Alliance Architects, Inc.’s Post

One of the most important activities of the AIA national convention each year is the election of the First Vice-President/President-Elect for the next leadership cycle. This year, three members stepped up to run as candidates for the position and I want to thank them all for their commitment, courage, and passion to make a difference in our profession. This year's decision is a difficult one because of the quality of each candidate. At any other time, we would be well served by any of them. I have the privilege of knowing all three candidates well and I have witnessed their leadership in action. Last year, I served on the AIA board with Illya Azaroff, FAIA and Ryan Gann, AIA, NOMA. Both are thoughtful and bring unique leadership qualities to the position. I am proud to call Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC a friend and a champion for change in our profession. This man knows what it means to be a strong leader and a passionate advocate for making architecture a profession representing ALL communities in our nation. Our profession and our association face stiff headwinds in the coming years. Difficult economic conditions have impacted every firm in the country. The economic model of architect's and architecture's value has been degraded and new technologies threaten that value even more. In many ways, it is our form of climate change that threatens the very foundation of who we are. But it is also an opportunity for the profession to define new ways of delivering value and new opportunities to show how the creativity of architecture can make a difference in the world. It is for this reason that I encourage the annual meeting delegates to support Illya Azaroff, FAIA for the First Vice-President/President-Elect. Illya has the expertise we will need in the coming years and I am confidant he understands the task at hand. I believe he can guide the institute through these changing times. I don't make this decision without remorse because I truly believe in the message that both Ryan and Steven offer as well. Again, thank you all for stepping up and choosing to offer your leadership to our profession. #leadership #resiliency #makingadifference

“Nothing is right if we are not doing what is right.” This quote hit me hard early into my reading of Ryan Holiday’s newest book, “Right Thing, Right Now.” And now I can’t stop reflecting on it. Whether I’m working on our Chamber’s DEI&B initiative or dadvocating for equal access to changing tables in public, I can't help but think that “nothing is right if we are not doing what is right.” It is my opinion, that too often we only think of ourselves and our interests without thinking about the greater good. That’s not the way we are called to serve our communities or those we commune with. As community architects, it’s our duty to look beyond our personal agendas and include input for all to ensure the future of the communities we serve is prosperous, vibrant and diverse. Reflecting on the quote maybe true integrity lies in our actions when aligned with what is just and right, not merely in our intentions. There are so many things I disagree with today, but if it’s true that “nothing is right if we are not doing what is right,” then I at least want to have compassionate conversations and actively listen to ensure that I’m always in alignment. #leadership #communityleadership

Be the architect of your destiny. Take the chance, try something new, get out of your comfort zone. You'll be amazed at the brilliant things you can accomplish! #leadershipbyexample #ownyourjourney #hrprofessional #organizationalleadership #beallyoucanbe

As an integral element of the American Institute of Architects '24 Leadership Summit, visits to our elected Congressional leaders in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House have been a vital part of the Leadership Summits and its Grassroots predecessor for decades. This year's visit with U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island. Frank Mruck FAIA and I are pictured here with one of the best members of the United States Senate. Frank and I were not able to meet with Senator Reed last year as he was Chairing a meeting of the Senate Arms Services Committee, and he is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. We discussed the AIA priorities and also the Senator's strong concern for housing and affordable housing. I expressed my perspective that design is not the issue, as architects have the designs, but the burdensome stacking of financial packages leads to stretching the development time and adds unnecessary costs to the cost of housing production, especially for community non-profits. To that end Senator Reed commented on the supply chain impacts for construction in general and housing in particular. Frank offered his thoughts and expertise to the Senator and his staff on the issue of carbon and de-carbonization in the construction sector and how architects and product manufacturers are approaching carbon. #morein24 #SenatorJackReed #aiapriorities #r&dtaxcreditreform #affordablehousing #housingfinancingstructure #designofdesign #1•98,000•200•1

Part directive. All provocation. Where I try to challenge architects to think differently on practice. This section of 10 (5 today, 5 next week) is in support of propelling the profession to greater heights. The next 5 Directives (of 10) on “How to better work” And yes, you might be saying: “Don’t you mean, How to work better?” To that I say, “No, I mean, How to better work. It might just take some thought.” Directives 11-15 from last week: https://lnkd.in/ggbWEwUz #workshops #coaching #architects #architecture #architecturalpractice #leadership

The first Business Acumen courses are here! They’re here! RUN, don't walk to experience the first in a series of many more business courses to come! The team at AIA and our very special instructors for these courses came together for a truly high quality learning experience. The courses described below feature a dear colleague of mine, Chase Damiano. I hope you enjoy them and find great value you can use in your practice immediately. #aia24 #businessacumen #mba #architecturebusiness

Are architects trapped in an echo chamber? The architecture profession seems content talking to itself. Conferences, symposiums, and talks often feature architects speaking only to other architects. But what insights are we missing by excluding outside voices? How might fresh perspectives challenge and evolve our thinking? It's time for architects to break out of their bubble and actively seek diverse viewpoints. What field or profession do you think architects could learn the most from? #coaching #architects #architecture #architecturalpractice #leadership

Got a minute? Reflect on this: The best leaders aren’t just architects; they’re gardeners. They cultivate growth. 🌱 Identify one person you can help grow this week.

Confronting the The Dark Forces in Our Midst In the silent battleground of our workplaces, unseen adversaries lurk. These are not the foes of flesh and blood, but the insidious traits of character that can corrupt the very soul of an organization: the Dark Triad. The Dark Triad: Architects of Adversity: Narcissism: The grand architect of self-aggrandizement, building monuments of ego where collaboration should stand. 🏰 Machiavellianism: The cunning strategist, weaving webs of deceit and subterfuge in the pursuit of unchecked power. 🕸️ Psychopathy: The cold-hearted executioner, severing the bonds of empathy with a blade of callous indifference. ⚔️ The Siege on Well-Being These dark architects erect fortresses of fear and intimidation, casting long shadows over the morale of the workforce. Their reign can lead to a desolate landscape of disengagement and despair. The Arsenal for Change To dismantle these fortresses, we must arm ourselves with the weapons of awareness, integrity, and collective resolve. We must champion the virtues of empathy, fairness, and respect to rebuild the ruins left in their wake. The Call, for the battle is not won in isolation. It is through our united front that we can reclaim the sanctity of our workplaces and forge a future where the dark forces are but a whisper of the past. Stand strong in the face of adversity! 💪🔥

Our CEO Sarah Kay recently spoke with #ArchitectureLab's Anton Giuroiu to discuss all things architecture and design and shares her design and leadership style. When asked about how she approaches working with clients to understand their needs and visions, Sarah responded "My vision for our business is to be relevant and impactful in finding solutions for the world’s mega-issues. I believe a ‘Total Place Design’ approach will have the most impact on the world ahead and believe this vision resonates well with all stakeholders – uniting them together for a common purpose." "To create transformative places, we need integrated thinking beyond architecture that solves problems upstream and enables connected outcomes across the design process." Learn more about Sarah, including what inspired her to become an architect and her advice for those considering a career in design: https://bit.ly/3YNa8kK #woodsbagot #peoplearchitecture #leadership #totalplacedesign