September Blog

SEPTEMBER 2010 BLOG




The September meeting of the executive committee began with The Brand Hatchery reviewing their study of communications tools AIA Dallas is using and how it can be improved to benefit our members. There are short term changes which are being implemented and longer term goals which must be incorporated to ease usability for our members.

The executive committee welcomed Paula Cements, executive director, back after her leave this year. It is great to have her back.

The financial report was given, and we are on track for our budget. New members continue to join. We are now over 1900 members. Last year we were almost 2100 members.

Paula’s chapter report noted that we are investigating a Toast Master’s program at AIA Dallas. This should add another opportunity to assist our members with an additional skill set. Paula also reported that the AIA Dallas Emerging Leader’s Program fund raiser was a success. This benefited their class project which is with Mercy Street to create a “Field of Dreams” in West Dallas. If you go to the aiadallas.org, you can link to the Emerging Leaders page and blog to read more about this community project and about their class and what they have done this year.

Bob Bullis reported that the programs at the Arts District, Phillip Johnson’s Peace Chapel, and the Dallas CityDesign Studio presentation were all successful.

Our commissioners have had a very busy month in planning events:

Environment & Design: The Design Awards Committee was in the final days of preparation for the juror and announcement events which were September 29 and 30. Communities by Design have been meeting with Brent Brown of Dallas CityDesign Studio. The KROB Committee is preparing for their November event.

Education: There has been a successful SketchUp class. The Emerging Leaders are nearing the end of their class year and are planning their end of year events. Paul Pascarelli is investigating how AIA Dallas can provide on-line classes in addition to the in room classes.

Professional Practice: The CIA Committee is planning an event with the City of Dallas to discuss budget cuts and how that will affect the review process. The Integrated Practice Committee is developing an Integrated Project Delivery program to inform our members of “what is it”. They are also working with the local Lean Construction Institute to inform our members on LCI.

Membership: Alicia Quintans is working to bring back an ethics panel or committee to address issues which are brought to the chapter. YAF is working on the Arboretum competition completion, and they are also working with Young Constructors on programs. The Associates are planning for Canstruction, and they continue with ARE. Latinos in Architecture had a successful book drive and collected over 700 books to be distributed to area schools. They also received thanks from the Dallas CityDesign Studio for providing translation at community meetings in West Dallas.

Communications and Outreach: Diane Collier reported that the fall issue of Columns had been mailed out, and this would be the first issue of the magazine to hit Texas regional Barnes & Noble bookstores. The planning for Home Tours is progressing well, you can now purchase tickets online at aiadallas.org. The firm visits for the Re-engagement Roadshow have now started.

Government Affairs: Everyone is encouraged to make a contribution to TSA’s TAC. This is very important in light of the upcoming legislative session.

Jennifer Workman, our TSA Director, advised that TSA is developing their finalized 2011 budget. TSA is also in the final planning stages of the 2010 Convention in San Antonio. Next year the TSA Convention will be in Dallas.

Dean Gatzke reported that UTA had received their full 6 year accreditation. He also said that enrollment was up in architecture. The continuing real estate programs on high density development and building repositioning are underway. These are being led by Michael Buckley who is also on our executive committee.

The meeting was adjourned and was followed by a reception where our Professional Affiliates were recognized for their contribution and support of AIA Dallas. The reception was followed by the election of 2011 officers: congratulations to Shade O’Quinn, President-elect; Thom Powell, Vice President and Treasurer; Kirk Teske, Vice President for Programs; and Todd Howard, TSA Director. The elections were followed by a presentation from Corgan on Aviation Architecture, given by Phil Mein who has a great presentation style.

Next month’s firm talk will be The History of a Young Firm by t. howard + associates.

Joe Buskuhl, FAIA
2010 AIA Dallas President