AIA Austin Members!
January 2017 saw the acceptance of a new Strategic Plan for AIA Austin by the Board of Directors, after nine months of analysis and discussion by a diverse committee of AIA Austin Members. Armed with a new mission, vision, and a new, clear set of strategic priorities, AIA Austin leaders have been working hard this year to focus the chapter’s programming to meet these exciting new challenges, and set up the Chapter for future growth.
One of our stated priorities is to become an important resource to our City and a destination for the public and Members, with the creation of a more robust Center for Architecture. It’s a natural evolution for this Chapter. Many of you will recall the location of the Chapter headquarters back in the 80s and early 90s in a tiny office above the Mexican restaurant at 26 Doors. From there we moved to a little blue house on 38th street, and then in 2007, with 400 Members, the Chapter moved to the current location, a converted gas station at 801 W 12th. Though we call it the Center for Architecture, it is more internally focused—welcoming to members and Allied Members but not to the public. Now, with over 1,000 members and more each week, and involvement at an all-time high—we don’t fit in our space, and cannot meet our goal of having an outward-facing Center where people come together to shape a great Austin.
Our membership is projected to top 2,000 within the next 10 years. As our organization grows, we know we need to create a destination to discover, discuss, and debate our built environment and the spaces between our buildings. To bring together anyone who has an interest or a stake in our City. To attract a broad group of people with an interest in where this city has come from, and where it is going.
Our Facilities Committee, led by David Webber, AIA, is taking a measured approach to this process, which will include a feasibility study, programming and project management work, and Member input. Please continue to reach out with your feedback. We are looking ahead and looking forward to the future!
Ingrid Spencer,
Executive Director