Where architects stand: A statement of our values
Now more than ever, the collective voice of architects is essential for designing a better future for our country and planet. Even in times of change, AIA’s values remain constant. We are at the table with policymakers who are committed to a better built environment and a prosperous architecture profession. But we will not hesitate to call out those whose values we oppose.
- We have focused AIA efforts and we are staying on message. Our 2017 Federal Agenda was released last week. It is a strong statement of key AIA positions on sustainability and the power of design to improve communities. It springs from the collective voices of thousands of AIA members who answered the “2017 Call for Issues,” from AIA components and from groups that have called upon the AIA to advocate shared values, including diversity and inclusion.
- Institute values are unwavering and they are clearly communicated to AIA members, policymakers and the public through all channels. Our staff is on the Hill, working with coalition allies and Congressional leadership on infrastructure policies that reflect our values. We are positioning architects as the credible experts on built environment issues before Congress and federal agencies. When proposals are presented that run counter to our public policies—no matter where they come from—we are going to hold agencies and elected leaders accountable.
- We are hiring a new Senior Vice President of Advocacy who will head efforts on our behalf on with the agencies and on the Hill. Given the challenges we face in this new environment, we seek an individual with powerful experience and influence in Washington, D.C. who can immediately step in to help us accomplish our goals and navigate new waters. That position will be filled shortly, and we valued your views on qualifications for the post.
- The voices of architects must be heard. We are working closely with the leadership of COTE to advance a strong sustainability agenda, and several COTE leaders will be on Capitol Hill this week pressing for action on climate change and the 2030 targets, among other issues. The CEOs of several large firms also will be in DC this week advocating for sustainable design and incentives for well-designed infrastructure.
- We will lead the AEC community. We are forming a powerful coalition among leaders of the major groups in our industry, including the American Planning Association, the American Society of Interior Designers, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Urban Land Institute and the International Code Council, and the Associated General Contractors. We are seeking consensus on collective actions to leverage the influence of our combined 8.5 million members on issues and policies that result in infrastructure that is sustainable, energy efficient, and equitable. We have an opportunity now to garner public support and to move policymakers to smart action. In the coming weeks we will work with these colleagues to take next steps. We can have real impact with lawmakers throughout the country, at every level. As we heard at the “Build America Summit” and in our public survey, the public wants more investments in civic infrastructure—schools, community centers, libraries and public buildings of all kinds. In fact, 83 percent of Americans see investments in these essential public spaces as being of equal importance with investment in roads and bridges.
- We will conduct and communicate “everyday” work. Our codes advocacy network is fighting to stop rollbacks in energy conservation codes and targets. We are working with state components to oppose “bathroom bills” like the one enacted in North Carolina last year, offering better ideas. These actions demonstrate that the AIA’s “everyday” actions speak louder than words.
- The AIA Equity Commission results went out to our members this week, along with the actions and recommendations approved by the Board. As part of that effort, the Board just donated an additional $1 million to fund diversity student scholarships.
- Our Grassroots conference will focus on the new challenges we face with a new Administration, including our interests in sustainability, our commitments to reversing climate change, and our diversity and inclusion agenda. These will all be addressed head on, whenever and wherever we find opportunity.
- Our public outreach campaign includes strong statements about the contributions architecture makes to the quality of life, and about our values as architects. The messages are clear about who we are, what we stand for and what we are doing.
- All AIA members have a voice in the AIA’s advocacy process, from offering their views on the AIA’s policies and positions, to gaining the training and tools to become better advocates for the profession through SpeakUp and other channels.
Please take a moment to review our statement of values: http://new.aia.org/resources/50766-where-architects-stand-a-statement-of-our-va
Together, our members can accomplish great things in challenging times. We commit to you and to all members that we will remain steadfast in the resolve to uphold our values and to insist upon national policies and practices that reflect and reinforce them. This is only the beginning. Much work is ahead of us. We hope and trust you will continue to support our efforts and work with us.
