Newsletter I March 2018

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Dear Colleagues,

 

Happy March! I hope that you all took the time to enjoy a nice spring break. As for me, I have taken some wonderful advice from Mr. Carl Daniel and have purchased a map and a compass! Now back to business. My goal is to keep the chapter informed of the process of bringing the convention to the western most city of El Paso and as always if your would like to participate in the process, please feel free to contact me. We continue to wait on the state to send us the convention package that would assist the El Paso Convention committee in preparing to meet with our city leaders.

 

This year’s national AIA convention will take place in the Big Apple and will be here before you know it. Registration is now available online https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/register/#register . Also this year our President Elect – Paulina is working to organize this year’s TSA Presidents visit with our chapter to take place at the El Paso Chihuahuas Southwest University Park, this will allow us to socialize with the families of our colleagues. 

 

Renee Jimenez, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A

2018 AIA El Paso President

Newsletter | February 2018

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Dear Colleagues,

We have hit the ground running! This past month the TXA to EP committee had the chance to meet and have begun to brain storm ideas to assist in preparations to meet with the state in the coming year. Let’s bring the AIA Texas Convention and Expo to El Paso. If you are a native El Pasoan or have found yourself in the Sun City for many years now, you understand just how much beauty and potential our city has come to offer. Being the western most city in the state, we are often forgotten about. We wanted to remind the board what El Paso has to offer and be able to share it with our fellow architects from all around the state. If you believe you have ideas or would like to contribute to the process, please join our committee, we would love your help!

“Whatever good things we build, end up building us” Although my newsletter is not lengthy this month, I would like to leave you all words of encouragement. Our job as architects is built on many natural talents and the continuous experiences we gain from each project we endeavor.  From that, we should always strive to continue educating ourselves on new advances. I encourage you to attend lunch and learns and to keep an eye out for guest speakers around the city. Don’t be afraid to step out of your creative comfort zone with a new idea. Think of our chapter as a human library, our members hold many levels of experience and will gladly lend a hand to one another. Lets continue to make El Paso a sight to see.

Renee Jimenez, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A

2018 AIA El Paso President

Newsletter | January 2018

Dear Colleagues,

 

The holidays have come and gone all too quickly. I hope you all enjoyed time with family and friends and are looking forward to a great year. As I Look back on the past 5 years, I have seen how far our chapter has progressed in many ways. To name a few, the incredible advances that our Design Awards have made, the amount of students and associate architects we have been able to assist in advancing their profession and the increase in funds brought in by our annual golf tournament that allow the AIA to fund scholarships for those up and coming with a bright future ahead. Of course, our chapter is only as good as those that participate and support us, so I thank each and every member whom, year after year, continue their membership and attend events. 

 

This upcoming year we are taking hold of a new and rewarding task. Our 2018 EXCOM has committed to bringing the AIA Texas Convention and Expo to El Paso within the next 3 to 5 years. This will be one of the largest challenges the El Paso chapter has endeavored in a long time. As you may imagine, this is no small task and we ask for each individual members support along the way. I have no doubt that every member of AIA El Paso will work hard to ensure we put another successful year in the records. With that said, it gives me great honor and privilege to continue the work of our past presidents as your 2018 AIA El Paso president.

 

Renee Jimenez, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A 

2018 AIA El Paso President

Newsletter | December 2017

Dear Colleagues,

Throughout the year I have referenced folks outside of El Paso who are making impacts in the architectural community.  At this point I think it is necessary to also reference Architects that are making an impact in our own community.

ExCom’s Event Coordinator, Michael Stills, reached a new high for fundraising for our annual golf tournament.  And because of recent efforts by Bruno Vasquez and Jorge Loya, previous Event Coordinators, the El Paso Architectural foundation has the opportunity to look at increased endowments with the State and increased opportunities for area scholarships.

Jorge, ExCom Secretary, has also been working with area Universities, both in El Paso and Juarez, to promote AIAS memberships and mentor students in the Architectural Colleges.  We have to also thank Bruno, ExCom Treasurer, for revitalizing Archtober.  Mostly due to him, we have had a successful three year run of an events filled Archtober.

Paulina Lagos, ExCom VP, raised over $13,000 at this year’s Design Awards; of which $6,250 went to AIA Associates and area Architecture students to assist in their pursuit of either license or degree.  And President Elect, Renee Jimenez, is now spear heading a group to get the TxA Convention back to El Paso.

El Paso is fortunate that they do not have to look too far to find great Architects.  I am fortunate to have been on a board with those mentioned above.  If in the past you have participated in El Paso Chapter events and boards, continue to do so.  If you have not participated, then 2018 is a great time to start.

Thank you,

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso - President