Today marks the start of Hayes’ year as President AIA NY! After receiving the gavel on December 4, Slade discussed her presidential theme, BUILDING COMMUNITY, which asks members and professionals how they can contribute to their communities—both outside and within the architecture profession. The incoming president began her speech by underscoring the profession’s sense of responsibility, focusing on the construction industry’s consumption of resources, the longevity of buildings, and their tremendous impact on the public. “As architects we are not elected or appointed, yet we create the built environment,” said Slade. “…Collectively, we create the public realm.”
At the broadest scale, Slade’s 2019 theme, BUILDING COMMUNITY, refers to this shared professional responsibility. In the summer of 2019, AIA New York and the Center for Architecture will explore these ideas with an exhibition, with maps by students from Pratt Institute, examining how public investment impacts communities.
The profession’s shared responsibility, however, can only be addressed by strengthening communal ties within the profession. Slade’s theme also considers the building community, here represented by AIA New York. During 2019, the Chapter will develop new initiatives, from career discovery for high school students to mentorship opportunities linking AIA Fellows with emerging professionals, to supporting members at different points in their career—and more to come!
