On This Very Day, 150 Years Ago . . .
Richard Upjohn invited 12 other architects to meet in his New York City office, where they considered “the propriety of organizing a Society of Architects.” They agreed “that, with as little delay as possible, an Association of Architects should be formed ... and that this meeting take the necessary steps.” So the AIA was born on February 23, 1857. Architecture historian Tony Wrenn, Hon. AIA has created a fascinating history featured over the past year in AIArchitect; which is available on the AIA 150 Web site, along with a list of the AIA150 sponsors, headed by $1 million donor and official media sponsor McGraw Hill Construction. Read about your Institute’s glorious past and the celebrations and commemorative events taking place this sesquicentennial year, including the America’s Favorite Architecture poll. Oh, and Happy Birthday—to all of us!

AIA Elevates 76 to Fellow; 9 to Honorary Fellow
The AIA congratulates the 85 individuals who were selected as Fellows and Honorary Fellows of the Institute in 2007. The categories of nomination are (as indicated by each name):

1. To promote the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession
2. To advance the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architecture education, training, and practice
3. To coordinate the building industry and the profession of architecture
4. To ensure the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment
5. To make the profession of ever-increasing service to society.

Nevada’s AIA150 Blueprint for Livability
True to its all-day, all-night milieu, AIA Nevada is initiating a statewide effort, “Blueprint for Nevada: Creating Livable Communities in 24/7 Towns,” to celebrate the AIA’s 150th birthday. With money from the AIA150 grant program and matching funds through local efforts, the state chapter and its components have planned several events throughout 2006 and 2007 focused on increasing public awareness about livable and sustainable communities. The program includes a 24-hour town hall meeting, AIA Nevada's Livable Community Awards, candidates’ forums, and a series of charrettes to determine a specific vision and plan to promote livability and sustainability in Las Vegas, Reno, and other Nevada communities.

Meet the 2007 Candidates for AIA National Office
Candidates for 2008 office delivered their initial campaign statements at the 2007 Grassroots and Legislative Conference on February 8. From the left, the candidates are:

Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA (First Vice President)
Peter Arsenault, AIA (Vice President)
Clark Manus, FAIA (Vice President)
Hal P. Munger, FAIA (Treasurer)
David Brotman, FAIA (Vice President)
Michael Broshar, FAIA (First Vice President).