We concluded this section with a robust discussion focused on the value of architects as leaders in our community. AIA Utah can and should help support our architect members who lead impactful organizations, engage with public policy, and hold elected and appointed positions across the state. These architects have a tremendous opportunity to shape our communities and support the profession. Discussion Part 2 The second part of the day was focused on the skill sets needed to be a successful architect and how AIA Utah can support our members in building these skills. The specific questions for this portion of the event were: 1. What experience or skills do you wish you had when you started working in architecture? 2. What experience or knowledge do you wish employees had to support the practice of architecture? 3. How can AIA Utah support firms and architects in these areas? From these round table discussions came a range of ideas for how AIA Utah can provide meaningful opportunities to expand our professional skill sets, including: • Focus learning opportunities on strategies for improving communication skills. • Advocate for and provide additional mentorship opportunities. • Increase engagement between AIA Utah and the architecture schools at University of Utah and Utah Valley University. • Enhance opportunities to share emerging ideas and technologies and support the profession’s evolution. We wrapped up this discussion, summarizing priorities for AIA Utah that will support our profession. The ideas coalescing from this discussion included the need to better connect AIA members with AIA tools and resources: • Create a community engagement strategy to promote architecture across the state. • Support the center for architecture in efforts to memorialize the valuable works of architects and architecture in Utah, and; • Connect the general public with architects and works of architecture. At the event’s culmination, both the attendees and AIA Utah staff and board felt reconnected and invigorated. We understand there is work ahead of us, but we have a great team ready to lead the charge. Our board is excited to take the goals and strategies from these discussions to our summer retreat and identify implementation plans and timelines associated with the goals. I am incredibly grateful for the time, thoughtful discussions, and clear direction provided by the attendees. I also want to take a moment to thank Fran Pruyn, our moderator, and the AIA Utah board members who could attend and engage in the event. We all felt it was an incredible opportunity for AIA Utah leaders to hear from firm leaders and collectively find ways to lift our profession. 21
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