Pub. 5 2017 Directory

7 Architecture Matters! PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BEN TINTINGER , AIA, PRESIDENT OF AIA MONTANA ‘ A rchitecture Matters’…the mission (and logo) was developed by Montana State University School of Architecture students in 1987 to promote the school in its fight to keep the program from being cut by the State Legislature. The fight was organized, passionate and intense and the support was overwhelming. The success of saving the school helped propel the School of Architecture into the national light. That passion spurred design excel- lence that spilled into the profession and raised design expectations throughout the State and the Region. Thirty years later, I can say with confi- dence, that Architecture DOES Matter in Montana. This is evident in the high qual- ity of design that can be found in even the most remote places in Montana. There is a heightened awareness and appreciation of architecture throughout our state. Wheth- er it’s the Hyalite Pavilion design by MSU architecture students, the Kevin Monday Memorial Bridge (Intrinsik Architecture), or the Tippet Rise Schoolhouse (CTA), the public has the opportunity to experience great design in modest programs. Montana has a strong design community. Through local architectural societies and our State AIA organization, our architects are collaborating, learning, and elevating Montana’s design presence. As a result, and through intention, the public expec- tation for good urban and architectural design has been raised. A western design sophistication born by local architects who push the boundaries of function, form, scale and proportion, are making a differ- ence in how we live, learn, work and social- ize. As our communities experience our built environment and begin to take notice and appreciate how architecture shapes our lives, we can truly say Architecture Matter’. Thirty years ago, communities in Montana also began to realize that Architecture Mat- ters. Through the implementation of de- sign guidelines and standards, communi- ties such as Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish and Big Sky are defining their culture and design character, making unique places that draw visitors from around the world. Although acceptance of design standards is difficult at time, guidelines were refined and results began to become evident. Other communities are also taking steps through master planning efforts to define their unique built environment. Architects are trained to be leaders, think- ers and problem solvers. Through their help, businesses, municipalities, and insti- tutions are realizing that good architecture is good for business. Forward thinking, design-minded businesses are defining their company image and their workplace culture through design, attracting a com- petitive work force, increasing productivity, and creating more sales and opportunities. In Montana, aging schools, at all levels, are being replaced with facilities that promote better learning, integrate technology, en- courage collaboration, and create healthy learning environments. A quick visit to the new AIA Montana website, www.aia-mt.org , viewers will find many examples of great architecture that is helping Montana keep pace in business, learning, and living. Whether it’s the James Bar in Missoula (MMW Architects), the Bridger Cenex (Collabo- rative Design Architects), the Lark Hotel in Bozeman (ThinkTank), or the new Yellowstone Hall on the MSU campus (SMA Architects), we can be proud that Architecture Matters in Montana. Good design is defined by an understand- ing of scale, proportion, repetition, and detailing. The manifestation of that ‘good design’ can take many shapes and looks. An architect will use this understanding and all their skill to help tell the story about your business or your school or your life. Our Montana architects are very cre- ative folks that will make beautiful spaces, healthy environments, and productive places, to interpret your vision and prove that ‘Architecture Matters!’ b