Vision Statement an Bio

1. Edward A. Bernard, AIA
AIA Georgia President-Elect 2010 Nominee
October 6, 2009
Dear Colleagues,
These are difficult and challenging times for our profession and our
members. Many of you have seen a reduction in business revenue or
perhaps you are unemployed. Several firms have closed or downsized
and unemployment has skyrocketed.
You are facing these challenges with determination and faith. You deserve a partner in AIA
Georgia that is behind you and serving your needs. To accomplish that, AIA Georgia must be
true to its mission and offer strong visionary leadership that expands Architecture opportunities
in all areas of the state and propels advocacy to levels never seen before. Although the current
business environment is not good, this is a time of opportunity to establish the future of
Architecture in the state. We must act proactively and decisively, with a clear strategic plan.
We must focus on all areas of the built environment in Georgia. AIA Georgia must seek to
represent our members with all private and public sector groups that have an impact on the built
environment. Transportation will drive development and we must have representatives at the
table on road, bridge and rail development. We must offer leadership in education, the
environment and disaster relief. To accomplish this I offer the following:
 Redefine AIA Georgia to a significant role in Advocacy; true to its mission.
 Develop a new Strategic Plan with clear directives and communication.
 Provide statewide leadership to support our components with local advocacy.
I am running for President-Elect because I have a great respect for our profession and the
potential of our members if they are afforded the opportunity to serve and succeed. I am here to
represent you, the AIA Georgia member. The times call for renewed action and fresh leadership.
I offer local and deep AIA experience, and a diversity of professional experience that allows me
to understand what you do every day. My promise to you is this, I will:
 Drive Constructive Change with renewed enthusiasm and determination.
 Build Trust through transparency, clear communication and personal involvement.
 Lead Better by example and by empowering our staff and members.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve you. I look forward to your support.
Edward A. Bernard, AIA

2. BIO and Experience
Edward A. Bernard, AIA
Ed founded EABernard in 2008 as the next step of his consultancy practice to expand services in
Management, Design and Development of multi-faceted projects through an Integrated Delivery
Process. He is also a senior director with Nelson Architectural Engineers, a firm focusing in
Forensic Architecture and Engineering.
Ed is a graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University, and became registered in Georgia in
1994. He has been involved in firm management, operations and strategy as a principal since
1994. Ed offers a range of understanding and diversity in firm operational strategy. He founded
and ran a small practice, was a partner with a mid-size practice with two offices, and ran a
national regional practice with ten offices. With a depth of understanding in firm strategic
planning he understands a broad cross-section of our membership.
Ed is a member of AIA, ULI and CSI. He is an Advisory Board Member for the Southern
Polytechnic State University School of Architecture. Ed, his wife Lynn and their three children
live in Roswell. He is active in scouting, soccer coaching and church.
AIA Experience
Ed has been an active member of AIA Atlanta since 1988. Prior to that he was an active AIAS
member at Southern Polytechnic State University where he served as chapter President in 1986.
The SPSU AIAS chapter was recognized as “National AIAS Chapter of the Year” in 1986. In the
years since he has been recognized for his service to the AIA and is the recipient of:
 Three “Service to the Profession” awards – AIA Atlanta; 1992, 2001, 2002
 “Honor Award for Service to the Profession of Architecture in Georgia” – AIA Georgia;
1997.
He has served AIA in the following capacities:
 AIA Charlotte – Board Director 2003-04
 AIA Atlanta – Treasurer 1998-99, President-Elect 2000, President 2001, Past-President
2002.
 AIA Georgia State Council – member 1998-2001
 The Architects Foundation of Georgia – Board of Trustees 2000-02
 AIA/CSI Design Forum - Co-Chairman 1998, Chairman 1999
 AIA Atlanta Student Affairs Committee – Chairman 1988-1991
 NIAE/AIA Architecture Career Day – Chairman 1990, 1991
 AIA Atlanta Speakers Committee – Member 1990-91
 AIA Atlanta Practice Technology Commission – Director 1992-93
Ed offers a depth of experience with AIA Georgia and AIA Atlanta. He has been involved from
the early stages of the re-structuring of AIA Georgia, including the new service model developed
in the early 1990’s to the financial challenges experienced in 1998 and 1999. As AIA Atlanta
President in 2001 he developed a new approach and delivery service structure that continues to
benefit our members today. He offers new energy, strategic leadership and new processes.