Dello Russo has worked in general contracting and at the National Aviary and Girls Scouts Western Pennsylvania Marissa Dello Russo is AIA Pittsburgh’s new Membership Marketing & Communications Associate. Dello Russo earned a degree in Communication/ PR from Slippery Rock University and brings a wealth of communications and membership experience to her new role from her previous position at the Girl Scouts and National Aviary.  Additionally, experience as an assistant project manager for her family’s general contracting company in Riverhead, NY makes her a natural fit to step into this position at AIA Pittsburgh. “I am excited to learn and grow with the AIA and participate in the large-scale events that go on each year,” says Dello Russo who is also looking...

Quintin Kittle, AIA, Emily Dritz, Michelle Fanzo, Mike Gwin, AIA, and Ken Doyno, AIA enjoying some downtime at A’18. in New York City. This past June, architects from all over the world gathered in New York City for A’18, AIA’s Conference on Architecture.  Local members in attendance remarked that New York City was the perfect place to set the stage for this year’s theme: Blueprint for Better Cities. AIA Pittsburgh President Mike Gwin, AIA had the unique experience this year in that he attended a lot of conversations with architects running for office at AIA National (see the winners here) and through those candidate conversations what became clear were several main themes and elevated priorities for the AIA: Relevancy: How...

Click here or on the image above to view the video of Kermit Baker’s presentation This week AIA chief economist, Kermit Baker, released his Top 10 factors influencing the built environment and discussed the impact they will have on business. Following is a summary of his findings, while the above video provides a deeper dive into his thinking. Top 5 Challenges for the A/ E/ C community 1. Labor force: Few women and young people (under 35) are attracted to the construction labor force, 3.1% and 33.2% respectively. Immigrants, however, are attracted to the work, but half of the immigrant workforce in construction is undocumented and are vulnerable to deportation. 2. Construction costs: Costs are rising faster than inflation. Overall...

It’s that time of year – if you’ve been around here for any length of time you know that the deadline to submit for Design Pittsburgh 2018 is coming up on August 24th, but we MUST receive your Submission Request Form by August 17th.  And then, of course, be sure to save-the-date of October 25th for the Design Pittsburgh 2018 Awards Ceremony and Gala at Nova Place.

IKM Incorporated is saddened to announce the passing of former president and owner Mihai ‘Mike’ Marcu, AIA.  Mr. Marcu died June 28 in Naples, FL. Mr. Marcu’s legacy as a prominent Pittsburgh architect can be seen in his designs for the entrance to Phipps Conservancy and Botanical Gardens, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. To learn more about Mr. Marcu’s life and legacy read his full obituary featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Sept. 15 at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., in Pittsburgh. Contributions in Mr. Marcu’s name can be made to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh 15213, or to...

Can you believe it’s July?  This month offers some nice opportunities to beat the heat and stay connected.  Also, be sure to save-the-date of October 25th for the Design Pittsburgh 2018 Awards Ceremony and Gala at Nova Place.  Look for the new Awards Criteria to be posted shortly.

Kellner has worked in the nonprofit field her entire career, most notably spending 10 years at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and five years with the American Diabetes Association. Kira Kellner is AIA Pittsburgh’s new Manager, Programming and Development, replacing Rachael Kelley who left in April to become the executive director of the Housing Innovation Alliance. Kellner brings a wealth of fundraising and event planning experience for other notable nonprofits making her a natural fit to step into this highly demanding role at AIA Pittsburgh. In her spare time, Kellner serves as the race director of the Brentwood Firecracker 5k, one of the largest 5k races in Western Pennsylvania, which takes place on the 4th of July in Brentwood, PA. In...

On June 14th and 15th, AIA Pittsburgh hosted AIA PA President Scott Compton, AIA, and AIA PA Executive Director Stephen Swarney for two days of advocacy events. Compton and Swarney brought their Harrisburg expertise to Pittsburgh to provide a training on how to be an advocate to AIA Pittsburgh architects as well as contractors and engineers and other members of the design/build community.   Following the Advocacy 101 event and happy hour, a Roundtable breakfast was held the next day where updates were provided on current legislation AIA PA has sponsored. Read more about AIA Pittsburgh advocacy in this coverage of AIA Pittsburgh’s participation in AIA PA’s Architects Action Day and this legislative update from the Construction Legislative Council on PAS Infrastructure.

Got Advocacy?  This month affords several opportunities to learn more about how the AIA advocates for you AND how to get more involved.  AIA Pittsburgh is hosting AIA PA President Scott Compton, AIA and AIA PA Executive Director Stephen Swarney for two days of events.  You can also see AIA Pittsburgh by the numbers as our 2017 AIA PGH Annual Report has just been released.  And finally, be sure to save-the-date of October 25th for the Design Pittsburgh Awards Ceremony and Gala.  More details coming soon.

Two opportunities right at the start of the month for continuing education credits, including a building tour of Morningside Crossings, a Passive House in a Large-Scale Retrofit as a follow-up to Build Pittsburgh 2018.  Look for more tours in the coming months.  It’s FINALLY warm enough to be getting back outside.  Look for walking tours and other fun programs to experience the city in the Events section.