Just. Start. Typing. Thinking back to a piano recital when one of the students simply could not get started, and his teacher whispered -- ”Play! Just start playing. Touch the keys and it will come to you”, starting this busy year reminded me of that scenario. Though I cannot promise that Debussy’s Clair de Lune will fill the air and captivate your mind as you read this newsletter, I can assure you that I bring similar excitement and training to this honorable role of 2022 AIA Michigan President and am ready to embrace the challenge. Your AIA Michigan Board of Directors and Staff thanks you for the confidence and trust you have placed in us. We stand poised and anxious to make this year a success for you.

Let’s get started with a few updates.

Local and state chapters have already submitted credentials to the Institute so we can retain our certifications and bring baseline revenue back to our members. We commit to offer the quality programs, recognition, and socio-economic outreach that you endorsed through your AIA membership renewal. While Monday Minutes will continue as the primary communique from AIA Michigan, you will notice expanded coverage of section and chapter events. Our consolidated calendar enables leaders and affiliate organizations to better coordinate events, thus providing more opportunities for virtual and in-person collaboration throughout the State.

AIA Michigan Board actions are guided by our strategic plan and advocacy policy—both available online for your perusal. The programs reinforce our commitment to J.E.D.I goals, sustainability, technical proficiency, and business prowess, each in the context of the other. We need your help and feedback to keep us on target. We welcome your involvement in activities planned throughout the year. Let us help you explore opportunities in conferences, advocacy, membership, education and professional affiliations. Contact either your State or local leadership or AIA staff for more information. Some key initiatives are described below.

In recognition of ongoing pandemic and travel concerns, 2022 Grassroots – AIA Leadership Event will be virtual, February 22-24, 2022, Link to AIA Grassroots Event.  “This all-digital, inclusive, attend-from-anywhere event is packed with sessions and keynotes from some of the most exciting voices in architecture, design, business, finance, sustainability, and management consulting who will explore the critical topics that help us achieve our vision: Leadership, equity, and sustainability.” I couldn’t have said it better. Many sessions are repeated daily to allow access to as many members as possible. Check them out then join us for collaborative discussion afterward on President’s calls – continuing the communication pipeline that Bob established last year. FYI, for those of you who previously attended advocacy meetings with national legislators as part of Grassroots, they will not be part of these February sessions. They will take place later, in April.

Registration is also open for AESLC Legislative Day planned for March 11th. Join Michigan architects, engineers and land surveyors in meetings with our state legislators. Based on last year’s success the 2022 event will again consist of online meetings. We impact policies by positioning ourselves not only as engaged professionals and ‘citizen architects’, but as subject matter experts as well. Online meetings seem to put participants at ease. This is a great year to sign up and make a difference.

As we head further into Spring, mark your calendars for April 7^th and 8^th for the in-person AIA MI / LARA Health Facilities Planning Conference at Grand Traverse Resort. Feedback from the last conference confirmed that networking with colleagues, clients, and State agency experts is invaluable.

The 2022 program is unique and chock full of CES credits.

Registration will be open soon so keep an eye out for it.

While advocacy, leadership skills and health care design are important to us, AIA Michigan acknowledges that we must also do a better job of serving practitioners in other key markets and interest areas. We plan a Fall session on Education Facilities and welcome your input regarding other gaps you perceive. I look forward to learning more from you with good dialogue during one of our many calendar events listed on the AIA Michigan Website.

Wishing you a successful and safe year ahead,

Cindy Pozolo, FAIA

JoAnne Azzopardi, Assoc. AIA

Andrew Bifulco, Assoc. AIA

Andres Carmona - Franco, Assoc. AIA

Kerry Conway, Assoc. AIA

Rob Gurche, Assoc. AIA

Kathryn Hancock, Assoc. AIA

Angela Lazarte, Assoc. AIA

Stephen Lechman, Assoc. AIA

Benjamin J. Loznak

Check back next month!