News and Information

On July 23-26, 2009, nearly 175 students representing more than 80 chapters from across North America participated in the 25th annual Grassroots Leadership Conference. Each year, the conference of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) welcomes emerging leaders in the architectural student community to Washington, DC for leadership development and training. Additionally, 41 representatives from 30 schools participated in the Freedom by Design™ Orientation, preparing them to participate in the flagship community service program of the AIAS.

The leadership conference commenced on Thursday night at the National Building Museum with remarks by President Je'Nen Chastain, Assoc. AIA and Vice President Brett Roeth, followed by a panel discussion with four former leaders of the AIAS. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the conference, the panelists spoke about their experiences at previous conferences and the ways in which the AIAS contributed to the development of their professional careers and personal lives. Additionally, the winning entries of the 2009 The Chair Affair™ Design Competition were also on display, and the attendees enjoyed a keynote lecture by Tom Kundig of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects, recipient of the AIA's Firm of the Year award. Earlier in the day many students participated in a tour of the new Capitol Visitor Center with Stephen Ayers, acting Architect of the Capitol. Others witnessed a press conference with celebrity designer and honorary chair of The Chair Affair™ Design Competition, Vern Yip.

The conference reconvened Friday morning at the Liaison Hotel on Capitol Hill. There attendees participated in the Leadership Institute, presented by Bill Cordes, a motivational speaker, consultant and author. Students participated in interactive games and learned strategies to improve their personal leadership abilities, tips on how to better lead their chapters and the importance of building strong connections with others. The students were also encouraged to further support their local communities--now and in the future. Following that session, the group heard from Phil Bernstein, Vice President at Autodesk. Bernstein shared inspiring words about the responsibility of architects to leaders in the community and in business. At the conclusion of his program, attendees were welcomed by Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA, 2009 President of The American Institute of Architects, to the Amer ican Center for Architecture for a barbecue din ner. The evening ended with a walking tour of the Monuments on the National Mall with past president JW Blanchard.

On Friday afternoon, the orientation program for Freedom by Design began with a tour of the National Mall. However, this was no ordinary tour. The students experienced the Mall and the Monuments while pretending to have a physical disability. The students experienced the Mall and the Monuments while using wheelchairs and other props that affected their eyesight, hearing, and mobility. This provided an opportunity to experience first-hand what it might feel like to have a permanent disability.

Early Saturday morning, the leadership conference attendees began with an orientation on the AIAS that included an overview of the resources needed for a successful school year and a discussion on the value of membership in the AIAS. Following this discussion, Michael Dunning of JELD-WEN Windows and Doors shared tips and tricks to help chapter leaders with membership recruitment and retention. The same strategies are used in industry sales training can help students better communicate the value of organization. The day continued with breakout groups and workshops led by student leaders to discuss trends in education and the profession as well as chapter management issues. The day concluded with celebratory regional dinners.

Throughout the day, other students were learning about issues pertaining to universal design, construction liability, public relations, fund raising and how to work with clients that are disabled. For half of the day, the students visited a home that was built utilizing the principles of universal design. They were able to see first-hand the do's and don'ts of appropriate design. The Freedom by Design (FBD) orientation helps student leaders to better understand all of the aspects of universal design and the requirements to fully participate in the FBD program.

Chapter delegates convened for a final time on Sunday morning for a business session of the Council of Presidents. These leaders participated in the governance of the organization and held meaningful conversations about important issues such as community service and environmental stewardship in design education. The conference concluded at noon as students said goodbye to their new friends and future colleagues.

At the same time, the FBD orientation concluded with the students preparing action plans for the year and reviewing the key tasks necessary to have a successful year with the program. It is anticipated that approximately thirty new clients will receive design/build services this year.

"For twenty-five years, the AIAS has been providing important programming to students--the future leaders of our profession and communities. It is moving to see that our leadership programming continues to be relevant and engaging for emerging professionals," said Je'Nen Chastain, Assoc. AIA, president of the AIAS. Vice President Brett Roeth added, "It is inspiring to see students so motivated to shape the future of architecture and its impact on the world."

The 26th leadership conference and FBD orientation are scheduled for July 22-25, 2010 in Washington, DC. Registration materials will be available in early 2010.