O F F I C I A L A N N U A L P U B L I C A T I O N A N D D I R E C T O R Y O F A I A N O R T H E R N N E V A D A ARCHITECTURE .22 Designing the Future with the Next Generation of Architects Sketches/Models by TMCC students
www.clarksullivan.com Clark/Sullivan Construction proudly supports AIA Northern Nevada and the incredible work of our regional Architects and Designers!
4 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org AD INDEX Editor: Angela Bigotti-Chavez, AIA Board Members: Angela Bigotti-Chavez, AIA Bradley Carlson, AIA Colton Schaefer, P.E., S.E., Allied Member Daniela Moral, AIA Danielle Fabri, AIA David Gurak, Assoc. AIA Kreg Mebust, ASLA Kristen Levin, Assoc. AIA Marshall Cowan, AIA Nate Hudson, AIA Rob Fabri, AIA Office Manager: Donna Koepp The Northern Nevada Architect is a publication of the Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. aiann.org AIA Northern Nevada 3495 Lakeside Dr., PMB 15 Reno, NV 89509 ©2023 AIA NN | The newsLINK Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Northern Nevada Architecture is published annually by The newsLINK Group, LLC for the AIA Northern Nevada and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the AIA NN, its board of directors, or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Northern Nevada Architecture is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of the AIA NN. While Northern Nevada Architecture encourages a first-print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at 855.747.4003. CONTENTS President’s Message............................................................7 2021 Board of Directors...................................................... 8 Congratulations! AIA NN 2022 Communicator Award Winner! . .........................................9 Membership Message....................................................... 10 Allied Member Spotlights.................................................. 12 The 32nd Annual Denny Askew Memorial Golf Tournament............................................... 13 CANstruction 2022............................................................ 14 ACES.................................................................................. 19 2022 Year in Review – AIA National. ................................. 20 The Young Design Networking Group - YoDeNG...............22 AIA NN 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. .....................................23 Experts Weigh In on Tackling Mental Health in Architecture........................................... 24 Repurposing Buildings....................................................... 26 TMCC Designing the Future with the Next Generation of Architects. ......................................... 30 Kreg Mebust, InterimDean of Technical Sciences at TMCC..... 34 Kaysi Archey, TMCC Architecture Instructor. ....................35 Deysi Montes-Castillo, Architectural Designer..................36 Continuing The Partnership TMCC and The Academy For Career Education (ACE)......................... 38 AIANN Scholarships........................................................... 42 Membership Directory......................................................44 Calendar of Events. ...........................................................48 Clark/Sullivan Construction.................................................... Page 2 Plenium Builders. .................................................................... Page 3 Core Construction. .................................................................. Page 5 Foundation............................................................................ Page 11 Etchemendy Engineering ...................................................... Page 19 Nevada Blue LTD.................................................................... Page 23 Lumos & Associates............................................................... Page 23 PK Electrical, Inc. ................................................................... Page 39 JP Engineering. ...................................................................... Page 41 Ashley & Vance...................................................................... Page 41 American Insurance. ............................................................. Page 45 Plenium Builders. .................................................................. Page 47
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS SINCE 1937. CORE is committed to partnering with AIA Northern Nevada and our Architect and Engineering partners to further enhance our collective ability to shape the communities we live and work in.
Thank You! Allied Sponsors &Members The AIA Northern Nevada Chapter would like to thank our Allied Professional and Allied Members (shown below) for their continued support of the Chapter. The Northern Nevada design community is thriving because of you! 2022 ALLIED SPONSORS Andrew Comstock | PAE Engineers Brett McElhaney | McElhaney Structural Engineers Cheryl Chenault | Cheryl Chenault Interiors David Blay | Par 3 Design Group Douglas Gadow | Linchpin Structural Interiors Emilie Carpenter | OneStudio D+A Gretchen Graybar | Reno Business Interiors Karen Purcell | PK Electric Kreg Mebust | TMCC Lea R. Wilson | Identity Design Lab Lonnie Johnson | JUB Mandy Holback | Structural Engineer Marie Wikoff | Wikoff Design Studios Michelle Foy | Michelle Foy Interiors Teresa Poulsen | WCDS – ADDITIONAL SPONSORS & ALLIED PROFESSIONALS – To learn more about how to become an Allied Professional or Allied Member, visit www.aiann.org.
7 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY MARSHALL COWAN, AIA, PRES IDENT AIA membership is more than discounts on software and other products or receiving professional recognition from your peers (even though that is nice). The past two years have been most unpredictable at best, but as it turns out, it has been a time when we have been able to show what we are really made of. Architecture is a beautiful profession, which is why we all choose to do it despite the late nights, migraines, and missed family moments. Our profession affords us the opportunity to create spaces for people to live in, learn in, work in, or interact with each other. While COVID pushed us into our shelters by ourselves, we continued to work on spaces to allow us to come back together, which makes us a profession for optimists. As architects, we could learn from the past two years that there might be different ways to do our job. For instance, we never thought you could ever possibly have a completely virtual office, but for many people, that has worked, or at least partially. And we learned how far 6’0” really is and how often we touch our faces. This year marked a transition from the COVID crunch and back to some semblance of normalcy. This year in Chicago, nearly 12,000 design professionals gathered for the first Conference on Architecture since 2019’s conference in New York, and plans for 2023 in San Francisco are in the works. I encourage anyone who can attend, as it is an excellent opportunity to see old colleagues and classmates and make new friends who think architecture is as remarkable as you do. It is also a great place to get CEUs and tour some great works of architecture. As a board, we look to host more events next year and get the Lunch and Learn program – or some other in-person CEU programs – rolling for all of us to gather and have a chance to socialize and enjoy professional camaraderie. This year also marks the start of a long-awaited five-year B-Arch program at TMCC, now accepted as eligible for candidacy with NAAB. This has been a multi-year generational aspiration for many of us in the region to have a local path to licensure. A big thank you to the hard work of our members and allied members that participated and have provided a chance for our next generation. It will need us as a community to continue supporting it, champion the program’s needs, and maybe teach a course or two if called upon. AIA membership is more than discounts on software and other products or receiving professional recognition from your peers (even though that is nice). It is the opportunity to make a difference for the profession, advocate on behalf of the profession, and, my favorite, talk with others who are as passionate as you are about what we do. Nerding out over architecture is something my spouse can handle only so much of, and other architects rarely tire of the subject. I want to thank all the board members, committee chairs, and volunteers for the efforts they put in to make our chapter work and create events we can all enjoy, like, Canstruction, AIA at the Aces, and the golf tournament. With the opportunity to make a difference for our chapter, I want to inform you that next year we need a new Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. Thank you for the opportunity to have represented you as your chapter president for the past year, and I look forward to seeing you at our next event. Marshall Cowan AIA, NCARB Bradley Carlson President Dale Smith Past President Audrey De La Cruz 2020 Board of Directors Nate Hudson Past President Marshall Cowan President Elect Matt Ronhaar Director Maggie Will Emerging Professional
8 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org AIA NORTHERN NEVADA A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bradley Carlson President Office Manager Dale Smith Past President Audrey De La Cruz Past President Nate Hudson Past President Marshall Cowan President Elect Matt Ronhaar Director Maggie Will Emerging Professional Donna Koepp Office Manager Dale Smith Past President Audrey De La Cruz Past Pr sident Nate Hudson Past President M P Matt Ronhaar Director Maggie Will Emerging Professional Paul Vanderbyl Allied Committee Chair Colton Schaefer Allied Profeessional Director Kristen Levin Associate AIA member, Publication Committee Angela Bigotti-Chavez Presiddent Elect Marshall Cowen President Bradley Carlson Past President Danielle Fabri Secretary KregMebust ASLA, Education Director Rob Fabri Treasurer Daniela Moral Emerging Professional Director
To browse the winning issue, please scan QR code. To see the list of winners on The Communicator Awards website, please scan QR code. Congratulations! 2022 COMMUNICATOR AWARD WINNER! AIANN We are very pleased to announce that the Northern Nevada Architecure magazine earned the Award of Distinction for a non-profit annual report. The Award of Distinction is presented for projects that exceed industry standards in quality and achievement and represents the best in marketing and communication. https://tinyurl.com/magazine-annual https://northern-nevada-architecture.thenewslinkgroup.org/ pub-4-2021-directory/ This past year marked the 28th year of The Communicator Awards. This distinguished award is dedicated to recognizing excellence, effectiveness, and innovation across all areas of communication; they are the leading international awards program honoring talent in this highly acclaimed field. The Communicator Awards receives almost 5,000 entries from companies, agencies, studios, and boutique shops of all sizes, making it, globally, one of the largest award shows of its kind. They honor work that transcends craft; work that makes a lasting impact and provides an equal chance of winning to all entrants regardless of company or agency size and project budget. The goal is to reward excellence. The Awards provide winners and their clients the recognition they deserve and give communications and creative professionals proof and validation that their work is highly regarded by their peers within the industry.
10 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org Membership in the American Institute of Architects is an opportunity to be a part of a group that represents a force for positive change. The AIA offers a way to belong to a group of like-minded professionals through associateship, integration, and camaraderie. We let our clients, community, and peers know about our commitment to the profession, design excellence, and a particular code of ethics. AIA Northern Nevada remains committed to its ability to influence and respond to the current needs of our community. The power to assist our local decision-makers, agencies responding to new challenges, and our clients as they continue to help our community make positive changes lies squarely with organizations like AIANN and the involvement of its members. Architects, in particular, are knowledgeable and creative. As members, it is important that we stay engaged and use technology to stay connected now and through 2023. Continuing to join each other both in-person and virtually will perpetuate our dialogue, keep us present with new ideas to current problems, and continue to affect positive responses to ongoing concerns. We have the opportunity to influence sustainability, new design measures in response to the pandemic, changes to planning and zoning requirements, and good design in general. Our Allied Members add great value through their support of AIA. Suppliers, Contractors, Engineers, and Design Professionals contribute significantly to our organization. Their contributions are essential to architects and keeping design and management at their best. The value of design depends on the most current trends in products, innovation, and construction practices. Past, present, and future architects must stay involved to make the most of AIA. We need all generations to play a part in the AIA. Thank you to all of the members who have and still are contributing to leading and the young architects who are sharing their energy and insights. Staying involved and growing our membership and those willing to step into leadership positions keeps the momentum moving forward. Reach out to the Board of Directors, participate on committees, initiate group dialogue and be a voice for AIANN’s future! THINKING OF BECOMING A MEMBER? VISIT OUR WEBSITE AIANN.ORG FOR APPLICATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. MEMBERSHIP MESSAGE BY ANGELA BIGOTTI-CHAVEZ, AIA, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
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12 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org d Marie Wikoff EMPLOYER AND TITLE: WIKOFF DES IGN STUDIO (WDS), PRINCIPAL/OWNER AIANN MEMBER SINCE: 2003, HMC F IRM MEMBERSHIP 2003-2009, WDS MEMBER S INCE 2013 What do you enjoy about your profession? The diversity in the interior design industry drives me and always keeps things new and exciting. I enjoy working with clients and building life-long relationships with them. Learning about each of their wants and needs is important to me, and I find it satisfying to help make their visions come to life. While I mostly focus on healthcare design, I do enjoy working across other sectors, mainly corporate, hospitality, and religious ones. Many people may not realize how much a space’s design influences patient care, attitudes about work and how we manage stress from day to day. Because of that, I find my work very meaningful. I am able to improve the lives of other through thoughtful interior design. My answer wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my colleagues and the love and respect that I have for them. I appreciate the time that I get to spend with each of them and learn from them at the same time. Over the past 30 years, I have connected with so many talented individuals. When going through my education, to “novice years” while working with what I felt were the ‘masters’, and now mentoring and working with our younger generations, it has come full circle and makes me realize the growth in myself and others. It makes it all worthwhile. How does membership in AIANN benefit you? AIANN membership helps me stay connected! I rely on my peers for support and have enjoyed the camaraderie over the years. Learning from my friends in AIANN has helped me stay relevant and keep my finger on the pulse across multiple markets. I especially appreciate the focus it brings to continuing education among the members. Northern Nevada is a small region that is ever-growing and I truly believe that AIANN will help us mobilize, working together for the benefit of the expanding population. Together we will go ‘Onward and Upward’ toward the path of creating a sustainable and beautiful environment. d Tobin Basta EMPLOYER AND TITLE: PLENIUM BUILDERS, PRESIDENT & MANAGING PARTNER AIANN MEMBER SINCE: 2017 What do you enjoy about your profession? A wise person told me, “You have to love construction because if you don’t love it, you’re going to hate it!” As a builder, it is essential to be passionate about design and construction – to really know and appreciate every small detail and effort that goes into realizing a large goal. That joy and authentic excitement about teamwork instills trust and makes what we do enjoyable. It’s supposed to be fun – and when the entire team is succeeding together, it really is fun. Have you ever posed a challenge to a room full of designers and builders? They will instantly be knee-deep in it, their sleeves rolled up, sketch apps out, vellum on plans, dry-erase markers squeaking. I encourage Plenium Builders’ people to find creative and innovative ways to overcome those roadblocks and always keep our promises to our clients. Our clients take risks when they decide to build. I really enjoy successfully delivering a client’s project despite the inherent challenges. Good solutions require close collaboration with architects, engineers, and subcontractors. As a general contractor, we take a leadership role in seeking out the best solutions together with project partners. Our goal is to be everyone’s #1 choice in this market because of our ability to build projects on which all stakeholders are successful. I find it rewarding when an architect we’ve worked with recommends us for a new project based on a previous project – it is a unique perspective for them and an accolade that we strive for. How does membership in AIANN benefit you? AIANN is a facet of our goal of maintaining or initiating solid relationships with design professionals in our community. The organization offers me a way to get to know the design community better, to learn more about the risks, concerns, and challenges they face, and to understand a designer’s definition of project success. Relationships are the basis for our work; since we deliver projects in a variety of methods – public CMAR, design-bid-build, and privately negotiated work – and across a diverse project portfolio – hospitality, industrial, education, commercial, and luxury homes. Relationships are key when it comes time to work together to respond to challenges, no matter the contract structure or type of building. The design community is often at the forefront of innovations in our industry. Being part of AIANN gives me insight into what’s ahead – new materials, better systems, and creative ideas. ALLIED MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
13 August 15 was another amazing day at Montreux, with our sold-out golf tournament comprised of local architects, engineers, contractors, materials suppliers, and special guests. AIA Northern Nevada utilizes the proceeds from this tournament to support our scholarship programs for local students attending architecture school and various other educational programs. With generous support this year, we once again topped the $26,000 mark. Montreux has graciously extended the date for our tournament next year, so mark your calendars for Aug. 14, 2023. Title Sponsor: • CORE Construction Ball Sponsor: • Basalite Drink Sponsor: • Miyamoto Hole-In-One Sponsor: • Neeser Construction, Inc. Associate Sponsors: • Clark/Sullivan • Plenium Builders • Helix Electric • D&D Roofing • Henriksen Butler • Kahl/Teknion • Kodiak Roofing Breakfast Sponsor: • Wikoff Design Studio Lunch Sponsor: • AIA Northern Nevada THE 32ND ANNUAL DENNY ASKEW MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
14 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org CANstruction 2022 There was excitement in the air this year as 12 amazing teams let their creativity shine in the AIANN 19th annual Canstruction® event. The nine student teams worked hard alongside three professional teams as they stacked their way to teetering heights using cans of chili, spinach, roast beef hash, collard greens and more. A total of 25,704 pounds (24,000+ cans) of food were within the artistic displays at Meadowood Mall in Reno and provided a creative way to help bring awareness to growing food insecurities that families face in northern Nevada. Teams had 12 hours to build their structures within the confines of a 10’x10’x10’ cube. With AIANN members and associate members either assisting teams or participating as teams, the event was a hugely successful collaboration between AIANN and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN). The structures stood for four days, and once they came down, food from the event was donated to FBNN. It equated to over 17,500 meals that will be distributed to hungry neighbors in our community. The structures were judged and awarded in five different categories in addition to a People’s Choice award ($1 per vote) that capped off the event. Awards were given based on various factors related to how the teams used and assemble the cans. People’s Choice voting also resulted in an additional $1,566 from the Reno community, which will allow FBNN to purchase even more meals for those in need. The AIANN committee members and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada are grateful to all who participated and were able to make this year’s event a success. Thanks to all of you! This year’s winners: • Most Cans: Slam Dunk Hunger 24/7!, Marce Herz Middle School • Structural Ingenuity: Nessie the Loch Ness Monster, Mountain View Montessori School • Best Meal: Bent on Hunger’s Destruction, The Brookfield 4 Musketeers • Best Use of Labels: Obi Wan CANobi, Sky Ranch Middle School – Blue Team • Best Original Design: Campbell’s & Community, AT&T Silver State Pioneers/VC Silver Circuits FTC #16158 • People’s Choice Award: Campbell’s & Community, AT&T Silver State Pioneers/VC Silver Circuits FTC #16158 Look for CANstruction in 2023; we hope to see you participating as part of a team or helping out a student team for the event. We want to encourage anyone to take on the challenge of building your own creative CANstructure to help fight hunger in the community. It’s a great experience and a fun way to be involved in our community.
15 CANstruction 2022 WINNERS BEST MEAL Bent on Hunger’s Destruction The Brookfield 4 Musketeers MOST CANS Slam Dunk Hunger 24/7! Marce Herz Middle School BEST USE OF LABELS Obi Wan CANobi Sky Ranch Middle School – Blue Team STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY Nessie the Loch Ness Monster Mountain View Montessori School ORIGINAL DESIGN & PEOPLE’S CHOICE Campbell’s & Community AT&T Silver State Pioneers / VC Silver Circuits FTC #16158
16 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org NOTABLE SUBMISSIONS CANstruction Monopoly Bankrupt Hunger Sky Ranch Middle School – Orange Team: Side 1 Everyone and Ukraine Sage Ridge Middle School Monopoly Bankrupt Hunger Sky Ranch Middle School – Orange Team: Side 2 Ameri-Cans Reed High School NJROTC
17 Setting the Table Food Bank of Northern Nevada Board of Directors Break Through Hunger, Oh Yeah! Swope Middle School Biggest Little Lunch Box in the World Food Bank of Northern Nevada Staff Wash Away Hunger Depoali Middle School
19 ACES The annual Night at the ACES was threatened by rain, but we had a great turnout. This event is coordinated annually by Lee Murray, AIA, and is much appreciated by the chapter. Thank you to our sponsors Sierra Pacific Windows, Miyamoto International, Plenium Builders and Anchor Door.
20 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org This year marks a year of substantial change for our organization. Under the Presidency of Daniel Hart, FAIA, we welcomed Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, as our new EVP/Chief Executive Officer; the Board of Directors committed funds and a strategy for the successful undertaking of our headquarters’ renovation at 1735 New York Ave; we witnessed our organization’s first presidential race comprised of two substantially qualified and historically underrepresented female candidates; and, with the pandemic beginning to slow, we conducted A’22, our first face-to-face organizational gathering since 2020, in the great city of Chicago and in the company of former U.S. President, Barack Obama. Through these and many other efforts in recent years, our organization’s work focuses on relevancy both within the profession and the profession itself. During 2020 – as the COVID-19 pandemic was gripping our world – AIA immediately jumped into action by providing services, knowledge, and tools to help members, components, and communities design strategies for reaching the best potential outcomes while considering the impossible situations in which we found ourselves. Special AIA task forces took action to coordinate with public officials on safely adapting existing buildings into health facilities and issuing expert guidance that was distributed by the State Department. In a series of virtual charrettes, AIA convened architects, public health experts, engineers, and facility managers for our Reopening America initiative. This is an example of the model organization, one that we should always strive to embody. We were relevant at a time of need because we engaged society where and when it needed us most and demonstrated our value instead of just talking about it. When we are relevant, we are valuable, and to me, this is how we flourish; this is how we can simultaneously do the right thing for society and for our practices and professionals. In connecting the work and direction of AIA National and AIA Northern Nevada, I must borrow a quote used many times this year by President Hart in our work together: Archimedes once said, “Give me a long enough lever and a place to stand, and I will move the earth.” As a smaller chapter, we have our fair share of difficulties and challenges but also our own unique opportunities. I think of our dedicated local volunteer members with their passion and willingness to devote countless hours to something greater than themselves as the solid “place to stand” mentioned by Archimedes. Our “long lever” is something that, due to our size, we find challenges in manifesting. To me, the resources and opportunities provided by AIA National can become this. When our volunteer efforts and national resources mix correctly, we have the power to manage any challenge we face as a local organization. Northern Nevada’s architectural community has historically struggled to attract young talent into our firms, largely because our region does not possess any professional schools of architecture. High school students in our region who wish to pursue this field must leave for their education. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) and AIA Northern Nevada have long attempted to fill these gaps with a 2-year transferable associate degree as well as robust scholarship programs for financial support. While many have taken advantage of these resources, the consequence of not having a local path to licensure has led to a brain drain phenomenon within the local architectural community since the transfer students most often take advantage of opportunities near their accredited schools upon graduation. While this circumstance may have fallen on deaf ears only a half dozen years ago at AIA National, our organization is now 2022 Year in Review – AIA National NATHANIEL HUDSON, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, 2021-2023 NATIONAL DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, PRINCIPAL – FORMGREY STUDIO, RENO NV
21 ETCHEMENDY ENGINEERING INC. 10597 DOUBLE R BLVD., RENO, NV 89521 P: 775.853.1131 I F: 775.852.2352 BETCHEMENDY@EEI-NV.COM I WWW.EEI-NV.COM striving to make the profession a solid place to stand for the current and next generations of architects, especially for women and people of color. NCARB’s latest “By the Numbers” report illustrates the disappointing statistics that highlight the need for nationwide improvement. In Northern Nevada, TMCC provides diverse educational opportunities and has a large population of minority students. As such, we find ourselves in the spotlight with the opportunity to both help our local community and exist as a model for others to cite in the national conversation as well. AIA National is committed to better introducing the profession to K–12 students by issuing updated lesson guides and other tools for educators, parents, and pupils. Our popular “Build the Block” game for middle and high school students is now web-based and available for chapters’ use in their local K–12 initiatives. At the college level, AIA is beginning to shift the focus away from traditional professional educational models and challenging itself to be innovative in removing barriers to access. We’re focused on strengthening community college pathways and supporting talented students through national scholarship programs that are achieving record levels of support. Nationally, the Diversity Advancement Scholarship, awarded to 12 students entering architecture school, gives students $4,000 per year toward tuition for the next five years, totaling $20,000 each. In financial partnership with AIA National, our local Ric Licata Memorial Scholarship is helping fund two students’ education at TMCC, a model program specifically designed for community college or trade school (two-year) students. All of this energy surrounding architectural education can locally culminate with the Nevada System of Higher Education’s (NSHE) decision for TMCC to pilot and seek National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accreditation for a Bachelor of Architecture, the first professional degree of architecture in Northern Nevada. Many hands have come together to achieve this goal, including TMCC faculty, administration, and local AIA and AIAS members. We still have a long way to go, but I’m encouraged that the steps we’re taking now and the resources we have from our national organizations will bear meaningful fruit for our local community in years to come. Finally, our profession exists as stewards of the built environment. Being an architect today requires a host of skills far beyond the technical proficiency of building science and the graphical clarity of construction documentation. Far beyond what’s commonly defined as “architecture,” society and the profession benefit from architects who engage in the civic realm. When the public, policymakers, legislators, and strategic partners understand the full value of what architects can offer to address the challenges of communities, we all thrive. Our active involvement in big issues matters a great deal! In early June 2022, AIA was the title sponsor of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ (USCM) annual conference in Reno, NV. Our own mayor, Hillary Schieve, is the president-elect of the USCM and, as such, hosted 33 other mayors from cities around the country. Among the countless contacts and meetings with AIA National members/staff and their respective city leaders, AIA CEO Lakisha Woods took to the main stage with City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Together, they urged mayors to utilize architects and AIA as their partners for progress. AIA President Hart moderated a panel discussion on local efforts to improve building energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When panelist Mayor Andrew Ginther of Columbus, Ohio (now president-elect of the USCM) pointed out how helpful AIA Columbus had been for him in navigating some of the city’s long-term challenges related to zoning and climate, AIA President Hart was quick to remind the audience of mayors that there is an AIA chapter conveniently located near each of them! Civic leaders are hungry for practical advice. These opportunities connect the local to the national. They enhance our stewardship and voice, helping us eliminate barriers and create a brighter, fairer, and more sustainable future. Most importantly, they build relevance to that of our profession as seen from the outside; from the youth, who are looking into their future and dreaming of architecture as a viable career path, or from our civic leaders working tirelessly to find solutions to ever-changing problems. While this is powerful, we can’t help unless we’re in the room, at the table, on the front lines, constantly expanding what we do outside our offices’ walls. This is the American Institute of Architects in 2022.
22 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org The Young Designers Networking Group – YoDeNG The Young Designers Networking Group, or “YoDeNG,” is the official AIANN committee geared toward helping the next generation of architects as they embark on this wonderful and rewarding career. Our goal is simple: to assist new and inspiring design professionals in fulfilling their career goals. To achieve this, YoDeNG helps members grow their professional network and provides resources to those still completing their licensure requirements. At YoDeNG, we believe a support group of like-minded individuals is imperative to success. That’s why we host fun yet meaningful events designed to help young architects form connections, share ideas, and learn from one another, all while having fun at popular local establishments. Since its formation, YoDeNG has helped countless members as they transition from the academic world into the workplace. Because architecture requires individuals from multiple disciplines to collaborate in every phase of a project – from schematic design to construction administration – we have expanded our networking activities in recent years to include not only young architects but also engineers, contractors, and other design professionals in the Northern Nevada area. We invite anyone interested to join us at one of our upcoming events. Who knows, it just might open the door to a whole world of new opportunities! YoDeNG also provides support to those who are in the process of achieving licensure. We strive to help simplify the lengthy (and often confusing) process, provide exam preparation and study tips, including advice from people who recently passed the ARE, and organize study groups for people preparing for the exam. We also provide access to AIANN’s library of resources for the ARE. This expansive collection of materials has been generously donated by recently licensed local architects and is an invaluable resource for anyone preparing for the exams. Our goal is to see all prospective licensees achieve the important milestone of becoming licensed so they can proudly call themselves an architect. If you are interested in networking, finding study partners, or just want to grab some drinks and talk about your exciting life as a design professional, then we invite you to join us! Stay tuned to the AIANN website and Facebook page for updates on our upcoming events, or contact Daniela Moral at danimoral262@gmail.com or the AIANN at aiann@aiann.org with any questions.
23 NORTHERN 2021-2023 STRATEGIC PLAN NEVADA • Go back to basics • Increase member engagement • Quarterly luncheons use time for board sharing and CEU’s • Build relationships with Allied and Allied Professional — Attendance, communication needs of architects to Allieds, committee engagement, technical resource to member architects • Freely give out our Strategic Plan at events • Pandemic/Economic support to members • Lecture Series — Black Rock, Brain Food Series TMCC, what are members outreach for topics? • Small Firm Exchange • Networking — Parties, sports, meetings, EDAWN, NCET, YoDEng • Board and event outreach — email, Mailchimp • Yearly publication • Professional Resources — ARE Library, Document Bank • Annual Golf Tournament • CANstruction • Awards — encourage applicants, revise the jury process and potential jurors • Dues structures • Communicate what architects do, and the value of AIA membership • Government — establish relationships with regional planners, citizen architects, outreach/educate community stakeholders, foster relationships, invite Council Members to events • Housing — Member watchdogs to cities/counties, Affordable Housing Specialists in the membership (is a specialties directory allowed by national by-laws) • Sustainability — USGBC, Allied Professionals, Climate Action • Client Education — Identify audience (Government) • Social Justice and Equity — Create a committee and tear down barriers if any. Page on the website? • Historic Preservation • WMR Dissolution Impacts • Youth Scholarships — Hellmann, Erskine, Licata cultivate applicants • Career Fairs —Washoe County, Carson City, Incline, K-12 • TMCC Support — Open House Speakers Bureau – How can TMCC draw speakers and assistance from outside Reno? • TMCC BArch Program Advocacy • Kreg’s position will be open at TMCC • Job Shadowing, Mentoring/Intern Program, Portfolio Review, Studio Critiques, Part Time Instruction at TMCC, High School Outreach, Architects in the Classroom, Black Rock Design, AIAS/AIA Joint Involvement/Student Design Build Project, Urban Redesign Team • Alumni Assoc. engagement • Government engagement support • Architecture Week (April) Educate: Advance knowledge and exper�se that bring the transforma�ive power of architecture to the built environment. Engage: Elevate public awareness of the value of architects and architecture to our community. • Education Committee — Educating our future and keeping us up to date • Membership Committee — Finding out what matters to you • Sustainability — Keeping out environment clean and building a better future • Advocacy — Being your voice in the community • Publication — Spreading the word on what we do • Events — Keeping us on par for social events Commi�ees: The teams that implement the strategic plan. Advocate: Advocate for the Profession by championing the architect’s role in designing a be�er community.
24 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org Why is mental health an important topic for architects? Shifting to remote work, taking on increased caretaking responsibilities, straddling an increasingly blurred line between home life and career – all these factors have led to amplified feelings of burnout in the general workforce over the last two-and-a-half years, and architects are experiencing themparticularly acutely, according to a study byMonograph. A June 15 webinar, Tackling Mental Health in Architectural Practice, previewed the topic of mental health ahead of Women’s Leadership Summit 2022, where it will be a focus. In particular, combating burnout and advocating for better work-life balance models on a firmwide and industry-wide level. Je’Nen Chastain, founder of Apostrophe Consulting, moderated the webinar and introduced the idea that inherited norms in the profession of architecture perpetuate barriers and challenges across firms that negatively impact talent – and the mental health cost is becoming too great. Putting people at the center of business and projects, according to Chastain, is a more sustainable long-term strategy. “How do we support our teams while also creating inspiring projects?” she asked. “How do we create a healthy studio culture across the entire office and our practice?” Mental health professional Dr. Akua Boateng believes the solution lies in balancing firm actions with individual best practices. She explained that in an interview with NBC News in the fall of 2020, she foresaw that the ways in which we, as a society, had been navigating high-level change around the pandemic and restructuring how we fundamentally see work was going to end in a mental health crisis for many. “Within the last few years, the average household and high-achieving professional has experienced at least one occurrence of a mental health issue,” she said. Even prior to the pandemic, 19% of adults – or 50 million people in the United States – had experienced mental illness, and over half of those did not receive treatment. When the pandemic hit, the global increase in anxiety was, as Boateng put it, “a massive 25%.” “As a therapist during that time, I can attest that anxiety was on the rise,” she said. “There were more people reaching out for mental health services than ever before, and many of the people that were coming in for treatment were first-time therapy goers.” Those who are still learning how to cope with the new realities in their lives, she emphasized, are not alone. “Burnout is the absence of growth,” she shared. “It robs us of our ability to thrive.” Symptoms of burnout include sleep and memory issues, anxiety, lack of motivation, and anger. While this is not exclusively a women’s issue, data tells us that women in architecture (especially women of color) were already facing bias in the workplace that made career success more challenging. Boateng emphasized that everyone has good and bad coping strategies – and on an individual level, everyone can work to strengthen the positive strategies and build resilience. She encouraged architects to take the following steps to make sure their work doesn’t lead to burnout: • Acknowledge the need. It’s okay to voice the need to slow down, take a break, take more time on a particular assignment, or ask for more support if you feel you’re not getting it. Selfcompassion is also an important part of this step. • Address the fear/concern. “What do I believe could happen that’s keeping me from addressing the issue?” Acknowledging these fears and bringing them to the surface with help you cope with them. • Identify boundaries that you need. Implementing boundaries helps individuals manage their anxiety around obligations and do their best work. As a result of this individual work and changing the culture one by one, Boateng said, “Hopefully, there’s a collective mission that happens.” Mindful leadership changes culture. “Culture begins to shift when we realize what’s good for our collective and not just for our products,” she said. One of the things that firms can do for their employees across the board, Boateng said, is to develop a resilient approach to staffing and workload. “Resilience is being able to have the resources that – when [a] crisis happens or some type of challenge occurs – you’re able to safely navigate it and cope,” she said. Acknowledging needs and being aware of how to meet them is a key facet of resilience – and while individuals can implement their own resilience strategies, firms, and the EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH IN ARCHITECTURE BY KATHERINE FLYNN
25 industry at large, should also think about resilience collectively or systemically. “Let’s identify the needs of the collective – let’s talk about and address their concerns or their fears,” she says. “It’s about creating a system where those things are identified and systemically oriented within your ethos.” Boateng says that more data needs to be collected regarding burnout in architecture for the root causes to be addressed. “Taking data is always going to be first,” she said. “Let’s get an understanding of the nature of the architects in the industry – how are they feeling? What is connected to their burnout? Are they still connected to the value they find in the industry? Data, and being able to have information as to what’s happening currently, is very important.” How does a healthy work culture support individuals? Annelise Pitts, AIA, an architect at Shepley Bulfinch, an upcoming speaker at WLS 2022, and a researcher and consultant in areas of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, drew on her own experiences as a mother of a three-year-old working during the pandemic to point out that burnout’s key drivers are organizational factors. As Pitts told attendees, women in most fields are more likely than men to experience burnout –architecture is no different. Long hours, an expectation of personal sacrifice, and blurred personal and professional boundaries are all contributing factors. As mentioned, Pitts currently works at Shepley Bulfinch, which, she says, “is a firm that has deeply aligned values with mine.” As Pitts shared, these values show up through mindsets, habits, and systems that support employees. They range from cultivating psychological safety on teams to strategic commitments to EDI, learning and empowerment. Pitts used David Rock’s SCARF (status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, fairness) model to demonstrate how the hierarchy and pressures of an architecture office can negatively impact a professional’s mental health. According to Rock, the brain is a social organ and experiences the workplace first and foremost as a social system. When individuals feel threatened and unsupported, they feel unsafe taking risks, and creativity can be limited – which, in a creative field like architecture, is a problem. Focusing on culture and mindset, and changing them one day at a time, as Shepley Bulfinch has tried to do, is the way to move forward, Pitts emphasized. Using her own workplace as a model, she shared examples of productive mindsets and habits – a commitment to learning and growing together and treating everyone with kindness and respect, paired with tangible support systems like flexibility (a hybrid-forward work schedule, summer Fridays) and resources (healthcare, wellness benefits). She also pointed out that psychological safety – or the reassurance that you won’t be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes – is essential to any workplace where employees feel supported. Pitts closed out her presentation with an exploration of what individuals, co-workers and firms can do to support themselves and each other, including an honest assessment of firm culture to identify areas of improvement and support for flexible, sustainable work-life relationships. Leading incremental change and creating accountability in firms have the power to build a healthier profession. ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THE AIA WEBSITE, AIA.ORG, ON AUG 15, 2022, AND UPDATED ON SEPT. 12, 2022, THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN EDITED FOR LENGTH AND FORMATTING. E.I Wiegand Fitness Center University of Nevada, Reno Landscape Architecture Services Carson City • Fallon • Lake Tahoe • Reno www.LumosInc.com Lumos & Associates Services fCivil Engineering fStructural Engineering fGeotechnical Engineering fConstruction Services fLandscape Architecture fSurveying Marc Chapelle , PLA Landscape Architect Call us to find out how you can earn a continuing education credit while learning about the opportunities that custom digital printed wallcoverings can provide to accentuate your next project! Reprographics Center “It’s Our Job To MakeYou Look Good!” www.nvblue.com 775-827-4441
26 NORTHERN NEVADA ARCHITECTURE .22 | 2022 | aiann.org The world population continues to increase. The latest estimates from Population Connection claim we will add an additional two billion people to the planet by 2050 and another billion by 2100. Besides feeding and clothing this daunting number of humans comes the question of how to shelter them. Surely at some juncture, we may decide that instead of finding usable land upon which to build, we will realize that repurposing as much as possible – rather than finding something new – is the only answer to that growing question. Aging buildings can be a waste of land and resources if we don’t use them. They become a shadow of our past rather than a viable historical story-telling part of it. We should use what we already have in a way that will inspire our future. How we use those older, less-impressive, dilapidated shells can make a difference to those who will come after we are gone. If we phase out the “knock it down/ build it again” mentality and decide to repurpose what already exists, we may find ourselves ahead of the game. But while creating the right buildings for all phases of existence – residential, commercial and industrial – may sound easy, we need to repurpose those buildings containing what is often called “good bones,” or simply, heart. Repurposing old buildings – sometimes called “adaptive reuse” or “sustainable design” – matters. It is through adaptive reuse and sustainable design that opportunities abound. When buildings are repurposed, job opportunities open to surrounding communities and allow for economic growth. Human resources are in demand while the need for more materials falls. This lowers investment costs and allows more focus on revitalizing, restoring and recycling the area. The global community sees this as a stepping stone in shaping individual communities, paving the path to improving the human relationship with the environment. Other viable parts of adaptive reuse projects are the federal tax credits that may help finance them. For example, if a building is over 50 years old and on the National Register of Historic Places, up to one-fifth of its rehabilitation costs could possibly be expensed and, therefore, be tax-deductible. Surprisingly, sustainable design is relatively new. But with our population increasing and the ever-decreasing areas of land upon which to build, adaptive reuse is one answer architects have begun to embrace. Protecting historic buildings became more commonplace in North America in the 1960s, but it was a slow trend. However, people began to understand the benefits of reusing old buildings, and the movement increased. For architects, adaptive reuse saves both materials and the community; it decreases urban sprawl and increases sustainability and has even become a political talking point over the past several years. And it’s not just the architecture industry that has embraced adaptive reuse and sustainable design. It’s becoming more popular in construction circles, too. Sometimes retrofitting an existing building can be more cost-effective than building something new. And the savings in other Repurposing Buildings Why Sustainability Matters “Sustainability is unappealing if it’s always portrayed as something negative, a form of moral self-denial. An ethical dilemma, a moral sacrifice, a political dilemma or a philanthropic donation. We are changing the angle and saying that sustainable cities can be a way of improving our quality of life.” – Bjarke Ingels, Danish Architect EXAMPLE OF A BUILDING READY TO BE REPURPOSED WITH A LITTLE CARE THEY CAN BECOME GEMS
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