I
would like to thank all of our dedicated chapter executive committees, directors
and their families for braving the intense cold and wind to attend our
Leadership Retreat. Held January 16-17 in Traverse City, the retreat focused on
“Livable Communities: The Impact of Design.” I’ve heard from many members who
enjoyed the programs and camaraderie (especially the Barry Manilow lovers – you
know who you are!).
The retreat started out with a very early morning interview on Michigan Talk
Radio with myself and John Ratliff, director of the Center for Livable
Communities for AIA National. We talked about Livable Communities and how this
fits in with Gov. Granholms’ “Cool Cities” agenda. I offered how AIA architects
can and do work with communities to help create a better quality of life and
highlighted the reason for AIA Michigan’s retreat and agenda this year
John explained AIA National’s
ongoing research and information sharing with member architects over the
past five years. His segment was followed by Dennis King, our new AIAMI
Secretary, and David Chasco of LTU highlighting activities in the Detroit
area. Then, Gene Hopkins did a call-in segment from
Arizona followed by Celeste Novak, our past president, who
discussed the effects of zoning and urban sprawl.
I trust that
you all were tuned in for this highly sought after slot during "Morning
Drive Time.” Thanks go out to Angela Juruzal from Marx Layne, our P.R. firm,
and Suzan Pultorak, our public awareness chair, for setting up this event.
It was carried by more than 15 radio stations across the state.
Later, an informative session with chapter executive committees provided an
overview the ten individual Chapter's events; Government Affairs
initiatives; and reports from the Deans of Michigan schools of architecture.
MAF Chairman Mike Marshburn highlighted the goals of MAF, while Rae Dumke's
executive report outlined the upcoming state and national schedule of
events. Art Smith presented the latest thinking about the AIAMI
Design Awards program (he’s chairing this year) and Robin Lee, AIA National
Director of Awards and Fellowship, explained techniques and approaches she
has seen used in successful design awards submissions. She also updated us
on the latest developments in the requirements and approach for AIA members
to attain the hallowed title of FAIA. We heard from Tom Mathison, our
regional director, who will run for an AIA National V.P. position. He asked
for our support to help him get the issues of Michigan again in focus at the
national level.
The finale was an impressive and exuberant presentation by Dan Pitera,
director of the UDM Creative Design Studio. Dan highlighted their approach
to community design issues. He explained how firms could partner with the
university to receive detailed analysis that enhances livable communities at
a personal, neighborhood level while providing creative design solutions.
A lighthearted introduction before and enjoyable dinner gave everyone a
chance to divulge their favorite musicians.
On Saturday
during the chapter president's convocation, two nominees for the position of
AIAMI Regional Director were presented. The Regional Director represents us
at the National AIA level for a three-year term. Nominees are Park Smith,
AIA Flint, and Celeste Novak, AIA Huron Valley. They are both past AIAMI
past residents. It would be good if each chapter could provide a little time
for each candidate to present their case for your votes at a membership
meeting. It is through the Regional Director that your voice gets heard at
the national level.
Our Livable Community agenda moved forward in Traverse City when Ray Kendra,
local chapter president, arranged for a presentation by Mayor Pro tem Phil
Orth and the planning director about the city's history, approaches to
control sprawl and maintain "livability,” (Traverse City recently made a
national list of the country’s most livable cities.)
Also on Saturday, John Ratliff presented the efforts, research and support
that AIA National can provide to member architects and their communities to
support efforts like those in
Traverse City.
His Center for Livable Communities has been at this for quite some time and
has produced documents, brochures, white papers and guidelines suitable as
handouts or reference materials to help you provide services to your
community. He can actually visit and take part in your projects in many
cases.
Participants
also learned each chapter can utilize template articles created by the
Public Awareness Committee in newspaper, television and radio messages.
Plus, Public Awareness Chapter Grants are available from MAF to fund
projects relating to these issues.
Leadership Retreat breakout sessions focused on Honor Awards, Membership,
Livable Communities, Government Affairs and Public Awareness. Participants
voted for their top three important issues. The top priorities in terms of
numbers of votes were Livable Communities: making
connections/alliances with related professionals; and Government Affairs:
legislation. The next highest was Membership: focus on value to
Associate members.
Comments provided helpful feedback in these areas:
 |
Honor Awards
were in good shape, as the program was presented, and didn't need much
tweaking. |
|
Membership
strategies should focus on value to Associate Members (there was a
suggestion to include awards for Associates ... a new and interesting
idea) and that we need to focus on overcoming the "individual"
training/notion held by architects, which hinders working together and
encouraging membership in AIA. |
|
Government Affairs
should focus on legislation and it appears that the present initiatives
now being pursued were supported (Certificate of merit, workers
compensation claims, state contract reform, definition agreement between
engineers and architects). |
|
Livable Communities
should focus on support of local chapters and making connections and
alliances with other related professions that have similar interests in
order to broaden the support network. AIAMI should further develop the
"Guidelines" checklist for use by community forums to create baseline
inventories to help communities create visions for their future.
|
|
Public Awareness
should focus on getting out the word that
architects do more than just design buildings. They bring added value
through better design; enhance the planning process; bring financial
expertise; bring technological expertise; play a large part in enhancing
the Livable Community process. |
