I began my year as your president with a reference to an image of a barn. Because architects value symmetry, I will end the year with references to that same image. I am convinced even more that it has proved its value as a compelling metaphor for who we are. The reason a painting of a barn hung in the president’s office here at the Institute all year was to remind me of the power and beauty of community.

In the early years of our nation, people came together to help their neighbors raise the family barn. Even though many of those who pitched in were likely to be farmers themselves, no one held back for fear of helping the competition. Instead, they were inspired by an ethic of sharing. And, so inspired, they created a classic American architecture, utilitarian in its beauty—and beautiful in its utility.

As for the architect, he—or perhaps even she—is anonymous. The genius of the work is that it submerges individual ego in service of the greater, community good. I knew at the beginning of my year as your president that whatever was accomplished in these 12 months would be the product of teamwork—among the executive committee . . . you, the members of the Board . . . and the members of the AIA’s national component staff.

This year I have been humbled in the best possible way by the strength of your commitment to this organization and the good of its members. I have been engaged by your passion and refreshed by your commitment to be faithful stewards of the AIA’s legacy of service.

Above all else that has been accomplished, I believe that we, together, have reaffirmed the very essence of the AIA’s reason for being. We are a powerful agent of community.

What we have built this past year, we have built together . . . There is no individual signature. And the result is great! One might say that the Board mirrors the larger community of its nearly 72,000 members: You show the way, you uncover the possibilities of what can happen when America’s architects work hand in hand in pursuit of a common goal.

As the final touches are applied to the portrait of this past year, the canvas that emerges is clearly the product of many hands. Like a canvas by the painter Seurat, it is composed of many dots. But the dots aren’t brilliant splashes of color. The dots are the issues germane to our continuing quest to achieve a better built environment. They speak to the concept of values, of empathy, of research, and of livable communities.

As architects, we have been given an awesome power literally to shape the course of civilization and be agents of life. But the power we have been given carries with it an awesome responsibility . . . We are called on to be faithful stewards, trusted advisors, and fully engaged advocates.

As this incredible year draws to a close for me and my family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your always thoughtful, positive participation and support. And most of all I thank you for your friendship!

Thank you!

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