7 years later, we were able to design and stamp an airport for Provo. That was one of my favorite projects. It’s been updated to be suitable for Provo’s current need; it’s now a four-gate terminal that opened in May this year. I’ve also been involved for 20 years with the work being done at the Salt Lake City International Airport, old and new. How has AIA been helpful to you as an architect? Why is membership important? AIA Utah puts architects first. The association allows architects to continue their education, share and network. Also, the advocacy part of any association is huge. Our voices are stronger when we are united. The pandemic has been challenging for everyone. The last two years were very isolating, but now is the time for AIA Utah to support and enable architects and be a resource for them. We have completed some of our past promises, like adding signage to our AIA Utah office. Utah members want more emphasis and focus on good architecture; we hear that and are working on it with tours, awards, and celebrating the 100 Best Buildings in Utah. We also want to get people out of the office and into the same room more often now that it is safer. For instance, conferences can revitalize and reinvigorate our creativity – they can suggest methods and insulate ideas that find our way into our projects. The National AIA Conference in Chicago was inspiring. President Obama gave the keynote and spoke to 10,000 architects on the value of good design, referencing the amazing built environment of his hometown (Chicago). At the same conference, Studio Gang’s Jeanne Gang talked about how buildings can create community, and she gave an example by talking about a police station’s design. Police stations are traditionally isolated. You can feel the power and that can be off-putting. To change public perceptions about police work, Studio Gang designed the building differently, proposing that police stations become community centers and provide a safe place where people are welcome. Architects are putting their ideas into action in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. How and why did you get involved in a leadership role at AIA? In the past, I’ve served as the treasurer and a board member. I’ve also been treasurer for the Utah Center for Architecture (UCFA). Now, it is my turn to step up and guide the association. Last year, as president-elect, I was in charge of the fall conference. Next year I will plan the golf tournament. I really enjoy working with my peers from other architectural firms on joint projects. Our design community has so much intelligence and talent, and we don’t often get to collaborate. Involvement in AIA Utah can be stimulating. What do you plan to accomplish during the remainder of your term? What are the biggest problems currently facing AIA? Now that we have moved into an endemic mode, we want to serve members by providing them with a voice, education and advocacy. People are still struggling from the isolation the pandemic caused, but committees can provide purpose by promoting renewal. We held a strategic planning session in March and developed goals centered around "helping architects be better architects.” We are working with our members’ firms and with allied professions in the A/E/C industry to encourage stronger involvement and participation in activities. Additionally, we are strengthening our ties with the University and revitalizing the Young Architects Forum. We want the younger generation to connect, and we want to help talent stay local. For instance, in the fall, I will teach a graduate-level studio class at the AIA office. Its purpose is to connect students to the profession with a real project. The class will begin in mid-August when the semester starts. The class will give students a true experience of what it’s like to be an architect. I will be bringing in guest speakers from the industry, including structural, civil, and MEP Engineers. What would you like to say in summary to the AIA members who will be reading your article? We decided that right now, it’s all about connecting and reconnecting people. We also want to connect with students and help architects adjust to being back in the office. We want to provide networking opportunities. We want to help architects enjoy their jobs, be successful, and create community again. Utah members want more emphasis and focus on good architecture; we hear that and are working on it with tours, awards, and celebrating the 100 Best Buildings in Utah. We also want to get people out of the office and into the same room more often now that it is safer. For instance, conferences can revitalize and reinvigorate our creativity – they can suggest methods and insulate ideas that find our way into our projects.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw