VICE PRESIDENT (two will be elected)

What does it mean to you to be an “AIA” architect?

We are so fortunate to be the stewards of a powerful brand, one that has resonated in the design and construction industry for more than 150 years.

But stewardship needs to mean more than operations and maintenance of the Institution. To paraphrase Wikipedia, stewardship is the “responsibility to ensure that the organization is sustainably managed for current and future generations.” We are obligated to be visionaries on behalf of our profession’s future—to anticipate the changes ahead and embrace the required evolutions that will ensure our survival as the “fittest” to lead the creation of the built environment.

Our future is bearing down on us more quickly than we’ve prepared for, and it is time for AIA architects to envision and embody the profession we want to become.

An analysis of our AIA brand a few years ago determined that most members want an organization focused on the larger role of architects in society. The Institute at all levels has moved confidently in that direction, advocating for the benefits that good architecture and skilled architects can bring to society, to business, to the environment. But are we as individual members ready to “walk the walk”?

I believe that the AIA is poised to support its members as we transform the “how” and “what” of our practice model to meet rapidly changing global influences and demands. I look forward to the honor of continuing to serve you as we, together, define and become our future.

AIA Service

• Regional Director, Pennsylvania (2006–2008)
• AIA150: Blueprint for America Subgroup (2005–2007)
• Board Advocacy Committee (2006–2008)
• AIA State Government Network
• AIA Pennsylvania Board of Directors (1998–2005, president 2004)
• AIA PA Government Affairs Committee (chairman, 2000-2003)
• PA Architects PAC (founder and trustee)
• AIA Pittsburgh Board of Directors (1993–1997, president 1996).

Public Advocacy

• Energy Independence and Green Government Presentations:
  Dunkerque, France; Philadelphia; Columbus, Ohio; Harrisburg, Pa.
• Training and Education Sessions–PA Uniform Construction Code, Statewide (2003-2005)
• Riverlife Task Force, Pittsburgh PA (2000).

Professional Leadership

• ICC Energy Code Development Committee (2006)
• Construction Legislative Council, Western PA (chairman 2004)
• NCARB Practice Analysis Task Force (2000)
• Leadership Pittsburgh Graduate (1999).

Professional Experience

• Governor’s Green Government Council, Executive Director
• Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Facilities Architect
• Maureen Guttman Architect, Principal.

Licensure

• Pennsylvania.

Education

• Carnegie Mellon University.