May 2010 Executive Committee Meeting & AIA Dallas Update

We have just completed the May Executive Committee meeting. I feel the highlight of the meeting was having the class of the Emerging Leaders Program in attendance. I believe it gave them a good perspective of issues and actions that the Executive Committee and staff deal with on an ongoing basis.

The financial report indicated that we are still on track to meet our budget for the year. I am happy to report that with a Founding Partner’s final payment and with the remainder of the funds from the Dollar A Day campaign, we can pay off the build-out construction loan for the Dallas Center for Architecture. The Executive Committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to this success.

Rita Moore who has filled in for Paula Clements during her absence, reported that each of the staff had filled out a form which outlines their responsibilities, their schedule of activities for the upcoming quarter, areas of concern, recommendations for improvement, and trends that impact their area. These were shared with our committee and will be of great assistance. I might also note that the commissioners meet once a month as a group and are joined by our staff. This provides great synergy and communications towards achieving goals and coordinating activities.

Bob Bullis reported on upcoming programs. You can follow these as they are posted on the AIA Dallas website. The commissioners each reported on their activities.

Todd Howard and Mark Wolf discussed the Government and Industry Affairs committee activities. As these come together we will keep you informed of actions. Mark Wolf also asked that Dallas members support Texas Architects Committee, which is the political action organization of Texas architects. This is an important election year.

David Zatopek discussed some AIA Dallas facility issues. We are working with building management on parking issues, studying how a resource center can be incorporated into the Center, and acoustics and audio visual upgrades to enhance conferencing needs.

Dennis Stacy presented the Community Honors committee recommendations for approval. The meeting was adjourned and was followed by a reception which honored sponsors of the AIA Dallas/Acme Brick Golf Tournament. The sponsors play a significant role in the success of this event which completed its fourteenth year. We thank them for their participation.

The reception was followed by an excellent presentation on urban planning by Good Fulton & Farrell, Inc. We also got to see how Larry Good is a master of improvisation when his computer went blank. It did not take away from content and showed that Larry is a very nimble presenter.

Next month on June 21, 2010, JHP Architecture/Urban Design will give the Firm Talk. This will be preceded by a special presentation to Gail Thomas for her Honorary AIA. Also present will be Dan Bush who is president elect of The Texas Society of Architects.

Come join us. You will enjoy the evening.

Joe Buskuhl, FAIA
2010 AIA Dallas President