Summary: At the AIA 2009 National Convention business session in the morning of May 2, AIA convention delegates approved two Institute Bylaws amendments and eight convention resolutions, confirming authority to conduct AIA Board meetings by teleconference, revising Emeritus-member eligibility requirements, and reaffirming Institute-wide commitment to diversity.

First up on the agenda was Bylaws Amendment 09-A on the authority to conduct Board meetings by conference call. The Bylaws already allow that any “one or more members of the Executive Committee may participate … by conference telephone or similar equipment that allows all persons participating in the meeting to hear one another at the same time.” The revision passed May 2 makes it clear that the full Board may conduct its meetings in the same manner.

Also passed was an amendment ot the Institute Bylaws to change the age of eligibility for Emeritus-member status so that all Architect and Associate members in good standing for fifteen years immediately before their application become eligible for Emeritus status on reaching age 65. Also, Architect members who have acquired emeritus status as architects under state law are entitled to AIA Emeritus member status regardless of age. There is no change to the current eligibility requirement that authorizes Emeritus status for any Architect or Associate member who is so incapacitated as to be unable to work in the profession or related occupation.

Defeated were proposed Bylaws amendments that would have established a public-member category and an international-member category and an amendment to allow Associate members to sit on the Board as regional directors.

The Gateway Commitment
Delegates also approved eight convention resolutions and voted down one. First approved was that “the AIA Board of Directors urge each state and local component to embrace and adopt the Gateway Commitment,” “develop a concrete plan for implementing the Gateway Commitment,” and “make readily available all resources that currently exist or that may exist as a consequence of the ongoing efforts of the diversity council … to assist state and local components in the accomplishment of the diversity goals.”

The Gateway Commitment is a document approved in April 2008 that sets out concrete goals for advancing the cause of diversity within the Institute and profession at large.

Voted down, pending further consideration, was a resolution defining a minimum standard to meet Institute obligations regarding environmentally responsible design.

By acclamation, delegates also approved appreciation to retiring Executive Committee and Board members, recognition of newly licensed architect members, appreciation to departing members of the Council of Architectural Component Executives, and appreciation to the host chapter, convention committees, exhibitors, and Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA, and Cindy Malecha.

A parting message from President Malecha
Concluding the business session, President Marvin Malecha, FAIA, exercised his prerogative to offer his general thoughts on the convention. Noting that the economy and accompanying layoffs are creating a confrontational mindset, he said that conditions set an agenda for which architects are uniquely qualified by training and their particular gifts. The situation is daunting and in need of immediate attention, he said.

These challenges require design in collaboration, transforming vision to influence and influence to action. Malecha reflected on his early love of chess and sailing. In chess, he said thoughtful action is more effective than simple aggression. And, while sailing, one pays attention to the vibrations of the centerboard and the appearance of the water to be able to gauge the strength of the wind. Such are also the characteristics of strong architecture. “We act like chess players,” he said, and watch carefully for the prevailing forces. An agile and able professional association makes strategic alliances and serves as an authoritative knowledge source, which requires member-to-member interaction domestically and abroad.

In terms of response, Malecha referred to the leading by example with the development of the AIA headquarters building as the 21st Century Workplace. “Everything has changed, so the AIA must change,” he said. And determination is not enough, “we need passion as well … you cannot lose heart to get to that better place.”

Concluding that it is a privilege to be a design professional today, Malecha encouraged AIA members to create new advantages; that the profession faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. “From my heart, thank you,” he said.