AIA WI President's Report

President's Report

As I begin my year as 2008 President of AIA Wisconsin, I am excited about the year to come and have high hopes that our state Board of Directors and local Chapter leaders will continue to provide members with valuable continuing education programs that will enhance our careers and practices and to offer opportunities for community leadership and service and for collaboration with allied design and building industry professionals.

The Profession

We are at the cusp of some major changes in our profession. From the continued evolution of project delivery methods and tools to the surge in wireless communication technology, as well as from the growth in sustainability consciousness to the generational changes and diversity in the labor market, we as an organization have an opportunity to step up and lead our profession in a major revolution that will define how we do business, engage our clients and members, collaborate with consultants and allied professionals, and hire and retain staff.

Generational Trends & Characteristics

To highlight a few significant demographic trends that will affect architecture and other professions:

Within the next 20 years, 77 million Baby Boomers will leave the workforce and only 46 million new workers will enter, leaving large gaps in the labor supply.

Within 5 years, Generations X (30 – 41) and Y (12 – 29) will represent 70% of the work force. Understanding the character traits of these generations will help us lead more effectively, as well as recruit and retain the best and the brightest for our profession.

Generation Y are more socially and environmentally conscious – 61% feel responsible for making a difference in the world, 81% have volunteered in the past year, and 83% will trust a company more if it is socially/environmentally responsible.

The Environment

Sustainable design is a growing trend that has been fueled by social awareness of global warming, our finite resources and environmental conscience. This year, it has gained a heightened awareness through media coverage and legislation. When the hype subsides, will we carry the torch?

Technology

The rapid growth of technology in the workplace has enhanced communication and narrowed the boundaries between workplace and home. Will this lead to more virtual work environments?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the new buzzword gaining momentum as the next generation tool for integrated design and project delivery, with benefits of three-dimensional fast-track collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors and owners in a seamless process. Who will lead this new project delivery process? How will this change the rules and risks of engagement?

Web-based technology and the global economy, coupled with competitive cost pressures and labor shortages, have increased the search for practical practice solutions, including outsourcing services to firms on the other side of the world.

Trends in the Profession

It gets your attention when you combine these demographic, social and technology trends with an 18% decline in enrollment in architectural degree programs. What do we need to do to sustain, promote and energize our profession?

AIA Wisconsin Initiatives

At our annual long-range planning retreat in August, a diverse group of AIA Wisconsin leaders identified several initiatives that would form our strategic focus for 2008. In developing action plans for these initiatives, each work group was encouraged to also address leadership , communication and sustainability issues.

The take away from our discussions were six initiatives:

Leadership & Technology – Through educational programs for members on BIM and related technology shaping the future of project delivery, place architects in a leadership role at both the project and industry level. Director-At-Large Dan Sisel, AIA, Milwaukee, is the “champion” for this initiative and has already developed an outline for an educational series on integrated project delivery (IPD) that will lead up to 2008 Fall Workshop in October.

Invigorate Young Professionals – Regional Associate Director Curt Hoffmann, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee, is the “champion” for this planning initiative that will develop and foster a statewide network of young professionals through programs that engage and benefit students, interns, architects and allied design professionals.

Future of the Profession – Licensure – The goal of this initiative, championed by Past President and Young Architect Award recipient Michael Eberle, AIA, Middleton, is to fortify and grow the profession with talented architect leaders by promoting licensure through advocacy, including regulatory reforms, enhanced communication and educational programs and tools. AIA Wisconsin has updated it library of ARE study guides, an Emerging Professionals Workshop on new national licensing requirements will be offered at the 2008 AIA Wisconsin Convention this spring, and Associate AIA leaders of AIA Milwaukee are organizing ARE preparatory sessions.

Sustainability – Director-At-Large Len Witke, AIA, Columbus, is the “champion” for this important initiative; and his work group already is working to identify and provide educational programs, activities and resources for architects and clients that engage the architectural community and encourage members to take leadership of the environmental initiative.

Community Outreach – Building on the successful Blueprint for America projects undertaken by AIA Southwest Wisconsin and AIA Milwaukee as part of the celebration of the AIA's 150 th anniversary last year, this “AIA150 + Beyond” initiative involves members becoming engaged at the local Chapter level to develop action plans for their own community from a menu of ideas designed to maintain the momentum for community service. The 2008 officers of Wisconsin's four all-volunteer local AIA Chapters are in charge of leading this strategic initiative, with immediate Past President and state AIA150 Champion Marty Sell, AIA, Juneau, coordinating activities.

Supporting Practitioners – A theme that cut through all of the planning initiatives was how best to provide support for member firms by continuing to address issues related to staffing, ownership transition and firm practice. AIA Milwaukee President Karen Plunkett Muenster, AIA, River Hill, agreed to serve as the “champion” for this critical initiative.

The “champions” and work groups for these important initiatives already have begun developing programs that address the established goals. I encourage you to get involved in one or more of these initiatives because everyone who participates will benefit.

I am excited about the coming year for AIA Wisconsin and look forward to meeting with as many members as possible from across the state. I know that I speak for everyone on the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors and the leaders of our four local AIA Chapters in encouraging your active participation and vital input in shaping the programs and services for our members.

Please contact me with any questions, concerns or suggestions you may have regarding the AIA. Thank your for your support and involvement. By working together, I believe that we'll be amazed by how much we can accomplish.

W. Lee Connellee, AIA

2008 President

AIA Wisconsin

January 2008