October 1, 2024

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September Strategic Council Report

From: Jessica O’Donnell, AIA

AIA New Jersey Strategic Councilor, At Large Representative

Mission: The AIA Strategic Council advances the architectural profession by informing the AIA Board and other Institute bodies about important professional issues, opportunities, and threats. The Council has an outward and forward-focused vision with an emphasis on long-term goals and outcomes.

What Does the Strategic Council Do? To learn more about the role and activities of the Strategic Council, click HERE.

FROM THE COUNCILOR

The Value of Architecture group is preparing for our report to the Strategic Council on September 25, 2024. I look forward to sharing those results / outcomes in my next report.

Please be sure to share your thoughts on areas for the Strategic Council to study in 2025! See below for more information on the Big Think survey which aims to include all voices as we conceptualize future areas of study. The survey closes on 9/26!

FROM THE MODERATOR + VICE MODERATOR

During August, the study groups continued working on the five study areas. The AI and Equity groups presented their research. The AI presentation discussed their findings and recommendations about “How AI is Revolutionizing Architecture.” The equity group presented their findings and recommendations about “A Bias-Free Architecture by 2025.” A synopsis of their findings is included in this report.
The Best Practices Committee and Communications Subcommittee continue working on ways to share the Council’s efforts with the broader AIA community via Monthly Reports and Social Media posts.

In September, we shared the Council’s work with the AIA Board of Directors and this year included recommendations from all study groups to allow the board time for evaluation and discussion. As the Council News Report from the Strategic Council 2024 study topics finalize their efforts, we will begin looking toward prioritization of actions for 2024 and potential areas of study for 2025.

As a reminder, please share any questions for the AIA Board of Directors. Questions may come from Council state and local constituents or directly from the councilor. Questions and feedback will be shared with the Board as part of our monthly Council reports.

Congratulations to the newly elected At-Large Representatives to the Council. We look forward to their leadership in the years ahead. Thank you to all the candidates who participated in the Council elections process for their commitment and service to the AIA.

Graciela Carrillo, AIA, 2024 Moderator + Josh Flowers, FAIA, 2024 Vice Moderator

Special thanks to our Steering Committee members who help guide our work and inform our decision-making process: Brad Benjamin, AIA (Best Practices Committee Chair), Alyssa Murphy, AIA (Communications Chair), Bruce Herrington, AIA (Elections
Chair).

COUNCILOR AT-LARGE ELECTION RESULTS

The Council conducted elections for the 2025-2027 At Large Representative to the Council. Eight nominations for this role were received by the Elections Sub Committee. The Council elected Angela Brooks, FAIA, Jamie Crawley, AIA, and Gloria Kloter, AIA, as the 2025-2027 At-Large Representatives. This concludes the Council elections cycle for the year.

2025 STUDY GROUP PLANNING – WE NEED INPUT!

The incoming Council leadership would like to hear from you by September 26th! The Big Think survey aims to include all voices as we conceptualize future areas of study. This survey is open to anyone who is interested in helping to shape the future of the built environment and the architectural profession. Please share this survey link broadly both with AIA members and members and leaders of the
wider community. We look forward to reviewing the responses and refining the 2025 areas of study.

AI STUDY GROUP REPORT

On August 27th, the AI study group presented to the Strategic Council. Key takeaways from this group’s work include the recommendation for an AI Call to Action – that AIA take an active role in guiding industry-wide AI usage policies/frameworks to ensure equitable, ethical, and beneficial adoption for all members.

The report highlighted the importance of integrating AI considerations into the next AIA strategic plan; that membership may consider an AI resolution; and that AIA must assess legal implications for AI usage. The group also recommended continual study as tools and usage continue to rapidly evolve.

EQUITY STUDY GROUP REPORT

On September 10th, the Equity study group presented to the Strategic Council. This group worked with internal AIA and external studies to conduct a broad examination of equity in the profession.

Recommendations included updates to the Code of Ethics, the development of a firm self-assessment tool, and that the Council focus on initiatives within higher education, mentorship, and chief architect initiative as pathways to support the vision of a bias-free profession.

AIA TRUST WEEK

AIA Trust Week – a FREE week of learning opportunities happened September 23–27th. Ten virtual sessions will cover education on how to start a firm, run a firm, and transition a firm to new ownership. There will also be offerings from our plan providers. Learn more and register here.

ARCHITECTURE WEEK 2025 – K-12 COMPONENT GRANT

AIA is committed to inspiring K-12 students who will meet the future needs of an ever-evolving profession.

This grant supports state and local components, or their affiliated foundation, in their efforts to inspire K-12 students during Architecture week. Please see more information here; The application closes October 15th.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 

October 8-10, 2024 Click here for details and to register for the Women’s Leadership Summit Chicago 

For more events, visit the AIA events page at: https://www.aia.org/community/events.

Feedback
We value input! If you have questions or ideas for the Strategic Council, reach out to us at StrategicCouncil@aia.org.

To learn more about the work of the Strategic Council, please visit the Strategic Council webpage at AIA.org.

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in AIA-NJ News | Tagged: #StrategicCouncil | Comments (0)