President's Message

“Signs, signs, everywhere are signs...”

In architecture, we use spatial elements to indicate entry, circulation and celebrate special places.  For instance, sculptural stairs or dramatic multistory spaces communicate to people where to move or gather.  There are a lot of signs in our daily lives that tell us what lies ahead.  We see signs on the road, “Caution, hazard ahead” or “Slow down, curves ahead”.  When those caution signs and barriers end, we speed up because the indication is the road ahead is clear.  Because we paid attention to the signs in 2009, the outlook for AIA Pennsylvania in 2010 is good.

In the past two years, it has been challenging to predict what lay ahead.  Looking back gives us an idea of how things unfolded.  In 2009, we celebrated the 100^th anniversary of AIA Pennsylvania with a wonderful reunion of Past Presidents and former Executive Directors.  It was a happy event that brought a great deal of smiles and pleasure.  It was wonderful to see how volunteers have cultivated the Society of The American Institute of Architects.  Thanks to Patrick J. Endler, AIA, President 2009; Caroline E. Boyce, Executive Director; the staff, and the 100^th Anniversary Task Force for organizing this exceptional event. 

In 2009, we analyzed the Harrisburg real estate market, construction costs, and successfully moved our headquarters into an architect designed LEED^TM CI space, on the 12th floor of the Payne-Shoemaker Building, directly across from the State Capital.  There is an abundance of healthy natural light and awesome views from a strategically located meeting space.  In addition to AIA Pennsylvania using the space, the space will be rented out to others for a fee.  There were tremendous results from the Facilities Task Force chaired by Elmer B. Burger, II, AIA, as well as the architects Frank E. Dittenhafer, FAIA, and Bruce R. Johnson, AIA of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, York, Pennsylvania. 

Given the challenging economic environment, balancing the finances in 2009 was a major accomplishment.  Gary J. Matczak, AIA, Treasurer and H. Rebekah Waddell, Deputy Director, provided regular Executive Committee and Board reports and communication to monitor the budget.

It is difficult to ascertain what lies ahead for us in 2010 as we enter the second year of a two year legislative cycle and the economy changes (hopefully for the better!).  We have laid the groundwork for a number of pieces of legislation.  The Government Affairs Committee, chaired by Paula R. Maynes, AIA, will continue to communicate the issues to our members.  We have had successes in state-wide building code issues, sustainability issues, and professional practice.

In 2010, we will continue to support the proposed sustainable green building bill HB 444; the Mandatory Continuing Education updates to the Architects Licensure Act; and the numerous building code issues that our UCC Committee members provide commentary to the UCC Review and Advisory Council.

The legislature has created a measure of predictable spending for sustainability.  Pennsylvania incentives, driven by law, are helping to create green jobs.  AIA Pennsylvania helped craft some of the articles used in PA Act 1 of 2008, the $650 million Alternative Energy Act, spending could not have come at a better time.  Now the PA Act 129 of 2009 for Energy Conservation is kicking into gear.  Energy costs are ever increasingly important issues in our business and carbon management is next.  AIA Pennsylvania will continue to offer numerous training and educational seminars to help communicate the availability of these and many other programs, such as the proposed 2012 Green Building Code (www.iccsafe.org/igcc).

AIA Pennsylvania wishes everyone a prosperous 2010 and we will continue to monitor the signs ahead to best position our organization and members for success. 

Many thanks,