Pub. 3 2015 Directory

10 THE MONTANA ARCHITECT | 2015 | www.aia-mt.org M ontana State University’s AIAS chapter continues to build upon its influence in the School of Archi- tecture and being advocates for a healthy studio culture. In this academic year, AIAS has been making great strides to improve the quality of life in our community. AIAS has started a movement called “#gratitude” in order to show appreciation in our school and bring students and faculty together. We are promoting the recognition of outstanding members in our community which in turn will encourage others to follow suit and get more involved. These ‘acts of kindness’ are rewarded with public recognition on the AIAS bulletin board and small tokens of gratitude for promoting a healthy, giving environment. Students and faculty are encouraged to report “#gratitude” to the AIAS Montana State University Facebook page. We aim to spread thoughtful gestures and giving thanks throughout our campus to create a healthy working environment by promoting “#gratitude.” AIAS has begun to celebrate the end of approaching project deadlines by hosting milk and cookie breaks for those diligently working long hours. These events extend a supportive hand to those in need of comradery in dealing with stress and time restraints. Everyone deals with stress differently so having a reprieve to talk with others and re- lax for a few moments helps bring new focus and a positive approach for students when returning to their projects. AIAS also plans to host a pancake breakfast for our freshman class the morning of their end-of-the-year deadline. By reaching out to every year in our school, we are giving awareness to the students on the mission and purpose of AIAS, its impact on our school, and the benefits of being involved with the organization. We also hope that it will encourage the young- er students to remain in the curriculum. It can be very daunting so it’s good to have interaction with older students to help give them advice and encouragement. Yes, there really is a light at the end of the tunnel…and it’s not a train. It’s a bright future working successfully as an architect! A wonderful resource available to AIAS is a myriad of materials. With the donated materials from generous students and graduates, AIAS has compiled a large, varied collection of supplies and tools. This entity has allowed us to form a ‘Material Share.’ Thus far we have outfitted four students with tools and supplies, who could not have otherwise afforded them, while also providing items to AIAS members. This abundant supply is a beneficial entity as it helps to remove the expense element for many students who would otherwise not be able to design as they have imagined. This also gives AIAS more exposure and validity as a valuable organization and partner for the students in the school. It gives students extended hours of access to supplies which often saves the day at “crunch time” and helps to lighten the financial burden of being an architecture student. AIAS Creates a Healthy Studio Culture at MSU STUDENTS ENJOY YARD GAMES AT THE BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC. STUDENTS LISTEN INTENTLY TO ARCHITECT JASON EGELINE, AIA, LEED GA AS HE EX- PLAINS AN INTERN’S FIRST DAY AT WORK AND HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH CLIENTS. THIS WAS OUR FIRST OF SEVERAL PROFESSIONAL GATHERINGS IN COLLABORATION WITH HELENA FIRM CWG.