Dear AIA Pittsburgh Members and Partners,
We have heard from several of you expressing concerns and criticism about Robert Ivy’s initial press release and the subsequent explanation. The fractious nature of the recent campaign is evident in your comments and expressive of the anxiety many feel. While we have responded to many of you individually, we thought it was important to affirm with everyone our commitment to you and to our community.
AIA Pittsburgh will continue our work to advance the profession of architecture and to strengthen our community through design. The work of AIA Pittsburgh is based on a set of shared values. We are committed to public health, safety, and welfare of the built environment; diversity; equity; sustainability; and resiliency. As a member organization, we depend on you and our many committees to advance our mission. AIA Pittsburgh is a community of architects who come together to accomplish what no single architect can do alone. We need every member to help advocate, educate, and reinforce the positions that our profession supports.
We are committed to being the informed voice as we navigate the new political landscape in the upcoming months. Please continue to reach out to us for support and information, and to express your thoughts and concerns. We will also keep you posted on AIA National’s efforts to address these initial missteps as they provide listening sessions and community conversations for members.
Sincerely,
Mike McDonnell, AIA
President, AIA Pittsburgh Board of Directors