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

Newsletter | May 2017

Dear Colleagues,

As you may know this year’s state convention is in Austin, from November 9 -11th.  Same as last year, the state will return 50% of the registration revenue to chapters that meet the minimum number of attendees for the convention.  This year’s number is 20.  All we need is 21 AIA El Paso members to attend the convention.  When the event was held in Austin in 2012, 20 chapter architects attended so they are only asking for one addition architect and the revenue gets returned.

The web site for registration should be up July 26th but you can make hotel reservations currently.  If you are on the bubble, please remember that the convention center is within staggering distance from 6th street.  Please make plans to attend a state event that rivals national and helps benefit your chapter as well.

Sincerely,

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso Chapter

President