We’re excited to announce that Jody Allen joined the AIAS staff on December 9 as our new Director of Programs and Education. He will be working on all of our current programming, from Freedom by Design, the THRIVE webinar program, CRIT Scholar, and all of our conferences and events, and also will be helping with AIAS’ outreach to the K-12 audience. We asked him a few questions so you can get to know him a little better.
Tell us about your background with membership associations, and what you’re excited to bring to the AIAS.
I’m excited to bring my association programming experience and collaboration skills to AIAS. I’m a big fan of being able to work directly with members to better the association.
What inspires you about the architecture profession and architecture students in particular?
People are affected by the spaces they occupy, so to be able to design and build something which will have an effect on people is inspiring. Architecture students in particular have the opportunity and ability to influence their peers and future architects (how architecture looks tomorrow will be determined by the students of today).
Please tell us about yourself, hobbies, any favorite books?
I am originally from southeastern Virginia and went to school at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. I watch a lot of films. A short list of favorite movies (in chronological order) would be: Rififi (1955), The Conversation (1974), After Hours (1985), Yi Yi (2000), and A Serious Man (2009). As far as books, I stick mainly to non-fiction at this point. Two recent books I’ve read and recommend are Stay True by Hua Hsu, and The Secret Life of Groceries by Benjamin Lorr.
What are your top priorities for your new position?
I want to continue to build and improve AIAS programming. I think there’s a great base here with our current offerings and with the guidance of our members, I am excited for what additions we will be able to create moving forward.
What is the “big picture” impact that you would like to have on the AIAS?
I would like to put AIAS in a position to offer programming that is engaging and also easily accessible (just as an example: webinars). I want AIAS to offer programming that can occur with a higher frequency, while requiring less time commitment from the audience. Conferences and other in-person events are great and absolutely have value, but the travel and time required can sometimes discourage participation.
Please elaborate on any engagement you have with your community outside of work.
I’m slowly becoming more involved with my neighborhood. I also review short stories for a small online writing group.
Is there anything else our membership should know about you?
I’d like to reiterate how excited I am to be a part of this association. Feel free to reach out and ask any questions!
