Jim Satzinger, AIA
Director, AIA Bend
AIA Oregon Architects, Associates and Allied Members:
I hope you and your families are doing well, staying safe in these crucial days of “Sheltering in Place”. As a state and region, we are making progress, and with Social Distancing in effect, we are learning to communicate and work virtually in more efficient, effective ways. To that end, AIA Oregon has initiated new online educational programs, social hours and committee meetings using the Zoom platform.
Yesterday afternoon was the inaugural session of the AIA Oregon Digital Design Series, “Digital Design Collaboration – Firms” hosted by Hacker Architects and the DLR Group. On subsequent Wednesday afternoons at 5:00 PM AIA Oregon will offer a Digital Design Program about online communication and collaboration, or a session of “AIA Oregon Presents!” featuring recent projects, design concepts, and building science by our member Architects. Stay connected and informed by reading “Thursdays@Three”, and register to attend these relevant and entertaining AIA Oregon member-authored programs.
The launch of “AIA Oregon Presents!” on Wednesday, May 20, 5:00 PM features three unique projects - from design to execution - demonstrating creative and sustainable solutions to Program, Neighborhood Context, Site Response and Design, Building Material and Systems Integration, Innovative Details, and Project Successes and Lessons learned. The PowerPoint slide shows will be narrated by author Architects, Staff and Consultants, followed by attendee Comments and Questions. These presentations will be similar in form to Design Award submittals, but instead of anonymous authorship and jury deliberation, presenting Architect(s) will personally tell their story, describe and share their work with AIA Oregon members using Schematic Design Drawings, Construction Documents and Photographs of in-process and completed work.
Calling all AIA Oregon Architects! Submit your work for future sessions of “AIA Oregon Presents!” and share your thoughts, concepts and solutions in our ever-changing profession. Receive valuable feedback from your contemporaries, and hone your presentation skills, refine your design solutions. Please contact me at jasatzinger@gmail.com or (505) 946-7103.
In February, just before Mardi Gras, AIA Oregon leaders attended AIA Grassroots 2020 in New Orleans. We shared stories and discussed solutions to Gender and Racial Bias within our profession. We met with Mayors and learned how Citizen Architects can engage Civic Leaders and influence the shaping of our Communities. We attended sessions about “The Big Move”, AIA’s commitment to 2030 goals, and are now answering AIA’s “call to action” to create a Climate Action Plan in all AIA Chapters. This is now our primary focus, and given our abilities as problem-solvers and creators, I have never been more excited about being an Architect than I am today. Our relevance as a profession is without peer.
As a member of AIA Oregon you have the opportunity to learn about new building systems and technology, to advance your career path, to share experiences with fellow Architects, and to demonstrate your leadership abilities as we plan and re-frame the built environment for a sustainable future. Get involved, attend our programs, share your knowledge with fellow Architects and Industry Professionals, and join a Committee of interest to you. The more you give to AIA Oregon, the more you receive.