2021
Annual Report AIAPGH.ORG
AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 1
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Members, Partners and Friends, AIA Pittsburgh is pleased to share with you our 2021 Year in Review. It was a year of transition, realignments, and achievements for our architecture community, with a strong commitment to sharing and learning from each other and those around us as we all continued to dance the Pandemic Shuffle. For AIA Pittsburgh, we sought ways – old and new – to further our goals and to respond to member needs. We put three objectives at the fore: • Find ways to connect members. • Provide knowledge, tools, and resources to support the practice of architecture. • Advocate for the profession and the built environment.
We continued to build relationships and collaborate in a virtual world, and found that we could Zoom in experts and peers from well beyond our region and broaden access to knowledge for our members. We also broadened reach within our own community, seeing an increase in the number of members from beyond the Pittsburgh metro attending virtual events, like the Practice of Architecture series. As of mid-December, our community totaled 588 members. We were able to increase our Allied Members from a low of 12 to 23 by the end of the year, largely due to a restructuring of how we communicate and market such memberships. In an effort to respond to members’ stated interests in communication, equity in architecture, and sustainability from the 2019 Member Survey, we: • Held a communications training with Sage Presence on how to pitch for projects in a virtual environment. • Selected Curtis Moody of Moody Nolan as our Build Pittsburgh keynote speaker, as well as held EDI-related sessions among our continuing education offerings. • Held a number of sustainability-related sessions at Build Pittsburgh, and the Committee on the Environment produced three seminars on the Framework for
Design Excellence. Our committees offered seminars, participated in Tele-Action Day, published papers and met with local decision-makers, including then Mayor-elect Gainey and his Transition Team, among other efforts. Special kudos goes to the Young Architects Forum for a very full year of activities despite the pandemic, from a Sketch Challenge and outreach to AIAS, to ARE support and virtual building tours. Build Pittsburgh was virtual for a second year, allowing us to spread learning across three days and offer 24 CEUs, more than in past years. Design Pittsburgh was back in-person (!) at Nova Place, attracted 300+ attendees, and was covered by The Pittsburgh Business Times and NEXT Pittsburgh. The year ended with a flurry of well attended in-person events: Procrastinator’s Day, a very popular Mass Timber Workshop held in partnership with the GBA, and our Annual Meeting and President’s Party. I am looking forward to continuing to build on these accomplishments in 2022, and to seeing you all soon, MICHELLE FANZO Executive Director, AIA Pittsburgh
AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 2
Vision, Mission and Values
OUR VISION AIA Pittsburgh members play a central role in ensuring healthy and sustainable design and development in all communities in which we serve.
OUR MISSION AIA Pittsburgh improves the built environment in which we live, work and play by raising the standards of architectural training and practice, supporting our members efforts to design healthy, safe and connected places and spaces, and promoting the value of architectural services to the public.
OUR VALUES Member support and development
Environmental stewardship
Design advocacy
Equity, diversity and inclusion
Civic engagement
Integrity, openness, empathy and patience
AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 3
AIA Membership AIA Pittsburgh is part of a national network of over 200 AIA chapters representing over 94,000 architects. International Associate AIA Members:
2
Associate AIA Members:
Associate AIA Members:
86
495
Emeritus Members:
Emeritus Members:
70
320 AIA Members:
AIA Members:
2,023
430
AIA Pennsylvania Total Members:
AIA Pittsburgh Total Members:
Allied Members:
2,876
588
23 AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 4
2021 Newly Registered Architects! 10 young professionals successfully completed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and Architectural Experience Program (AXP) hours to become registered architects in 2021.
Congratulations!
Arthur S. Notoro PWCampbell
Tyler Rosas HHSDR Architects/Engineers
Sean Lange Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel
Robert Ference Desmone Architects
Victoria Acevedo Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Phyllis Kim GBBN Architects
Marissa Getty IKM Inc.
Kayla Barko Hanes Design Group
Katelyn Walsh Desmone Architects
Brian Gruendl DLA + Architecture and Interior Design
AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 5
AIA Pittsburgh’s 2021 Board of Directors
Dina Snider, AIA President
Bea Spolidoro, AIA 1st Vice President
John Ryan, AIA 2nd Vice President
Sean Sheffler, AIA Secretary
George Rieke, AIA Treasurer
R. Joseph Chaffin, AIA, Immediate Past President
Lisa Carver, AIA
Patricia Culley, AIA
Nickie Cheung Assoc. AIA
Lawrence Fabbroni, AIA
Quintin Kittle, AIA
Amanda Markovic, AIA
Catherine Wick, AIA
Stephen Winikoff, AIA
Public Director: Lena Andrews ACTION-Housing
Public Director: Grant Ervin, Department of City Planning
Ex Officio: Michael Cremonese, Esq.
Ex Officio: Michelle Fanzo Executive Director
Ex Officio: Omar Khan, Head, CMU School of Architecture
Ex Officio: Carly Sacco AIAS President AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 6
“The relationships we have built through AIA are invaluable. The organization regularly provides meaningful learning and networking opportunities for members of my team. A big thank you to Pittsburgh AIA as it has proven to be one of our most valuable memberships. We look forward to supporting the organization well into the future.” - Brett Pitcairn, Chief Marketing Officer, PJ Dick
AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 7
2021 Finances: Income
AIA Documents & National Revenue Share
Marketing & Advertising
Miscellaneous (PPP loan forgiven) $
195,219 $
$
16,602
Con Ed/ Member Events
$
37,744
Build Pittsburgh
157,206 24,478
1,220 $ 8,658 $ 41,312 $
Design Pittsburgh
Allied Members
$
$
Member Dues
2,200
Member Dues
Design Pittsburgh AIA Documents & National Revenue Share Marketing & Advertising Office Rental Miscellaneous (PPP loan forgiven)
Total Income 2021 Build Pittsburgh
$ Allied Members
484,639
Con Ed/ Member Events
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2021 Finances: Expenses AIA Contract Documents Member Services & Programs Communications $
160,475
Administrative & Operating Expenses
24,021 $ 60,502 $ 92,737
Board & Committee Expenses
$
$
Design Pittsburgh
$
Administrative & Operating Expenses
Build Pittsburgh & Con Ed
26,586
$
$
8,578
23,470
Build Pittsburgh & Con Ed Design Pittsburgh Communications AIA Contract Documents Member Services & Programs
396,369 TOTAL EXPENSES
Board & Committee Expenses
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AIA Pittsburgh’s Young Architects Forum
In a year of transition and change, YAF had so much to celebrate! •
YAFAPOLOOZA: fellowship event
•
Young Architects Studio Competition: increased number of submissions
•
Building Pittsburgh Design Competitions: YAF Partnership to curate a Build Pittsburgh Session
•
PALM Kickoff and Fall Program: Pittsburgh mentorship
•
AIA International Architects Event: discussing US licensure pathways
•
ACE Mentoring: YAF-partnered session
•
Monthly Committee Meetings: transitioning from virtual to in-person
•
AIA Fellows – Storytelling Event: sharing experience
•
ARE Review: Discussion of exams and resources
•
3 Virtual Building Tours with WTW, AE7, and NEXT Architecture
•
AIAS CMU/UPitt Portfolio Review Night: virtual event
Cassandra Osterman, AIA Chair
Greg Coni, AIA Vice Chair
Jason Andrews, Assoc. AIA Fellowship Chair
Michael Sweterlitsch, Associate AIA, Mentorship Chair
Oyuki Sulu, Associate AIA Communications Chair
Anastasia Markiw, AIA Past Chair
Connect with YAF:
@YAFpgh
Facebook AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 10
Pittsburgh Architecture Foundation
The Pittsburgh Architecture Foundation (PAF) focuses on three main areas: 1. Strengthening the Next Generation: With the addition of its fifth cohort in September, the Leadership Institute (LI) celebrated a total of 98 participants from 32 firms and the motivational influence each graduate brings to the architecture and engineering professions. Since 2016, the Pittsburgh Architecture Foundation has been teaching leadership skills to young and mid-career architects. In 2019 LI expanded to include participants from allied fields. In 2021 LI offered its second full scholarship to the program. Together the Foundation and Chapter advised the local team creating MAPS – Minority Architects of Pittsburgh Scholarship – the brainchild of Robert Tuñón, AIA (LI’17) and his wife. The scholarship was launched in 2021 and announced its first cohort of five high school and college age recipients at the end of the year. 2. Public Outreach: AIA Pittsburgh is furthering an important
Mission: Advancing architects’ meaningful and collaborative involvement throughout the Pittsburgh region by fostering civic engagement, leadership, and the wellbeing of our communities. 3. Community Engagement: AIA Pittsburgh members volunteer to make a positive impact on small businesses in underserved communities. The Façade Improvement Program that worked on three projects in Homewood in 2020 was put on hold in 2021 due to COVID restrictions. However, in 2021 Dario McPhee, AIA (LI’19) continued work on the drawings for one of those projects, D & C
conversation: how the built environment affects the health and
Sandwich Express and Galaxy Lounge. Dario, with support from his
wellbeing of our region. This effort is driven by our Blueprint for
firm Indovina Associates Architects, provided pro bono construction
Better initiative, led by Amanda Markovic, AIA (LI’17).
document services for the project’s facade renovation.
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2021 AIA Committees and their Accomplishments Committees are where the action is! AIA Pittsburgh supported nine committees in 2021. All are forums for discussion, new ideas, and professional growth. Below are the 2021 major activities for each group. Click here to see a more detailed list of committee goals and purposes. Interested in learning more or joining a committee? Let us know and we can connect you! Advocacy Committee
Identifies, explores and advocates for issues that impact architects and the built environment in southwestern PA. The group provides outreach to and discussions with local legislators, decision-makers and partners. Achievements in 2021: •
Strengthened relationship with the Pittsburgh Dept. of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) through quarterly meetings.
•
Held seminar with City Planning on Forging PGH, and facilitated a panel discussion with city officials at Build Pittsburgh.
•
Held a meeting with Mayor-Elect Ed Gainey and members of his transition team.
•
Monitored local legislation that pertained to the built environment.
AIA-MBA Joint Committee
Promotes collaboration between the design and construction industries and supports cooperation and learning between the two groups. Highlights in 2021: • Created a flash webinar for the Building Envelop. • Continued quarterly sub-committee meetings with Pittsburgh Dept. of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections. • Formed a sub-committee to work on a Prevention Through Design Best Practices Guide. • Chose the James Kling Fellowship Awardee and presented the award to George Ehringer, AIA at Design Pittsburgh.
Blueprint for Better Committee
AIA Pittsburgh’s design advocacy initiative, B4B builds on recent and developing research in neuroscience, sociology and psychology to discuss how the built environment impacts human wellbeing. The initiative promotes the value of architecture to the public, and how design choices can further equitable communities. Highlights in 2021:
Committee on the Environment (COTE)
•
Developed a Strategic Plan and Action Plan.
•
Distilled complex information into clear messages.
Serves as the community and voice on behalf of AIA Pittsburgh architects regarding sustainable and resilient design. The group advances design practices that enhance a building’s quality and performance, and promote human health and wellbeing. In 2021 the group focused its efforts under three goals: •
Produced three training seminars on the Framework for Design Excellence, each focusing on 3 - 4 elements of the framework.
•
Helped develop and organize a “Mass Timber 101” seminar, developed as a joint event with the Green Building Alliance.
•
Made a wide array of deconstruction, salvage and material reuse information and resources available to the larger AIA membership, such as guidelines and case studies from other cities; circular economy guidance and indicators; webinars and survey results. AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 12
2021 AIA Committees and their Accomplishments (continued)
Design Pittsburgh Committee
Plans and executes AIA Pittsburgh’s signature program, Design Pittsburgh, which includes the Design Awards competition, exhibition and celebration. The committee seeks to engage the public in the value of good design in our communities. Highlights in 2021: • 54 projects submitted • 12 awards given by an AIA Minnesota jury • 3,447 People’s Choice votes • 200+ attendees at Nova Place
Design + Research Infuses research into the practice of architecture in Pittsburgh and beyond and openly shares emerging data and knowledge with our community. The group hosts a lunch + learn format, speakers and online resources. Highlights in 2021: Group: Produced a robust speaker series and group work sessions, including topics such as: • Architectural Language Analysis • J-3 Building Envelope • Intersections of IEQ, Energy, and Public Policy • AIA Upjohn Research Grant brainstorming • Pre/Re/De-construction—Investigating the Eco-socio-technical Impacts of Construction Waste
Education Committee
Directs the planning and / or development of AIA Pittsburgh’s continuing education programming, including Build Pittsburgh, Procrastinator’s Day, and ad hoc trainings. Highlights in 2021: •
Offered 14 CEUs across a three-day virtual Build Pittsburgh.
•
Keynote given by Curtis J. Moody, FAIA, Principal of Moody Nolan.
•
Offered end of the year Procrastinator’s Day of CEU sessions.
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2021 AIA Committees and their Accomplishments (continued)
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Community (EDI)
Explores and fosters diversity, equality and inclusion issues in the architecture profession in our region. Founded in December, its work is guided by the AIA’s Guides for Equitable Practice. Highlights in 2021: •
Established initial baseline of local member demographics.
•
Developed a presentation to firms and interested parties to start a discussion about EDI in the architecture profession.
•
Shared Inter-cultural Training practices and knowledge within the group.
Healthcare Committee / AIA Academy of Architecture for Health
Shares knowledge and collaborates to improve health design education, connect to health design resources, strengthen the pipeline of architects for health/ wellness design, and provides advice to the wider community. Highlights in 2021:
Young Architects Forum (YAF)
Supports and encourages young professionals in the field of architecture to: obtain their license, become involved with career development opportunities, engage allied professionals through collaboration, and have fun. Highlights in 2021:
•
Organized 3 educational sessions for committee members and interested parties: WELL certification; FGI Emergency Conditions and 2022 changes; Rural Healthcare.
•
Conducted 3 building tours: AHN Wexford Hospital, UPMC Shadyside Hospital West Wing, and AHN AGH Cancer Center.
•
Initial steps taken to establish a mentorship program.
•
Held numberous ARE Review Sessions + one kickoff event
•
Hosted 3 virtual building tours
•
Produced 2nd annual Yafapalooza
•
Held Young Architects Studio Competition and exhibited submissions at Design Pittsburgh
•
Hosted PALM Kickoff and Fall Program
•
Engaged in AIAS CMU/Pitt Portfolio Review Night + many more partner events
Learn more about the Committees: https://aiapgh.org/aia-community/committees/
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Social Media & Website Stats
75,112 Website Pageviews
9,981 Facebook Reach
1,759
2,752
Columns Subscribers
Twitter Followers
Design Awards Committee
1,823
Instagram Followers
575
Connections
2021 Annual Report | 15 16 AIA Pittsburgh 2020
Social Media & Website Stats Top 5 Visited Pages on aiapgh.org
1
AIA Pittsburgh Job Board
2
Design Pittsburgh 2021
3
Design PIttsburgh 2021 Award Winners
4
Post a Job
5
Directories
Most Viewed COLUMNS Articles
Design Pittsburgh 2021 Award Winners
From the Firms – June 4, 2021
Hot Property: Why This Home in Dormont is the Place to Be
AIA Pittsburgh Annual Meeting Photos
The 14 Best Residential Architects in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Architects Tele-Action Day In 2021, Architects Action Day took the form of Tele-Action Day. Members were asked to take the pledge to contact their state senator and representative on March 23 to remind them of architecture’s capacity to help solve some of Pennsylvania’s toughest immediate public health and economic challenges. AIA Pennsylvania’s Director of Legislator Affairs, Amal Mahrouki, hosted the annual Tele-Action Day Primer webinar to brief members on the following key issues:
Statue of Repose
High Performance Building
AntiIndemnification
14
13
By the Numbers:
36 took the pledge
recorded touchpoints with representatives
recorded touchpoints with senators
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Build Pittsburgh: Raising the Standards of Architectural Education, Training, and Practice
AIA Pittsburgh’s 20th annual continuing education conference and exhibitor show – 2nd ever virtual!
Provided cuttingedge programming beneficial to architects, engineers, owners, and other design industry professionals.
Attendees could earn up to 14 hours of Continuing Education credits
150+ attendees; 39 presenters; 13 courses; 1 virtual platform
Brought together architects and built industry professionals to engage in learning, collaboration and networking.
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Design Pittsburgh 2021 Design Pittsburgh 2021 featured a Design Awards competition juried by architects from AIA Minnesota. The Young Architects Studio Competition, which had its own local jury, considered solutions for the reuse of a historic midcentury Mellon Bank in East Liberty.
31 firms submitted a total of 54 projects. 3,447 votes cast for the People’s Choice Award 12 awards presented
Over 3,400 members of the public voted for the coveted People’s Choice Award. VEBH Architects, with 447 votes, won for their North Allegheny School District Franklin Elementary School Additions & Alterations. Attending in-person at Nova Place were more than 200 members, affiliates, and design fans. The awards ceremony was hosted with much enthusiasm by Drew Armstrong, Associate AIA, Director of Architectural Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and Omar Khan, Associate AIA, Head of the CMU School of Architecture. Design Pittsburgh highlights the importance of good design and how our members, sponsors, partners, and the public support and promote the value of architecture and design in the places where we live, work, and play. George Ehringer, AIA, was presented with the James Kling Fellowship Award, given by the AIA-MBA Committee for fostering cooperation between the design and contracting professions. Anthony Kosec, Associate AIA won the Young Architects Studio Competition with his proposed adaptive reuse, “The Step”. AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 19
Design Pittsburgh 2021
“DRAW Collective was honored to have received the AIA Pittsburgh’s People’s Choice Award in 2021 for the North Allegheny School District Franklin Elementary School Additions & Alterations project. It is truly humbling to have the work of our team recognized by the community that uses this building on a daily basis. We believe deeply in our mission to design places that matter, together – and it is an honor to have these efforts recognized.” - Christopher Brown, AIA, Principal, DRAW Collective
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Design Pittsburgh - View the 12 Winning Projects in 2021
AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 21
Annual Meeting Celebrates our Community in 2021 In December, AIA Pittsburgh members gathered in-person for the Annual Meeting & President’s Party. After Executive Director Michelle Fanzo and 2021 Board President Dina Snider presented the chapter accomplishments from the year, members enjoyed an evening of networking in the beautiful mid-century modern 11 Stanwix Street lobby. Members voted in five new Board members to the 2022 Board of Directors: •
Jason Andrews, Assoc. AIA
•
Dario McPhee, AIA
•
Christine Mondor, FAIA
•
Emily Pierson-Brown, AIA
•
Bob Shelton, AIA
The meeting also welcomed 33 new AIA Pittsburgh members, honored 3 retiring architects and celebrated 10 newly registered architects. The Board Presidency was transferred from Dina Snider, AIA to Bea Spolidoro, AIA; and the YAF Presidency was transferred from Cassandra Osterman, AIA to Greg Coni, AIA.
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Tools & Resources AIA Pittsburgh provided access to a variety of tools, knowledge and resources to strengthen our members’ practice. Here are quick links to a few of the most popular.
Advocacy Action Center
AAH (Academy of AIA-CLF Architecture for Embodied Health) Carbon Toolkit for Architects
AIA KnowledgeNet
AIA Message Book: How to talk about architecture with clients and the public
Architects’ Guide to Business Continuity
CES Discovery
Framework for Design Excellence
Guides for Equitable Practice
PA Architects PAC
Business Intelligence & Tools including surveys, market research reports, best practice guides, and articles
Small Firm Exchange
Talking Points on the ROI of High Performance Design
Guide to Communicating the Value of Sustainable Design
AIA Pittsburgh 2021 Annual Report | 23
“AIA Pittsburgh has been navigating the new challenges that architects face every day. In 2021, members expressed particular concern about work-life balance issues, supply chain disruptions, and professional growth in times of crisis. In response, we increased efforts to promote the value of architecture with the public, and to build relationships with local decision-makers. We listened to the different needs and challenges facing different size firms, and developed the Practice of Architecture Series with small and medium size firms in mind. We also supported a number of ways to connect our members in an ever-evolving pandemic environment. Our goal, as always, is to support architects to be great designers and leaders of today and tomorrow.” - Bea Spolidoro, AIA 2022 AIA Pittsburgh President and Principal of Fisher ARCHitecture
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Thank you to our 2021 Sponsors The following sponsors have contributed to both Build Pittsburgh & Design Pittsburgh
centria.com
strada.com
In-Kind Sponsors
gregcollcreative.com
tsrepro.com
Build Pittsburgh Sponsors
CEC
Perkins Eastman
AXA LL
Compu-Site
PJ Dick
Burke Cromer Cremonese
Denmarsh Studios
Providence Engineering Corp.
Case Technologies
DesignGroup
Remington Vernick Engineers
EPIC Metals
Desmone
Rothschild Doyno Collaborative
Garland Co
Ed Massery Photography
Rycon Construction, Inc.
Langan
Fenner & Esler Insurance
Sci-Tek Consultants
Oswald
Firsching, Marstiller, Rusbarsky & Wolf
Stantec
Performance Roofing
Engineering, Inc.
Tall Timber Group
Franklin Interiors
Taylor Structural Engineers
Design Pittsburgh Sponsors
H.F. Lenz Company
Turner
Allen&Shariff
HDR
WBCM
Atlantic Engineering
Hilbish McGee Lighting Design
Wilke & Associates, CPAs
Babich Acoustics
Hope Furrer Associates, inc.
WNA Engineering
Barber Hoffman
IKM
Workscape
Barton Assoc.
Keystone Structural Solutions
Bridges
Mascaro Construction
Burchick Construction Company
MBA
Buro Happhold
McKim & Creed
Cadnetics
Michael Baker
Cascade Construction Products, LLC
Pella
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