Chapter Meeting

Introduction to Turnkey Solutions in Decorative Metal Panel Design (1 HSW)
Presented by: Emilio Banda with Architectural Buildings LLC

Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 11:45 am
Hotel Indigo - Train Station Room
325 N Kansas St, El Paso, TX 79901

Join us for an informative session on custom decorative metal panels.

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

Women in Architecture

Monthly Meeting

Friday, April 11, 2025 at 12:15 pm
At The Station
500 W Overland, Suite 250, 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!

We are excited to share incredible news—a student team from El Dorado High School, part of the ACE Mentor Program Paso del Norte, has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 CIRT National Design and Construction Competition!

Their achievement places them among the top three teams in the nation, and they’ve been invited to present their project before a panel of distinguished judges at the CIRT Spring Conference in Washington, D.C. on April 28.

🎯 Here’s how you can help: ACE needs financial support to help cover travel, lodging, and related expenses. Your sponsorship will allow these talented students to proudly represent our region—and gain life-changing exposure to top leaders in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries.

👉 To donate, please contact Paulina Lagos, AIA at plagos@exigoarch.com

Let’s come together to support the next generation of design professionals!
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to education.

Tour of the MACC with Exigo Architecture

Tour of the MACC with Exigo Architecture

• Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

• Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 Pm

• Address: 201 W Franklin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

Tour the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center winner of AIA El Paso's Honor Award with Exigo Architecture.

Important: Space is limited to ensure a great experience. Signing up via the Google Form does not guarantee a spot on the tour. We will review all submissions and send a confirmation email to those selected. Your registration is only complete once you receive this email.

For any questions, please reach out to us at aia.elpaso.chapter@gmail.com  

Sign Up Here!

The Call for Nominations for the Texas Society of Architects’ 2025 Honor Awards is now open!

This prestigious awards program recognizes outstanding individuals, firms, and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to the profession of architecture, the built environment, and the quality of life in Texas.

🏆 Award Categories Include:

• Medal for Lifetime Achievement

• Architecture Firm Award

• Award for Community Service

• Award for Outstanding Educational Contributions

• Award for Equitable Practice in Architecture

• Award for Early Career Professional Achievement

• Associate Member of the Year

• Mentorship Award

• Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Architecture Through the Media

• Citation of Honor

• Artisan Award

• Honorary Membership

• 25-Year Award

• Architectural Landmark Award

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized?
We encourage you to submit your nominations by May 20!

For full details and nomination guidelines, visit the TxA website or reach out if you have any questions.

Let’s celebrate the people shaping our profession and communities!

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.

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!