Chapter Meeting

Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11:45 am
Angry Owl Southwest Grill & Cantina
4799 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79912 (map)

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Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your material knowledge and connect with fellow AIA members!

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Join AIA El Paso Women in Architecture (WiA) for our monthly gathering—a space to connect, collaborate, and support women in the profession.

WiA frames the conversation around the promotion of Women and BIPOC Leaders within the design and building profession through mentorship, education, and networking. Whether you're looking to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, or expand your professional network, this is the perfect opportunity!

Doubletree by Hilton, 600 North El Paso Street, El Paso, TX, 79901 United States (map)

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Downtown Zoning Reform Roundtable: AIA El Paso

SAVE THE DATE!

Join AIA El Paso and the City Design Lab ELEVATE Program on June for a panel discussion with architects, developers, preservationists, and city leaders. Together, we’ll explore strategies to support downtown revitalization through zoning reform, expanding housing options, encouraging mixed-use development, and removing barriers to infill.

Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM 7:00 PM
Mexican American Cultural Center | Rooftop, 201 W Franklin, El Paso, TX, 79901

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Be part of the conversation shaping the future of El Paso!

Downtown Deck Plaza Information Booth

📍 Location: Ascarate Park – 6900 Delta Dr., El Paso, TX 79905 (map)
📅 Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 8 AM

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Join AIA El Paso in supporting the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation at beautiful Ascarate Park! This is a great opportunity to contribute to an exciting community-driven initiative that promotes green public spaces and enhances urban life in El Paso.

We welcome all volunteers interested in making a positive impact!

Interested in Volunteering? Email Bruno Vasquez: BVasquez@cdaelpaso.com to sign up or ask questions.

Summer Mixer

Location: Rooftop of the International Bar, 114 East Mills Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901 (map)

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Join us for our Summer Mixer on the rooftop of the International Bar! This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow architects, students, and design enthusiasts in a relaxed and vibrant setting.

Enjoy good company, great views, and even better conversations as we come together to celebrate our growing design community.

🎉 Special thanks to our sponsor, @Atmosphere, for making this event possible!

Whether you’re practicing, studying, or simply curious about architecture—we welcome you!

Student Design Challenge – Calling Future Architects (Grades 6–12)

📅 Submission Deadline: October 9, 2025
📍 Organized by: Texas Society of Architects (TxA)
🤝 Promoted by: Women in Architecture (WiA) and AIA El Paso Education Committee

Do you know a middle or high school student with a passion for design, creativity, and building a better future?

Encourage them to participate in the TxA Student Design Challenge, a statewide opportunity that invites young minds to explore the architectural design process and address real-world challenges through creative problem-solving.

Organized by the Texas Society of Architects, and promoted locally by Women in Architecture (WiA) and the AIA El Paso Education Committee, this event empowers students in Grades 6–12 to imagine and propose innovative solutions that shape better communities and environments.

🏆 Why Participate?

• Learn how architects tackle real design problems

• Explore creative solutions to improve everyday life

• Gain exposure to the architectural profession

• Be recognized for your vision and design ideas

📅 Submit by October 9, 2025

Let’s encourage the next generation of architects, planners, and changemakers to join the challenge. Share this with students, teachers, and parents in your network!

📧 For questions or more information, contact: [Insert email/contact or say “Details coming soon”]

Get Involved!

Are you interested in leading Texas architects and shaping the future of our profession?

The Texas Society of Architects (TxA) is seeking passionate leaders to serve on the 2026 TxA Board of Directors, including two national positions. If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for a state-wide leadership role, now is the time to step up! Nominate yourself or a fellow member by Friday, March 21, or apply to be a Strategic Councilor or Young Architect Representative by April 18.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact!

Submit your Nominations here.

AIA El Paso is forming a Bylaws Task Force, and we invite you to be a part of this important initiative!

This task force will play a key role in reviewing and refining our chapter’s bylaws to ensure they align with our mission and support the growth of our architectural community. We especially encourage AIA past presidents and experienced members to share their insights and help guide this process.

Your knowledge and perspective can make a lasting impact! If you're interested in joining, please contact Lorena Holguin, holguin.lorena@gmail.com, for more details.

Established to identify, mentor, and support architects in their journey toward Fellowship, the FATF works closely with local and state AIA components to guide potential candidates through the nomination and application process.

Fellowship is one of the highest honors bestowed by the AIA, recognizing architects who have made a significant impact on the profession and society.

If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to visit AIA’s Fellowship page or reach out to Fellowship Committee Chair, Morris Brown, FAIA, morris.brown1776@gmail.com, or Patricia Rosales Vera, AIA, patricia_rosales@icloud.com, Co-Chair.

Additionally, we encourage you to join us every 3rd Friday of the month (location TBD) for insightful discussions and mentorship opportunities.

Let’s work together to elevate El Paso architects to the College of Fellows!

Right now, Congress is making key decisions on tax policy that could directly impact how architecture firms operate and thrive. As lawmakers work through the reconciliation process, they need to hear from you—your voice matters.

In times of economic uncertainty, it's critical that we advocate for tax policies that support innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in our profession.

Here are just a few priorities AIA is fighting for:

✅ R&D Tax Credits and Expensing
Encouraging innovation and investment in design

✅ 199A Pass-Through Deduction – Helping small and mid-size firms compete with large corporations

✅ 179D Energy Efficient Building Deduction – Rewarding sustainable, energy-efficient design

And more policies that support the work we do every day.

🎯 How You Can Take Action:

📧 Email Congress – Use AIA’s pre-written message to contact your representatives in just a few clicks
📞 Call Your Lawmakers – A personal call can have a powerful impact—urge them to support AIA’s tax priorities
📣 Share Your Story – Tell us how federal tax policy affects your practice or firm

Your advocacy can make the difference. Let’s spring into action and ensure a stronger future for our profession.

Thank you for standing up for architecture.

Make your ANNUAL donation to the Texas Architects Committee.
We challenge all members to make a minimum $10 donation TODAY!

Promote Your Firm on the AIA El Paso Website!

AIA El Paso is offering members the opportunity to advertise their firms on our website! This is a great way to showcase your work, increase visibility, and connect with potential clients and collaborators within the architectural community. If you’re interested in featuring your firm, please reach out to Patricia Rosales Vera, AIA, patricia_rosales@icloud.com, for more details on how to get started. Let’s highlight the incredible talent within AIA El Paso!