A chapter of the American Institute of
Architects
March 22, 2010
Subject:
Proposed Changes to
AIA Bylaws
On
March 19, 2010 I attended the Virginias Council Meeting hosted by
the Region of the
Virginias
director Ed Tucker. The meeting was held at the Virginia Center
for Architecture in Richmond. Ed is our representative to AIA
National
Board of
Directors. Among other things discussed were changes to
AIA Bylaws that will be proposed and voted on at the national
convention in Miami. The following is a brief description of my
understanding of the issues and the pros and cons of each. If
you would like to express your opinion about the proposed
changes let me hear from you. (download
memo)
Bill White
Member dues
payment plan:
In 2009 members
could apply to pay dues in installments rather than in one lump
sum at the beginning of the year. This was available on a case
by case basis in the case of a hardship due to economic
conditions. There is a proposal to change the bylaws to allow
the Institute to set up an installment payment plan for all
members. No specific plan has yet been developed.
Pro:
Could lead to increased retention of membership if members are
allowed to spread out payments and avoid using credit to pay the
full amount at the beginning of the year. It might lead to more
successful recruitment of members who are put off by the lump
sum payment.
Con:
Additional cost to administer such a plan would be incurred by
AIA. AIA cash flow would be effected.
International
Membership Category:
Currently,
Architects licensed in countries outside of the US are eligible
for Associated membership and can not use the designation AIA.
There is a proposal to allow architects in foreign countries to
join AIA as full members.
Pros:
It could lead to an increase in membership, larger operating
budgets, world wide prestige for
AIA members and position
AIA as a international organization rather than a
national organization.
Con:
The designation
AIA currently is only available to architects licensed to practice in a
state or territory in the
US. To the
public
AIA means an architect licensed to practice who complies with
the training and ethical standards of the American Institute of
Architects. Allowing architects from other counties to use the
AIA designation might create confusion with the public as to the
meaning of
AIA membership. It could create unfair or unregulated
competition between licensed American architects and foreign
architects who are not licensed to practice in
America.
Regulatory requirements to practice architecture vary greatly
across the globe; this could dilute the
AIA brand. It might be possible that in time American
architects would lose controlling interest in the organization
if a majority of members are from outside of the
US.
Associates as
Regional Directors
Currently
bylaws allow for one Associate Representative to the Executive
Committee. There is a proposal to allow Regions to send an
associate member(s) to represent the region on the AIA National
Board.
Pros:
Expand the pool of candidates for regional directors.
Cons:
May dilute the voice of licensed architects in the organization.
A chapter of the American Institute of
Architects
January 26, 2010
In an effort to better serve and represent the
AIA Blue Ridge
membership I am asking each member to contact me or any of the
officers or directors with suggestions for AIA Blue Ridge in
2010-11. I ask this so that the Officers and Directors, who
volunteer their time, can be better informed in their on going
planning efforts.
It has come to my attention that only a small percentage of
members actively participate and there are some obvious reasons
why that might be.
AIA Blue Ridge
has a small number of members over a large geographic area. We
have just over 200 members scattered over southwestern and
southern Virginia. Our members are very diverse and have a
broad range of interest. Many have time commitments associated
with practice, family, community, and sports. It is not
AIA Blue Ridge’s goal to compete with those interests or to
involve every member at every event. But if you have an
interest or need that you feel should be addressed by
AIA Blue Ridge
I would like to hear about it.
If you are satisfied with the focus and events offered by
AIA Blue
Ridge in the past, you can let us know that too. If we
don't hear from you, then we will know that
AIA Blue Ridge as the professional society representing
Architects in our region is not a priority to you at this time.
As time allows in the future, I ask
that you consider the value that
AIA can bring
to your community and to your practice and the value your
participation can bring AIA.
We have very limited resources at
AIA Blue Ridge.
We are
an all volunteer chapter of the American Institute of
Architects, with no paid staff. Membership dues, which have
remained at the same level for two decades, account for 25% of
the budget. Because of limited resources, AIA Blue Ridge has
focused on specific areas that the Board feels are of special
interest to the membership.
- Continuing Education;
provide programs with CE units at little or no cost to
members, through live programs, over the internet and at
regional lunch and learns. Our goal is to offer 1/3 to1/2
of the CEU’s required by Virginia to maintain currency
- Intern Development;
provide resources to associate members working toward
licensure
- Recognition of Achievement
through design and honor award programs
- Networking and Fellowship,
by providing venues where architects and designers can meet
to discuss topics of interest, compare experience and
exchange views on trends in design and construction. This
takes place at regular meetings, special events and through
groups like the AIA Blue Ridge Young Architects Forum.
- Design and Sustainability:
Through
Speakers like past speakers: Sara Susanka FAIA, William
McDonough FAIA, Randal Stout
AIA, Jeanne
Gang
AIA,
Joshua Prince-Ramus and
Tours like the: Roanoke Urbanity &
Sustainability Tour, Faye Jones House, Taubman Museum,
Poplar Forest, Virginia Museum of Natural History and
Events
like “Roanoke Urban Effect” and exhibits like “Americas
Favorite Architecture” and “Livable Communities for
Virginia”
- Support of Virginia
Tech through support of AIAS and CAUS lecture series.
- Representation
at VSAIA and National AIA by sending representatives to
those organizations to actively participate and express the
view from our region.
Have we been missing something? Do you have a suggestion to
enhance or improve an area of focus? I challenge you to express
yourself and get involved by attending a meeting or joining a
committee. Let your voice and ideas make
AIA Blue Ridge
your AIA.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Bill White
William R. White, AIA President
AIA Blue
Ridge
