ARCHITEXT | March 2025

The monthly newsletter of the AIA El Paso Chapter

President’s
Message

Dear AIA El Paso Members,

I am thrilled to share with you our Chapter’s accomplishments for the month of February. From TxA’s Architect’s Day to our bank account transfer to West Star Bank we achieved these two significant goals for the year.

Starting off on February 10th and 11th, a few of us traveled to the Texas State Capital and committed to represent our local members and advocate for our profession. Leading our effort was our Past President and today’s 2025 TxA Director Bruno Vasquez. Also in attendance and with great participating effort was our current Secretary Patricia Rosales Vera, active member Enrique Escobedo and myself. The first day involved meeting with our TxA leaders and fellow architects around the state to coordinate our legislative priorities that highlight the important roles architects play in shaping Texas communities. As a team we were quick to identify those issues related to the built environment that met the education, housing, and infrastructure demands of our rapidly growing population and a booming business industry. Our top 2025 legislative priorities included:

Supporting increased funding for public infrastructure – specifically water infrastructure and updating school facilities with modern safety codes.
Preservation of historic buildings and promote local heritage in efforts for economic benefits.
Housing affordability and attainability.
Repeal of the state sales tax on rehabilitation and remodeling for non-residential buildings.

On the second day, our local team met with the (5) five Representatives and (1) one Senator listed below, to discuss these issues and provide them with relevant information such as the challenges and benefits of each major topic. It was important to convey how the of safety in our communities relies on resilient infrastructure. By making it easier to upgrade buildings, we can help safeguard lives, minimize economic damage, and ensure the economic prosperity of communities across Texas.

Senator Cesar Blanco
Representative Joe Moody
Representative Claudia Ordaz
Representative Vince Perez
Representative Eddie Morales
Representative Mary Gonzalez

As a legislative update, this week marks two weeks until the bill filing deadline, and nearly 6,000 bills have already been filed. Several of the bills TxA is actively supporting and engaged with are among those bills already filed, such as the following:

School Safety Funding

SB 260 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) - Relating to the school safety allotment under the Foundation School Program.

Housing Affordability & Availability

Accessory Dwelling Units - SB 673 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) - Relating to regulation of accessory dwelling units by political subdivisions.

Commercial to Residential - HB 3404 by Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant)/SB 840 by Hughes. Relating to certain municipal and county regulation of certain multifamily and mixed-use residential development projects and conversion of certain commercial buildings to mixed-use and multifamily residential occupancy.
Valid Petition Reform - SB 844 by Hughes - Relating to procedures for changes to a zoning regulation or district boundary.

Repeal of State Sales Tax on Rehabilitation & Remodel

HB 3089 by Rep. Tepper (R-Lubbock) - Relating to the exclusion of real property repair and remodeling services from sales and use taxes.

Aside from all this excitement, I also wanted to share that we are officially part of the West Star Bank business. After many troubles and setbacks with the Western Heritage and Nusenda banks we researched other financial institutions to make this transfer. The more we met with West Star representatives we couldn’t help oversee that WestStar’s mission aligns with our own and that our accounts are in good hands. As a local and leading financial institution they are committed to drive the growth, prosperity, and success of their clients, communities, team members and shareholders. WestStar is interested in creating a long-term relationship with AIA and provide us with delivery of exceptional client experiences and comprehensive financial solutions. For this reason the AIA El Paso Chapter board voted “Yay” to transfer our assets from our existing bank and open a Non-Profit Checking account at Weststar Bank.

With that I leave you and I look forward to seeing all of you in our upcoming events. Thanks to all our members and especially our 2025 Board for your dedication and enthusiasm.

Sincerely,

Lorena Holguin, AIA, LEED AP
AIA El Paso Chapter | 2025 President

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CONTACT ME

COMMITTEES & INITIATIVES

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!

AWARDS & LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

2025 Design Awards Call for Entries Now Open

TxA’s 2025 Design Awards Call for Entries is now open!

Earn recognition for your outstanding architectural design and promote public interest in design excellence by entering your projects for consideration by March 20. Learn More.

The Cornerstone Award is the highest honor TxA can bestow on a non-architect, recognizing individuals or organizations that have enhanced the quality of life by elevating architecture and the arts, promoting community value, or preserving the natural environment.

In 2022, the El Paso Community Foundation was honored with this prestigious award.

Nominations are typically accepted annually as part of TxA’s Honor Awards program, with past deadlines falling in mid-May. Members are encouraged to visit the TxA website or contact Monica Cavazos at monica@texasarchitects.org for more details.

Stay engaged with TxA communications to stay up to date on deadlines and submission guidelines.

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.

EVENTS

Stay connected by visiting our calendar of events.

ASHRAE El Paso General Meeting (March 12)

We’re just a few days away from the ASHRAE El Paso General Meeting on March 12th, and tickets are almost gone! There are only 8 spots left, so if you haven’t secured your ticket yet, now is the time to do so.

RSVP Here: Eventbrite Link

Important Venue Change! Please note that due to EPCC’s spring break, the meeting has been relocated to: New Venue: Blue Flame Building Penthouse (Center for Civic Empowerment), 304 Texas Ave, 17th Floor, Room A, El Paso, TX

For those who have already purchased tickets, no action is required—your registration remains valid. If you need a refund for any reason, please email us, and we’ll process it accordingly.

Parking Notice: Parking in the area is not free, so please plan accordingly.

YOGA CLASS & SOUNDBATH

Thursday, March 20th, 2025 at the FMG Showroom, 2900 Pershing Dr, Suite L, El Paso, TX, 79903

MEETINGS

Stay connected by visiting our calendar of events.

Thursday February 20, 2025 at 11:45 am
State Line Restaurant
1222 Sunland Park Dr, El Paso, TX 79922

Join us for an informative session on Sika MBCC US LC, a solution for architectural coatings.

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

Women in Architecture

Monthly Meeting

Friday, March 14, 2025 at 12:15 pm
1616 Basset Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

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!

ADVOCACY

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

DONATE TODAY

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

Visit our website for upcoming events and other resources!

At AIA El Paso, we believe in the power of collaboration to strengthen and elevate our architectural community. Whether you're looking to get involved, sponsor an event, or partner on initiatives that promote design excellence, advocacy, and professional development—we’d love to connect!

Let’s build a better future together. Reach out today and let’s explore how we can collaborate!

📲 Stay Connected!
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @aia_el_paso
👍 Like our Facebook page for the latest events: AIA El Paso Facebook

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!

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