Dear AIA TN Members,
It is hard to believe that half the year has already passed by! In many ways this has been a year of readjustment. As we try to put the pandemic in our rearview mirror, architects are moving forward altering the way we work. Our meetings are hybrid, our workplace is reimagined, and we have a renewed vision of achieving purpose and balance in our lives. All of this while facing the challenges of staffing shortages, looming deadlines, social unrest, and climate change. If nothing else, the past few years have driven home the fact that we are a resilient group – and, that it takes all of us working together to drive positive change. On that note, please know that AIA TN has been hard at work on behalf of Membership. This is a good time to update you on what we have accomplished thus far this year, and let you know some of what lies ahead.
Strategic Plan Update
First, I am excited to announce that earlier this year your AIA TN Board adopted an updated strategic plan. This plan focuses on three clear goals: Enriching our Membership, Advocating for the Profession, and Engaging the Public. These goals align with AIA National’s expectations of core member services. They are advanced by the many volunteers who serve on committees dedicated to delivering high quality continuing education to members, engaging on issues of concern to architects, and raising awareness of the value of design and the role of architects. Along with this, I am pleased to announce that we are forming a Leadership Development committee that we believe will help mentor and grow much needed future leaders. We are also looking to grow our Disaster Response Committee. If you are interested in participating on either of these committees, please reach out to Ashley or Molly.
AIA TN Conference on Architecture
As you likely know, this year’s AIA TN Conference on Architecture will be held on August 10 – 12 in Chattanooga. I look forward to seeing each of you there in person! After the past two years of virtual conferences, I know this will be a welcome change. AIA TN puts on the best conference and this year will be no different. The conference committee has been meeting regularly throughout the year working to secure speakers, arrange tours, and plan community charrettes. The theme chosen for the conference, HOW TO, promises to lead us on a path forward with talks ranging from designing for cultural identity to taking creative risks. If you haven’t registered yet, I urge you to go ahead and do it now. You also have until July 19 to benefit from a discounted hotel rate at The Westin Chattanooga.
Advocacy
This has been an outstanding year for TN architects on the advocacy front. We have warded off bills that threatened our licenses and monitored others that could potentially impact us. AIA TN’s consistent lobbying efforts and relationship building paid off with an unprecedented budget approval by the State this year of over $2.7 billion for capital improvements and maintenance projects. The State also doubled its Tennessee Historical Development Grant to $10 M. Both funding approvals present significant opportunity for TN firms interested in doing state work.
Reaching out, showing up with a united voice, and working with the TN State leaders continues to be fundamental to AIA TN’s successful advocacy efforts.
In January, AIA TN hosted a pre-legislative session reception with special guest, TN Comptroller Jason Mumpower, in support of Lt. Governor Randy McNally. Comptroller Mumpower is the newest member of the State Building Commission, and we look forward to working with him in the years ahead.
In March, AIA TN members from across the state met with State legislators in person during Day on the Hill as we advocated for our profession. AIA TN Government Relations Committee also hosted the second annual Speak Up! advocacy event in March which was a huge success. Topics included a discussion on affordable housing, the standard of care, and the power to influence. Meanwhile, the Industry Relations Committee and Quality in Construction Group continue to work with State Procurement Agencies, the State Architect, and others in negotiations and in state policy discussions.
Thank you to the Government Relations Committee, AIA TN’s lobbyists, Lindsey Spain and Bill Nolan, AIA TN Staff, Ashley Cates, Molly Craig, and all the volunteers whose tireless work on behalf of Membership contributed to these outstanding results!
Regionalism Update
Some of you may have heard recent discussions regarding State “regionalism.” This year, at the request of Ann McGuaran, AIA, the TN State Architect, AIA TN was asked to voice its opinion on “Regionalism.” Historically, the State has selected designers based on the three grand divisions of Tennessee. The AIA TN Board at its April Board meeting approved an update to AIA TN’s 2017 position on regionalism to state that our belief is: “region, when applicable, shall be defined as desired proximity/distance to the project” and that “when proximity is important, the State Procurement Agencies shall provide scoring preference related to proximity in the Project’s Request for Qualifications.” This updated position is consistent with the position that AIA TN has held since last approved by the board in 2017. It is strengthened with our belief that proximity to a project, when important, shall receive scoring preference. The full wording can be found on AIA TN’s website. We appreciate that Ann McGauran reached out to AIA TN for our input and look forward to our continued partnership with her office.
Definition of the Profession
The TN Architectural and Engineering Examiners is currently working to update the Definitions of the Professions for Architects, Engineers, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers. Earlier this year, they reached out to AIA TN to offer us an opportunity to comment on their drafts. AIA TN reviewed the definitions provided to us and submitted our comments back to the A/E Board. Our position on the definition of Architecture is consistent with that of NCARB’s. At their most recent board meeting in June, the TN A & E board reviewed and acknowledged our comments. We are awaiting confirmation of acceptance.
Up and Coming
In case you haven’t heard, the National NOMA Conference will be held in Nashville this October 26 – 30. The AIA TN JE+DI committee has been invited to partner with NOMA at its conference on a fun event that will engage educators and students in “Family Feud” type discussions regarding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Congratulations to the JE+DI Committee on having its program accepted by NOMA! More details will be shared closer to the event.
Thank you!
Linda Marzialo, AIA | AIA Tennessee President 2022