Daniel Roth, Associate AIA
AIA Salem Section Director
Hello all. My name is Daniel, and I am currently serving as Salem’s Section Director. I am 26 years old, and I am a native of Salem, back in my hometown, and doing what I love. If I’m being honest, these last six months have been a blur. In September 2019, I was approached by longtime AIA volunteer (and current Treasurer) Kaley Fought, asking me if I wanted to take the reins as Section Director in Salem. Not fully knowing what I was getting myself into, I said “Sure, why not!” And suddenly I, an associate member not even two years removed from graduate school, was cast into a leadership role that now feels a lot bigger than anything I had envisioned when getting started. So here I find myself, learning a lot very quickly, and working to help provide an AIA section that members are proud to be a part of.
Getting involved in a leadership role was not something that I had planned to do so quickly, or really planned to get into much at all. It just sort of...happened. My main draw to leadership was that I could learn from others and network with people in the profession who have accomplished far more than I have. And those opportunities have come in spades. I have been able to have conversations in my community with firm leaders who I would not normally get a seat at the table with. I have worked with AIA staff who have worked tirelessly to provide events and structure for members to feel the value of their membership. For crying out loud, I just met the president of AIA National, Jane Frederick, FAIA, at the AIA Grassroots conference a couple weeks ago and was able to have a conversation with her. I never would have received those opportunities without the AIA.
I would like to appeal to all of Oregon's emerging professionals to get involved in the AIA. You may be in a situation in your office environment where you feel like you aren’t getting the experience and growth that you wished you could. Or you may wish that you were able to engage in more conversation about sustainability, or diversity, or you want to meet a community of people that is working towards licensure. The AIA is an amazing resource for you to find a seat at the table of your choice, and also provides resources like the Chris White Scholarship, awarding individuals like these 2019 winners with funds to begin the ARE exams. There are so many staff members in the AIA who are passionate about developing events and resources to help you grow and stay excited about the profession you are in. In Salem, for example, we are working to develop an Emerging Professionals committee that provides a space for people to study for the AREs together, or to understand the business of architecture more clearly, or just to enjoy a drink with people who are on the same track you are. And we need leaders to help move these events forward. The greatest thing about the AIA is that you could have just graduated from school yesterday and you could still have a major impact. Please join us.
I would also like to appeal to all of Oregon’s members who have been in the profession for decades. Maybe you’ve wanted to get involved for years but never found the right fit. Maybe you have volunteered in the AIA before and “done your time,” so to speak. Please get involved or stay involved. We need your advice, your expertise, and your input to continue moving forward. We would love your leadership on committees, and we would love your presence, for instance, at emerging professional events to share your perspective and help impact the next generation of architects. Your continued help is greatly needed. Please join us.
If you have questions about how to get involved or want to learn more, please contact your Section Director. We would love to hear from you and help you get involved. I would also like to quickly mention that the application window for the 2020 Chris White scholarship has been revealed in today’s T@3. Please take advantage of this wonderful resource!