ArchEx 2016 Keynote Speakers

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We are not looking back! Architecture Exchange East 2016 will elevate the profession with our renewed emphasis on networking, innovative learning methods, and dynamic new materials and products. Now in its 29th year, ArchEx continues to be the mid-Atlantic’s largest annual educational event and expo with more than 60 educational sessions, behind-the-scenes architectural tours, engaging special events, and cutting-edge vendors.

Delivering the opening and closing keynotes this year at Architecture Exchange East will be Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, and Mickey Jacob, FAIA.

Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is a Senior Associate at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Founder and Chair for Equity by Design and Treasurer of AIA San Francisco. Leading the charge for more research on talent retention in the profession, Rosa led the 2014 and 2016 Equity in Architecture Survey projects, authored AIA National Resolution 15-1, and served on the Equity in Architecture Commission. She has presented keynotes nationally and abroad including Boston, New York, Lisbon, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco. Equity by Design and the Equity in Architecture movement have been featured in Architect Magazine, Architectural Record, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, TEDxPhiladelphia and KQED/NPR.

Mickey Jacob, FAIA
Mickey Jacob, FAIA

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Mickey Jacob, FAIA graduated from the University of Detroit School of Architecture in 1981 and relocated immediately to Tampa where he has practiced Architecture for 35 years. A founding partner at Urban Studio Architects for over 25 years, currently Mickey is the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Business Development at BDG Architects after a 2013 merger. An Architect dedicated to leadership in the profession of architecture, in business, in the public realm, and in politics with a commitment to create inspiring places and engage with the important issues to make a better-built environment that improves the quality of life for everyone in the community. With a focus on Corporate Interiors and Hospitality projects, Mickey’s work over the years include the Epicurean Hotel, Grand Central on Kennedy, Lykes Lines Corporate Headquarters, myMatrixx Headquarters, Metro 510, The Birchwood, IBM Regional Headquarters, United States Central Command Situation Room and “J” War Rooms, and Mise en Place Restaurant.

Registration opens Aug. 30 at www.ArchEx.net. Don’t miss it!

Closing Keynote Announced

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Mickey Jacob, FAIA has been confirmed as the closing keynote speaker for Architecture Exchange East 2016.  Many of you will recall that Mickey as AIA President in 2013, the 89th President.  He has a keen focus on government advocacy, and with his own “citizen architect” story – including a run for Mayor of Tampa, Florida in 2018, his message will respond to our strategic plan and resonate with our members as we all strive to elevate the profession.

Registration for Architecture Exchange East, Nov. 2-4, 2016 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, opens August 30.

A Message from the 2013 AIA President

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Dear Colleague,

On the way home from the office this evening, I turned on the radio to check the news. In addition to the usual reporting, I caught a segment of NPR’s “Cities Project,” a series that focuses on the trends and challenges facing today’s cities. Here was a program heard in prime time by millions talking about the role of America’s architects in creating a better quality of life for our communities.

How did a program like that get on the air? It happened because of you and me committing to be AIA members; that’s why I’m writing to ask you to renew your membership. Our participation and leadership made it possible for the American Institute of Architects to be an underwriter of this high-profile program that elevates the public awareness of the importance of architecture.

Whether the subject is contract documents, professional development programs, advocacy at every level of government, or innovative public outreach programs like NPR’s “Cities Project” or Dr. Richard Jackson’s 4-hour PBS mini-series “Designing Healthy Communities,” it’s our leadership that makes it possible.

When we work as a team to address sustainability, government regulations, knowledge research, energy tax credits, business development, and a myriad of other issues, we enhance our ability to create jobs, prosper economically, and increase the value of what we do in the marketplace. It’s time for us to tell our stories, develop a strong communications strategy, and position AIA members as leaders in the profession, business, politics, and the community. We can do that more effectively as active and involved AIA members.

It’s really a simple concept—the more engaged we are in the AIA, the greater the odds are that we and our firms will be able to do what we’re trained to do best—design a livable, healthy, productive, and sustainable built environment. It’s up to us to make that difference.

There’s a lot more good work we can and will be doing together. I look forward to the opportunities. So please join me in renewing your AIA membership. Together we’ll build a healthy future for the practice of architecture.

Sincerely,

Mickey Jacob, FAIA
2013 AIA President

National Officers Elected

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Delegates attending the National Convention in New Orleans elected Mickey Jacob, FAIA (AIA Tampa Bay), to serve as the 2012 AIA first vice president/president-elect and 2013 Institute president; Russell A. Davidson, AIA, and Debra S. Kunce, FAIA, each to serve as vice president from 2012 through 2013; and Gabriel Durand-Hollis, FAIA, as the Institute’s treasurer from 2012 through 2013.

Jacob, managing principal at Urban Studio Architects, a seven-person firm in Tampa, has more than 25 years of AIA participation holding numerous leadership positions with AIA Tampa Bay, AIA Florida, and AIA National. Following his term as president of AIA Florida in 2004-2005, he served as the 2007-2009 AIA Florida/Caribbean Regional Director on the AIA National Board of Directors. In 2009, he was elected to a two-year term as an AIA vice president.

“The AIA is standing at the threshold of exciting new opportunities,” Jacob said. “The AIA brand is a respected one, but it is much stronger when we speak with a unified voice. By building a foundation of knowledge and trust with a collective commitment to leadership, advocacy, and communication, the AIA will continue to evolve into an influential professional organization that takes opportunity and turns it into reality.”

Jacob also has been active in government advocacy, including serving as chair of the Florida Architects Political Action Committee, of ArchiPAC, and of the AIA Board Advocacy Committee. Participating in the development of several advocacy initiatives, including as a cofounder of the AIA Breakfast of Champions program, Jacob has helped raise the awareness of the importance of political engagement, and is a vocal advocate to position AIA members to attain leadership positions.

Davidson is former president of the AIA New York State (2007) and Westchester Hudson Valley (1999) chapters. He is president and managing partner at Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson Architects & Engineers PC, in Mount Kisco, NY, a 20-person architectural and engineering firm.

“I believe the best way to know the essential meaning of something is to take aspects of it away until all that is left is the single defining element that is most broadly understood,” Davidson says. “For the AIA, promoting the positive value of design and the contribution of architects is that core defining value. You cannot take that away from us. It is who we are and why the AIA is still vital to the profession for over 150 years.”

Davidson currently serves on the AIA National Board of Directors as the regional director from New York and is a member of the Board’s Communications Committee and Board Advocacy Committee, where he is chair of the Public Policies Subcommittee and former chair of the Public Engagement Subcommittee (2010).

Kunce is currently serving as Ohio Valley Regional Director on the AIA National Board of Directors. She is an associate with Schmidt Associates, Inc., in Indianapolis, a full-service architecture and engineering firm.

“My AIA service has centered on strategically planning an AIA future that nurtures emerging professionals, advances our legislative agenda, and promotes the AIA brand,” said Kunce. “Design is the new currency, and it is our time to demonstrate the strength of our organization and our members’ ‘can do’ attitude.”

Kunce’s national experience also includes board representative to the Strategic Directions Group and Board Community Committee; chair of the Integrated Media Task Force (2009-2010); AIAS Honor Awards Jury (2009); and member of the Young Architect’s Forum Advisory Committee (2003-2005). Kunce has been active in the AIA for more than 15 years, including service to AIA Indianapolis as the associate director (1995-1996), public relations director (1998-1999), secretary (2002), treasurer (2003), vice president (2004), and president in 2005. For AIA Indiana, she served as the treasurer (2006-2007), vice president (2008), and president in 2009.

Durand-Hollis, former president of the Texas Society of Architects, has been the regional director from Texas on the AIA National Board of Directors since 2009 and is also a member of the Board Finance and Audit Committee. He is president of Durand-Hollis Rupe, Inc. (DHR), a San Antonio firm.

“I believe it is time to examine some of the AIA practices to determine if change is necessary and challenge ourselves to do better by seeing how we can benefit from making those changes,” Durand-Hollis states. “I anticipate great things to come knowing that we have great leaders at the AIA. I am sure we will continue to make great strides together.”

Other national AIA experience includes member of the AIA International Committee (1997-2000); chair, Small Projects Professional Interest Area (1995); member, Firm Benefits Task Force (1995); and member, Small Projects Professional Interest Area (1993-1995).