by Timothy Hawk, AIA - 2009 AIA Columbus President

Stop by any coffee shop in the middle of the work day these days and you are likely to run into a friend surfing the net and browsing architecture magazines.  Many of our peers are out of work. This recession is wreaking havoc on our numbers....and I really worry.  It truly keeps me up at night. How many of us will survive this Great Recession and come out the other end still practicing architecture? And, of those who survive, which will maintain their membership in the AIA?
 
We are witnessing a monumental adjustment in the number of employed professional members; and, I am fearful that this shifting landscape will forever impact the quality and vitality of our profession. That’s why, at a time like this, our organization serves the most fundamental role in creating value. We have to recognize that many of our members will stop receiving mentorship, professional development, growth and experience through employment. And, we believe that the AIA will grow to be an even larger resource for emerging professionals, maintaining networks, and peer to peer knowledge sharing.
 

• During 2009, we implemented a dues payment plan that will be offered again in 2010
• AIA Columbus has not raised dues over the past two years and has worked very diligently to provide a balanced budget that addresses a nearly 30% reduction in revenue.  We have maintained our financial reserves and look to establish a budget for 2010 that reflects even a larger budget reduction while maintaining a high level of activity.
• The chapter has hosted and sponsored nearly forty hours of value oriented continuing education.
• Outreach programs continue through Project Architecture, our educational outreach program in local elementary schools.
• The chapter has been able to create recognition of the architect’s contribution through numerous print articles, radio spots and public outreach.
• A new website has been developed in house, which has significantly improved the ability to quickly support member needs and administrative duties for the chapter.
• We continue to offer ARE review courses for those studying to become an architect
• There has been a huge effort to maintain our commitment to the Knowlton School scholarship program through the organization of a Golf Outing, even in this tough economic climate.  The board is seeking to expand scholarship opportunities to Columbus State Community College students in 2010.
• We continue to recognize great design through honor and sustainability awards programs, and members of the Columbus chapter have been able to provide design evaluation for awards programs in Indianapolis, Rochester, and the State of Michigan.
• Members of the chapter have served on boards and commissions as a means to further community appreciation for design excellence.
• We have hosted speakers from around the country who shared their cutting edge practice tips.
• The chapter hosted three Big/Small programs this year, highlighting the contribution of local architects
• The board has acted to establish a new Center for Architecture, which will open in January 2010.  A design competition was held to underscore the need for design excellence in the Center.
• A new suite of documents was released to keep pace with changes in project delivery.
• Members have worked diligently to reinvigorate the Columbus Architecture Foundation, our philanthropic partner.  Look for a capital campaign to further architecture in 2010.
• AIA Columbus members have submitted a petition to AIA Ohio which aims to eliminate supplemental dues in total.  This issue has initiated a task force to provide an introspective evaluation of AIA Ohio’s mission, structure and goals.