Leading up to the Saturday general session’s theme of “Inspiration,” AIA President-elect RK Stewart, FAIA, gave convention attendees a tantalizing glimpse of the 2007 AIA national convention, which will be held in San Antonio in May of next year. Stewart said, “You have to put in place four elements to pull off a successful convention: An inspirational theme to focus the program; a hard-working, passionate planning team; a great venue; and lots and lots of people. We’ve already achieved the first three for 2007. We have a theme that will inspire; we’ve fielded an incredible team; and we’ve got a place to put on a show you won’t forget.”

National Chair of the 2007 National Convention Advisory Committee and native Angeleno, Carl Meyer, AIA, explained how in San Antonio, attendees will be “Growing Beyond Green.”

“Every aspect of architecture—community planning, the design process, construction methods, materials selection, renovation and adaptive use, building systems, resource, and energy use—all of this is an opportunity for architects to lead in transforming their communities from an endless cycle of waste to a future of abundance,” Meyer explained. He was joined on stage by the cochairs of the San Antonio Convention Committee, Madeline Slay and Alicia Trevino, who explained how more then 100 tours will spotlight both the history and the future of their historic region.

“Although AIA150 will certainly celebrate our rich past and the impact architects have had on the nation, I am proud we will focus on what architects will do in the future,” Stewart concluded. “So, you see, our convention theme integrates beautifully with the special place 2007 has in the AIA’s history. Come to San Antonio, where our future begins.”

Five awarded Presidential Medal
President Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, then awarded honorary membership and the AIA Presidential Medal—which recognizes the important role the president of a professional society takes in fulfilling the national, regional, and international objectives of his or her society—on five presidents of international architecture societies:

• President Gaetan Siew, Hon. AIA, The International Union of Architects
• President Mitsuru Senda, Hon. AIA, Japan Institute of Architects
• Yong Byun, Hon. AIA, Korean Institute of Architects
• President Vivian Manasc, FRAIC, Hon. AIA, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
• President Carey Lyon, FRAIA, Hon. AIA, Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

“To each of our guests, I want to express the appreciation of AIA members everywhere for your global vision as leaders of our profession,” Schwennsen said. “We have so much to celebrate, not the least of which is a shared commitment to the collaboration and friendships that serve our most important clients—the peoples of this world.”

President Senda then bestowed honorary membership in the Japan Society of Architects on 2005 AIA President Douglas L Steidl, FAIA, MRAIC, JIA.

McMinn receives Topaz Medallion
“Because the future is purchased by the present, by what we invest in our posterity, by our generosity of spirit to those who will come after us, one of the three most prestigious honors conferred by the AIA celebrates teaching and education,” said Schwennsen as she—joined by ACSA President Stephen Schreiber—introduced the AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion recipient, William G. McMinn, FAIA. The award celebrates an individual who has made outstanding contributions to architecture education for at least 10 years, and whose teaching and values have inspired the young men and women who will ultimately shape our environment.

McMinn recognized his wife of 50 years, Joan McMinn. “I am deeply appreciative of her assistance, support, and love,” he said. “I am deeply honored by this award and the medal that it represents. The Topaz Medallion is a heavy token around your neck, both physically and spiritually for what it represents. I am sincerely grateful to all who have had a role in the award this year and will wear it on every occasion with pride and joy.”

McMinn said he has always believed that teaching is somewhat similar to a religious calling and, perhaps occasionally, it suffers from a monastic isolation, but does require the quality of perception, dedication, and fervor of any religious order. “The intellectual, social, and sometimes physical trials of the profession must follow those lines to which we dedicate our lives,” McMinn said. “I would agree and remind you that it has been said that we do not really teach architecture. At best, we provide a place for students to discover it.”

McMinn noted that every school today is wrestling with the issues of the domination of the computer, the complexity of building processes, and the emerging public emphasis on energy conservation “These issues alone may make major changes in the education of the architect, and there will be successes and failures as we continue to experiment, modify, and enrich our programs for the future of our profession. Thank you for this awesome award and all that it means.”

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