FORTH QUARTER 2014 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Moreover, this year we had an amazing support team in place. There was the continuous participation of the Board of Directors, guidance from our past chapter leaders, and involvement of our committee members. It felt good to have everyone’s support and reassurance throughout the year. Here are some stats and highlights of 2014: Membership: We currently have a total of 341 members, of which 185 are Architects, 55 Emeritus, 81 Associates, 11 Fellow, 5 international, and 4 Allied members.
Nazanin Zarkesh, AIA, LEED AP What a great year! I couldn’t be any more satisfied by how things went in 2014. Before becoming this year’s president, it was indeed a privilege to serve on Fariba Shantiyai’s board as the director of sponsorship in 2012 and then as vice president in 2013 during Alek Zarifian’s presidency. They both encouraged and inspired me to become a leader with a passion for the AIA and with a vision to help our chapter succeed. I was so very fortunate to follow in the footsteps of diligent past presidents and their teams. They helped lay a firm foundation and brought new energy, ideas and prosperity back to the chapter. It was because of their work and care for the chapter that made it possible for us to hire our executive director, Zelda Wong, as a fulltime employee in January 2014. Zelda has been a tremendous help and is an asset for our chapter. She runs the chapter’s day-to-day operations, responds to our members request, maintains our website, sends e-blasts, and organizes the events. It is inspiring to see how passionate she is about architecture, the arts, and our community.
Events: We had total of 41 varied events including ADA, ARE sessions, hard hat tours, Friday Forums, Breakfast with Champions, the Birdhouse Competition, project show & tell, and the Design Awards. Collaborations: We have done a good job of collaborating with other local chapters, State Council, as well as National. We worked closely with leaders, exchanged thoughts, and shared ideas. We also partnered with contractors, engineers, and other chapter’s architects for different programs for greater visibility in the community. Accounting: The chapter‘s reserve has been increased by about 11%. We are thankful to the sponsorship committee for their hard work and to our members for their generous contributions. Scholarships: This year’s Birdhouse Competition raised $500 in scholarship funds, which the chapter matched with an additional $500. Also, the chapter received the AIA Component Grant of $1000. This journey as president has been rewarding and fulfilling. It is an experience that I will treasure forever. I must acknowledge Lance Bird, my great
AIA Pasadena & Foothill A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects 555 S.Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 626.796.7601 www.aiapf.org
mentor and motivator and my sincere gratitude to him for his constant support and wisdom. Also many thanks to my husband, my best friend, Farzad who fully backed me up with his positive attitude and encouragements.
AIAPF2015 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
I have great faith in our incoming president, Mitchell Sawasy, who is wonderful. He is to the point and a big believer of “less talk, and more action”! He makes things happen. With the help of incoming Vice President, Michelle Acosta and her extensive experience with AIA, as well as the support of the new board and our executive director, Mitch and our chapter will certainly thrive in 2015.
Mitchell E. Sawasy, AIA, FIIDA President-Elect
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” James Cash Penney
As the new Board steps into 2015 we are excited about the opportunities ahead. The Boards that came before us have each left part of a foundation for the future. The 2012 Board under the leadership of Fariba Shantiyai repositioned the Chapter on a path for a transparent and effective future. In 2013 Alek Zarifian led the charge to create a Chapter office space that is inspiring and is a resource for our members. Nazanin Zarkesh led the 2014 Board to fiscal solvency and extraordinary program development.
Editor’s notes: Outgoing AIA chapter president Nazanin Zarkesh, AIA received kudos for her exceptional service in 2014 at the annual installation dinner held at the Valley Hunt Club December 4th. She leaves a legacy of strong leadership, with a diverse, energetic new board of directors. Zarkesh will be remembered as the “Education President” with over 40 programs for the year including continuing education, intern training, hard hat tours and breakfasts with regional politicians.
A few of you have heard me say that the opportunity for this Board is to continue to move towards a relevant, engaging, and dynamic Chapter of the AIA for today and tomorrow.
As leader, Zarkesh has been responsible for outreach to and collaboration with the community, other local chapters, the AIA California Council and AIA National. During her term, chapter membership and financial reserves grew substantially. Her closing message included a quotation from James Cash Penney, “Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”
With an initial focus towards Community Visibility and Student engagement we have already started. Steve Lewis, John Luttrell and Nazanin Zarkesh are reaching out to students in our area’s schools and are bringing the wonders of architecture to them on many levels. Marc Schiler at USC and Pablo La Roche, at Cal Poly are creating opportunities for AIAPF to engage with their students. Mark Gangi is engaging Citizen Architect with Habitat for Humanity.
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Farzin Torbati, the Director of Programs, has put a calendar of events together with something for everyone. • • • •
QUARTERLY COLUMN State of the Profession 2014
If you just want to socialize we have your events If you want to learn we have the opportunities If you want to create show us what you have If you want to be inspired come engage with us
During the upcoming year I’ll keep you updated with our progress, opportunities, and accomplishments. You’ll also get information on “What you missed” if you were unable to attend the events. Contributed by: Lance Bird, FAIA
I look forward to seeing many of you this upcoming year and the more you participate, the more you get out of AIAPF.
Where is our profession headed? AIA P&F members say:
All the best in 2015!!
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Editor’s notes: •
Mitchell E. Sawasy, AIA, FIIDA will be the Chapter President for 2015. He has been a Pasadena resident for over 30 years and a practicing architect for over 35 years and has recently located his practice to the Pasadena area. He has held local and international office at the International Interior Design Association, IIDA, as well as participating at strategic events with the AIA LA Chapter. He has juried design competitions and has been the recipient of a number of design awards.
Our influence is growing (53% surveyed) Areas of anticipated growth include o Design Build (83%) o Specialization (83%) o Collaboration (94%!) Ten-person firm will continue to be relevant (63%)
At the final First Friday Forum for 2014, nearly 20 members representing a broad cross- section of our chapter took part in a lively discussion on the State of Our Profession. Three-fourths are architects, and the majority has 16 or more years’ experience. Only four worked for national or international firms, the rest working for local and regional practices. Nearly 60% work for firms with less than 16 persons. Interesting survey results included:
Mitchell attended California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and the Southern California Institute of Architecture. During his career he has had offices and worked in Los Angeles, San Diego, Beijing, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Mitchell would like to see the AIAPF Chapter have a more visible role with the public, city government and our colleagues.
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89% are happy with their career. When asked if they would recommend the architectural profession as a career to a young person, 68% said “it depends”. Coulter Winn, AIA summed it up with “They have to have the drive to put in the work.” The greatest single impact on their career was a mentor (47%).
What are the opportunities in the next decade? •
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Strongest markets o Sustainability
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Healthcare Affordable housing and senior housing. Public infrastructure
3. Toby Pugh, AIA says “Transparency with building officials, fire officials and planning departments as well as with the client/design/construction teams has been critical for every project I have seen successfully completed.” 4. Steve Lewis would have our profession increase our community activism. He referred to the “1% Solution” promoted by John Peterson in San Francisco. The program pairs architects and non-profits. Participating architects volunteer a minimum of 1% of their total hours each year. 5. “Social media is really important”, Armando Gonzalez, FAIA. “See ‘Innovate Pasadena’, meeting every Friday and aggressively using social media.” Coulter Winn, AIA added “Use social media to raise awareness of the value of architecture.” 6. To counter negative forces and completion, Mitch Sawasy, AIA says “We do more than design buildings. Get the word out by our actions and involvement. We can’t be passive, and we can’t be reactionaries.”
Technology o Improved analysis tools like code analysis and Facilities Management software o Revit o 3-D printing
Trends: 1. “Integrated Project Delivery is where it’s going”, Armando Gonzalez, FAIA. “We need a holistic approach to the entire delivery supply chain and stop throwing what we make over the proverbial fence,” said Zig Rubel, AIACC, Definitions Committee chair. “IPD is the necessary bridge for our evolution in maturing the industry and this update defines the differentiation needed for clarity to get us there.” 2. Toby Pugh, AIA says “… successful projects that I have worked on have depended heavily on collaboration with the larger design team, the owner/developer, contractors and in most cases also with the authority having jurisdiction.”
How can AIA help you? 1. Sponsor forums to meet potential clients 2. Develop opportunities for members to share resources • Software • Model shops and 3-D printers • Staff 3. Julie Arcelay, Assoc. AIA says “AIA must change to become current with emerging trends, and reach out to the younger community.” Toby Pugh, AIA echoed her remarks, emphasizing mentoring of interns.
3. “Sustainability is big at Occidental College. It’s important to students. It must be addressed in every job. The next generation (students) is well informed”. Joe O’Hara, AIA. 4. Threats – “The California Energy Commission said that architects don’t have the skills to address energy conservation.” Mark Gangi, AIA 5. Assembling a winning team – Scott Gaudineer says “Small firms can compete with large firms by hiring consultants to meet client’s needs. It’s about the people.”
And if you are starting your career and looking for where an architect can make a difference, participants agreed we are needed by builders, construction managers, large engineering firms (i.e. Jacobs, Parsons), and corporations. If you are thinking of leaving the profession, Joe O’Hara, AIA ended on this high note – “It’s still good to have this background and education. It’s applicable to a lot of different professions.” Hmmm…
Advise: 1. “Have the courage to walk away from bad clients”, Steve Lewis, AIA. 2. Coulter Winn, AIA said “We must set ourselves apart as creative people. We can draw!”
Interested in sharing your thoughts? Please contact director@aiapf.org for details 4
Editor’s notes: Mr. Lance Bird is a fellow of the AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter. He was honored at the AIA Annual Fete this December 4th with the prestigious Joseph F. Thomas Award by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at their annual installation and awards celebration held at the Valley Hunt Club. The award recognizes architects that have made an enduring impact on the community and profession. Bird is well known for his leadership in the profession and with non-profit organizations. He has mentored countless young architects, sharing his passion for architecture. His advice to colleagues and young architects includes “Embrace the future. It’s exciting. Complaining will put you in an early grave.” “Have the courage to speak up. Listen, then offer your opinion, and be flexible.”
All entries were displayed at the event. Everyone at the party voted for their favorites. The entries were for silent auction for the AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter scholarship fund.
Bird is committed to training future leaders within his firm, La Canada Design Group. He is proud that three members of his staff have served as president of the Pasadena & Foothill Chapter of the AIA with Nazanin Zarkesh, the 2014 president.
PAST MAJOR EVENT PHOTOS Birdhouse Competition Mayor Bogaard spoke at the event as Chapter special guest for the Birdhouse Competition.
It was indeed Tweet Treats and all that Jazz at the Pasadena Community Gardens! Thanks to all who attended the event and most especially to those who built and entered their birdhouse in the competition.
There was live music, food and lots of fun at the event.
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The design and creativity that went into each house was incredible! There are soon to be some very happy birds in our community enjoying life in an adobe or Mid-Century duplex. Chapter VP and Event Chair Mitch Sawasy is already thinking about how to make next year's event even better. So come and join us if you missed this year’s event. If you were there, hope to see you again!
Huntington Education & Visitor Center Tour
members and shared the financial status of the Chapter and major programs and events.
On November 6, 2014, a special small group was allowed to tour the new Education & Visitor Center (EVC) at the Huntington Library. Much has been completed since the tour of Phase 1 back in 2013. The EVC is scheduled to open to the public in April 2015. Our thanks to James McLane and Ashley Powell of Architectural Resources Group and Drew Wesling of MATT Construction for leading the tour.
She also recognized the sponsors’ support for the Chapter. The event was more than an annual meeting. Zelda Wong, who is a former docent, gave the attendees a tour of the historical Gamble House. Members mixed, mingled, enjoyed wine and cheese while Nazanin was reviewing this wonderful year and Mitchell, President-Elect shared his outlooks for the coming 2015.
Photos courtesy of David Gaines.
Annual Business Meeting AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter Annual meeting was held on November 13, 2014 at the historic Gamble House in Pasadena. All AIAPF Chapter members were invited to participate in the meeting. Primary purposes of the meeting were to vote for the Bylaws revision and to elect 2015 Chapter Officers and Board of Directors. During the meeting, President Nazanin Zarkesh introduced new Photos courtesy of Dennis Hill 6
Chapter Board Installation and Holiday Party
by actively being involved in our communities and as "Citizen Architects” take a strong and informed leadership role. Thus the Chapter commits for another year to be recognized as a resource to our civic leaders, providing them with assistance in design, planning and preservation issues.
For more than 60 years the traditional annual Installation celebration has provided an opportunity for the incoming President of Pasadena & Foothill AIA. to have in attendance many family, friends and colleagues to share in this symbolic passage- the receipt of the mantle of leadership from the previous president.
In November 2013, the Chapter was honored to have as keynote speaker, AIA National President, Mickey Jacob, FAIA. The Installation / Holiday Party took place at the historic Altadena Town & country club.
The membership and the Board have expressed their confidence in the new President’s ability to lead them in fulfilling the Chapter’s mission. This celebration starts off a new year with all the enthusiasm and hope that such a passage brings.
More recently, the Chapter held this event at the exclusive Valley Hunt Club. Lance Bird, FAIA was recognized with the Joseph F. Thomas awards for his outstanding contribution to the profession and community.
The Installation provides a chance to renew the pledge to be Architects who are stewards of the built environment. As a Chapter, a new year begins
Happy Holidays!!
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BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES FOR A JOYOUS HOLIDAY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
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AIA Pasadena & Foothill A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects 555 S.Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 626.796.7601 www.aiapf.org