AIA New Mexico has a small but dedicated group of architects from around the state who are involved in our government advocacy work. We’d like to hear from you about the level of your interest.

Sometimes just a call or an e-mail from you may make the difference on an important vote. Please tell us about your interest in our government advocacy work by clicking here: AIA New Mexico Advocacy Survey and completing this quick survey.

Results of AIA Santa Fe’s 8.12.10 Roundtable Discussions

Please email us to add anything; we will be sending these results to AIA National by the end of the September.

TOPIC 1:

“The Effect of Society on Architecture/The Effect of Architecture on Society”

Problem Identification:
- Lack of Education in society about building and planning processes

- What Santa Fe County did with the lack of pre design assessment is scandalous. The continual expansion of the city’s planning process along with increasing influence of public on a project. Solutions:

- Educate the public and government, state and county staff about building processes and planning processes

- Ed Mazria – an excellent example

Action Plans:
Architect on planning committees
Communication between AIA and society – possibly a meeting to discuss issues and share views on both sides
Collaboration with schools to share work/projects
Cooperation

TOPIC 2:

“How We can Lead the Charge in Green Architecture”

Problem Identification:
Low tech/old fashioned/passive v. gadget mania
Training as cad monkeys
LEED is a new industry, economy is tapped out
LEED – counter green
super size
Solutions:
Small homes
Outdoor living
Human nature – one month at at time
AIA active? Rethink sustainability
Return to “ways we knew how to do this stuff” – passive
Gadgets – email, text – are tools
New Zealand sustainability
Action Plans:
Recession – this economy is our saviour
Space in NM is new industry
Architects trained to identify and practice the appropriate
Go into grade schools

TOPIC 3:

“Architectural Inheritance: Authenticity in Design”

Problem Identification:
Inauthentic connection hinged on the past
Lack of identity/conceptual basis
Blurring of time: history/now/future
Solutions:
More conceptual guidelines in codes/zoning
Designating new districts – allowing experimentation of design and broadening economic base
Action Plans:
People passionate about modernism and the future of Santa Fe to implement the solutions identified above
Create coalitions/inspire all progressive companies/groups to build progressively

TOPIC 4:

“The Future of the Small Firm: New Ways of Doing Business”

Problem Identification:
Where is the money?  Where are the clients?
BIM  is too complicated and too expensive for the small firm
Getting work – marketing and having the resources to market; how do we make them come to us (like engineers)
Architecture is more adversarial and less fun than it used to be
Solutions:
Lobby government to free up omeny
Diversify  your work: Consulting, Graphics (find out where your talents are)
Design Build
Teaming/collaboration with other firms
Integrated project delivery
BIM for small firms, virtual office with BIM
Action Plans:
Get out of debt, be loose/lean/flexible
Maintain personal relationships
Go back to school
The future of architecture is the small firm!

Our February Lunch Presentation, to be held on February 11,  will be a Mayoral Candidate Forum.  We’d like your input on possible questions for the candidates (please be aware that we may not be able to address your question in the forum).

We are focusing on how architects will play a role in their administrations to shape the future of the City.  Please submit questions to aiasantafe@gmail.com.