CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE

CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE 2020 – A crisis for the profession

PHOTO BY PAT STEWART

“2020 has forced the College of Fellows, the AIA, the Profession, and all of us as citizens to reconsider public health, economic stability, climate change, and institutional racism together, with a renewed focus on diversity and inclusion.” Peter G. Kuttner, FAIA In just a few short months 2020 has fundamentally minorities in general are disproportionately hurt shocked us all, creating a series of crises provoking our by climate change’s impact, access to health care, society to finally become aware of the pervasiveness downturns in economy, and pervasive racism. We of systemic injustice. The College of Fellows and need to address this in our own firms, in the AIA, in the AIA believe as architects we must acknowledge the schools of architecture, and in our communities. the scale and scope of this injustice around us, and The article “An End to Racism” talks more about support efforts for change. efforts within the College, and ways to be involved.

Awakening to the Need for Societal Change In our first February issue this year, we emphasized the long overdue and pressing need to address climate change, and the activity around the AIA Climate Initiative. By the May issue, the coronavirus had taken hold, creating a new public health crisis and an economic meltdown for every level of society, including architects. Now, in the aftermath of George Floyd, the BLM movement, urban protests, and the deterioration of fundamental civil rights for underrepresented minorities, we are struck with how blind we have been to inequity around us everywhere.

It is clear now that all of the issues we face today are related. Climate, health, employment, and inclusion must be addressed. Black Americans and most 2020 Business Meeting We were not able to hold the Annual COF Business meeting at A’20, which we are required to do and look forward to. With AIA holding the Annual AIA Business meeting beginning on September 1, 2020, we are planning to hold the College later on October 1, 2020, online. The article “Look Forward To Seeing You On October 1st” has more detail on the event and a link to register. This is an opportunity for fellows who might not ordinarily be able to attend to join the online Zoom.

COF Regional Representatives In the same way our last issue focused on our 2020 class of New Fellows, this issue is highlighting our 2020 Council of Regional Representatives, the

CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE (Continued)

governance backbone of the College of Fellows. The article at the center of this issue introduces you to Jeanne Jackson, FAIA, our Regional Director Chair and the 35 Representatives, provides contact information, and explains some of their activities and their support of the College. This is an opportunity for all the Fellows to get in touch with their Representatives.

Call for Nominations – COF Secretary Later in this issue you will find 2021 Vice-Chancellor Roger Schluntz, FAIA’s call for nominations for the position of College of Fellows Secretary, due next February 5, to serve on the 2022 Executive Committee for a four-year term. We urge you to submit for this important leadership position in the College, as we deal with the long-term implications of all the issues we are discussing today. This position would lead to being the 2025 Chancellor of the College.

Latrobe Prize The 2019 Latrobe, awarded to Drexel University and Perkins Eastman and partnered with the District of Columbia and Baltimore City Public Schools, titled “Addressing a Multi-Billion Dollar Challenge,” is under way. They are working to advance the knowledge of how high-quality schools can positively impact educational outcomes. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and the ongoing school closures, it has been difficult to complete all of the data gathering in the case study schools.

The COF ExCom has agreed to some extension of the reporting time, and some variances in the study. Further, due to the many other delays this year, we are also postponing the 2021 Latrobe for one year, picking up with a 2022 Latrobe. We will keep you posted. Young Architects Award The Young Architects Award jury has been assembled, and we will continue that important award recognizing and rewarding an ever wider range of Emerging Professionals. The jury composition has been revised to include the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, two people from the College in general, and two from YAF, to assure we are more representative in terms of gender, ethnicity, and age.

Heritage Society of the AIA College of Fellows Fundraising for the AIA College of Fellows Fund, to continue our programs supporting research and mentoring, is still a high priority. You will see that the COF ExCom has established a new “Heritage Society of the AIA College of Fellows” to formally recognize those individuals who have demonstrated a life-long commitment to the College of Fellows with a revocable estate bequest. Please review the program and consider College of Fellows in your estate planning philanthropy. Of course you can continue to donate to the College Fund at our web site on aia.org.

As I noted at the outset, a lot has happened that affects all of us in different ways. This is a partial summary of the last several months, and an introduction to more detail in this issue of the College of Fellows Newsletter. Please accept it as an invitation to get involved, contact your representatives, nominate or volunteer, contribute, and reach out to the community around you.

Peter Kuttner, FAIA 2020 Chancellor