June 27, 2013 Dear AIA San Diego Member:
The six-month anniversary of my tenure as 2013 President of the AIA San Diego Board of Directors provides the opportunity, on behalf of the board, volunteers and staff, to extend our thanks for your commitment to the Chapter and the practice of architecture in San Diego County and beyond.
Data from AIA National show that, nationwide, architecture firm contracts and billings have been increasing steadily through the past 12-months. Recent local economic news supports optimism about the prospects for development in San Diego County’s $190 billion economy leading to new and expanded opportunities for our members.
The board and staff have together taken up the challenge of responding to these encouraging signs by adapting and concentrating on what makes our local office relevant and useful to you and your firm.
Highlights include:
- More effective chapter office operations, faster response times, enhanced web presence, more relevant communication with members and a revamped facility for meetings, programs and events;
- Professional development programs, tailored to the needs of practitioners, free or at low-cost;
- An annual calendar of “anchoring” high-profile events including the chapter’s anniversary party (that celebrated 86 years of continuous operations in April), Golf Tournament (June), Vendor Showcase & Workshops and the annual membership meeting (both in September), ARCHtoberfest (October), Design Awards (November) and the Members’ Holiday Gathering (December). Check the website events calendar for this year’s dates;
- Reengagement with key local partners such as ASLA, ASID, SDAF and AIA Palomar, among many others;
- Vigorous public outreach and media relations efforts designed to raise awareness and appreciation of our members and the value of design;
- Renewed advocacy with local (and through AIA California Council and AIA National, state & federal officials too) officials and government agencies in areas such as regulation, planning, professional liability/indemnification and the duty to defend;
- Revitalized committees and knowledge communities including; Urban Design, Environment, Health Care, Preservation, Modular Architecture and Women in Architecture;
- Commitment to supporting the needs of emerging professionals including working with the architecture and design schools in the county as well as providing services to those seeking licensure.
We appreciate that the chapter must create a “value proposition” for members that is both clear and compelling. The steps taken so far will be amplified by our continuing focus on supporting the interests of our members. You’ll soon receive a 2014 membership renewal notice from AIA (note that dues rates have been frozen). When the time comes, we urge you to renew. In addition, the chapter is implementing a summer/mid-year recruitment campaign early next month aimed at signing-up long-lapsed as well as new prospective members. We’d appreciate your bringing this to the attention of anyone you know that may be eligible – details to follow soon.
Affiliation with the nation’s leading professional design organization, its 80,000+ members and 160 years of tradition, offers to members an exceptional package of services and benefits. We appreciate your continued support and commitment to the San Diego Chapter, the practice of architecture and the ideals of the AIA. Please contact me or the Executive Director, Bastiaan Bouma, with comments or suggestions.
Richard Nowicki, AIA
