2023 AIA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - RECAP On February 14-17, 2023, I had the honor to represent the AIA El Paso Chapter in Washington DC to advocate for the profession on Capitol Hill. Texas architects and design professionals were at the table with legislators to advocate for two critically important bills pertaining to our profession. The first bill addresses architectural design requirements for all federal buildings and the second promotes greater resilience in the face of natural disasters. The following were a few talking points that we as designers and Architects should reflect on: DEMOCRACY IN DESIGN ACT
Led by Representatives Titus (D-NV), Simpson (R-ID), Carter (R-GA), and Norton(D-DC) in the House, and Senators Van Hollen (D-MD) and Luján (D-NM) in the Senate, these bills would prevent the federal government from mandating design styles.
The legislation would also require that any changes to the General Service Administration’s (GSA)’s Design Excellence Program undergo a public comment period, facilitating more inclusive input.
Since the GSA’s Design Excellence Program guides the federal construction and acquisition of federal buildings, which are paid for with taxpayer dollars, more transparency through this public comment period is appropriate.
RESILIENT AMERICAN ACT
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), American taxpayers have spent $721 billion to recover from natural disasters between 2017-2021 alone.
We must do more to invest in community resilience—before disaster strikes.
The Resilient AMERICA Act (when reintroduced) would increase the amount of pre-disaster mitigation funding available through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.
The BRIC program also encourages states to adopt updated building codes, which are critical to supporting resilience in the built environment.
According to FEMA, only about half of U.S. jurisdictions have adopted hazard resistant building codes.
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) reports that adopting the latest consensus-based building codes and standards saves $11 for every $1 invested in post-disaster recovery.
Following the leadership summit on multigenerational workforce, the conversation was focused on the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Team leaders need to prepare for the future, this means embracing technology, ensure members are thriving, educate the general public on the value of Architecture, and lastly, understanding change in generational time. Kim Lear was key speaker and received a standing ovation explaining the opportunities found in multigenerational workforce. Study has shown that multigenerational teams outperform more homogeneous groups by almost every measure. Today, each generation is taking a new role in the workplace, bringing a unique perspective as we navigate the challenges of the built environment. Thank you to our Chapter board and members for the opportunity to represent the AIA El Paso Chapter at the AIA Leadership Summit, and to EXIGO for the support to attend and participate in the conversation with amazing leaders such as President-elect Kimberly Dowdell, AIA,NOMAC, Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC, Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, and many more! The future is bright and exciting, looking forward to all the things we can accomplish together. Italia Aguilera
AIA El Paso Assoc. Director 2023
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