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
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