Blogging from Miami…..
Tuesday, June 8th
Drove in from Key West to sunny Miami. The weather forecast was sun and 90 degrees the entire week – and they were right. The only rain we got was the downpour happening when I was trying to check in. It figures, doesn’t it?
The Miami Beach Convention Center borders one of the many historical districts that make up Miami Beach. I along with Steve and Jennifer Takatch chose hotels around this convention area so we could walk to and fro as necessary. We wandered about our first evening, as most tourists do, amazed at the activity and building styles in the area. This area doesn’t seem to get going until later, so dinner at 10 pm was not out of the question.
Wednesday, June 9th
Wednesday was the pre-convention sessions – I attended one on sustainability, which was well worth the additional fee. More nighttime activities and lots of walking on the streets were necessary to get the total Miami Beach experience. Shops and streetside restaurants abound. Lincoln Road is the high-end retail area, and Espanola Way the traditional Spanish-style small shop and residence area.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The convention officially begins. I admit, I’m a National Convention newbie, so I didn’t quite know what to expect, but it seemed well organized. I heard the number of attendees to be near 19,000, although it did not seem like it. The design of the convention center allowed a great deal of separation of classes, with the trade show in the lower center with thousands of booths, it was pretty impressive.
I took a tour of the Collins Avenue area in the morning. This street is one of many with artistic elements and buildings: great history and great interiors and exteriors from the pre- and post- depression eras. This borders the famous art deco district and consists mostly of mid-and high rise hotels. One story from our very knowledgeable guide referred to a recently constructed (2004) hotel site: the zoning only allows a 24 - story building in the district but because of a typo the developers were allowed a 10-story parking garage below. It definitely stands out along the skyline. Another story: part of my stay was spent at the Delano, a 1947 hotel that was renovated in the mid-90’s. With no restrictions, the interior was gutted and turned into a modern-style ensemble, creating an upscale boutique atmosphere. The Preservation Board disliked it so much –it was not in keeping with the building envelope or the district - that it caused new preservation guidelines for the public interior spaces at the building entrances to also be implemented for the area. It’s a beautiful contemporary space, definitely not what you would expect from the exterior, and very popular with the locals and visitors.
Back to the convention…The classes were well attended. I met so many people from other cities and states. I started mostly at 7 am – which was hard to get up for since I was out and about ‘til at least 11 pm every night. My interests were sustainability, Miami history, staff development, and all the classes were well prepared, the speakers very knowledgeable.
This evening consisted of a bus trip to nearby Coral Gables - dinner and a tour of the Biltmore Hotel with a dozen others. The Biltmore Hotel is a Spanish style hotel built in the 30’s. Formerly a grapefruit plantation, this city was the first planned development in Florida, or at least that’s what Arva our hostess said. She should know, she’s written a few books on the subject of Florida history. The Biltmore was built as a hotel but has been used for a WWII war dormitory, a war hospital, a veteran’s hospital, part of an educational facility, abandoned, and now a hotel again. Talk about resilient, it’s a little worn but it still looks beautiful, with a lot of decorative painted ceilings and exposed beams, tile floors and ornate carpets. The food was great also – A well-selected event for the evening. And contrary to popular belief, Al Capone never slept here.
Friday, June 11th
Another 7 am morning; no tours today, but a lot of classes. A break for breakfast with the Takatch’s at the Delano was great, and then back to the convention center. I ran into John Cake from Hunt Engineers and Architects, but surprisingly nobody else from the Rochester area. I tried to connect with Dan Edgell, our Chapter President, but didn’t - I hope Dan was watching out for the Chapter at the NYS Reception last night and the Regional breakfast this morning. Another evening of walking, sightseeing and dining occurred with friends to cap off a long day.
Saturday, June 12th
Another 7 am class –what’s with that? Then a quick taxi ride down to the South Beach Preservation District building to catch an 8:30 am walking tour of the South Beach area. This area was also built up during the 20’s and 30’s and is probably the more famous of the districts, known for its predominant Art Deco style. Our guide was very knowledgeable, a local architect himself, so we got more than the usual tour. One thing I found interesting is that most of the buildings were white or off-white when they were built, which is not the case now, but they are going back to that to give the area an authentic feel. Personally I like all the colors. Keystone, a local stone material from the Florida Keys, was a very popular building material back then and can be seen in it’s natural grayish or tinted state on the building facades throughout the area.
Back to the Convention - they asked for used shoes to be donated to the poor in Haiti and elsewhere, and I forgot to bring mine, so I ran back to the convention center to swap a newly bought pair for the souvieneur flip flops in return. Then I was out of there, back to the hotel to check out and catch a plane.
For my first National Convention experience, it was great. Having people I know to hang with was fun, but I met so many people from other areas and states that it was entertaining in that way also. Most were not positive about the economy in their areas, with Floridians being very concerned. So maybe we in Rochester are not that bad off in comparison.
It sounds like the trade show and classes were fairly successful, and most liked the venue, the tours, and being in Miami. I missed the keynote speakers due to scheduling morning sessions – live and learn – but I heard they were excellent. Miami was a fun city to have a convention and despite the sweltering heat, had a lot to offer if you took advantage of it.
I look forward to New Orleans next year. If it’s anything like this convention, it will be a very worthwhile trip. It will be in May 2011 - hope to see you there!
Penny Haley
Monday, June 14, 2010
AIA National Convention Miami Through Steve's Eyes
Dateline June 10, 2010
Hello Rochester, the temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and 90% humidity. Jennifer and I went on a tour of the Aqua Planned Urban Development Project, Mixed Use project on Allison Island.
Eight design firms collaborated on this project. Three main architects secured naming rights for the three main towers. The remaining two and three story townhouses were varying designs. The lead architectural firm for the design had only one unifying design theme. Even with one element they still could not complete the task. Go figure.
We did get a chance to tour the developer’s townhouse that had a very interesting art collection.
We had a great time touring the massive Expo floor, learning more than we had bargained for indeed.
We had a fantastic time at the Kent State University Alumni reception at the Loews hotel on Miami Beach. Sorry Kevin Marren, Tom Gears, David Burrows, Tom Hamilton, Vic Tomaselli, Brian Trott and other black squirrel aficionados. Dean Dalton is stepping down and there is new school of architecture planned for the up and coming years.
We had so much fun there with the “Rays” Crowd that we blew off the IBEX sponsored NYS event.
Several of us continued the fiesta catching up, heading out for a tapas dinner and had a blast.
June 11, 2010
The next morning followed by a great walk along the beach, we hooked up with President- Elect Penny Haley, great breakfast together sharing notes, then off to the seminars for an afternoon of CEU’s. Met some very cool friends from next years host City of New Orleans.
Ran into Bob Healy, it was cool to see him at the event.
Rendezvous in South Beach with John Cake, dinner and catching up, very fun, late night, and sharing some financial wisdom with a very sunburned dude from NJ, and such.
It’s late, but we continue to groove with the South Beach groove, and we are out…
Steve T.
Hello Rochester, the temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and 90% humidity. Jennifer and I went on a tour of the Aqua Planned Urban Development Project, Mixed Use project on Allison Island.
Eight design firms collaborated on this project. Three main architects secured naming rights for the three main towers. The remaining two and three story townhouses were varying designs. The lead architectural firm for the design had only one unifying design theme. Even with one element they still could not complete the task. Go figure.
We did get a chance to tour the developer’s townhouse that had a very interesting art collection.
We had a great time touring the massive Expo floor, learning more than we had bargained for indeed.
We had a fantastic time at the Kent State University Alumni reception at the Loews hotel on Miami Beach. Sorry Kevin Marren, Tom Gears, David Burrows, Tom Hamilton, Vic Tomaselli, Brian Trott and other black squirrel aficionados. Dean Dalton is stepping down and there is new school of architecture planned for the up and coming years.
We had so much fun there with the “Rays” Crowd that we blew off the IBEX sponsored NYS event.
Several of us continued the fiesta catching up, heading out for a tapas dinner and had a blast.
June 11, 2010
The next morning followed by a great walk along the beach, we hooked up with President- Elect Penny Haley, great breakfast together sharing notes, then off to the seminars for an afternoon of CEU’s. Met some very cool friends from next years host City of New Orleans.
Ran into Bob Healy, it was cool to see him at the event.
Rendezvous in South Beach with John Cake, dinner and catching up, very fun, late night, and sharing some financial wisdom with a very sunburned dude from NJ, and such.
It’s late, but we continue to groove with the South Beach groove, and we are out…
Steve T.
Friday, June 11, 2010
AIA National Convention Miami Day 1
This first day of my first AIA National Convention has proven to be a phenomenal experience. As is the usual practice with all AIA events, the day started bright and early and lasted long into the evening. Registration started at 6am and the first continuing education classes started at 7am. Early this morning there was also brief awards and recognition ceremony. The past presidents in attendance were honored and Pugh + Scarpa Architects were presented with the Firm Award. Their story was especially motivational to me, because Laurence Scarpa spoke of their desires to always serve their clients to a level that is beyond their expectations. If the entire design team on each project was willing to work towards the goals of the project with that type of attitude, there would be no design challenge that is insurmountable.
The Key Note speaker, Daniel Pink, delivered a very interesting lecture that became a discussion related to the convention theme; Building Design for the New Decade. However, his was of a different perspective. Daniel Pink is trained as a lawyer and is a self proclaimed linear thinker with an appreciation for design. His discussion ranged in topics that covered the economy, outsourcing, quality of work, routine, and the right versus left brain. This may all sound unrelated, but it all makes sense when you tie it all together with the value that we provide as architects to the client when what we are selling is good design.
After the key note, as a delegate for AIA Rochester I was responsible for attending the presentation of the candidate speeches for the available positions to the AIA National Board of Directors. The process for getting to know the candidates is simple and effective. I have personally had the opportunity to speak to each one on the telephone in the weeks prior to this convention. During the conversation I had an opportunity to quiz each candidate on a number of topics that are relevant to our chapter. Each candidate had also sent a letter that introduced them in a broad sense. Then following today's speeches, a regional caucus was moderated to allow one more question and answer session that lasted ten minutes for each candidate. The opportunity to vote then happened later.
When that business was complete the continuing education continued for me. I had the opportunity to attend classes that discussed BIM in ways that has helped to broaden my senses to the capabilities of this still relatively new tool. I had then attended a class that explained the process of securing a design contract with the Air Force and the expectations that come with securing the commission.
When we finally got to the end of what would be a normal end at 5:00 type business day, the party starts. In my case I felt obligated to split my time between two events. I first attended the Kent State University alumni reception. Unfortunately, none of my classmates were in attendance. However, I still saw many familiar faces and had the opportunity to come up to speed with the evolution in the architectural education offered at KSU. Then I shared a cab with Terrance O'Neil (a fellow KSU alum) to the AIA New York State reception. Catching up with fellow AIA members from around the state is a great part of these conventions and is a good way to advocate for issues that are important to AIA Rochester.
Tomorrow there is more business. Votes will take place that may change national bylaws. I have had a chance to study each carefully and look forward to the debate that will take place tomorrow. Following is more Continuing Education and hopefully a chance to walk the expansive product showcase floor.
It is now getting late. I will need to be up at 5am in order to have time to get ready, eat breakfast, and catch the bus in time to prepare for the electronic voting.
I will see many of you when I return during design awards. I can't wait!
From Miami,
Daniel L. Edgell, AIA, NCARB
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dedgell
Twitter @dedgell
The Key Note speaker, Daniel Pink, delivered a very interesting lecture that became a discussion related to the convention theme; Building Design for the New Decade. However, his was of a different perspective. Daniel Pink is trained as a lawyer and is a self proclaimed linear thinker with an appreciation for design. His discussion ranged in topics that covered the economy, outsourcing, quality of work, routine, and the right versus left brain. This may all sound unrelated, but it all makes sense when you tie it all together with the value that we provide as architects to the client when what we are selling is good design.
After the key note, as a delegate for AIA Rochester I was responsible for attending the presentation of the candidate speeches for the available positions to the AIA National Board of Directors. The process for getting to know the candidates is simple and effective. I have personally had the opportunity to speak to each one on the telephone in the weeks prior to this convention. During the conversation I had an opportunity to quiz each candidate on a number of topics that are relevant to our chapter. Each candidate had also sent a letter that introduced them in a broad sense. Then following today's speeches, a regional caucus was moderated to allow one more question and answer session that lasted ten minutes for each candidate. The opportunity to vote then happened later.
When that business was complete the continuing education continued for me. I had the opportunity to attend classes that discussed BIM in ways that has helped to broaden my senses to the capabilities of this still relatively new tool. I had then attended a class that explained the process of securing a design contract with the Air Force and the expectations that come with securing the commission.
When we finally got to the end of what would be a normal end at 5:00 type business day, the party starts. In my case I felt obligated to split my time between two events. I first attended the Kent State University alumni reception. Unfortunately, none of my classmates were in attendance. However, I still saw many familiar faces and had the opportunity to come up to speed with the evolution in the architectural education offered at KSU. Then I shared a cab with Terrance O'Neil (a fellow KSU alum) to the AIA New York State reception. Catching up with fellow AIA members from around the state is a great part of these conventions and is a good way to advocate for issues that are important to AIA Rochester.
Tomorrow there is more business. Votes will take place that may change national bylaws. I have had a chance to study each carefully and look forward to the debate that will take place tomorrow. Following is more Continuing Education and hopefully a chance to walk the expansive product showcase floor.
It is now getting late. I will need to be up at 5am in order to have time to get ready, eat breakfast, and catch the bus in time to prepare for the electronic voting.
I will see many of you when I return during design awards. I can't wait!
From Miami,
Daniel L. Edgell, AIA, NCARB
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dedgell
Twitter @dedgell
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
AIA National Convention Miami
Good Morning,
You know when you are trying to get away for a vacation and discover actually how much you can actually accomplish in a very short amount of time? Well that was what the staff at Architectura was doing the last several weeks.
We did manage to get out on time and arrived in the South Beach area to be greeted by President elect Penny Haley.
After check in we headed out for some sight seeing, and then ended up in the funky historic Jerry’s Diner, a former downtown cafeteria in the ‘30’s. The menu was eclectic and very much inspired. After dinner we strolled leisurely along South Beach checking out the Art Deco Hotels and boutiques. There were a lot of people out and about for a Tuesday evening.
Happening upon a cigar bar, we couldn’t help think of George Scaldoine, and his cigar afficiando-isms.
So early Wednesday morning we are enjoying Cuban coffee con leche on our hotels outdoor café seating area. Looking forward to a morning swim then off to the convention Center to register. We will be sending updates throughout the convention experience. ( this is my first Blog, so cut me some slack), cheers Steve and Jennifer Takatch, and Pres elect P Haley.
Looking forward to attending the New York State IBEX host party and the Kent State University Alum Reunion too
You know when you are trying to get away for a vacation and discover actually how much you can actually accomplish in a very short amount of time? Well that was what the staff at Architectura was doing the last several weeks.
We did manage to get out on time and arrived in the South Beach area to be greeted by President elect Penny Haley.
After check in we headed out for some sight seeing, and then ended up in the funky historic Jerry’s Diner, a former downtown cafeteria in the ‘30’s. The menu was eclectic and very much inspired. After dinner we strolled leisurely along South Beach checking out the Art Deco Hotels and boutiques. There were a lot of people out and about for a Tuesday evening.
Happening upon a cigar bar, we couldn’t help think of George Scaldoine, and his cigar afficiando-isms.
So early Wednesday morning we are enjoying Cuban coffee con leche on our hotels outdoor café seating area. Looking forward to a morning swim then off to the convention Center to register. We will be sending updates throughout the convention experience. ( this is my first Blog, so cut me some slack), cheers Steve and Jennifer Takatch, and Pres elect P Haley.
Looking forward to attending the New York State IBEX host party and the Kent State University Alum Reunion too
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