President's Message Fall 2002
September already! Back to school and back to work after some summer vacation. Whether a day at the lake or two weeks overseas, hopefully you found time for a little respite with family and friends. Once again summer has flown by before the summer “to do” list was completed.
One item on my list was to share with you some thoughts on AIA Convention 2002. These large scale events tend to humble, overwhelm, and excite me, as the whole magnitude of the profession is put right in my face. The impact is multifaceted:
- so many architects and related professionals in the world
- so many new products to keep pace with changing needs and sophisticated building technologies
- so much to learn about design, business strategies, computer technology, professional liability, marketing, etc.
All of these aspects intertwine with each other working toward a common goal of shaping the built environment for society. To help guide the architectural world through this ongoing evolution of the environment, exceptional leadership is essential. Selecting this leadership is a key function at the Convention. The personalities, credentials, experience, goals, and dedication of next years candidates must be evaluated so delegates can cast their votes.
Listening to candidates’ speeches in preparation for the election, one becomes even more aware of the importance of guiding the profession in the right direction. In some cases it was difficult to decide who would be the better candidate to lead AIA in this new decade. PA architects attending the convention met to discuss thoughts on the candidates, but could not agree on the best candidate all positions. Sometimes a gut reaction must decide a vote when logic can’t do the job.
The newly elected candidates are all impressive individuals with the necessary qualifications to succeed in their new roles. In addition to their qualifications, there success is dependent on us. They cannot fully succeed without our input and involvement. Their tasks involve serving AIA members, but they must know what members want & need, and they need members’ knowledge and energies to get their jobs done.
It’s easy to return home after the Convention and get back to the familiar & important routines of family, work, and community, while the broader realms of the architectural world fade into the periphery of our busy lives. I encourage you to work with me to change this. Stay connected with the profession around you beyond the office walls. Get involved locally, or at the state or national level. It takes time and effort , but the rewards of the experience and accomplishments are priceless.
Thank you to AIA Eastern PA for giving me the opportunity represent the Chapter at this year’s Convention. It was a valuable experience which has further enlightened me, so I may better serve both the Eastern PA Chapter as well as the profession.
I hope to see you at the September Chapter meeting!
Respectfully,
Jeff A. Gross, AIA
President, AIA Eastern Pennsylvania President Elect