To all of our Architectural colleagues in the AIA and beyond, we would like you to know we have been diligently working behind the scenes and fully engaged this year working with the AIA as our Country and the World continue dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic, its impact on how we work and live out our lives. Our Country is resilient, and we are optimistic that the national and global economic downturn experienced during this pandemic is now on the road to recovery. The social unrest our Country experienced last year challenged architects everywhere to think outside the box for new ways to create positive architectural environments with a more inclusive fabric sensitive to their respective communities. We are proud of how our profession has responded to these events which have provided new and greater opportunities for architects to be agents for positive change within their respective communities to impact the climate of public architecture.
As a blend of Civil Service Workers, Public Architects, and private sector Architects, the AIA Public Architecture Community Advisory Board extends our support to each of you and your community as we look forward to a bright future.
I would like to introduce the 2021 Public Architects Leadership as follows:
Glenn Ryan – Chair, State Level PA
Julia Laue – Past Chair, Local Level PA, CEUs-Webinars,
Adam Pantelimon – Vice Chair, International Level PA, Webinar Organizer,
Phillip Neuberg – Member, National Level PA, Webinar Assistant, FAWG Liaison
Jeff Scott - Secretary, Private Sector, PA – Cornerstone Co-Editor
Joseph Mathai – Treasurer, State Level PA - Cornerstone Co-Editor
Charles Smith, Local Level PA, Ad Hoc Member:
In addition, I would like to welcome to our Public Architects Knowledge Community (PAKC), the Federal Architecture Task Group (FATG) which has already made positive impacts within our PAKC this year. They are now known as the Federal Architecture Work Group (FAWG) and continue to contribute to the AIA's efforts through our PAKC. I would like to introduce the 2021 (FAWG) Members as follows:
Phillip Neuberg – PAKC Board Member - FAWG Liaison
Charles Enos – Member, Private Sector Architect
Ed Gavreau – Member, National Level Federal
Marilyn Wittmer – Member, Retired
Paula Loomis – Member, Private Sector Architect – AIA Government Advocacy Committee Liaison
One of our goals for 2021, as a Knowledge Community is to extend an invitation to you all with a survey on how we can better serve the PAKC going in the future as well as getting to know the members. Another goal is to generate discussions and provide tools that will improve the climate of public architecture.
A few initiatives we are in the process of implementing are:
- Cross-pollinating with NOMA, SAME and other organizations where architects are members to expand our community and its base of knowledge.
- Improve activity on PAKC's web page.
- Provide continuing education opportunities via symposiums, forums, and webinars.
In the near future, you will be hearing from us regarding the survey, upcoming webinars and our symposium titled "The Climate of Public Architecture," which we are planning to schedule in-person, in Washington D.C., in Q1 of 2022. We are very excited about presenting all of these initiatives to you, our community!
The 2021 Public Architects Knowledge Community (PAKC) welcomes all AIA members and non-AIA member Architects to join us in our efforts to provide you with the best forum as we strive to build a coalition of professionals who seek to advance positive social and technological ideas that create an inclusive equitable community for all.
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Glenn Ryan, AIA, NCARB AIA
Assistant Division Chief Park Development Program
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Laurel MD
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