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

Newsletter | April 2017

Dear Colleagues,

 

This month we were visiting by the entire board of the Texas Society of Architects(TxA).  They have a sincere desire to get El Paso more involved in the definition of a Texas Architect.  National has also asked all states to make sure each and every chapter has a voice.  Now is our time to let the state know what it means to be an El Paso Architect.  They were impressed with our city, had nothing but nice things to say, and they are thankful that the El Paso Chapter is organized and represents itself well.

 

Many of us now and for several years have been intermingling with large out of town firms.  Maintaining our local identity is important now more than ever.  We pride ourselves on being hard workers, well rounded and have abilities to solve problems most other architects can’t.  We are never given budgets with much wiggle room nor is our community one that we can specialize on just one thing.  We are true architect’s because we can bring solutions at many scales; humble enough to solve small problems but skilled enough to solve large problems.  Please make sure the out of town firms and public entities never forget that.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso Chapter

President

Newsletter | March 2017

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Dear Colleagues,

 

This month your President and Treasurer represented the El Paso Chapter at the AIA National Grassroots in Washington D.C.  Primary point that seemed to come through in most presentations is that the built environment is the greatest global issue, but if done correctly, should also be the greatest factor to future global success.  By 2050, our population is anticipated to reach 9.7 billion.  Cities must recentralize, urbanize and revitalize.  If an increase of 2.7 billion people is allowed to sprawl out over the globe from now unit 2050, our resources will be abused; their rapid expenditure will continue global warming; and available resources will not have the capacity to develop resilient cities that can sustain natural disasters and acts of terror.

 

It was not represented as a doom and gloom scenario at Grassroots, rather they placed emphasis on the ever important role of the master architect. We must continue to instruct on the importance of centralizing resources in low impact urban centers.  These urban centers should focus on the reuse of the existing built environment and stay away from demolition and new construction as much as possible.  These reestablished city centers must be healthy and vibrant.  They must be adaptable and flexible; we will not be able anticipate all types of disasters in our cities however healthy cities have a better chance at surviving the unknown.

 

We must guide our municipalities towards healthy communities.  We must also make them aware that infrastructure includes buildings.  Municipal funding primarily goes towards infrastructure that runs outside of property lines, but if it does not extend into healthy buildings then our communities will continue to be victims of natural disasters and terror.

 

Clients and local officials need to know that Architects are a resource that is needed in abundance.  Please continue to work hard and practice good Architecture. 

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Thank you,

AIA El Paso - President

 

Rene Melendez AIA

Newsletter | February 2017

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Dear Colleagues,

It seems this month’s word is Advocacy.  I’d like to thank Tommy Razloznik, Bruno Vasquez, Hector De Santiago and Fred Dalbin for attending Advocates for Architects Day on February 7th in Austin.  Shout out to Morris Brown as a lithograph of his sketches were distributed by all Architect leaders, as gift, to all House Representatives throughout the state.  Mr. Brown conveys that art and expression can transcend the desert southwest and impact our state as a whole.

Point of conversation with state reps was: limiting Shotgun lawsuits by Owners by establishing “right to repair” clauses in contracts of Architects and Contractors; efforts to reduce the Statute of Repose from 10 years to first 5 years of operation of a building; opposing any bill which suggests a Sales Tax on Architectural Services; and opposition to any weakening of Qualification-Based selection processes as they still are the most transparent processes available to the profession.

Bruno Vasquez and I will march on the capital at National Grassroots on March 8 thru the 10th. And your local Executive Committee and Advocacy Committee are reaching out to local public entities to make them aware of the many valuable services that we Architects provide.  Please help us join the fight buy signing up for our Chapter Committees.  More awareness leads to the longevity of our profession.  Please help.

Sincerely,

Rene Melendez AIA
AIA El Paso Chapter
President

 

Newsletter | January 2017

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Dear Colleagues,

In 2016, “president” seemed to be an extremely popular term, even for an election year.  The National race spawned an unconventional run and our very own AIA National president sent an endorsement on the behalf of our national community to the president-elect.  So, I as I sit in my new “presidential” role I am reminded of the Architect’s true responsibility.  The Executive Committee and I thought a reminder was necessary.

We are the protectors/stewards of the built environment.  We oversee its function, its safety, its beauty and its sustainability.  If we do it right, the effort transcends political structures and leans towards no party.  The built environment should work independent of political party because we do not design to sway the populace rather we design to protect and facilitate the populace.  Yes, we can design a house for the policy to be created under; and we are bound by policy; but we should not let the policy govern the environment we create because in most cases it outlasts the policy.

I thank you for this opportunity to serve; I am looking forward to this year.

Sincerely,

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso Chapter

President

Newsletter | December 2016

Dear Colleagues,

Holiday greetings! During this magical time of the year, I hope that prosperity and happiness enters your businesses and homes! It’s been a memorable year for the AIA El Paso Chapter, full of accomplishments, we:

•Completed the grueling application process for Chapter accreditation

•Received a 3 year Chapter accreditation from AIA National!

•Filled positions for Executive Director and Associates Director

•Reinstated Chapter Committees

•Began ‘Donuts & Design’ to provide additional CEU’s

•Had representation at the Grassroots, National and State Conventions

•United to represent our profession prior to YISD bond

•Had great sponsors and CEU presentations at our monthly meetings

•Have valuable relationships with our Professional Affiliates

•Updated our new website and included social media outlets

•Sponsored various architectural educational events

•Collaborated with various entities for Archtober events

•Planned a successful golf tournament to assist the EPAF in providing architectural scholarships

•Organized a Chapter Banquet. Congratulations to the three firms who received design awards.

•Began collaboration dialogue with TTU El Paso and UACJ AIAS Chapters

•Completed the Strategic Plan for 2017-2019 (the last one was done in 2008!)

I’m very proud to have been a part of these achievements! It’s been a pleasure being President and being a part of the Executive Committee for the last six years. It’s been a privilege to have worked with some great architects who are dedicated and do a fantastic job representing our profession. While being out during my two back surgeries this year, Rene Melendez has already gotten his feet wet as President and has proved that he will do great with this role. I have confidence that next year Rene, along with the Executive Committee will be dedicated to our Chapter, their efforts will bring great success and growth to our Chapter.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Sending you best wishes for a fantastic 2017!

Madam President signing off ...

Mary J Stills, AIA

2016 Chapter President

Newsletter | November 2016

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Dear Colleagues,

I hope most of you had the opportunity to attend the Archtober events. Our appreciation goes out to Jorge Loya and Paulina Lagos for their time and efforts to plan the events, thank you!

I trust that each member that attended the TxA Convention found it insightful and beneficial. Already looking forward to next year’s.

This week several members of the executive committee will be meeting with the Texas Tech and UACJ AIAS chapters. Our chapter is looking forward to engaging with these students to support them with their endeavors and to collaborate for the benefit of architecture. We look forward to planning joint events with them next year.

Special wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with your family and friends. Thank you for all you do for our profession.

Best Regards,

Mary J Stills, AIA

2016 Chapter President

Newsletter | October 2016

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Dear Colleagues,

We ended September and started October with a bang!  The golf tournament proved to be yet another successful event this year, thanks to Jorge Loya, his great golf committee and all the volunteers.  We are appreciative of all our sponsors and players.  We’re already looking forward to next year. 

Thanks to Renee Jimenez for organizing the Design Awards Banquet.  Our head judge and speaker, Bradley Hightower was engaging with his presentation on Courthouses, his humor added to the evening.  We valued his comments regarding the project submissions.  The Chapter congratulates this year’s award winners!

Honors Award: Parkhill Smith & Cooper for Johnston Elementary School Merit Award: PhiloWilke Partnership for MCA Cardwell Collaborative

Merit Award: Alvidrez Architecture for Sun Metro Operations

Merit Award – Interiors: PhiloWilke Partnership for Memorial Hermann Pearland

Honorable Mention Award: Alvidrez Architecture, San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated ISD Administration Center

Pictures of these projects are included in the body of the newsletter.

We’re in the midst of Archtober!  Chalk the Block, Lego-Bricks Build-a-Thon and Pecha Kucha Night all took place this past weekend.  I hope you were able to attend and support these events.  Still coming up are various lectures, tours, and events, please make plans to attend.

The Texas Society of Architects Convention is nearing.  Convergence, the 77th Annual Convention and Design Expo will take place on November 3 - 5, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. We have 19 members attending so far, don't miss out and make plans to attend.

Best Regards,

Mary J Stills, 2016 Chapter President

 

Newsletter | August 2016

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Dear Colleagues,

Happy August! It was a pleasure seeing many of you at the July Chapter meeting. Our Chapter hosted Mr. Paul Dennehy, AIA, TxA President Elect and Mr. James Perry, TxA Executive VP/CEO. Mr. Dennehy gave a great presentation and provided us with one continuing education hour. He spoke to us about his experiences as an architect and the value of working with our communities. He also reminded us of the importance of contributing to TAC to support the advocacy efforts on behalf of architects and architecture. Our Chapter has not met its yearly goal of $2,500 and I am therefore providing you with the link so that you can contribute on-line as soon as possible.

https://texasarchitects.org/v/tac-donation

The time has come to register for the Texas Society of Architects Convention. Convergence, the 77th Annual Convention and Design Expo will take place on November 3 – 5, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas.

Our yearly golf tournament is taking place next month! The El Paso Architectural Foundation and the AIA El Paso Chapter will be hosting the 19th annual golf tournament on September 16, 2016 at the Butterfield Trail Golf Course. We are grateful to our Silver Sponsor; Robins and Morton, our Bronze Sponsors; Stubbs Engineering and Tandus Centiva, our Golf Ball Sponsor; Resource Lighting and finally our Hole Sign Sponsors; Bath Engineering, MNK Architects, PhiloWilke, Carl Daniel Architects, APCO, JOBE and Aguilar Engineering!

Please assist Jorge Loya in continuing to seek sponsors and players. Remember that this event will raise money for the Chapter’s Architectural Scholarship and Education Fund. Please join the great golf Fiesta on 16 de Septiembre! 

On Friday August 26th, the Chapter will be sponsoring the second presentation of Donuts and Design to provide Chapter members a continuing education hour, this particular one will provide an ADA Credit!

Don’t forget to RSVP, details for all these events are included in the newsletter. I invite you to participate!

Best Regards,

Mary Stills, AIA 2016 AIA El Paso Chapter President

Newsletter | June 2016

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Dear Colleagues,

I hope this newsletter finds your well. It is with great sadness that I write this month’s Presidents letter just learning of the passing of Mr. Linsday Holt. In our industry there are so many pieces that need to fit together to complete a project successfully. As architects, we call on so many people to collaborate with and assure that we are doing everything possible to select and specify quality equipment and materials. Calling on Lindsay for his assistance was always a positive experience. He was a very intelligent, caring and supportive individual.

I want to thank every single professional affiliate, product representative, client, consultant, and contractor who are part of our team. Your hard work and dedication assists us in having a fulfilling profession.

Our deepest condolences to the Holt family. A sympathy bouquet and card have been sent on behalf of our Chapter to let them know how much we appreciated Lindsay and how much he will be missed. I look forward to seeing all of you at the June Chapter meeting.

Mary Stills, AIA 2016 AIA El Paso Chapter President