Vision

Robin Ellerthorpe's obsession with expanded practice has contributed to the success of his division, OWP/P Consultants, a diverse team performing cross-market services within a firm of 360 people. Using his architecture and engineering degrees—coupled with knowledge gained in the design/construction environment of TVA—Robin has forged a vision of integration and diversity in architecture. As business developer for CRSS and Ellerbe Becket, Robin also gained skills in client relationships, strategic thinking, and market definition that have contributed to that vision.

Civic commitment
Architects are leaders, and our communities offer many opportunities for leadership. In Robin's case, these hometown opportunities include:
• Using his passion for theatrical set design by serving as president of the Knoxville Community Theater and helping the company acquire a home
• Taking on board positions with Florence Crittendon Agency and Our Saviors Shelter to help these agencies create strategic business plans, improved their revenue streams, and upgrade their facilities
• Serving on the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Planning's board of advisors.

AIA leadership
Robin served in leadership positions at the chapter level, including state IDP coordinator and president of East Tennessee AIA. Within the professional interest areas (PIAs), he has served on the Public Architects PIA, as chair of the Corporate Architects PIA, and as PIA Council chair. Robin current is Facility Management PIA vice chair.

An original member of both the Practice & Prosperity and Redefinition task forces, Robin also played an integral part in:
• Direction and review of the 1997 edition of AIA B141
• Business Week/Architectural Record Awards program
• AIM (Aligning the Institute for the Millennium strategic long-range plan)
• The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice, 13th edition
• 2002 AIA national convention.

Robin has made presentations as a thought leader to the AIA's Board and the AIA Grassroots Leadership Conference on the topics of the PIAs, redefinition of the profession, and AIM.

Continuity

As your vice president, I will focus on bringing forth the benefits of knowledge and process into practice at every level. I will strive to apply the AIA's many tools—AIM, TIMSS, the Handbook, the contract documents, and PIAs—to their intended purpose of enabling member success.

My national experience will assist our Board in creating a seamless "no-tier" Institute based upon a solid financial footing. It will be an Institute that is knowledge-driven, compassionate about its members and architecture, and focused on serving the present while enabling the future.

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.