Delegates to the AIA Convention Vote for Bylaws Change to Eliminate Supplemental Dues
Approved resolutions emphasize tools and training in sustainability; AIA regions may soon elect Associate members to serve on the national Board

Summary: On the morning of May 17, after announcing the election of First Vice President/President-elect George Miller, FAIA, and the 2009 Vice Presidents Walter Hainsfurther, FAIA, and Pamela J. Loeffelman, FAIA—as well as the runoff election for Secretary between Stephen K. Loos, AIA, and Enrique Woodroffe, FAIA, President Marshall E. Purnell, FAIA, called to order the second session of the AIA 2008 National Convention business meeting in Boston.

AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee offered a snapshot of current AIA national efforts in diversity, such as the upcoming pledge for diversity (more information will be forthcoming soon); sustainability, including how collectively the Institute can move toward sustainability in accordance with the AIA’s 2030 goals; integrated project delivery, including the launch of the AIA’s new integrated project delivery documents; and continuing efforts for the AIA150 legacy following the Institute’s 150th anniversary, celebrated last year.

AIA Treasurer Hal Munger, FAIA, presented the annual financial report for 2007, which received a clean audit. (Download the financial report PDF.)

The delegates then voted to approve a bylaws amendment to eliminate supplemental dues and passed 13 resolutions on topics ranging from development of sustainable design practice tools going forward to allow AIA regions to elect Associate members to serve as directors on the AIA Board of Directors.

Bylaws amendment eliminates supplemental dues
Delegates voted on a bylaws amendment to eliminate supplemental dues beginning in the calendar year 2009. Supplemental dues, in addition to regular dues, currently are paid by the owner or manager of an organization that uses architects to perform services for the public. Supplemental dues are based on the total number of registered architects employed by the Architect member’s firm. Although they are a significant source of revenue for the AIA—bringing in approximately $1.35 million in 2007—supplemental dues are unpopular with a number of AIA members and may even be a disincentive for architects who might otherwise be interested in becoming AIA members.

This bylaws change, which required the approval of a two-third majority of all votes accredited, was supported by the AIA Treasurer, the Finance and Audit Committee, and the Board of Directors.

Resolutions
Delegates also voted to approve the following resolutions:

08-1 Outreach and Development of Practice Tools for a Sustainable Future: The AIA will commit to reaching every individual member with the targeted message that we must incorporate aggressive sustainability goals into every facet of our practices. This outreach will happen through in-person contact such as meetings, workshops, telephone calls, e-mail, Webinars; instruments of communication of the AIA (such as AIArchitect and Soloso); and other means. The AIA will focus significant efforts in fostering the development of tools for its members to assist them in incorporating sustainability into their practices and report quarterly on the availability of tools and workshops in AIArchitect or other similar publication of general circulation to membership.

08-2 Component Partnerships Committee: The committee will continue beyond 2008 to secure and advance its accomplishments to date and continue its efforts and contributions in building a stronger and unified Institute, the “One AIA.”

08-3 Regional Associate Representation on the AIA Board of Directors: The AIA Board of Directors will authorize preparation of proposed amendments to the AIA Bylaws, Rules of the Board, and other pertinent governance policies and documents—for presentation and action by the membership at the 2009 national convention—that provide authority for the AIA regions to elect Associate members to serve as directors on the AIA Board of Directors.

08-4 AIA Public Response to Unfair and Inappropriate Regulatory Activities: The AIA encourages, proposes, and supports, in all communities, regulatory and code enforcement practices that are fair, timely, and built upon consensus-based regulations and practices.

08-5 A Continuing Sustainable Education Agenda: The AIA will encourage that the topic of sustainability be incorporated into the structure of architecture education and the Intern Development Program in acknowledgement that the future of the profession lies in the hands of its emerging professionals.

08-6 Integration of Universal Accessibility into the Built Environment: The AIA will modify its existing public policy to promote actively the inclusion and integration of Universal Accessibility in the built environment. Through its associations and affiliations with appropriate bodies, the AIA will try to further integrate Universal Accessibility into the built environment and will engage the appropriate knowledge communities and other organizational assets to develop policy papers for implementation and appropriate educational curriculum (design and audit) for design professionals, educational institutions, public and government organizations, and the public at large. The AIA will also report the activities of the committee/s regularly to the chapter components and members using AIArchitect or other similar publication of general circulation to membership.

08-7 Recognition of Newly Licensed Architect Members: The AIA congratulates those members who received their architectural licenses in 2007 for their accomplishments and welcomes them as the next generation of architects. The Institute also celebrates the continued leadership of the Young Architects Forum and encourages its sustained contribution to shaping emerging professionals.

08-8 Appreciation of Departing Member of the Council of Architectural Component Executives: The AIA, AIA California Council, and AIA Santa Clara Valley recognize the special ally they have had in R. Kent Mather, AIA, during his 10 years of service and commitment, and his 34 years as an AIA member.

08-09 through 08-13 Appreciation: As is traditional, the delegates also voted to extend appreciation to retiring Executive Committee and Board members, the Host Chapter, convention committees, exhibitors, and AIA President Marshall E. Purnell, FAIA.

Purnell concluded the session by telling the delegates that by their presence in the voting room, they have identified themselves as leaders. He requested that they all look at the AIA Strategic Plan and choose to do something to advance its priorities: integrated practice, diversity, and sustainability. “Leading by example is the best example we have,” he noted “ . . . I’m challenging each of us to conduct ourselves in ways that we take responsibility for the health of ourselves, our firms, and our communities.” Be mentors, he advised. “If each of us does something, others will follow our example. That’s what leadership does,” he said.