Good times, great people and totally inspiring architecture!
AIACon15 in Atlanta was four full – sometimes extending into the wee hours full – days learning, listening, engaging with peers and friends, focused on inspiration, encouragement, and excitement around all things architecture. Whew! Last year after attending the AIA Convention in Chicago I wrote about why all small firm architects MUST attend the AIA Convention.. This year it was even more of the same…
There is so much happening in our profession at the moment… The AIA did an amazing job keeping that excitement in the air during the presentations – from the bright places where Boom Bands are playing for Day One to the super inspiring #ilookup video they put together to promote our profession – “The energy in the room is fantastic!” (one of my colleagues remarked.)
Celebrating the Value of Architecture
I’m sharing a few of the videos that were shown as each firm won their awards.. In my opinion the best thing about these videos – and most shown during the convention – is that they go beyond merely celebrating the architect, to illustrate what the architecture does for the community and the user… and excellent examples of the value that architects bring to the public.
Day One: Moshe Safdie accepts the 2015 Gold Medal Award: One of the things that struck me the most during his speech was his comment about teaching, “I say to students as they pick up a pencil to start designing, ‘If you can completely put yourself in the position of the people who will use your building then you are almost all the way there…’ (paraphrasing)
Day Three: Ehrlich Architects accepts the 2015 AIA Architecture Firm Award – This was a fun speech to listen to because Ehrlich Architects started out as a small residential studio and has earned its reputation as an “international firm of design excellence.” …Steven Ehrlich gave credit to his partners and firm for the outstanding work, but the best part was when Takashi Yanai (partner) showed the true culture of the firm by thanking Steven and crediting him with bringing the firm to where it is today.
One of the biggest highlights of the AIA presentations was their latest #ilookup video. This tells a wonderful story of an architect and an architecture student… a beautiful documentary and a brilliant explanation of what an architect does! Plus… I’m proud to say he’s also an NCState grad!! 🙂
But the very best part of the AIA Convention is the experience. Connecting with friends, making new ones, and being inspired by so many amazing architects… It was extremely cool to be in the same room – not to mention the same table!! – with some of the most talented and well respected men and women in our profession…. it’s an incredible experience! And I can’t wait til next year!
And just in case you think it’s all work and no fun….My instagram post from one of our many gatherings: “This is pretty much how our week has been…” #AIACon15 #fun #friends #architecture 
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