Summary: The theme of the AIA 2009 National Convention and Exposition, to be held April 30–May 2 in San Francisco, is The Power of Diversity: Practice in a Complex World. In explaining the theme, 2009 AIA President Marvin Malecha, FAIA, explains that diversity “implies strength drawn from many perspectives.”

“This is an opportunity to build on the public and professional identity and brand of the American Institute of Architects,” he continues. “We have promulgated a brand for the AIA that emphasizes the essential nature of the profession to the health, safety, and welfare of society. We have done this by emphasizing the iconic projects and special personalities that capture people’s imagination and become the symbols of their communities. Most recently we have given great attention to the relevancy of the architect in the resolution of the pressing environmental challenge before us. When harnessed, knowledge drawn from multiple perspectives and diverse sources can be a potent ally in addressing the problem faced by our global community.

“Diversity challenges us to understand and balance the needs of our clients with the complexity of our world. Our actions can no longer be localized as issues of environmental well-being and cultural relevancy and now extend beyond political borders. We must work to be more inclusive in meeting the challenges of the next 150 years, for we cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them. There is strength in diversity. It offers us a wealth of experience from many sources. It will inform us and open our minds to the other ways necessary to liberate us from the problems generated by traditional modes of thought operating within a single cultural lens. We know we can affect change. We have a responsibility to pave the way for future generations while we attend to the concerns of everyday enterprise.

“Diversity is the essence of our future. We live in a world that is growing smaller faster and more competitive with every moment. Even as national and political boundaries are growing less relevant, the clash of cultures is becoming more intense. Our concept of nationhood is transforming as the immigrant culture, which provided the world with a model for vitality, now is forcing new ideas to emerge as never before. Those of us who resist this tidal wave of change will be overwhelmed by it. The profession of architecture is in the midst of incredible change from the people it serves to the people who compose it, to the means by which it is practiced. In San Francisco, we will turn to a broad representation of the emerging voices in our profession to discover how they face the future presented to them.”

The range of continuing education opportunities at the 2009 convention is in itself diverse and broad. Following is a list of 30 learning opportunities on this one topic alone, arranged chronologically, from the Wednesday preconvention half-day and day-long programs to the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday offerings.

W07 Generational Collaboration
3.75 LUs—Intermediate Level
This workshop will address generational dynamics, blind spots, and areas of compatibility and will help foster the inter-generational partnerships required to build hope for an uncertain future.
Speakers: Deborah Gilburg and Cliff S. Moser, AIA
Provider: AIA Practice Management
Wednesday, 8 a.m.–noon

W21 Collaboration and Negotiation: The Key to Enjoying the Benefits of Diversity HSW
7.5 LUs—Advanced Level
This session meets the challenges of diversity head on and gives participants implementable strategies to manage those challenges.
Speaker: Ava J. Abramowitz, Hon. AIA
Providers: Double View LLC and John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

W33 Architecture's New Rainbow Coalition: What Happens When You Design with Diverse Materials, Urban Sites, and Multiple Cultures? SD
3.75 LUs—Intermediate Level
The colorful, ethnically diverse team that conceived the Kalahari Harlem condominium project will discuss their social and sustainability goals, the unique mix of materials used, the economics behind the project, and why they are working on similar projects in Indianapolis, New Orleans, Chicago, and Jackson, MS.
Speakers: Carlton Brown, NOMA, CSI; Frederic Schwartz, FAIA; Wendy Talarico; and Jack Travis, FAIA, NOMA
Provider: Brick Industry Association
Wednesday, 1–5 p.m.

W36 Using the Power of Diversity as an Asset in Your Practice HSW
3.75 LUs—Intermediate Level
This session offers a participatory workshop with case studies and interactive group exercises for empowering designers to use diversity as an asset on every project in today’s world. It will work on communicating comfortably with clients and project teams, and will suggest techniques to better understand occupants’ cultures and values, as well as the design implications of those factors.
Speakers: Gary Seshagiri, AIA, LEED AP, and Mala Seshagiri
Provider: Bechtel Corporation
Wednesday, 1–5 p.m

W48 Ignition II: Powering Concepts into Reality HSW
3.75 LUs—Intermediate Level
Participants will use techniques from Ignition I: Fueling Inspiration with Diversity, but with less focus on creative thinking barriers and more on the application of thinking with action.
Speakers: Louis B. Smith Jr., AIA, NCARB, and Lisa J. K. Stacholy, PhD, FAIA
ProviderS: AIA Small Project Practitioners, LKS Architects Inc., and Microtecture LLC
Wednesday, 1–5 p.m.

T01 Leading at the Speed of Y: Developing the Millennial Careerist for the Changing American Workplace
1 LU—Entry Level
This presentation provides attendees with strategies on how to achieve greater levels of organizational success in the future by learning how to attract Gen Y and how to inspire them to be more open to an organization’s perspectives and world views.
Speaker: Bea Fields
Provider: Bea Fields Companies Inc.
Thursday, 7–8 a.m.

T12 Designing For Everyone: Universal Design's Importance in a Socially-Responsible Practice HSW
1 LU—Entry Level
This program, presented by a wheelchair-riding firm principal and local COTE chairperson, will outline the principles of Universal Design, place them in historical and social context, and provide examples of great Universal Design, incorporated in beautiful architecture that accommodates all users.
Speakers: Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA, NCARB; Erick Mikiten, AIA; and Elaine Ostroff, Hon. AIA
Provider: Erick Mikiten, AIA
Thursday, 7–8 a.m.

T17 Riding the Vortex
1 LU—Intermediate Level
This session will examine the reasons why the rate of increase of African-American women practicing architecture is greater than it is for other groups within the profession. The session will also highlight the positive effects of increased gender and cultural diversity within architecture firms.
Speakers: Barbara G. Laurie, AIA, NOMA; Kathryn Tyler Prigmore, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP; and Katherine Williams, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
Provider: University of Cincinnati Center for the Study of Practice
Thursday, 7–8 a.m.

T34 Navigating Life and the Workplace: How Leading Women in Architecture and Other Professions Balance Their Careers and Other Goals
1.5 LUs—Entry Level
This panel of women in traditionally male dominant professions—law, accounting, public policy, and medicine—will speak to their experiences in juggling career ambitions with marriage, children, and the realities of the workplace.
Speakers: Nancy A. Goshow, AIA; Geri A. Gregor; Barbara Kasoff; and Lina G. Telese, Esq.
Provider: Women in Architecture Committee, New York City Chapter
Thursday, 2–3:30 p.m.

T39 Understanding the Challenges of a Diverse Work Force: Recognizing Employment Practices Exposures
1.5 LUs—Intermediate Level
This session addresses hiring, managing, and terminating employees, with an eye toward enabling a diverse, creative staff while providing a legally compliant workplace.
Speakers: Katherine D. Enos, Esq., Assoc. AIA, and Judy L. Mendoza
Provider: Victor O. Schinnerer & Company Inc./CNA Insurance
Thursday, 2–3:30 p.m.

T40 The Etiquette of Discussing Race and Culture in the Firm: How to talk the talk so you can walk the walk
1.5 LUs—Entry Level
If you still feel nervous addressing cultural differences in the office, or feel that you can't properly critique a staff member, lest you seem racist, then this seminar is for you. Come learn what standards and practices you can put in place to ease your management of staff while addressing culture and race in terms that won't create anger and dissension in your office.
Speakers: Starita Smith; Louis B. Smith, Jr, AIA, NOMA; and Jay Stephens, Esq.
Provider: AIA Small Project Practitioners
Thursday, 2–3:30 p.m.

T44 Women's Work: How Diversity Changes the Work Itself
1.5 LUs—Entry Level
This seminar showcases the work of women design professionals—how they work, why they work, and the beauty of the work itself. It explores new ways of collaborating and designing that prioritize collaboration, sensuality, and spatial subjectivity.
Speakers: Anne Fougeron, AIA; Marsha Maytum, AIA; and Tamara M. Roy, AIA
Provider: ADD Inc
Thursday, 2–3:30 p.m.

T50 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award Forum
1.5 LUs—Entry Level
Join the 2009 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award recipient and nominating party to hear the challenges that were overcome and the contributions that were made to society by the award-winning firm/organization’s endeavors to create a more diverse and inclusive profession.
Speaker: Yvette Morris
Provider: AIA Diversity and Inclusiveness Discussion Group
Thursday, 2–3:30 p.m.

T56 Rhythms of the City—Architecture, Music, and Kids
1.5 LUs—Entry Level
Come join Michael Tilson Thomas, Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, and local architects to learn how to partner with community organizations to create educational programs for youth.
Speakers: Alan Sandler and Michael Tilson Thomas
Provider: AIA San Francisco
Thursday, 4–5:30 p.m.

T60 BIM as an Enabler of Diversity
1.5 LUs—Entry Level
This session will offer an overview of the issues of diversity in design and construction, along with lessons learned from conducting BIM Storms with diverse groups of professionals all over the world.
Speakers: Stephen A. Jones and Kimon G. Onuma, FAIA
Provider: McGraw-Hill Construction
Thursday, 4–5:30 p.m.

T68 Queer Space: Designing for the GLBT Community HSW
2 LUs—Intermediate Level
Through case studies of three diverse public gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community institutions, this program explores how ideas of queer space are expressed consciously and intentionally in architecture.
Speakers: Jane Cee, AIA; Belmont Freeman, AIA; Robert J. Hotes, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB; and Grant Uhlir, AIA, NCARB
Provider: John Milner Architects Inc.
Thursday, 4–6 p.m.

T77 Dealing Creatively with Cross-Cultural Client Communication
1 LU—Intermediate Level
This presentation offers a compact overview of ways to integrate cross-cultural approaches that facilitate the essential communication pathways between architects and clients.
Speaker: Norman Weinstein
Provider: University of Idaho School of Architecture
Thursday, 6–7 p.m.

T87 Attracting Diverse Talent Though Life/Work Balance Policies: How Ya Gonna Keep ‘Em On At the Firm After They've Got Family?
2 LUs—Entry Level
This session will offer creative solutions that some firms and individuals have incorporated into their work to address the problem of brain drain and to boost recruitment and retention of talent.
Speakers: Nancy Alexander; Katherine A. Austin, AIA; Kristine Royal, AIA; and Amy Slattery, AIA, LEED AP
Providers: AIA Housing and Custom Residential, AIA Young Architects Forum, Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell Architects, and Yale University
Thursday, 6–8 p.m.

F07 Using Internships to Improve Diversity Within Your Practice
1 LU—Advanced Level
This session discusses the value of architects and architectural firms working with college and university design programs to improve the overall profession and to pump new blood into their own practices.
Speakers: George W. Powell, NOMA, and Prescott Reavis, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
Provider: Anshen+Allen
Friday, 7–8 a.m.

F14 The Influence of National Culture on the Experience of Place HSW
1 LU—Intermediate Level
This session will examine research and trends from several continents and explore how national cultures influence the physical design of workplaces.
Speaker: Sally Augustin, PhD
Provider: Haworth Inc.
Friday, 7–8 a.m.

F15 Absolutely Positively Wellington: A Model for Smart Growth
1 LU—Intermediate Level
This presentation offers perspectives on Wellington, New Zealand, and suggests why the city is a model for smart growth. Attendees will learn about trans-Pacific commonalities between New Zealand and the United States, Kiwi approaches for fostering sustainable urban environments, and the actions Wellingtonians are taking to secure their position as New Zealand's Top Town.
Speaker: Carlton Christopher Eley, APA, NOMA
Providers: Ian Axford Fellowship in Public Policy and Fulbright New Zealand
Friday, 7–8 a.m.

F30 Terrains of Diversity in Sustainable Design: Research in Gender, Ethnic, and Cultural Phenomena in Design Approach HSW
1.5 LUs—Advanced Level
This session examines the traditional ethos and the changing face of our profession as revealed in recent research. What it reveals promises to provoke spirited and needed conversation on this timely topic, especially as it relates to the evolving field of sustainability.
Speaker: Rosa Lane, PhD, AIA, LEED AP
Provider: Design Group Collaborative LLC
Friday, 8:15–9:45 a.m.

F43 Mentoring: Three Modern Approaches
1.5 LUs—Entry Level
In this session, a panel will present three models of structured mentoring—based on recommendations from the Young Architects Forum—for use within architecture firms.
Speakers: Lynne Miyamoto, AIA; Lindsey N. Piant, Assoc. AIA, Jason Dale Pierce, Assoc. AIA, and Derek C. Webb, AIA
Provider: AIA Young Architects Forum
Friday, 8:15–9:45 a.m.

F82 Unique Design Challenges for the Full Spectrum of Diversity HSW
1.5 LUs—Entry Level
This session will examine the issue of inclusive design in housing, and will address populations that many codes/legislation and architects ignore or do not know how to address: people with physical disabilities beyond mobility (hearing impaired and visually impaired, in housing); people with cognitive disabilities (autistic adults); and ethnic groups that are increasing in numbers (e.g. Somali, Hmong, Latinos).
Speakers: Sherry Ahrentzen, PhD, Assoc. AIA; Katherine A. Austin; John C. Dickinson, AIA; and Tasoulla Hadjiyanni
Providers: AIA Housing and Custom Residential, Arizona State University Stardust Center, University of Minnesota Design School, and Winter & Company
Friday, 4–5:30 p.m.

F106 Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Aesthetic Messages Written in the Built Environment About People with Disabilities HSW
1 LU—Entry Level
This session will explore the aesthetic and emotional experience of people with disabilities in built spaces, and how designing for their sensory pleasure will increase pleasure for everyone.
Speaker: Daniel G. Hunter, BLA, MLA
Provider: The International Network of Designers with Disabilities
Friday, 6–7 p.m.

S02 Sustainable Architecture Without Architects in Tabbas, Iran: How People of Tabbas, Iran Used Micro-Climate and Local Materials to Create Energy-Efficient Homes
1 LU—Intermediate Level
This session will discuss how the people of Tabbas, Iran, used micro-climate and local materials to create energy-efficient homes. The seminar will illustrate how they used sun, wind, and water, along with thermal mass to create not only zero energy consumption buildings but also private and comfortable homes.
Speaker: Simi Razavian, AIA
Provider: MSA & Associates Inc
Saturday, 7–8 a.m.

S05 Affordable Access: Cost-effective Classroom Acoustical Design HSW
1 LU—Entry Level
This session presents an overview of materials, systems, and acoustical design and engineering principles to turn standard classrooms into high-performance listening environments, and to do so without high costs.
Speaker: Lois E.L. Thibault
Provider: U.S. Access Board
Saturday, 7–8 a.m.

S29 Designing the Emergent Firm
1.5 LUs—Advanced Level
Diverse leadership teams drive both successful firms and exceptional design. This session will offer insights into how to attract diverse leaders and how to galvanize them into a single team striving for a clearly defined goal.
Speakers: Frank J. Greene, FAIA; Giles A. Jacknain; and Patricia Saldaña Natke, AIA
Provider: ZweigWhite
Saturday, 8:15–9:45 a.m.

S30 Diversity and Demographics: Maximizing People and Productivity in Design HSW
1.5 LUs—Advanced Level
This session will explore and examine key aspects of the human capital that comprises the allied design professions. The goal of the seminar is to present a comprehensive picture of key success factors that will form the foundation of tomorrow's successful design firms.
Speaker: James P. Cramer, Hon. AIA, IIDA, NCARB
Providers: Design Futures Council and Greenway Communications
Saturday, 8:15–9:45 a.m.

S42 The Complexity of ADA Compliance: Creating a Design Process that Accounts for the Diversity of Users HSW
1.5 LUs—Intermediate Level
This session will suggest strategies to meet and exceed civil/accessibility rights requirements and that satisfy the expectations for today’s universally designed spaces and facilities.
Speakers: Harold D. Kiewel, AIA, NCARB, CCS; James F. Lee, Esq.; and John P. S. Salmen, AIA, NCARB
Provider: Universal Designers & Consultants Inc.
Saturday, 8:15–9:45 a.m.