It’s been said that the darkest part of the night comes just before dawn. The new year holds a promise with vaccines starting to roll out, renewed focus on social justice and movement on climate action. We move forward with hope.
Looking Back
We’ve all been warmed by fires we did not build. I am so grateful for the hard work of all our past AIA Virginia executive vice-presidents, staff members, presidents and boards. On behalf of our profession, I want to thank my predecessor, 2020 President Beth Reader, FAIA for her effective and grace-filled leadership through an unprecedented, yet highly productive year. We move forward with a solid foundation and momentum.
Looking Ahead
In a few days, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day and in February, Black History Month when we as a nation celebrate the achievements of and pay tribute to generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in America. I am inspired by the life story of Congressman John Lewis whose mission was creating a future without racism.
“We must use our time and our space on this little planet that we call Earth to make a lasting contribution, to leave it a little better than we found it”
Rep. John Lewis
John struggled to overcome obstacles his entire life starting right at the beginning, growing up the son of sharecroppers near Troy, Alabama. As a child, he enjoyed feeding and caring for the family chickens. One day, there was a terrible storm with high gusty winds. John joined hands with his aunt, siblings and cousins, over a dozen of them as they moved their small bodies around trying to keep the swaying, creeking little wooden house on its foundations. Young John Lewis learned about working with others toward a common goal that day. As a human rights protector and congressman, Lewis was able to go far toward achieving his life’s mission by working with others.
The 2021 AIA Virginia team is dedicated to going far to achieve its mission of serving our members, advancing their value, and improving the quality of the built environment. The AIA Virginia Board consists of 27 individuals from around the state with members from each Chapter, the accredited schools of architecture, an Associate Director and Executive Vice-President (EVP). The Board is supported by an outstanding staff of four led by our EVP, Corey Clayborne.
AIA Virginia’s Board is grouped into four Councils that develop and implement the 2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan including Advocacy, Education, Member Services and Outreach. Six goals that guide the Councils’ efforts include:
- Develop our future leaders
- Celebrate design excellence that reflects who want to be as a profession
- Advance initiatives that support Justice, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity
- Broaden our tent through strategic partnerships
- Help you get the most out of your membership
- Be a financially strong and growing organization
Implementation of these goals is creating a vibrant and engaged membership, inspired to make a positive impact on people’s lives and their communities.
There is an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” The AIA provides each of us the opportunity to go further together toward achieving our professional mission and goals. You are an important part of this work and we are here to support you. We believe you will find the connections, resources and services AIA Virginia provides to be valuable to your careers and firms.
If you have already renewed your membership – Thank You! If not, you can renew here www.aia.org/renew. If you are not sure about renewing, I would welcome a personal call or email from you. We need your input to continue to provide the level of service members expect and be the voice of the architecture profession in the Commonwealth.
I am grateful for the privilege and opportunity to serve as your AIA Virginia 2021 President. I hope 2021 is a more just, peace-filled and healthy year for all of us.
Sean Reilly, AIA
AIA Virginia President
Direct: 703-592-9135
sreilly@kernsgroup.com