Role models and mentors: To whom did the emerging architects turn for inspiration? Most notably, all gathered around NPR journalist Susan Stamberg, as well as international architects Daniel Libeskind and Santiago Calatrava to hear how these three great minds captivate audiences with their cutting-edge work. On the last day, all reconvened to applaud the winners of the Young Architect Award.

At the convention, these role models are close and present, but—after the convention is over—they cannot replace the day-to-day need for mentors to whom young architects can turn for more personal and regular advice. In fact, one of the topics under extensive discussion during the convention was how the YAF and the AIA can encourage this vital relationship.

IDP, ARE seminars: Issues facing the emerging architect showed up time and time again through many convention sessions. Some examples:
• At a panel attended primarily by firm principals, Michael Ayles, AIA, asserted that interns are choosing firms based in part on the types of IDP programs the firms are offering
• The National Associates Committee sponsored a half-day seminar on the ARE, at which interns questioned YAF liaisons on their study tactics
• The YAF/Young Constructors Forum (YCF) "How to Balance Work and Family" turned into an impressively open and honest discussion of family and career issues and solutions.

YAF meetings: The YAF Advisory Committee and 15 regional liaisons met May 17 for a strategic planning session. Afterward, Architectural Record Editor-in-Chief Bob Ivy, FAIA, and News Editor John Czarnecki, Assoc. AIA, joined the group to discuss their new Web site, archrecord2. On the following evening, the YAF and YCF members presented their awards for the second annual "Building Community" affordable housing competition. Click here for a complete list of winners.

Projects and politics: Considering that 16,000+ people took part in this convention, it was surprising how easy it was to meet up with peers and—under the glass atrium of the Brown Palace—discuss, what else, architecture. Topics ranged from the lectures to AIA issues and job opportunities to the quality of life and architecture in Denver.

Tours and Coors: Though the Young Architects kept busy attending seminars and lectures, most found time to explore Denver, its museum, and library; do a walking tour; or have lunch at a sunny outdoor café in LoDo. One group drove to the Air Force Academy for a tour with campus architect Duane Boyle, AIA. Age and climate have done little to alter the beauty of the structures, whose 7.5-foot grid pervades the entire mile-long campus. Visitors to the academy won't soon forget the view of the sparkling chapel and buildings among the Rocky Mountains.

The tour and workshop of Coors Field, which drew 75 participants, proved to be another collaborative success for the YAF and YCF. YAF Chair Paul Woolford, AIA, moderated a discussion among Bruce Marshall and Stewart Ervie, HOK Sport (architects and on-site construction administrators); Tom Noonan, Mortenson Construction (project manager); Charlie Nicola (formerly with the Stadium District, and the fulltime client representative); and Dave Moore of the Rockies (chief operations officer for the team). The group discussed the project holistically from its inception to finally what worked and what didn't, and how they built the field. A tour of the fields followed.

What energy this convention generated! Convention time is about the collective. It's a time to share success stories. It's also a time to raise the bar and demand more from ourselves. Convention serves to shake up our conventional viewpoint and leaves us with new energy and perspective.

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