AAJ Leadership and National Subcommittees

Committee Co-Chairs: Jay Farbstein, FAIA + Melissa Farling, AIA   Liaison: Elizabeth Minnis, AIA

The AIA/AAJ Research Committee is committed to supporting design decision-making through scientific research for its members, in a user-friendly manner. Towards that objective, the subcommittee has successfully completed a number of initiatives over the past 7 years, including an original research study principally sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections, three workshop/seminars on applying neuroscience concepts to correctional and court facility research and research for sustainable justice facilities. In addition, the subcommittee is in the process of creating a user-friendly Justice Facilities Review database and is working with Infocomm International on a project to develop guidelines for video technologies in court proceedings. Learn more about the committee's work on AAJ Research webpage.

Committee Co-Chairs: Larry Hartman, AIA + Julia Hughes, AIA   Liaison: Linda Bernauer, AIA

The AIA/AAJ Sustainable Justice Committee developed out of the following question: “Close your eyes and imagine it is 2030, and everything we have ever hoped for in creating a green, sustainable world has been accomplished. What do you see in the world of "...law enforcement?” “....detention/corrections?” “....courthouses?” Answering this question has been at the heart of the work of the AIA AAJ Sustainable Justice Committee over the last five years. Learn more about the committee's work on the AAJ Sustainability webpage.

Committee Chair: April Pottorff, AIA   Liaisons: Elizabeth Minnis, AIA + Amy Ann Phillips, AIA

The AAJ Communications Committee plans, writes, edits, and publishes four AAJ E-Journals annually.  The AAJ Journal features original articles focused on current issues specific to the justice market; highlights projects selected for the annual AAJ Justice Facilities Review; and, offers an “in the news” section where you can find information on upcoming AAJ events and programs.   The AAJ is grateful for Lift-U’s sponsorship of the journal. The AAJ Communication Committee welcomes suggestions and input so if you have an article you want published, or, you have ideas for article topics please contact the subcommittee chair. View current and past issues on the AAJ Journal webpage. 

Committee Co-Chairs: James Mueller AIA + Gerald Winkler, AIA   Liaison: Catherine Chan, AIA

The AAJ Fall Conference is an annual 2.5 day conference with sessions organized by members, keynotes, and local justice facilities tours, etc. The event attracts 200 to 300 people – the total spectrum of owners, design professionals, contractors, vendors, operators, and financiers, active within the criminal justice building community. We strive to have architects include their clients in the sessions so we have the opportunity to hear from both the architects/designer’s perspective as well as the owner/client. Learn more about the 2013 program on the AAJ Conference webpage.

Jury Chair: Jay Farbstein, FAIA   Liaison: Lorenzo M. Lopez, AIA

The Justice Facilities Review documents best practices in planning and design for Justice Architecture. Functionality and community impact, sustainability and economic feasibility, as well as aesthetic achievements are essential elements for identifying the success of these projects. The JFR jury is comprised of three architects and three professionals from the fields of Courts, Detention/Corrections and Law Enforcement. The Justice Facilities Review is published annually as print on-demand and digital book. The Research Committee is working on a database of all JFR recipients 2000-present. Learn more about the program on the Justice Facilities Review webpage.

Committee Co-Chairs: Chuck Oraftik, FAIA and Jim Beight, AIA  Liaison: Linda Bernauer, AIA

The purpose of the AIA/AAJ Justice Partners Committee is to establish a professional relationship with partner organizations including the American Corrections Association (ACA), the National Association of Court Managers (NACM), and the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP). Several of the accomplishments achieved as the result of this committee are:

• A systematic procedure for selecting representatives from the partner organizations for participation in the JFR jury;
• Reservation of slots at partner conference programs for AAJ participation;
• Publicized notification of each other’s conferences to our memberships.

Committee Chair: Frank Greene, FAIA   Liaison: Amy Ann Phillips, AIA

The AAJ Local Components Committee seeks to link the activities of the national Knowledge Community to local members who may not be able to travel to the national conferences and other programs/events.  The local components sponsor presentations, facility tours, and exhibitions in New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, and Boston.  They serve as a conduit for members interested in learning more about the Academy and justice architecture, through participation at the local level and as a vehicle for events sharing ideas and reflecting local concerns.

The AAJ LCC has lessons learned guidelines available for any group of members interested in forming a local component in their area and stands ready to lend support and encouragement to that effort.  Some of the benefits of forming a local component include:

• increased communication between practitioners and clients
• professional development opportunities for emerging leaders
• a public forum to promote best practices and celebrate significant achievements
• creating a sense of community and shared interest amongst peer professionals
• raising the standard of expertise by professionals, and expectation by clients

We hope that you will consider forming a new local component, or to support the programs of the existing locations.

Some of the 2,000+ AAJ members have formed local and regional component committees to provide in-person dialogue, mentoring, and content. Interested in finding local AAJ members? Use the Advanced Search on AIA KnowledgeNet, by selecting "AAJ" as the community and the state in which you are located. Current components include: