For Vice President

James Gatsch, AIA

James A. Gatsch, AIA, balances the management of his 50-person architectural practice with mentoring young professionals and involvement in his community. He has been a leader in protecting AIA finances and maintaining fiscal accountability at the national and local AIA levels.
AIA national
• New Jersey Regional Director
• Cochair, IDP Coordinating Committee
• AIA National Finance Committee
• Director, AECdirect
• Presenter, Grassroots, “Minimizing Legal Risks” and “Practical Tips for Component Governance.”
AIA New Jersey
• President (1997)
• President-elect
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Instituted policies designed to restore and protect chapter finances.
AIA Central New Jersey section
• President (1990)
• President-elect
• Secretary (two years).
Education
• Virginia Tech, BArch, 1974
• Registered in N.J., N.Y., Pa., Md., Colo., Va.
Community service
• Chapin School, Princeton, N.J.: Treasurer; Chair, Finance Committee; Buildings and Grounds Committee member.
The AIA must provide the tools we need to prosper in our practices, through intelligent leadership, efficient management, and financial accountability. To achieve these goals, we must address:
• Fiscal responsibility: The Institute must operate from a sound financial base. The discipline of the Board, Executive Committee, and Institute management helped balance the 2000 and 2001 budgets. We must insist that the Institute rebuild its financial foundation and remain accountable to the membership.
• Membership: The Institute and all components must deliver superior services that will be indispensable to every architect’s practice. When AIA services and programs are affordable, user-friendly, and in demand, membership will grow and we will truly serve the entire profession. These services must be viable for those in alternative careers, as well as for those in private practice.
• Advocacy: The national and state components must continue to be strong voices in Congress and in state legislatures on matters affecting the profession.
• Young professionals: The Institute must ensure that future generations of architects and associates are prepared to assume leadership positions in the profession and in society by working closely with our collateral organizations to:
• Ensure the availability of an accessible, well-rounded education
• Encourage firms to provide a comprehensive professional development experience
• Advocate for an affordable, rigorous, appropriately timed examination.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.