By the AAJ Communications Committee
How did you join the Leadership Group?
LL: Joining the leadership group came in the form of a surprise call from Liz Minnis. She called, said hello, and then asked if I knew why she was calling. Since I was waist deep in my responsibilities as chair of the JFR, I assumed it was because I had missed a deadline. I think my response was something like “Am I late on a deliverable?” Liz just laughed and then invited me to be part of the group.
I was honored because so many people I hold in high regard have served on the group. I had previously served as chair of the San Francisco Bay Area component of the AAJ (2007); as chair of the courts track for the San Franscisco conference (2008); co-chair of the Chicago conference (2009); chaired the conference in Los Angeles (2011); and had been JFR chair (2012). I had been so busy with these efforts that I had not even considered a role with the leadership group.
What has been the most rewarding about being involved in the Leadershp Group.
LL: I think the most rewarding part of being part of the leadershop group is the people I worked with along the way. Not just my cohorts on the leadership group, but all of the sub-committee members, conference leaders, AIA staff, and membership at large. It is a great community of people with altruistic intentions. While we often compete against eachother, we sometimes team up on projects, and always share best practices in an attempt to advance the state of justice architecture. We join together once a year to congratulate our competition on their achievements, to talk about challenges and strategies we face, and to spend time with good company. Sometimes we even get to meet over drinks under the stars as fireworks burst over a beach in Hawaii.
How has the Leadership group changed during your tenure?
LL: As I exit the leadership group, I can’t help but notice that the leadership group is very similar to how it was when I joined. The individuals on the group are dedicated, energetic, and have more ideas than time to realize them. They have a great vision moving forward. I think this is an exciting time to be in the AAJ. As an AIA Knowledge Community (KC), the AAJ is making real headway in supporting and encouraging criminal justice reform. Perhaps the biggest change is that the operators of detention facilities are finally beginning to see the value architects bring and the environments we create.
The KC has also focused more on presenting with clients and users (to get their perspectives) and has endeavored to encourage the next generation of architects to take up the charge. The desire to partner our conference with local architecture universities is a new priority, and I hope to help with this effort after I leave the leadership group.
What are the challenges involved in being part of the LG?
LL: The biggest challenge to being a member of the leadership group is the time commitment over 5 years. My firm has been very supportive with my time and the associated expenses and really see the value that participation in the AAJ brings. For me it has been a labor of love, and I would serve again if I was needed. Fortunately, others have taken up the call and I am greatful they share the same passion that I do.
How do you see the LG evolving over the next few years?
LL: In the next few years, I see the leadership group focusing more on partnering with other AIA KC’s, such as the Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH), the Public Architects Committee (PA), the Committee on the Environment (COTE), etc. There also may be additional collaboration with groups like the National Association of Court Managers (NACM) and the American Jail Association (AJA). Perhaps, they may also get involved in influencing criminal justice reform by participating on federal task forces. This last possibility is something I have been pushing for, and hope to assist with in the future.
Anything to add?
LL: I will miss being part of the group. During my tenure, I have had an opportunity to serve with wonderful individuals: Liz Minnis, Catherine Chan, Linda Bernauer, Amy Phillips, Mark Krapez, Erin Persky, Amy Finlayson, Melissa Farling, Greg Cook, and finally Erica Llond, the incoming member. The last five people on this list will serve as the AAJ leadership next year; an extraordinarily capable group. I look forward to seeing them (and all of our other members) in Jersey City next year- and I hope to help any way I can.
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(Return to the cover of the 2017 AAJ Journal Q4 issue)