As we watched the natural disaster in Houston [and surrounding areas] unfold, it solidifies the importance of resiliency and reconfirms the significance of the role we play in our respective communities as architects. By the time you read this, another dangerous storm has hit the populated areas of Puerto Rico and Florida. At our last Design Forum in 2016, held in Norfolk at the Slover Library, we discussed the fragile state of our own Tidewater region. In reflection, I am moved to ask what can we do as individuals, communities, companies, professional associations and as a nation? We have seen neighbor helping neighbor and stranger helping a stranger and you may ask what you can do.
AIA National is tracking the status of the recovery situation at https://www.aia.org/pages/145421-hurricane-harvey-updates-from-aias-disaster’
In addition, the AIA is coordinating with local components, agencies and other building industry organizations on response efforts. Efforts will be further coordinated with Texas architects to perform rapid or safety assessments of homes and buildings once the flood waters have receded. At the initial conclusion of the storm, AIA National suggested four ways to donate: The American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Coalition for the Homeless, and Global Giving. In acting with a sense of urgency, AIA Virginia donated $250 to each of the four entities totaling $1,000 on your behalf.
Our Executive Vice President, Corey Clayborne, AIA, recently connected with his AIA Texas counterpart, to share the action AIA Virginia took, provide a word of encouragement and to let them know the architecture profession in Virginia is standing with them.
At that time, we were informed that AIA Houston was constructing its new office space during the time of Hurricane Harvey. The office was in a floodplain and the project’s architects designed state-of-the –art flood mitigation that would have been a model for the region. However, Hurricane Harvey struck too soon and devastated that space with 4 feet of water while also flooding the current office. AIA Houston is now starting over.
The contractor’s risk policy includes a flood clause and may pay for a portion of the rebuild expense, however, it is accompanied with a $100,000 deductible. AIA Houston has established a GoFundMe page in an attempt to help defray some of the expenses. AIA Virginia hopes that you will consider contributing at gofundme.com/rebuild-architecture-center-houston.
Bill Brown, AIA
2017 President
AIA Virginia