AIA Rochester January 2021 Newsletter

2021 AIA Rochester President's Message

Andrew Petrosky, AIA

I am grateful to the membership for the opportunity to be the Chapter's president in 2021. As challenging as 2020 has been, I am inspired by the creativity, effort, and unity put forth by the board, committees, and membership. Although the pandemic forced radical changes to our Chapter's delivery of services, the creative and operational outcomes have been remarkable.

I believe we have all learned new ways of doing more with less. I do not feel diminished because we did not have a traditional awards gala, or that Swinging for Scholarships changed, or that most of our educational content was delivered online. The chapter is stronger, and we have some new tools at our disposal as we work back to "normal".

We will always remember where we were, and where we were not, in 2020. I did not see the multitude of life altering events coming - certainly not the magnitude of the challenges that we continue to face.

We have all been limited in our ability to be with one another this year. When I have had the chance to be with family, friends, community, and neighbors I have noticed moments that I might not have noticed in the past. I ask myself, "How can I move the needle?" As a nation can we come together to be more accepting, more equitable, and more respectful of our differences? It is our differences that can and should make us all better.

I have hope that we will be more tolerant, not less. What can we do, as architects, to drive change? I encourage all of us to embrace and nurture our courage. If you see something that needs changing, speak up with those around you. What can we do together, not just individually?

As architects, we should aspire to design memorable public spaces. Create environments that lift all people up. Be active in the public arena. We have influence through our designs, our words, and our participation. Change needs to be intentional. Commit to a plan and follow through.

I received some advice prior to putting my thoughts to paper to consider the Chapter's Strategic Plan in my remarks. As the chapter president is only in the position for a single year, the direction of the plan is necessary to impact change.

The Strategic Plan advocates for the profession and our members through outreach and education. Our current initiatives build the profession through strengthening the overall community and are particularly compelling. Our Educationefforts offering mentorships, supporting ACE and Girls in Architecture programs, and providing opportunities for all high school students to shadow architects are exceptionally valuable and meaningful.

2020 has taught us that Advocacy for architecture should start with advocacy for the communities where we live and practice. Now as much as ever, our communities need our special consideration and support.

Through strong Governance, the Chapter has always been fiscally responsible. No matter the curveball, we end the year on or near budget. The results in 2020 will be the same but the path was unique. If we can take some of the stress off this operational task, we can focus more energy and resources on providing services.

The opportunities are numerous and the challenges daunting. Experiencing AIA Rochester's response to 2020, I look forward to the future, to 2021, and to the change that we can influence in our profession, our lives, and the lives of everyone around us. I am excited to continue to pursue our potential together. Thank you.

AIA Rochester Announces 2021 Board of Directors

AIA Rochester welcomes the 2021 Board Members! We are looking forward to 2021, adding programs and events that will benefit all our members and our community. There are two remaining open positions, Development/Outreach and Governmental Affairs; we are looking for new Board members to join us in what we anticipate to be a great year! If you are interested in joining our board or being on a committee, please take a moment and reach out to us at [email protected]. PRESS RELEASE

AIA announces new logo!

New visual identity implemented to support AIA priorities. To signal a big change, you have to change something big. READ MORE

Upcoming CES Programs

AIA Contracts Address Covid-19 JANUARY 11, 2021 1 - 2PM

The design and construction industry experienced considerable disruptions, such as material shortages, construction delays, and work stoppages due to the Coronavirus pandemic. How can you address these issues in your practice and in your design agreements? Join us for a free webinar to learn how. Earn 1 LU. REGISTER

Historic Preservation and Rural Renewal JANUARY

A three-part course series, offered in partnership with The Landmark Society of Western New York, Genesee Country Village & Museum, and the Perry Main Street Association, introduces participants to the field of Historic Preservation and Traditional Trades.

Participants will learn about the history of the preservation movement in the U.S., how preservation is helping to revitalize rural communities in the Genesee Valley Region and give voice to often overlooked historic contexts (Native American, African American, women, LGBTQ+). They will learn about the skills and trades that contribute to the field, and can participate in a hands-on window restoration workshop with a national expert in the field. Through class discussions, readings and guest talks, students will engage with real world problems and opportunities in this dynamic and growing field. DETAILS/REGISTRATION

2021 AIA Rochester Instagram Initiative

As part of AIA Rochester's mission to promote the profession and practice of architecture in the Greater Rochester Area, we are reaching out to the marketing staff at our member firms. It is our goal to help publicize the work of our member firms as well as the individuals who comprise our local architectural profession.

We hope that you are willing to share with us photos of your firm's work, accomplishments, and accolades so that we may amplify your success via our social media and website, as applicable.

We are also interested in highlighting our members and their accomplishments, both professionally and personally. We want to the public to see who it is that builds our community. We would love to publicly congratulate members who have become licensed or achieved other professional accolades. Additionally, we are very interested in personal passions and accomplishments including volunteer work for causes, town boards, foundations, and the like.

From time to time we may reach out to you with specific requests for content - beginning with our ongoing Instagram feature, #AIARoc365InstagramInitiative. In the meantime we hope you consider us as you promote your own firms and members from within: feel free to either email content to us at [email protected] or to tag us on social media, where we will share your content with AIA Rochester's followers.

2021 AIA Rochester Design Awards

We have updated the website for the 2021 Design Awards. Please click on the link below to get a schedule and updates for our June 11, 2021 event. READ MORE

Featured Article - The Legacy Fund- Sean Phelan, Associate AIA

"Please contribute....to the Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester (AFGR). "

"In doing so you will be supporting the Foundation's efforts to 'advance and enhance the profession of Architecture' through its support of scholarships, educational programs, and public outreach efforts to educate the public-at-large on the intrinsic value architects bring to the communities in which they reside and serve; and to support and encourage a most diverse group of young practitioners and students through the award of academic scholarships." READ MORE

AIA Rochester 2021 Directory & Referral Booklet

The final versions of our Membership Directory and Referral Booklet are complete and the links are below. We will be sharing these PDF's with local town's, villages as well as city and county planning boards for their use.

2021 AIA ROCHESTER MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

2021 REFERRAL BOOKLET

Landmark Society of WNY - Virtual Tour

A VIRTUAL HOUSEWARMING TOUR OF WARNER CASTLE

Admired Highland Park's Warner Castle from the outside, but longed to go inside? Here's our holiday gift to the community: an extensive, virtual tour of the work we've done to our new organizational home with

Monroe County Parks Department

and construction partners. THIS OLD CASTLE

2021 Canstruction Goes Virtual

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to hold a physical build this year, but food banks' needs are more dire than ever. That's why we have decided to participate in Canstruction's Virtual Competition! Instead of a physical build, teams will fundraise and construct their structures virtually. Buckingham Properties is pleased to once again serve as the Presenting Sponsor for what marks Canstruction Rochester's 12th annual competition. The theme for 2021 is "Imagine The Arts." Teams may take their inspiration from any traditional categories within the arts: literature (including poetry, drama, story, and so on), the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture), the graphic arts (painting, drawing, design), the plastic arts (sculpture, modeling), the decorative arts (enamelwork, furniture design, mosaic, etc.), the performing arts (theatre, dance, music), and architecture. READ MORE

2021 AIA Rochester - Swinging Fore Scholarships 9/14/2021

2020 AIA Firm Survey Report

The AIA Firm Survey Report is the only report that covers the full complexity of firms that power the architecture and design profession. With data from nearly 1,000 firms, this essential resource includes metrics to measure practice, evaluate performance, and set strategy. You'll discover trends in firm billings and finances, construction sectors served, international work, and practice and technology, including:

Why there is likely to be a significant increase in retrofits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How firms are using research to inform practice and R&D tax credits.
The share of firms using BIM and energy modeling for billable projects and how much revenue comes from these projects.
Construction contract value for buildings designed to meet or exceed resilience code minimum and/or a performance or sustainability standard such as LEED, WELL, or RELi.
How diversity in the architecture profession compares to the national workforce.

See how your firm compares-this year, we're making the new 2020 edition available for free. 2020 FIRM SURVEY REPORT

NCARB - ARE Online Testing Launched Mid-December

NCARB is excited to announce that Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) candidates were able to schedule online-proctored appointments starting in mid-December 2020. This new option provides flexibility to take the exam in a location of your choice. Here are several updates all candidates should be aware of. READ MORE

AIA COTE Knowledge Community

Getting to net zero

In 2007, the AIA helped set the Federal 2030 Net Zero Energy Goals. Today, we continue to push for ways to achieve and surpass them.

This includes preserving Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), which cost-effectively improves energy performance for federal buildings, and leading the fight to protect energy efficiency incentives like the 179D tax deduction. On the state and local levels, we are guiding governments and communities toward effective green building incentives. READ MORE

AIA Career Center

Post jobs online quickly and easily. Search resumes or set up a resume alert to be emailed to you. Manage applications and get valuable reporting information. READ MORE