After 100 Years, AIA Montana continues to be strong! Our chapter continues to be a shining example for other AIA chapters around the nation.
As I looked back through the articles written by my predecessors, one theme kept popping up: “change.” The American Institute of Architects (and the world for that matter) is always in a constant state of flux. These last couple of years have been no exception. As we sheltered in place and became familiar with online meetings, we gained a new appreciation for face-to-face interaction. Some firms may have discovered that working from home can be just as productive, or perhaps even more productive for some tasks. The COVID epidemic started in early 2020 and has affected our lives in so many ways. But despite our long war on the disease, our economy is strong. Many firms are looking to hire skilled and talented architects, college grads, and BIM drafters. Architects all over Montana are busy designing some really inspiring buildings. For proof of this, I invite you to take a look at this year’s AIA MT Design Award winners.
The AIA Conference on Architecture 2021 was also an online event this year. After last year’s national conference was postponed and then canceled, it was decided that this year, it would be a four-day event spread out over three months. As always, it was very informative and insightful. However, it definitely lacked the inter-connectivity and adventure of the big city in-person conference. But, the major themes remained the same: Sustainability, Advocacy, and Equality.
So now, let’s talk a bit about the really big change that is happening in the AIA. We will be bidding adieu to the AIA Northwest and Pacific Region. As most of you already know by now, it was voted that the AIA Regions be dissolved. We are now in a three-year transition to make that happen. Our very own Sophia Sparklin is one of our current Regional Representatives who is working through the transition. Eventually, Montana will have its own Strategic Council member. At first, I was very much against this change. However, this may just allow AIA Montana to create new connections with other chapters.
MSU School of Architecture continues to be our greatest partner in promoting our cause. We support the school through student scholarships and donations to AIAS. I would like to thank some of my former professors, Ralph Johnson, Henry Sorenson, and Steve Juroszek, for their continued support of AIA Montana. A big congratulations to Chere LeClair for being accepted into the AIA College of Fellows this year.
My time on the AIA Montana board has been such an important part of my life. I would like to thank Lisa Sukut for inviting, nominating, and having the confidence in me to do this important work. Thank you to all the board members I have had the privilege of serving with over the last six years. A huge, HUGE thank you to Connie Dempster for her years of hard work and dedication in making AIA Montana one of the greatest AIA chapters. Michele Munson has stepped in as our new Executive Secretary. She is doing an absolutely fantastic job in the face of some very trying times. Along with our current board, Michele has some great ideas to take AIA Montana into the next 100 years.
Lastly, I want to thank all of you, our AIA Montana members and supporters! See you out on the trail.
