Newsletter | September 2017

Dear Colleagues,

 

The ideal world that we Architects attempt to live in has now be replaced with the surreal world of catastrophic events.  The onslaught of these natural disasters and how quickly they have lined up one after the other make it difficult to comprehend the true magnitude of each event. The suffering of each community is overlooked due to additional hurricanes, fires or earthquakes. We will not understand the magnitude of these series of events for some time.

 

We must remember in our busy sunny day-to-day that our community is global and not just southwestern.  The built environment is forever growing as population will never decrease.  What we were told to build as sustainable now must be built as sustainable and resilient.  After a disaster, we seek shelter.  After shelter, we seek a reconnection to community.  After reconnection then comes the struggle to rebuild.

 

Eric Cesal, Assoc. AIA, presented at the TXA Convention in 2016.  His emphasis is rebuilding communities that were subject to what he calls “un-natural disasters”; most notably Haiti and New Orleans.  The disasters are un-natural because the chain of events that the natural phenomena create are impossible to predict.  More than building “resilient” cities he recommends building “healthy” cities.  We will not be able to resist un-natural disasters but if our city is healthy then it will recover quicker.

 

What we build in our city not only impacts our arid climate but the whole world.  We need to work with our municipality to develop healthy ideas for our city.  The built environment needs to be low impact but also resistive to natural disaster.  At times of disaster we should not flock to our old buildings because they were built better; we should run to new construction because it should be more resistive and does not solely rely on utilities infrastructure to function.

 

In your design, if you are simply doing what was done before; or if you are just doing what the client wants, then you are part of the problem.  Architects need to do more.  You were blessed with that ability to create and be creative.  Use those gifts.  Eric Cesal – “Do not wait for disaster to start working on disaster.”

 

Peace and strength to those battling disaster,

 

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso - President

Newsletter | August 2017

Dear Colleagues,

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards has released its annual report on architects, professionals working toward licensure, and diversity in the profession in 2016.

Number of architects working in the United States held steady, while the number of new students enrolled in an accredited architecture program has increased 4 percent since the 2014-2015 school year.

Time to licensure has decreased. It now takes 12.5 years to become an architect from the time a student enrolls in school, 9.6 months less than in 2015. 58 percent of students are enrolled in Bachelor of Architecture programs, 42 percent in Masters programs, and less than 1 percent in doctoral programs.

First time since NCARB began collecting demographic data, gender equity improved along every career stage.

AIA El Paso is doing its part.  Currently available to students and associates are sponsorships to assist them with their schooling and/or licensure.  If your work force currently has those attending school or those taking the ARE; please direct them to the application in the newsletter or aiaelpaso.org.  Dead line for entries is soon so let them know now!

Sincerely,

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso Chapter

President

Newsletter | July 2017

Dear Colleagues,

The cookies tracking me on my computer have asked me if I would be interested in signing up for Frank Gehry’s MasterClass; which intends to further my knowledge of Design, Architecture, and Movement. (https://www.masterclass.com/FG)  Although it seems like I am making a shameless plug, I do not think I will sign up for the class as my buildings will never move as much as his.  I mention Mr. Gehry because if you have not seen his add, it does mention some important points that he has learned on his journey.

…if you know what you’re doing in advance, then you won’t do it…

…the majority of the buildings built in our society are only for economies and not for humanities.

Within the constraints of any project he identifies that he only has 15% freedom to create art within a building.  In El Paso I’d guess we are down to 5%.

Gehry asks, “Whatever you do, promise me that every project you make or design, you’ll take the risk of doing something for humanity.”

In the prosperity of the projects we have right now, please challenge yourselves to reduce the impact of your structures and increase their sustainability.

Sincerely,

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso Chapter

President

Newsletter | June 2017

Dear Colleagues,

Texas Society of Architects is hosting the 2017 Prosperity Conference in Waco on August 24-25.  TxA invites you and the future leaders of your firm to participate in this engaging event that can change the future of your practice.  While there you can:

-          Gain significant insight into best practices for marketing, sale strategies and financial profitability;

-          Learn successful secrets from small business owners like you; and

-          Leave with a plan of action for your firm.

Discounts are available for firms sending three or more people so maybe we should strategize on who is attending to make sure we can take advantage of the discount locally.  Information for the event can be found at the TxA website.

On a separate note; construction sites can scorch this time of year so make sure that you and yours are drinking plenty of water before and after visiting sites.  Also, please keep a look out for the laborers out there.  They too need the reminder to stay hydrated.

Sincerely,

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso Chapter

President