This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Young Architects Forum and Retail and Entertainment .
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It has been over a month since KLA (Knowledge Leadership Assembly) that was recently held in Seattle and I've finally had a moment to catch a breath, well more like a break from deadlines, to reflect on my first experience of KLA as a newbie.
How overwhelming and impressive to see from personal experience all the work that goes on with the Knowledge Communities. As a member of the AIA, my narrow view has always been seeing what programs are available at the convention for me, what new CEU's are available for me, and really, what could I learn new to help me personally with my skill set as an architect.
What I came away with at the recent KLA is all the work that needs to be done to help the programs, knowledge communities, and the practical aspects of budgeting and planning for each of the communities within the AIA. There are so many planning ideas, looking for sponsorships, preparing ourselves to communicate effectively with the media, just to name a few. I also had the privilege to meet the dedicated staff members that really help our organization in so many ways.
Since its been over a month since KLA, it started to dawn on me personally that while our work load is picking up and our clients seem to be planning and talking more about work, the AIA still needs our help and efforts.
There might be a call for volunteers or even just questions in the discussion forums that could use your help. While things might start to pick up and we become busy professionally, remember to help out our profession, our organization, really ourselves as architects!
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David Kim AIA
Sutti Associates
Walnut Creek CA
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