Jerry K. Roller, AIA

The AIA is architects working together to accomplish what they cannot accomplish alone. We have begun to refocus the AIA, identifying what we want to accomplish in three key areas: Knowledge, Advocacy, and Community. I am committed to advancing our goals in each of these areas through enhanced communication.

Knowledge: We have set a goal to become a Knowledge-based organization, identifying existing sources of knowledge and developing our own. But knowledge is only valuable when it can be accessed. We must develop an easily used search engine so that all members can access our knowledge from their desks. Better communication between local chapters and the Knowledge Communities will also promote increased local participation.

Advocacy: We have established Advocacy—government advocacy and public advocacy—as our primary mission. To rally our members as government advocates, we must communicate our message on a local, state, and national level with a unified voice and AIA brand. We can do this by expanding the role of The Angle. And we need to let our members know when we succeed to show how our advocacy makes a difference.

As public advocates, we need a broader outreach program to teach children the value of architects and architecture. And we need to communicate our image as a more open, diverse profession, reflective of demographics of society at large.

Community: The creation of a Community of Architects is the overarching purpose of the AIA. To create that community, we should develop a database of contacts and best practices to promote sharing among members and chapters. Communication is also critical in continuing to provide support to our emerging professionals.

Communication: I believe that together we can do great things and that the key to our success is better Communication.

AIA National
• Regional Director, 2003–05
• Board Advocacy Committee, 2005
• Public Policy Task Force, 2004
• Secretary’s Advisory Committee, 2004
• Convention Site Selection Task Force, 2004
• Licensing Committee, 2003–2005
• Board Communications Committee, 2003

AIA Pennsylvania
• President, 2002
• President-elect, 2001
• Secretary, 2000
• Board Member, 1996–2001
• Policy Committee, 2000–2001
• Government Affairs Committee, 1996–2001

AIA Philadelphia
• Vice President, 1999–2000
• Board Member, 1996–2001
• Government Affairs Chair, 1993–95

Education
• BArch, Cornell University

Practice
• Founded Philadelphia-based J.K. Roller Architects LLC as a sole proprietorship in 1984. The firm currently has a commercial and residential practice with a staff of 28, including six other principals.

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