President's Message Spring 2002

As any new year begins, I like to take a little time to reflect on the past year and what might lie ahead for the coming one. For 2002, anticipating my upcoming role as President of AIA-EP, I began this reflection a bit earlier at the Annual Meeting and Statewide Leadership Conference in Harrisburg in mid-November. Aside from being a great opportunity to socialize with peers and earn some HSW LU’s, it is though provoking both in terms of where the profession is headed and where I am headed as an Architect.

At the 2001 Conference, the Friday sessions I attended included:

  • “International Building Code 2000” – presentation, sponsored by the American Wood Council, highlighted some aspects of the code which have changed relative to allowances for increasing building areas for Type 3 Construction; and where fire retardant wood is allowed in various construction types.
  • “Better school for less money” – the hot topic of “cookie cutter” schools was part of this heated panel discussion which focused on various perspectives of those involved in school planning, financing and construction.
  • “What’s New in School Design Today” – John Boecker did a high intensity presentation on “Green Architecture” in school design. Having no “Green Architecture” experience myself, this topic really made me ask where we are headed in the years ahead.
  • “Behind the Scenes Tours of the Civil War Museum” – A Civil War History lesson and design lession were both part of this tour; the building sits on a knoll which marks the northern-most battle of the Civil War. Design challenge required the building to incorporate today’s technologies in a structure that could appear as an historically appropriate backdrop for the reenactments tht occur on the site -the project was well executed.
  • “AIA PA Design Awards” -PA Architects design some exciting projects, and having recently seen our Chapter’s design awards, hopefully some of the local projects will also be submitted to the AIA PA Design Awards.
  • President’s Dinner at John Harris Mansion -The day concluded with a delightful social event in a beautiful setting. One bit of trivia is that one of the early owner’s of the mansion purchased two gilded mirrors which were too long to fit the existing ceiling of the 1st floor dining room, so the floors at the front of the house were dropped several feet to accomodate the mirrors. I’m still trying to figure out how this would make economic sense? The evening also included a wonderful piano “concert” by Don Dissinger -cen he ever “tickle the ivories.”

Saturday’s Leadership Conference began with a brief presentation by each Chapter as to “what’s going on”. While larger Chapters can offer more services and programs, I came away feeling AIA-Eastern PA is doing a most respectable job servicing its members and offering a variety of quality programs. Four break-out sessions followed. I joined “Membership/Allied Membership/Sponsorship” and noted the following:

  • Increasing membership continues to be a goal of Chapters and AIA PA.
  • Associate members are represented by their director, which is currently Mike Kelly of our Chapter. Programs aimed at associate needs and interests are encouraged. Associate representation on Chapter Boards is critical to implementing changes in this direction and improving associate participation in the Chapter.
  • Increasing membership continues to be a goal of Chapters and AIA/PA.
  • Allied membership at both State & Chapter levels is encouraged as both a source of revenue and building strong relationships with those related to the architecture profession.How did this November event shape my goals for the new year? As an Architect, I will seek to learn more about Green Architecture and how it can integrate with projects I am involved with. For AIA-Eastern PA, I challenge you with these goals:
  • Strengthen relationships between AIA-EP members by increased participation at Chapter, State & National events.
  • Improve the substance of the Kiosk by members sharing information and ideas via editorials and news articles.
  • Increased community awareness of the value of the profession by active involvement on an individual and chapter level in community events and programs.

I hope to see you at the April Chapter meeting!

Respectfully,
Jeff A. Gross, AIA
President, AIA Eastern Pennsylvania President Elect

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