Regional Director
William J. Bates, AIA
On February 23, 1857, 13 architects met in Richard Upjohn’s office to form what would become The American Institute of Architects. The group sought to create an architecture organization that would “promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members” and “elevate the standing of the profession.” That organization has endured 155 years and continues to pursue the same goals. Today the AIA serves as the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for our members in service to society.
Its goals being to:
• Increase member value
• Be the authoritative source
• Serve as the credible voice
• Optimize organizational performance
If you visit the AIA website you will see what the Institute’s current Strategic Plan, it remains true to its founding mission. AIA’s current Programs and Initiatives reinforce the fact that the AIA is the leader in creating a culture of quality for the architecture profession.
Last year was very exciting and successful one for AIA Pennsylvania. Our first ever Tri-States Conference was held in Atlantic City where we built new friends and organizational bonds with the states of New York and New Jersey. We also hosted the annual Large States Conference which was convened in St Louis, Missouri for the purpose of sharing ideas with our peer states (AIA California, AIA Florida, AIA Illinois, AIA Michigan, AIA New Jersey, AIA New York, and Texas Society of Architects) from across the nation. We enter this year as a well respected component with a strong network of intra-institute allies. We can be proud of AIA Pennsylvania’s participation within the Institute at all levels of engagement.
Further evidence of this influence can be seen at upcoming events such as the National Grassroots Conference coming up in March, the Pennsylvania Architects Day in April, and the National Convention in May. Why is this year particularly important to AIA Pennsylvania members? Since the convention will be held in Washington DC, it is very accessible. More importantly, we have a state member running for national office.
AIA Pennsylvania’s immediate past regional director Richard DeYoung, AIA is a candidate for Secretary of the Institute. He deserves our support and we can help him get elected by attending the Convention to lobby delegates from components in other states. Additionally, Caroline E. Boyce, CAE, AIA Pennsylvania’s Executive Vice President, is serving as the national president-elect of the Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE).
I hope to see a great turnout at this year’s convention, DESIGN CONNECTS visit the convention website at for more information on the event. If you haven’t been there in awhile or if you have never attended this is a great opportunity. It will give you a chance to see AIA at work during the annual business sessions and voice your opinion on issues that may affect your practice and membership category such as changes to Emeritus qualifications. It will allow you to pick up all the Continuing Education Credits that you’ll need this year and get a hands on look at all of the exciting new products on the exhibit floor. Your participation will benefit you, your practice, our profession and our organization.
The Institute is interested in helping large and small practitioners navigate the challenges of a difficult economy and is seeking ideas on how to better support the profession. Along those lines we have the Stalled Projects Database that is intended to link financially stalled projects identified by members with interested investors. They are soliciting more projects.
With your support and suggestions we can make this a better world in which to practice and improve the quality of architecture. Please contact me with your ideas I’m looking forward to representing your interests at a new level.
Bill Bates, AIA
Regional Director 2012-2014
