CONFESSION: I never saw myself serving as President of AIA Pittsburgh’s Board of Directors. I don’t fit the mold. I don’t fit the mold of what I once thought the AIA is, who exactly it represents, and why it exists. I’m a relatively young architect, I’m a sole proprietor, and I happen to have a vagina. None of these traits fit the model of the “Architect” that I assumed the AIA served. It wasn’t until I became more deeply involved in the organization that I realized how many of my assumptions about the organization were incorrect. Because I have had many conversations with other architects over the years who share many of the misconceptions that I once had, I’d like to take this time to set the record straight and cast light on some information about the organization that may be surprising.
Misconception #1: The “Old Boys’ Club”
Is there a disproportionate amount of “old white guys” in leadership positions at our firms and on AIA boards? Yes. But let’s not bash them – they’ve put in serious time and effort to make their firms and organizations what they are today. It may be surprising to some that the vast majority of the ‘Good Old Boys’ at AIA events will generously offer valuable professional advice if approached. What’s important to know is that the AIA also invests great efforts in furthering the professional advancement of other groups who have been historically underrepresented in the field. At AIA Pittsburgh we have a very dedicated Young Architects Forum and a burgeoning “Women in Architecture” group (email wid.pgh@gmail.com for more info) that is developing in our region. AIA National also has a Diversity and Inclusion resource center on its website. Anyone interested in this program and their efforts can find more info here.
Misconception #2: AIA Pittsburgh is geared towards large firms.
Of course AIA Pittsburgh strives to serve the needs of the large firms in our community. But members may be surprised to discover the amount of consideration taken for smaller firms and sole practitioners. I have participated in the Build Pittsburgh committee for several years and each year great effort is taken to provide classes relevant to small firms, to sole proprietors, and to architects who may be considering starting their own firm. The AIA understands that the majority of architecture firms are small businesses. This is why small business issues are one of the primary issues being addressed at the national level.
Misconception #3: AIA Pittsburgh doesn’t need me.
This is a big one. I was shocked when I first found out that the staff of AIA Pittsburgh regularly consists of just 3 individuals. And trust me, they keep busy. However, our organization depends on the involvement of our members. Build Pittsburgh, Design Pittsburgh, AIA+2030, the Architecture Academy, Young Architects Forum, Women in Architecture, the Communications Committee, the Membership Committee… all of these groups are supported by individual architects who have shown interest, contacted AIA Pittsburgh, and taken the time to participate. We have to remember that the AIA is not simply a separate organization that acts in the interests of architects. It is the American Institute of Architects- the AIA is Us, not Them. Our organization depends on our membership dues to keep it going but also on our voices and active involvement in order to help determine its direction.
I strongly encourage AIA members (or nonmembers, frankly) to really discover what the AIA is all about. Try to find 10 minutes to browse through AIA National’s website, I guarantee you’ll be surprised to find out just how many resources are there for you to download. Take a look at AIA PA’s website to discover efforts we are undertaking with our legislators. And above all realize that your input is relevant to AIA Pittsburgh, regardless of your level of experience, or your focus of practice, or the size of your firm.