Message from the Executive Director, Kimberly Anderson, Hon. AIA CA
It’s a busy season here at the Chapter as we prepare for our 11th annual Experience Architecture public outreach event, work on initiatives in our Strategic Plan and continue to adapt and navigate within our new operating model.
First off, I’d like to thank all the members and partners who stopped by the 1400 S Street Community Open House event held last Thursday, August 11th. Nearly 275 people visited the suites within our building comprised of Taylor Design, AIA Central Valley and Ascent Builders. Reducing our Chapter office footprint down to 400 SF has resulted in an efficient and highly organized space that is serving our current needs well. We appreciate the positive feedback we received and the opportunity to catch-up in-person with so many of you.
Experience Architecture is taking shape, centered around this year’s theme of the “Why Behind Design.” (Side note: the Steering Committee and Chapter staff love this year’s graphic designed by Will Smith of Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture—thanks so much Will.) Working with our dedicated event leaders, we are currently finalizing plans for 12 events, taking place from October 7th to October 16th — with most returning to an in-person format.
In addition to favorites like the Tour d’Architecture Bike Ride and Design|Access Open Project Tours, we are excited to host a keynote presentation with Brian Johnsen, AIA of Johnsen Schmaling Architects at Sacramento State University; a “Solarpunk” Walking Tour with Preservation Sacramento’s William Berg; and an Architecture Firm Open House evening, to name a few. We’re also happy to have the “Bite of Design” program return, featuring the French-inspired wine bar Franquette in West Sacramento.
The events and registration links will be posted soon to the Experience Architecture website page and Facebook event page, and of course in the Event Guide, published in the October issue of Comstock’s Magazine. It’s important to note that this event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and event guide advertisers. Click here and scroll down to see the list of who these companies and firms are, and be sure to thank them for their on-going financial support of this event. As we say each year, this is YOUR chance to share your profession and the value of the work you do—please help promote Experience Architecture and grow attendance to the individual events!
Chapter Committees have been dedicating themselves to several initiatives tied to our Strategic Plan that I’m super excited to share:
Architectural Coloring Book, led by AIACV’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee
We had a wonderful response to the request for drawings to include in the Chapter’s new coloring book. The book will be printed and shared in this year’s “Hand’s-On Architecture” event for kids during Experience Architecture, and also available as a PDF throughout the year. Many thanks to Southaphone Phommalinh, Assoc. AIA and Christina Frankel, AIA for leading this effort!
Architecture by the Book, led by the Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) Committee
This initiative is designed to help students learn about architecture through books featuring a variety of renowned and diverse architects. This program “in a box” will be available to educators in our community for use in STEAM enrichment activities. The boxes are being developed by several Chapter firms and will be shared for the first time with students during Experience Architecture. Many thanks to Laura Knauss, AIA for her leadership on this initiative and for developing our brand/logo!
A Seat at the Table: Community Advocacy to Effect Change, led by the Civic Engagement Team (CET)
This panel discussion scheduled for September 13th features emerging professionals who are making a difference in their communities as civically-engaged architects. We hope to inspire more members to bring their skills and perspectives to their communities, and also elevate and recognize those already doing good work. Sign up here. Many thanks to Jackie Whitelam, AIA and to the panelists who have agreed to speak on this important topic!
Finally, the Chapter’s Nominating Committee met yesterday to determine a list of candidates for Chapter leadership in 2023. Serving on the Board provides a unique opportunity to support the work of the Chapter, lend a hand and provide input and guidance on behalf of your fellow members. Watch in an upcoming issue of NOTES for the opportunity to participate on the Board and the nomination process. And, if you receive a call to serve, please say YES!
As always, thank you for your continued membership in AIACV, your participation and your friendship. Please reach out to me, or any member of our Board of Directors, if you have ideas, suggestions or feedback: [email protected]