Newsletter I March 2018
Dear Colleagues,
Happy March! I hope that you all took the time to enjoy a nice spring break. As for me, I have taken some wonderful advice from Mr. Carl Daniel and have purchased a map and a compass! Now back to business. My goal is to keep the chapter informed of the process of bringing the convention to the western most city of El Paso and as always if your would like to participate in the process, please feel free to contact me. We continue to wait on the state to send us the convention package that would assist the El Paso Convention committee in preparing to meet with our city leaders.
This year’s national AIA convention will take place in the Big Apple and will be here before you know it. Registration is now available online https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/register/#register . Also this year our President Elect – Paulina is working to organize this year’s TSA Presidents visit with our chapter to take place at the El Paso Chihuahuas Southwest University Park, this will allow us to socialize with the families of our colleagues.
Renee Jimenez, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A
2018 AIA El Paso President
Newsletter | February 2018
Dear Colleagues,
We have hit the ground running! This past month the TXA to EP committee had the chance to meet and have begun to brain storm ideas to assist in preparations to meet with the state in the coming year. Let’s bring the AIA Texas Convention and Expo to El Paso. If you are a native El Pasoan or have found yourself in the Sun City for many years now, you understand just how much beauty and potential our city has come to offer. Being the western most city in the state, we are often forgotten about. We wanted to remind the board what El Paso has to offer and be able to share it with our fellow architects from all around the state. If you believe you have ideas or would like to contribute to the process, please join our committee, we would love your help!
“Whatever good things we build, end up building us” Although my newsletter is not lengthy this month, I would like to leave you all words of encouragement. Our job as architects is built on many natural talents and the continuous experiences we gain from each project we endeavor. From that, we should always strive to continue educating ourselves on new advances. I encourage you to attend lunch and learns and to keep an eye out for guest speakers around the city. Don’t be afraid to step out of your creative comfort zone with a new idea. Think of our chapter as a human library, our members hold many levels of experience and will gladly lend a hand to one another. Lets continue to make El Paso a sight to see.
Renee Jimenez, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A
2018 AIA El Paso President
Newsletter | January 2018
Dear Colleagues,
The holidays have come and gone all too quickly. I hope you all enjoyed time with family and friends and are looking forward to a great year. As I Look back on the past 5 years, I have seen how far our chapter has progressed in many ways. To name a few, the incredible advances that our Design Awards have made, the amount of students and associate architects we have been able to assist in advancing their profession and the increase in funds brought in by our annual golf tournament that allow the AIA to fund scholarships for those up and coming with a bright future ahead. Of course, our chapter is only as good as those that participate and support us, so I thank each and every member whom, year after year, continue their membership and attend events.
This upcoming year we are taking hold of a new and rewarding task. Our 2018 EXCOM has committed to bringing the AIA Texas Convention and Expo to El Paso within the next 3 to 5 years. This will be one of the largest challenges the El Paso chapter has endeavored in a long time. As you may imagine, this is no small task and we ask for each individual members support along the way. I have no doubt that every member of AIA El Paso will work hard to ensure we put another successful year in the records. With that said, it gives me great honor and privilege to continue the work of our past presidents as your 2018 AIA El Paso president.
Renee Jimenez, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A
2018 AIA El Paso President
Newsletter | December 2017
Dear Colleagues,
Throughout the year I have referenced folks outside of El Paso who are making impacts in the architectural community. At this point I think it is necessary to also reference Architects that are making an impact in our own community.
ExCom’s Event Coordinator, Michael Stills, reached a new high for fundraising for our annual golf tournament. And because of recent efforts by Bruno Vasquez and Jorge Loya, previous Event Coordinators, the El Paso Architectural foundation has the opportunity to look at increased endowments with the State and increased opportunities for area scholarships.
Jorge, ExCom Secretary, has also been working with area Universities, both in El Paso and Juarez, to promote AIAS memberships and mentor students in the Architectural Colleges. We have to also thank Bruno, ExCom Treasurer, for revitalizing Archtober. Mostly due to him, we have had a successful three year run of an events filled Archtober.
Paulina Lagos, ExCom VP, raised over $13,000 at this year’s Design Awards; of which $6,250 went to AIA Associates and area Architecture students to assist in their pursuit of either license or degree. And President Elect, Renee Jimenez, is now spear heading a group to get the TxA Convention back to El Paso.
El Paso is fortunate that they do not have to look too far to find great Architects. I am fortunate to have been on a board with those mentioned above. If in the past you have participated in El Paso Chapter events and boards, continue to do so. If you have not participated, then 2018 is a great time to start.
Thank you,
Rene Melendez AIA
AIA El Paso - President
Newsletter | November 2017
Dear Colleagues,
State convention has come and gone. El Paso represented itself well. We were identified by the TxA President as a Chapter that has made better efforts in our contribution to TAC than most of the big cities in Texas; and we also hit our mark for those from AIA El Paso attending the convention. Thank you for your efforts!
Although much un-natural disaster has challenged the built environment and infrastructure; the presenting Architects and Architect Advocates at the convention where confident that those who would provide the best solutions for our future are Architects. Our combination of creativity, passion and knowledge of the build environment puts at the forefront. So, we must educate the youth, bring awareness to those who can impact change, and set up our buildings to provide for the future.
Our city is growing and our economy is consistently on the rise where economist have said we should have flattened out by now. We currently have opportunity upon us. We must use that opportunity to bring solutions to our fevered world. Keep doing your best and continue to set an example rather than follow the example.
May you get rest this holiday season because we need you at your best in 2018,
Rene Melendez AIA
AIA El Paso - President
Newsletter | September 2017
Dear Colleagues,
The ideal world that we Architects attempt to live in has now be replaced with the surreal world of catastrophic events. The onslaught of these natural disasters and how quickly they have lined up one after the other make it difficult to comprehend the true magnitude of each event. The suffering of each community is overlooked due to additional hurricanes, fires or earthquakes. We will not understand the magnitude of these series of events for some time.
We must remember in our busy sunny day-to-day that our community is global and not just southwestern. The built environment is forever growing as population will never decrease. What we were told to build as sustainable now must be built as sustainable and resilient. After a disaster, we seek shelter. After shelter, we seek a reconnection to community. After reconnection then comes the struggle to rebuild.
Eric Cesal, Assoc. AIA, presented at the TXA Convention in 2016. His emphasis is rebuilding communities that were subject to what he calls “un-natural disasters”; most notably Haiti and New Orleans. The disasters are un-natural because the chain of events that the natural phenomena create are impossible to predict. More than building “resilient” cities he recommends building “healthy” cities. We will not be able to resist un-natural disasters but if our city is healthy then it will recover quicker.
What we build in our city not only impacts our arid climate but the whole world. We need to work with our municipality to develop healthy ideas for our city. The built environment needs to be low impact but also resistive to natural disaster. At times of disaster we should not flock to our old buildings because they were built better; we should run to new construction because it should be more resistive and does not solely rely on utilities infrastructure to function.
In your design, if you are simply doing what was done before; or if you are just doing what the client wants, then you are part of the problem. Architects need to do more. You were blessed with that ability to create and be creative. Use those gifts. Eric Cesal – “Do not wait for disaster to start working on disaster.”
Peace and strength to those battling disaster,
Rene Melendez AIA
AIA El Paso - President
Newsletter | August 2017
Dear Colleagues,
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards has released its annual report on architects, professionals working toward licensure, and diversity in the profession in 2016.
Number of architects working in the United States held steady, while the number of new students enrolled in an accredited architecture program has increased 4 percent since the 2014-2015 school year.
Time to licensure has decreased. It now takes 12.5 years to become an architect from the time a student enrolls in school, 9.6 months less than in 2015. 58 percent of students are enrolled in Bachelor of Architecture programs, 42 percent in Masters programs, and less than 1 percent in doctoral programs.
First time since NCARB began collecting demographic data, gender equity improved along every career stage.
AIA El Paso is doing its part. Currently available to students and associates are sponsorships to assist them with their schooling and/or licensure. If your work force currently has those attending school or those taking the ARE; please direct them to the application in the newsletter or aiaelpaso.org. Dead line for entries is soon so let them know now!
Sincerely,
Rene Melendez AIA
AIA El Paso Chapter
President
Newsletter | July 2017
Dear Colleagues,
The cookies tracking me on my computer have asked me if I would be interested in signing up for Frank Gehry’s MasterClass; which intends to further my knowledge of Design, Architecture, and Movement. (https://www.masterclass.com/FG) Although it seems like I am making a shameless plug, I do not think I will sign up for the class as my buildings will never move as much as his. I mention Mr. Gehry because if you have not seen his add, it does mention some important points that he has learned on his journey.
…if you know what you’re doing in advance, then you won’t do it…
…the majority of the buildings built in our society are only for economies and not for humanities.
Within the constraints of any project he identifies that he only has 15% freedom to create art within a building. In El Paso I’d guess we are down to 5%.
Gehry asks, “Whatever you do, promise me that every project you make or design, you’ll take the risk of doing something for humanity.”
In the prosperity of the projects we have right now, please challenge yourselves to reduce the impact of your structures and increase their sustainability.
Sincerely,
Rene Melendez AIA
AIA El Paso Chapter
President
Newsletter | June 2017
Dear Colleagues,
Texas Society of Architects is hosting the 2017 Prosperity Conference in Waco on August 24-25. TxA invites you and the future leaders of your firm to participate in this engaging event that can change the future of your practice. While there you can:
- Gain significant insight into best practices for marketing, sale strategies and financial profitability;
- Learn successful secrets from small business owners like you; and
- Leave with a plan of action for your firm.
Discounts are available for firms sending three or more people so maybe we should strategize on who is attending to make sure we can take advantage of the discount locally. Information for the event can be found at the TxA website.
On a separate note; construction sites can scorch this time of year so make sure that you and yours are drinking plenty of water before and after visiting sites. Also, please keep a look out for the laborers out there. They too need the reminder to stay hydrated.
Sincerely,
Rene Melendez AIA
AIA El Paso Chapter
President