June 2010 Update

We had the Executive Committee meeting this week with our normal reports on financial, programs, and commissioners. Instead of reviewing those reports, I would like to focus on some of the activity we had during and after the meeting.

AIA Dallas and the Dallas Architecture Forum (DAF) had discussed each donating $1000 for scholarships in the name of David Dillon. This was passed by the Executive Committee. We will meet with DAF to discuss the direction of the scholarship.

Dan Hart, the President-elect of Texas Society of Architects (TSA), attended the meeting and spoke about his background. He also talked about 2011 and the challenges of a possible shortfall in the State of Texas budget next year. TSA is organizing a first Architect’s Day at the Capital in Austin. Architects from the state will go to the Capital in January 2011 and visit their members of congress to discuss issues which affect our profession. This is similar to the “grassroots” event which the AIA has every year in Washington DC.

Jeff Potter also attended the meeting. Jeff, an AIA Dallas member, was elected First Vice President at the AIA Convention in Miami two weeks ago. He will be President of the AIA in 2012. Jeff thanked AIA Dallas for their support. He felt that one of the biggest issues AIA will have is the health of members under duress. We congratulate Jeff on his successful campaign.

After the Executive Committee meeting and reception which followed, AIA Dallas was honored to present Gail Thomas with her certificate and pin for being selected Honorary AIA. Ron Skaggs who was AIA President in 2000 presented the certificate to Gail. As Ron noted, this is the highest honor that AIA bestows on a non architect. Jeff Potter, who was on the TSA board with Gail, gave her the AIA pin. Gail has been a great asset and friend to AIA. Prior to Gail’s presentation, Dan Hart said a few words to the audience and also recognized Gail. Dan and Gail had been on the TSA board together.

This was followed by the monthly AIA Dallas FirmTalk lecture series. JHP Architecture/Urban Design gave a very good presentation on transportation centers and mixed use design.

Our next firm presentation will be on Monday July 19 and will feature SHW Group, LLP, who will discuss educational architecture. The evening will begin at 6:00 with a reception followed at 6:30 by the lecture. Those who preregister on the AIA Dallas web site will earn 1 CEU.

I hope to see you there.

Joe Buskuhl, FAIA
2010 AIA Dallas President