RAD Update

Hey guys!

It’s the summertime, it’s the middle of July, and so far, it’s been a really ‘rad’ year. I’d first like to give a shout-out to all Virginia component chapters: big ups to all the EPs in West Virginia, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Blue Ridge, Central Virginia, and my hometown Hampton Roads.

Jeffrey Butts, Jr., Assoc. AIA

Last month, I had the great fortune of being formally acquainted with this year’s ELA class on their visit down to my neck of the woods here in Norfolk, at VIA Design Architects. Although brief, it’s very likely this was perhaps the first time RAD and ELA had an intentionally direct engagement with one another. At the start of our meeting, I issued a brief survey to the group to gauge what issues and topics both affect and interest our current generation of emerging professionals. Further on, as the group exchanged their inspiring project ideas with me, I got to also witness the amiably kinetic camaraderie of this class—in another way of saying: they’re a very tight group that keeps it 100.

So what does the RAD do?

In our RAD ELA meeting, I got to share a few professional opportunities for emerging professionals, and also bring awareness to just what the RAD does, and shed light on the National Associates Committee (NAC), and the Center for Emerging Professionals. To keep this kept in one breath: a RAD (Regional Associates Director) is an appointed NAC member, for a term of two years, with the sole task of fostering communication between AIA National and their local region (in my case, AIA Virginia and West Virginia) and relay issues of importance that affect us associates (unlicensed design professionals with AIA membership) and assist AIA to devise opportunities that benefit emerging professionals. RADs are also placed in one of four NAC Work Groups—Future Practice, Knowledge, Mentorship, and Advocacy—to brainstorm with the other RADs throughout the country and implement new emerging professional opportunities and initiatives. If you have any questions relating to the NAC or RAD, feel free to contact me at jffrybttsjr@gmail.com.

Now on to those professional opportunities! Although there are many out there, here are a few in the pipeline:

ARE Scholarship

The Architects Foundation issues annually the Jason Pettigrew ARE Memorial Scholarship. Sadly, the deadline has passed (12 July), however, if you are thinking about studying for the ARE in the near future, keep this opportunity on your radar for next year! More access to additional professional and student scholarships through the Architects Foundation found here at the “Scholarships” tab.

AIA Leadership

If you are seeking further leadership opportunities within AIA National, apply here to volunteer on the National Associates Committee (NAC) or the Young Architects Forum (YAF) Advisory Committee.

Call for Design Entries

Support our AIA Virginia Political Action Committee (PAC) by submitting a design entry of a new PAC lapel pin via the PAC Pin Design. More information on the design challenge posted here.

As this is my first official RAD report to you guys, I intend to share updates quarterly and highlight opportunities and news that affect us Associate AIA members. In the meantime, connect with me if there’s something on your mind related to the NAC, or any queries you have to the leadership of AIA Virginia. I’m here to serve you.

One last thing: although this is called a “RAD Report”, let me know if you have any other creative ideas for what this report could be named.

Have an amazing summer!

Jeffrey G Butts, Jr. | Hanbury
AIA Regional Associate Director – Region of the Virginias