by Heather Wilson, AIAO Executive VP/CEO

The Big Picture: Interstitial Space

Interstitial: Pertaining to being between things, especially between things that are normally closely spaced.

What a year 2020 was. I have already heard suggestions that we should forever sanction the number “2020” to the halls of superstition; only utter its name if you want chaos to ensue. We have endured what could easily be considered a defining challenge for any organization, so the question that stands before us is: what’s next? Not yet ready to fully reopen, no more willing to shelter in place; Vaccinated, but not completely immune; Together, but often still mostly “in the matrix.” We are in the in-between spaces. Standing behind us soon, will be the lease to the current CFA and any remaining repair work necessary to release our obligation to the landlord for damages sustained to the building in 2018.

Standing before us immediately, as the world begins to reopen and we consider what it means to meet face to face again, are the choices surrounding the current AIA Oregon / CFA home at 403 NW 11th Avenue. Since moving into the PDX, I’ve had time to visit the building a couple of times now. I remember attending an AIA CACE party in the space some years back and I have got to say, I was sad to see its current condition. I know it has seen extraordinary circumstances, and its appearance reflects that. Furthermore, our immediate downtown environment is in a real state of distress. Downtown in general, in fact, seems to be facing some real contextual built environment change as the post-pandemic convergence of social equity issues and policing come to bear in physical form.

And have you seen this real estate market? It’s terrifying, and more than a little demoralizing in the residential market; it’s uncertain and (my gut tells me) overpriced for a post-covid world that hasn’t corrected completely in the commercial one. All that said, it is a tough time to be looking for a new home – period. We need a temporary home to help us take a pause. A pause for the market to correct course; a pause for our thinkers and volunteers and government bodies to act on chronic displacement and houselessness, social unrest and public health.

To give us that time, and to provide us with a viable non-dues stream of income, we are embarking on a unique journey to partner with the Trailblazers, Moda Center, and the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum (otherwise known as the Rose Quarter) in such a way that we alleviate some of our financial obligations, give ourselves some time to plan for our future home, and genuinely consider what we can accomplish for our committees, sections, and the public by doing so. We’ll have a suite at the Moda Center (which provides valuable sponsorship opportunities and income by selling the tickets to event nights) but also have access to meeting spaces in the Moda and Veterans Memorial Building for our own events (until we settle on our new home.) Staff will mostly continue to work from home, or in the offices of firms that volunteer hotdesk opportunities for us (please contact me if your firm is willing to host us) but we will also have the opportunity to utilize meeting rooms and club level floors for our own events during our 3- year lease. Of course, this will take some getting used to, as it is new for both the Rose Quarter and AIA to be in such a unique relationship. I will be meeting with Trailblazers Government Affairs Staff to see where our commitments to diversity and inclusion, and the built environment align, and how AIA Oregon might serve as a resource as they consider outreach to the immediate community.

After this three-year lease, we’ll have a new reality. I do not yet know if that means we will have another office like the CFA; satellite section offices; or some other solution no one can envision alone. We have a lot of work to do in the meantime. Soon, you will see a survey in your inbox regarding our next steps as one AIA chapter seeking a new home. We will give details about our current situation and ask questions about how members envision our future, considering our strategic goals, CoEDI statements, commitments to sustainability, resilience, and a better built tomorrow; access, justice, partnership with other organizations and, of course, brass tacks like location, square footage, and how we select a team (if needed) to bring any or all of that vision to reality.

In a way, we are homeless for the next three years. I hope that helps us direct our steps most carefully. If you’d like to participate in this process for any portion, please respond when you see the survey (there will be an opportunity to sign up for the Facilities Task Force). Please know that every voice in this membership matters - every member will have the opportunity to comment and offer feedback throughout this process. I’d like to open that conversation now, with the following request: If there is a survey question / issue you believe we must include or discuss, please send it to me directly: hwilson@aiaoregon.org. I’m gathering input for a survey draft and will look for comments and feedback through July 30.

I am excited about what this temporary displacement holds in store for us. In that way, I feel very privileged; while most who suffer displacement will have uncertain futures at best, we know we can plot a path forward and that we will be able to pool our resources and talents to make something happen. I’m hopeful that by doing that work ourselves, we help create expansive healing of our social and built environments, and teach others how to envision a new way “home.” I look forward to hearing from you all soon. Please continue to watch our website for any updates and new events as our calendar continues to include more in-person opportunities, and as we move into our relationship with the Rose Quarter.