President’s Message – The Year of 2015

January 6, 2016

As 2015 is now in the past, it is amazing how fast the year flew by.  It has been an honor to serve as your AIANJ President over the past 12 months.

Much happened during the year, both in AIANJ and each of the six local sections.  Each month saw multiple events throughout the state.   I enjoyed meeting so many members, students and trade professionals; and talking about our profession of architecture that we share.

AIANJ December Board of Trustees meeting at Princeton University

Internally, time was devoted to looking at the organizations long range strategic planning and evaluating the value to our members that the organization gives.  AIA national has been evaluating the value to the membership, and we at AIANJ have done the same thing.  It is your AIA, and we want to maximize your value from the organization.

We have reinforced many goals of the organization and we have been working towards them, including increased public outreach regarding the architecture profession, creating an online resource for both members and the public, more connection with the architects of tomorrow through increased involvement with the schools of architecture in the state and assistance for associates in the IDP/ARE process.

As part of that over the year AIANJ worked with all three of New Jersey’s Schools of Architecture – NJIT, Princeton, and NJ’s newest at Kean University.   To name a few initiatives – AIANJ sponsored an IDP event at NJIT, discussed the formation of an AIAS chapter at Kean University and opened dialogue with the new Dean at Princeton University.

Overall, 2015 was a good year, most of the firm owners I have talked with have agreed that the economy has improved from where we were a few years ago.   There was more project work, many firms have even brought on more staff to meet the need.  Students and young members have been successful in finding employment.  The profession is respected and we as the leaders are often reached out to for our ideas and participation locally.

All of the things that AIANJ did this year was the result of a team effort.   I would like to say Thank You to everyone who has played a part along the way.  There are to many people to call out by name, so just a Thank You to all.

And lastly, Good Luck to Justin Mihalik, AIA, as you start your year as 2016 President, I look forward to continuing to work with you.

      Kim

Kimberly Bunn, AIA, LEEDap
2015 AIANJ President

By admin | Posted in Architecture in NJ, NJ Architect Newsletter, Uncategorized | Tagged: aianj, Kim Bunn, Presidents Message | Comments (0)