For Vice President

Eugene Hopkins, FAIA

The profession has been experiencing good times. We need to build on these successes. It is the value that AIA brings to these efforts that I will focus on:
• Public awareness: We must promote good design and the value that architects bring to the process. Quality of design encompasses more than just buildings; it is all the elements we encounter in our daily lives. The national advertising campaign needs to excite the public about the benefits of good design. We must send the message illustrating the key role architects play in the quality of one’s everyday experiences.
• Knowledge generation: The more knowledge AIA members have at our fingertips, the more successful we can be. The Professional Interest Areas (PIAs) provide an incredible resource for us to improve the quality of our services. We must ensure that the knowledge produced by all 21 PIAs is accessible to all members. My role this year as PIA Executive Committee chair will be to expedite this process.
• Mentorship: The future of the profession lies with our interns and students. We need to embrace them by providing an inclusive environment that promotes their professional growth. AIA needs to be a leader in these efforts to ensure future generations can deal with a diverse and changing profession.
• Stewardship: Respect for the natural and built environment plays a significant role in quality of life. We must continue AIA’s leadership role in promoting quality of place—viable communities. My career has focused on preserving our architectural heritage and enhancing the importance of community. This will continue to be a major focus of mine.

To achieve results, I will rely on my 26 years as a practicing professional and 13 years service to the profession.
Practice
• Founding principal of Architects Four Inc., a small firm specializing in historic preservation, and an AIA Honor Award recipient
• Currently a partner of SmithGroup Inc., a national multi-disciplinary firm.
National AIA
• Board of Directors, Michigan Region (1999-2001); Topaz Jury Chair (2000); Resolutions Committee Member (1997).
PIA
• PIA Executive Committee Chair (2001), Historic Resources Steering Committee (1997), Historic Resources Committee Member (1994–).
AIA Michigan
• Executive Committee and Board of Directors, President (1994) following service as VP, Treasurer, and Secretary, Finance Committee Chair (1995–).
AIA Huron Valley
• President (1988), Vice President (1987).

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