JULY 202

Dear Colleagues,

The AIA Conference on Architecture held in Chicago last month was quite the experience. It is personally rewarding to attend the conference and experience the grandeur I often heard called the city of architecture. But I assure you that attending board members and some chapter members were working behind the scenes networking to promote the TxA Conference in El Paso. Along with TxA staff, we divided and conquered the Expo floor seeking venders and exhibitors. I want to thank Bill Helm for his continued service as our 2022 Conference Committee Chair.

I made the effort to connect and talk to people about AIA EL Paso and TxA conference. I had a lengthy conversation with past TxA president Michael Malone on one of my early morning shuttle commutes to the convention center and another conversation with current TxA president Eva Read-Warden on the “L” train. What struck me the most is their appreciation for El Paso’s culture and history and the support for the convention returning after such a long absence. They are excited and looking forward to returning to El Paso and take part in this great event.

The culmination of the conference was the conversation with Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States moderated by AIA President Dan Hart. Topics of conversation included social justice, the environment, a sprinkling of politics and bringing all these topics in one way or another related to architecture. This was an hour long of thoughtful and inspiring conversation. I learned that President Obama considered being an architect but his calling to community action and social justice steered him in another direction…and the rest is history.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Stills
2022 AIA El Paso Chapter President

AIA National President Dan Hart’s interview note card signed by President Barak Obama. This note card has been requested by the Smithsonian.

44th President of the United States, Barack Obama in conversation with AIA National President, Dan Hart.

MAY 2022

 Dear Colleagues,

On May 10th, a small AIA El Paso contingency supported Bill Helm as he presented to the El Paso City Council the work our chapter members and the TxA conference committee has done to bring the state conference back to El Paso since 1977. The presentation highlighted the economic impact, award winning designs and a revitalized downtown that will host our colleagues from around the state. We congratulated our elected officials for their support as well as Destination El Paso for their work and assistance in promoting El Paso as a viable conference location in Texas. Thank you to representative Peter Svarzbein who has been instrumental of this endeavor and showcasing the streetcar project as one of several featured attractions for El Paso.  The Chapter really appreciates Bill Helm for his role as Chair of the 2022 TxA Conference Committee.  The TxA Conference is sure to spotlight El Paso and AIA El Paso Chapter.

AIA El Paso is partnering with the El Paso Association of Contractors (EPAC) for a social event on June 15th. As part of this event, AIA will provide a CEU barriers free course.  EPAC is hosting this free event and all members are welcome.  I would appreciate attendance from all firm principals as this partnership is important for our profession.  Thank you to EPAC President Adam Pacheco for his shared vision to unite architects and contractors to discuss the current state of the construction industry. We look forward to continuing partnering on future events.

Lastly, I have been asked many times the past two years about the Golf tournament. Great news! The golf tournament is back! The El Paso Architectural Foundation (EPAF) has moved forward to organize the event set for September 16th.  Reach out to EPAF President Mary Stills, AIA for information at mjstills@parkhill.com.

Many great things to come!

Sincerely,

Michael T. Stills
2022 AIA El Paso Chapter President