Custom Residential Architects Network

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: CRAN Leadership and CRAN Custom Residential Architects Network .
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I just returned back to San Francisco from Indianapolis in the wee hours of the morning today and am at my desk with about 4 1/2 hours of sleep. You'd think I would be exhausted yet I am actually quite energized and ready to go.

Let's just say being around like-minded passionate colleagues to exchange ideas, listen to best practices and make new friends is just a smattering of what the AIA CRAN Annual Symposium in Indy energized me with.

This year's event doubled the attendance, raised the bar with the presentations and once again, provided great panel discussions which gave all the attendees plenty of opportunities to engage in great dialogue. The speakers all gave their best and brought their A-Game to give to the attendees.

AIA national was represented in great style with Vice-President Dennis Andrejko, FAIA and President Elect Jeff Potter, FAIA. Dennis and Jeff's presence was well-received and very much appreciated by all the attendees. Their thoughtful comments, contributions and support for this event really provided the attendees with a new understanding of where the current AIA leadership in Washington is heading and how important they feel CRAN is to the organization.

This year's sponsors much be given a big round of applause for their commitment and support. Without their generous contributions, successful events such as this would not be possible. Our continued relationship with Hanley-Wood is growing deep roots and is building toward even greater things to come. Their support has been paramount for our success and we appreciate this immensely.

I would like to thank all the members of the AIA CRAN Steering Committee for their unwavering dedication and enormous contribution towards the organization and development of this event. The conference chair, Mark Demerly, and co-chair, John Isch, did a fantastic job. Additionally, a warm round of applause for Bruce Bland at AIA national who worked relentlessly behind the scenes to do quite a bit of heavy-lifting for this event.

2011 has been a year of great achievement for AIA CRAN starting with being granted its very own Knowledge Community status in January, sponsoring a handful of highly successful programs for the AIA National Convention and now celebrating another successful annual symposium.

It's well-organized, intimate events like this that elevate the value of our AIA Membership and give us rock-solid, bottom-line benefits to being part of this organization.

I could not be more proud to have the opportunity to be a part of this group!

Congratulations to All!
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James Walbridge AIA
Principal
Tekton Architecture
San Francisco CA
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