Most would agree, particularly most architects, that I have had an interesting path to the presidency of AIA Virginia. My involvement in the AIA began in the late ‘90’s. Upon encouragement and nomination by a colleague and good friend, David Keith, AIA, I joined the board of what was then AIA James River. After a few years of underwhelming service, I left that board, I left Richmond for Virginia Beach, and I left the traditional practice of architecture. Embarking on a new career in marketing and business development in the construction arena, I maintained my AIA membership, but for more than a decade I only occasionally attended local chapter events and socials. In my rebuilt professional path, I still had the pleasure of working with architects on a regular basis, and I began to think that I might be well positioned to serve the AIA once more. Bringing a new perspective and renewed vigor, I joined the AIA Hampton Roads board in 2012, and in a whirlwind that was as shocking as it was stimulating, I rose to AIAHR President, joined the AIA Virginia Society board as Secretary, and was nominated and elected as AIA Virginia President for 2018. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the membership.
In the last couple of years, under the leadership of Tim Colley, AIA, and Sean Reilly, AIA, the AIA Virginia Government Advocacy Advisory Council (GAAC) has been extremely productive, and as a member of the committee, I’ve seen firsthand the hard work being put in by a group of dedicated leaders in support of the membership and our profession. In alignment with our adopted strategic plan, strong efforts are underway to engage in the legislative and regulatory environment, advocating for policies that are in alignment with the principles that drive the design of healthy and vibrant local communities. Legislative key influencers from throughout the Commonwealth have been identified and opportunities are being created for members to interact with these legislators and discuss priorities and concerns. With the help of our lobbyist, an annual legislative agenda is developed, and potentially impactful bills are tracked with our positions articulated throughout the legislative sessions.
Citizen Architects can have a powerful influence on many issues affecting our communities, and the Council has made it a priority as well to equip, empower and engage potential Citizen Architect candidates for any number of potential opportunities. Just in the last 2 months, the GAAC and AIA Virginia have identified and supported interested candidates for openings on the Virginia Art and Architecture Review Board (AARB) along with two potential vacancies for gubernatorial appointments to the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development. This board works closely with the development of the building code in the Commonwealth, and representation from within AIA Virginia is of value to and a benefit for the entire membership.
Much of the new perspective I was able to bring to the AIA table was gained through insight and experience garnered from involvement in a variety of other design and construction-related organizations, including the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the Associated General Contractors (AGC), and the Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate (HRACRE). Each organization had its own personality and helped to inform my thoughts and opinions about what the AIA did well and not so well.
One area where AIA Virginia is striving to keep up with other related organizations is in the critical area of contributions to our Political Action Campaign. Let’s face it, architects don’t contribute to their PAC like engineers, contractors or home-builders, and we need to work on that. (Take a look at this comparison) Through the PAC, AIA Virginia supports candidates who understand our profession, and when these candidates win, you and your firm benefit. By speaking with a united voice through the AIAVA PAC, architects influence government actions that affect our profession and the quality of life for all Virginians. Amplify your voice. Please consider contributing to the PAC today>>
Eric Keplinger, AIA
2018 President
AIA Virginia