Artist: Josh's daughter

President's Report A year ago, 2008 AIA Wisconsin President Lee Connellee presented his year-end report, which was filled with significant accomplishments, and handed over the leadership of the organization to me, which should have made all of you very afraid. In his remarks, Lee encouraged us to engage our members, explore opportunities for collaboration, provide quality leadership opportunities, support emerging professionals, encourage licensure, and take on leadership roles in our communities.

At our first meeting of the 2009 Board of Directors back in February, I recalled that I got into the profession because of a passion for design, but that I soon realized that architects also must have a passion for delivering on the hopes and dreams of our clients. I also emphasized the critical need for firm support, the value of architects serving on nonprofit boards and taking on community leadership roles, and the importance of sharing knowledge on sustainable design.   I believe that all of us can agree that 2009 was a year of great change and significant challenges. As they say, what didn't kill us made us stronger. Thanks to your leadership and dedicated service, as well as the contributions of other chapter officers and committee members, we have been able to accomplish a great deal by working together.   The following highlights some of the key accomplishments of AIA Wisconsin in 2009 . . . month by month:   January Navigating the Economy – Launched a new page on website with information and links to help members address difficult economic challenges. This was updated during the year. We also offered free webinars to provide networking opportunities for unemployed and underemployed members. Long-Range Planning Initiatives – We hit the ground running with task groups and committees already hard at work planning for initiatives related to governance, Fall Workshop on sustainable design, community service, communications strategy, and celebrating our 100 th anniversary. Governance Task Group – Talking about long-range planning initiatives, the Governance Task Group, chaired by Jim Otto, was meeting regularly to examine how the structure of the organization may affect member services, gather member input and develop recommendations related to local chapter incorporation, bylaws and IRS requirements. ARE Lending Library – Updated study materials for the Architect Registration Exam that Associate AIA members can check out at no cost. Legislative Agenda – Using the 2009 Legislative Agenda as our guide, we started building coalitions with other organizations to fight for adequate funding for the state building program, block attempts to expand the sales tax to professional services, and develop support for qualifications-based selection [QBS] legislation for the selection of architects and engineers for local government projects. In addition, helped in the drafting of proposed administrative rules related to continuing education requirements for license renewal and allowing candidates with an accredited architecture degree to begin taking the ARE upon graduation and establishing an IDP record with NCARB.   February Capitol Hill Visits & Grassroots Leadership Conference – AIA leaders from across Wisconsin converged on Capitol Hill for meetings with our congressional delegation on AIA's “Rebuild & Renew” initiatives . . . and participated in the annual AIA leadership conference in DC. Building Enclosure Council – New BEC Wisconsin group is scheduling regular educational meetings on building enclosure issues. WAF – Wisconsin receives maximum AIA Matching Component Scholarship Grant to support graduate students at UWM SARUP. Convention Committee – Chaired by Don Smith, Convention Committee is actively planning 2009 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo . . . Equilibrium . Stoner House Accessibility Project – Planning continues with Isthmus Architects on accessible ramp for the Stoner House. Board of Directors Meeting – First Board meeting of year in Madison. Board members offer ideas on how the AIA can help members survive challenging economic conditions. State Building Commission Secretary, Dave Helbach, provides overview of state building program, capital budget recommendations, alternative project delivery issues and potential impact of federal economic stimulus package.   March Architects in Schools – Training offered for members interested in introducing teachers and students to the wonderful world of architecture. Memorial Lecture – AIA Milwaukee hosts lecture and workshop in memory of Past President Diane Trevarrow Evans, AIA. ARE Study Sessions – AIA Milwaukee Emerging Professionals Committee kicks off exam preparation sessions with presentation by State IDP Coordinator Russ LaFrombois, AIA. Through the wonders of modern technology and help of AIA Wisconsin, these popular sessions subsequently offered simultaneously to interested interns in Madison. Members Helping Members – AIA Director Kevin Connolly coordinates and hosts special free training sessions on BIM for unemployed architects. One participant lands a new job during the training!   April Landscape Architecture Legislation – Proposed legislation [AB 142] to upgrade landscape architect “title” law into a “practice” act has hearing before Assembly Committee. Design Awards – Distinguished members of the AIA Wisconsin Design Awards program meet in Milwaukee to review and select award-winning projects for 2009. AIA Wisconsin President is there to capture jury on video for awards presentation at Convention. Board of Directors – AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors meets at the LEED Platinum Aldo Leopold Legacy Center outside of Baraboo. We approve position in support of amendment to proposed landscape architecture practice law to provide a clear and unambiguous exemption for architects. Board also receives report from Governance Task Group and reviews and approves proposed new bylaws for each of the four local chapters. AIA Convention – Wisconsin delegates vote early and often at national AIA Convention in San Francisco. All chapters are represented. Colin Klos appointed to Credentials Committee.   May Joint & Several Liability – Trail lawyers get liability law changes inserted into state budget. AIA Wisconsin works successfully with coalition of organizations to pull these provisions out of final budget bill. AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo – A very successful Convention & Expo thanks to hard work of Don Smith, AIA, and his committee. Program includes: outstanding schedule of speakers and seminars, presentation of Golden Award to Bill Wenzler, FAIA, members recognized for distinguished service to the profession [Barry Swedeen, Marty Sell, Tom Cox, Matthew Edwards, John Cain, Bob Greenstreet, Allyson Nemec, Bill Doyle, Lou Host-Jablonski, Paul Wagner & Ed Solner], adoption of new bylaws at four chapter meetings, busy Expo, and a good time had by all at Architecture Night! AIA Wisconsin Design Awards – Celebrated at special Convention event that included video in Expo and special lecture by Jeanne Gang. The seven award-winning projects designed by AIA Wisconsin members receive excellent exposure in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , AIArchitect and other print and electronic media outlets. Congratulations to the award-winning architects.   June Virtual Convention Seminars – Thanks to the support of the Energy Center of Wisconsin, the Convention keynote addresses and popular sustainable design seminars are made available to members at no charge online via ECW University. High School Design Competition – With the support of the WAF, the Architects in Schools Committee coordinates statewide “design your own school” competition, with 18 teams participating. AIA members serve as mentors to the teams. Entries were on display at the AIA Convention & Expo. A distinguished jury recognizes five teams. WAF Out-of-State-Study Scholarships – WAF Board awards $1,000 scholarships to four Wisconsin students pursuing accredited degrees at schools of architecture in other states. [If you know a Wisconsin student studying architecture outside of Wisconsin, please make them aware of this new WAF scholarship program.] Taliesin Lecture – AIA Southwest Wisconsin hosts the first of two summer evening receptions and lectures at Taliesin in Spring Green. Plans are to continue this popular program with Victor Sidy and the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.   July State Budget – State budget approved with slight increase in funding for state building program and no expansion of sales tax to professional service. This is good news. Fall Workshop – Ron Mastalski, AIA, pulls together planning committee for 2009 Fall Workshop and work begins on program and speakers for the full-day workshop on sustainable design issues. Planning for Planning Retreat – Vice President Jim Otto, AIA, works with staff and Executive Committee on agenda for annual long-range planning retreat at Wildwood.   August Board of Directors – Board approves appointment of 2010 Vice President [Tom Hirsch] and Secretary/Treasurer [Henry Kosarzycki], fills Past President vacancy [Marty Sell], and approves the appointment of Tom Cox as the next AIA Director for the North Central States region. Board also reviews 2010 state membership dues and approves keeping them at current 2009 rates. The Board also supported Historic Resources Committee request to send letter to Governor in support of preserving the historic Wisconsin Memorial Hospital. Board members sign the AIA “Gateway Commitment” in support of this national diversity initiative. Long-Range Planning Retreat – Jim Otto chairs a successful 2009 long-range planning retreat. Three major initiatives emerged: Community Service – 100-Year Celebration [Champion: Tom Hirsch], Promoting the Profession [Champion: Jim Otto], and Member Support in Economic Crisis [Marty Sell & yours truly, Josh Johnson]. We need to make sure that we maintain the momentum behind these important initiatives for AIA Wisconsin members and our profession. State Code Advisory Councils – AIA Wisconsin is successful in getting members appointed as representatives to all major state code advisory councils, including Energy Conservation Code Council and two fire safety and fire protection system councils. State Project Delivery Recommendations – Building Commission Secretary recommends statutory changes related state project delivery, including single prime contracting and construction management at risk, to State Building Commission. AIA Wisconsin had representative [Richard Dannhausen] on the Secretary's work group on this issue.   September SE² Leadership Awards – Sixth annual Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards announced. AIA Wisconsin helped establish this awards program with allied organizations interested in promoting sustainable design, including the WGBA, ECW and Focus on Energy. Committee & Task Forces – Convention Committee continues to meet regularly to plan 2010 Convention & Expo. The Community Services work group holds another conference call meeting to plan our 100 th anniversary. The AIA/DSF Liaison Committee holds “partnering” meeting with Division of State Facilities staff and ACEC representatives to discuss issues of mutual interest, including project delivery recommendations and project closeout issues. WAF Board – WAF leaders meet to elect new officers, adopt budget for 2009-10 fiscal year and identify “vision” initiatives for year.   October Budget Meeting – Executive Committee meets to develop 2010 budget recommendations. Economic conditions require a lot of tough choices. Executive Director – President and Vice President meet with Executive Director to review job performance and establish goals for next year. Architects Section – AIA Wisconsin testifies in support of proposed administrative rules related to continuing education requirements for license renew and when candidates with accredited degrees may start taking the exam. Board of Directors – Board members adopt 2010 budget and approve 2009 long-range planning report. Results of Director-At-Large election are announced. Board appoints new Associate, Professional Affiliate and Student Representatives. Board also approves position on proposed state building project delivery legislation. Fall Workshop – Successful Fall Workshop helps to raise members' sustainable design baseline. Speakers Brew and Hosey receive positive marks. Ron Mastalski and his committee of Tate Walker, Jon Jenson and Christine Scott Thomson deserve a big “Thank You” for assembling and coordinating a timely and educational workshop.   November Chapter Elections – In accordance with new and improved bylaws, local chapters nominate officer candidates, schedule chapter meetings, meet quorum requirements and elect officers and directors for2010. And, along the way, new protocols and traditions have been established. Kudos, once again, for the hard work of the Governance Task Group! Division of State Facilities – AIA Wisconsin works with ACEC of Wisconsin on full-day conference covering just about everything you need to know to go after state building projects. Board of Directors – AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors holds special conference call meeting at request of AIA/DSF Liaison Committee to reconsider its position on proposed state building project delivery legislation. Board also appoints At-Large Student Representative for 2010. Stoner House Ramp – Accessibility project at Stoner House is pretty much substantially completed. This is a significant accomplishment that spanned the terms of several AIA Wisconsin Presidents. QBS Legislation – Legislation requiring use of QBS by local governments is ready and legislators are being lined up to co-sponsor the proposal. December Board of Directors – This brings us to the final 2009 Board of Directors meeting here in Milwaukee . . . and the cycle will begin anew.     Passing Presidents A number of AIA Wisconsin members passed away this year, including three Past Presidents of the Wisconsin Society of Architects and AIA Wisconsin. I want to take a moment to remember and thank 1985 President Harry Schroeder, AIA, La Crosse; 1988 President Jim Gabriel, AIA, Sheboygan; and 2005 President Cherie Claussen, AIA, Wauwatosa.   These leaders contributed significantly to the AIA and to our profession; and their legacies will continue for generations.   Summing It Up & Looking Ahead Like previous Presidents, I've come to appreciate how fortunate AIA Wisconsin is to have state and local volunteer leaders like you. Thank you for your active participation and strong support for the AIA this year! I believe that we made a difference for our members, our clients and the citizens of our state.   In addition, we also all benefit from an experienced and dedicated staff that help us achieve our goals. Thank you Tracy, Brenda, Mary and Bill for all that you do for us and AIA Wisconsin members.   I feel good about making progress since our first Board meeting . . . in spite of significant economic challenges. We've had excellent participation and passionate conversations at Board meetings. I've been impressed by our willingness to share and collaborate. As AIA leaders at the both the state and local levels, we have taken seriously our responsibility to represent members and our profession. I also believe that we've made progress in terms of engaging our members and enhancing the value of AIA membership. We, of course, have more work to do.   Thank you for this opportunity to serve as the 2009 President of AIA Wisconsin. It has been a valuable, rewarding and unique experience. I look forward to continuing to contribute for the good of the cause.   Say hey to the AIA!   Josh Johnson, AIA 2009 President AIA Wisconsin

 

 

 

December 11, 2009

 

©2010 AIA Wisconsin. All Rights Reserved.