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William R White, AIA - President
wrw1@aiablueridge.org
 2010-11

 


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


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