AIArchitect posed this question to several emerging professionals, and—from shopping to an IBC seminar to the World Party to a tour of the Huntington Estate to Sprinkle’s Cupcakes—we think their responses cover the gamut.

It will be my first time visiting LA. I'm looking forward to networking with other AIA COTE leaders from around the country and exchanging thoughts and ideas about next year’s convention in San Antonio, which will focus on ecological design. I will also be advertising and promoting the second Gulf Coast Green Symposium on Building, which is in Houston at the end of this September. I can't wait for the AIA COTE party on Thursday evening and the AIA COTE Top Ten Awards presentation on Friday evening. Also, I have already registered for some great tours in town!
—Filippo Castore, AIA, AIA COTE Southeast and Gulf Coast

I am most looking forward to the tours. They allow you to see what great architects have done, that is, taking a conceptual idea and turning it into reality. Not only do I get to see such great projects, but I get to do so with my fellow architects. It is one of the places where you can gather with other professionals and talk about things that everyone has in common. Agree or disagree—no matter what the tour, course, or topic—AIA conventions allow people in the same field to see what is happening at this very moment in their chosen profession. And you cannot forget the parties at the end of the day to wind down and again discuss the happenings that went on during the day.
—Peter Hillermann, Assoc. AIA, Westall Architects Inc., Chamblee, Ga.

Aside from the seminars and the workshops: Melrose Avenue for shopping; The Architecture and Design Museum . . . little building, but cool exhibits. Plus the Modern landmark hotels: The Standard, Sunset Tower Hotel, Chateau Marmont, The Mondrian, and The Hollywood Roosevelt; the Avenues of Art & Design district. And for great eats, Pink’s famous hot dogs, Versailles for Cuban food, Teres for Mexican, Joan’s on Third for gourmet Italian—where even grown men say “yum.” And Sprinkles Cupcakes, right off Melrose!
—Jana Itzen, Assoc. AIA, director-elect south, AIA California Council, LPA Inc. and Karen E. Lesney, Assoc. AIA, associate director-elect north, AIA California Council, Archworks.

I’m certainly looking forward to the seminar concerning the use of the International Building Code. But truthfully, I’m looking forward to the tour of the Huntington Estate!!!
—Arin D. Resnicke, AIA, Golden Empire Design Inc., Bakersfield, Calf.

I turn 40 on June 7, while I will be at the AIA convention. I look forward to the Young Architect Forum at the Getty. I am also looking forward to the tours I have planned, like the Santa Monica Library. The pre-convention workshop on “How to Quickly Get Your Plans Approved” and the World Party are also on my list of events to attend! In the meantime, Aloha from Hawaii!
—Dean Tidwell, AIA, EucliDean Architect, Mililani, Hawaii

I'm looking forward to meeting up with old friends and seeing how much the city has changed since I was last out that way. In addition, I'm really looking forward to attending the Young Architects Forum Preconvention Summit on June 7. It's going to feature a personally guided tour of the Getty Center by Michael Palladino of Richard Meier and Partners, a roundtable discussion adding in Edwin Chan of Gehry Partners and Pavel Getov of Morphosis, and a sunset reception that evening—a great way to kick off the convention! Finally, I'm also looking forward to moderating LA 4: Ideas, a seminar on Thursday afternoon. It's going to feature four great emerging design talents from Los Angeles and, I hope, stir up a little discussion.
—Gregory Walker, AIA, Houser Walker Architecture, Atlanta

Copyright 2006 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page