this influence.  Learning sessions offered something for everyone and I attended ones on design, net-zero, building sciences, codes, and virtual and augmented reality. If you take a tour you are bound to miss something but I couldn’t miss experiencing Celebration, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Florida Southern College and Santiago Calatrava’s Florida Polytechnic University. The Expo offered learning sessions on the floor, new product roll outs, and informative conversations with exhibitors. Bylaw changes and resolutions were considered at the annual meeting and officers were elected during voting. Bill Bates, FAIA, was asked and stated what three key values drive him, he identified integrity, honesty, and forthrightness; to elevate what he does and leave it better through positive change and; to have fun and enjoy the value of design. During the convention, five Virginians were elevated to Fellowship.

The Region of the Virginias reception offered a venue to see old friends and meet new ones and gave us the opportunity to recognize Helene Dreiling, FAIA and celebrate her tireless work for all our members as she transitions to a new direction in her career. We also were very pleased to publicly announce and introduce our new Executive Vice President, Corey Clayborne, AIA and shared his strong commitment and dedication to serving AIA Virginia in the years to come.

In her first public appearance since leaving the White House, Michelle Obama choose to join the architects attending A’17 to discuss issues of closing the gender gap and building a diverse profession. She praised the efforts of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects on the design efforts for the Obama Presidential Library. The audience made some noise when AIA President Tom Vonier, FAIA reminded everyone that former President Barack Obama once wanted to be an architect.

Of the keynotes, one statement that made an impression on my reflection of architect’s impact was from Michael Murphy of MASS Design Group.

“As architects, we have tremendous power in the choices we make. Whether or not we intend them, the consequences of our decisions cannot be divorced from the social and political impacts they have on the public. The question is not whether we have a social impact, but whether we make humane decisions that empower the communities we work for.”

Attending the convention re-energizes my appreciation for what architects and architecture can be and to make a positive contribution to our communities and society. I think of courageous leadership, to be bold and brave, have no fear but be informed, be empathetic and be sincere. We need to respect and civilly discuss the perceived differences between us. Courageous leadership requires a strong ability/aptitude to work through adversarial differences through effective communication and find common ground. Don’t avoid the civil obligation to resolve or at least acknowledge difference and then find a path forward. Don’t shrink from what you can achieve.

Bill Brown, AIA
2017 President AIA Virginia

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