AIArchitect

by Marvin Malecha, FAIA, 2009 AIA President

In formulating a strategice plan for 2010-2015, the AIA elected leadership has solicited input from internal and external stakeholders from the very outset; an effort that continues to-date and will continue through October.

If the outcome of what was an amazingly thoughtful and productive planning meeting July 10-11 can be boiled down to a few words, two come to mind: continuity and evolution.
• “Continuity” because many elements of the AIA’s current strategic plan have demonstrated their value and stood the test of time
• “Evolution” because we have the benefit of learning from experience, and, more to the point, the AIA serves a dynamic profession being shaped by and responding to change that grows more dynamic with each passing day.

Time and again research shows that the recognized value of an organization is in direct proportion to a member’s engagement. My asking you to become engaged in shaping the AIA’s future has a higher motivation as well. Through open member-to-member discussion, we connect to the Institute’s core values and goals to increase member value.

Please take a moment to look at the draft plan and give us your feedback. Let us know if the draft strategies are relevant for the future of the AIA. What do the strategies mean to you as a member? What challenges and opportunities will the AIA face in implementing these strategies? Are there more relevant strategies that have been missed?

In the near future, you will also have the opportunity to participate in one of three Web seminars—hosted by 2010 President-elect George Miller, FAIA, and 2011 President-elect Clark Manus, FAIA. The first is Wednesday, August 26, noon–1 p.m. ET; the second is September 9, 5–6 p.m. ET; and the third is Wednesday, September 16, 2–3 p.m. ET. Watch your e-mail in-box for more information about these Webinars.