Last month, we announced that AIA Virginia would be hosting its first Community Dinner in Richmond. Each dinner, which will take place in cities around the Virginia, is intended to forge relationships between architects and community-influencers by bringing them together over dinner for conversations around community. Plans are under way to host one in the Hampton Roads region before the end of the year.
Our first Community Dinner took place on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019 at the home of Burt Pinnock, FAIA. Throughout dinner, everyone shared their individual perspective on the meaning of community. We discussed what made us proud of our community and what challenges needed to be overcome.
When our host asked how the designers at the table could be a resource to the community, a truly meaningful conversation took place. Below are a few quotes and images from the evening.
“We need to provide safe, affordable and dignified housing for all of our citizens.”
“Just give me ONE really good building to set the tone.”
“Design matters. You have to make people feel good about where they live. When they feel proud of where they live, it changes their behavior. When I look at Jeff Davis, I see a blank canvas. Right now, there is crime, prostitution. But, if people felt uncomfortable tossing their bottles out their window, and people could take pride in the neighborhood, you would reduce crime. Build a walkable neighborhood. And, it can’t be built in tax credits – we need to have a tax base.”
“We have great opportunity zones. Tell us where to start.”
“It’s time for Richmond to make its own place.”
“How do we make sure that Richmond’s unique character is not an impediment to growth, density, and great communities for our citizens?”
“We haven’t really had a vision-setting, goal-focused plan. You can help shape that plan.”
Community members in attendance were
Lincoln Saunders, Mayor’s Chief of Staff, City of Richmond
Rich Sliwosk, Assoc. VP, VCU Facilities Management
Hon. Andreas Addison, Richmond City Council, First District
William Friday, Deputy Chief of Police, City of Richmond
Leonard Sledge, Director, City of Richmond Economic Development
Mark Olinger, Director of Planning and Development Review, City of Richmond
Bernard Rogers, Vice President of Real Estate Development, Better Housing Coalition
Cindy Davis, Deputy Director, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
Rhea George, Managing Director, AIA Virginia
Architects in attendance were:
Burt Pinnock, FAIA, Chairman, Baskervill
Nick Cooper, AIA, Vice President, HKS, Inc.
Krystal Anderson, AIA, Architect, Gresham Smith
Andrew Moore, AIA, Partner, Glave and Holmes Architecture
Charles Piper, AIA, Managing Director, Quinn Evans Architects
Patrick Thompson, Assoc. AIA, Associate, Commonwealth Architects
Ed Gillikin, AIA, Principal, KOP Architects
Lou Wolf, AIA, Principal, SMBW Architects
Corey Clayborne, AIA, MBA, Executive Vice President, AIA Virginia
