John Flynn, AIA
AIA Oregon President-Elect
Hello, Colleagues –
I hope you are all well and good, and looking forward to a relaxing-yet-productive summer. I’m writing this week’s Message from a slightly different position on the AIAO Board of Directors. I’ve been an At-Large Director for several years. And this year, I’ve renewed my commitment to the organization and am currently positioned as the President-Elect for AIA Oregon. Good for me? Well, that kind of depends on you! Let’s talk about engagement and volunteering.
We are a volunteer-driven organization. We depend on ourselves – our members – to take the lead in developing programs and initiatives that benefit our profession and architects throughout the State. We come from many different communities and many different perspectives. But our values and mission are shared. Architects can (and will) contribute to a better built environment, a better social fabric, and a better outlook on the future. We have knowledge and resources; we have solid networks; and as design professionals, we advance creativity and bring meaningful solutions to today’s challenges.
So, here’s my pitch:
Interested in contributing to meaningful conversations amongst colleagues and related design professionals? Join one of AIAO’s committees! (Or start a new one!) Join your Section’s Steering Committee!
Interested in a specific topic that AIA Oregon is addressing? – we have many. Step up to participate in one of our current Task Forces! More on this later.
Interested in engaging on issues that we address as a state-wide organization and a national component? Consider a position on the AIAO Board of Directors!
There is so much you can do. Even though so much of this engagement can be done from right in front of your computer screen, as we have started our return to a full slate of in-person/hybrid events and programs, the opportunities to participate are going to be more fun and exciting.
Here are a few current initiatives and programs.
1. NEW HEADQUARTER FACILITIES FOR AIA OREGON
Planning for our future physical/virtual presence throughout the State is well underway. The AIAO HQ Task Force is actively crafting a vision for where we want to “live” and how we want to come together in ways that matter most to our members. We are reaching out to membership via Section get-togethers in the coming months to dive deeper into what local members need. Please participate! Contact your Section Leadership or AIAO staff (kwendland@aiaoregon.org) and sign-up for your summer events.
2. DAT (Design Assistance Team) STUDY FOR DOWNTOWN PORTLAND
AIA Oregon’s Fellows Committee has initiated a community design process, supported by a grant from AIA National, to examine and recommend a vision for Portland’s central business district. The process is committed to making sure that as many voices as possible are heard. The DAT workshops will take place this Fall. So, if you (Portland-based or not) are interested in participating in an urban design exercise that addresses the future of Portland’s Downtown, please engage! Contact AIAO President Kaley Fought (kaley@fwsarch.com), me (johnflynn@resolvearchitecture.com ), or AIA Executive VP/CEO Heather Wilson (hwilson@aiaoregon.org).
3. UPCOMING CONFERENCES
We’re gearing up for our next Oregon Design Conference in late Spring of 2024. But here are two important events that are taking place this year that are well worth your time.
FUTURE VISION, presented by the Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, will take place this August. As in years past, it promises to offer a well-rounded slate of seminars, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. More information is forthcoming.
NOMA NATIONAL CONFERENCE. The National Organization of Minority Architects’ annual conference is coming to Portland this year, October 11 – 15. We’re very excited for our friends at the host chapter, NOMAPDX, and we’ll be promoting this conference in the months to come. It promises to be a great opportunity for conversations and learning. https://www.noma.net/conference-2023/
Clearly, there is a lot going on. What better time to get involved and dedicate a few hours each month to your professional organization! There are events in which to participate, there are committees in which to engage, and there are Board positions looking for candidates. AIA Oregon needs you!
Thanks and best wishes to everyone!