Earlier this year, members across Oregon responded to a survey to share their hopes for AIA Oregon’s new HQ. The survey focused on two main questions: Where should the space or spaces be located? And what should we use them for?

As the research lead on the HQ Task Force, I’m excited to share the recommendations that will guide our future work.

For now, here’s a preview of what the Task Force is recommending:

Multiple locations are needed across the state. Across sections, members said they want an HQ near them and indicated they’d be unlikely to travel more than an hour to get to an HQ location. For these reasons and more, multiple locations are needed to serve our statewide community.
The spaces should allow people to learn, advocate and join together. The results indicate that members are largely aligned on what should happen at the new HQ locations. Priority uses include networking, continuing education, advocacy and public outreach.
Ownership models require further consideration. On average, members anticipate visiting an HQ location every month or two. Members also expressed that cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility are important values. Based on this, we will be strongly considering partnerships, pop-ups and other options for sharing space.
Online offerings should continue. Although members clearly expressed a desire for physical spaces, online access to resources and events remains a top priority — and a critical way to bring people together across the state.

These recommendations will help us identify locations, partners and plans. We’ll also work to answer important remaining questions, including how advocacy and public outreach will show up and how to meet the unique needs of each section.

Thanks to everyone who took the survey. Please reach out with any questions to OurNewHQ@aiaoregon.org. I hope to see you at a Thursday Roundtable soon!

Sincerely,

Sara Bergby, AIA Bend

HQ Task Force Research Lead