Deb Kunce AIA response to Emerging Professionals

Why Licensure? ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object], In a world where credentials matter and design is the new currency, I find the answer by considering the question “WHY LICENSURE” as a business proposition. What is my initial investment? My return? Will this increase marketability? I believe licensure adds unmistakable value and is an investment in your future whether you as an EP are entering traditional or non-traditional practice. Design is self-evident to us, but not to everyone. Licensure validates to others that you are: an esteemed professional, committed to a cause and results oriented. AIA components must be BOLD players within architecture schools to guide Emerging Professionals to formulate their opinions of licensure as students. Additionally, AIA members must stay engaged with those seeking and finding alternative careers. The EP statement to the right speaks volumes to the value of AIA and resulting connectivity of our members. “ My connections with AIA members led me to a new job after being downsized.” Anonymous EP The Question...... ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object], LICENSURE POSITIVES NEGATIVES Initial Investment Long Term Investment Short Term Time Commitment Increases Credentials Broadens Skills Broadens Marketability Increases Opportunities 2012-13 AIA VP Candidate

Mentoring  Although some mentors and EPs are from different generations, they share basic beliefs that mentoring happens traditionally and in reverse. We all have knowledge and skills that others need. Mentoring is a two-way thoroughfare and not a one-way street -- join in! AIA as an organization and its more seasoned members must recognize that a constant stream of feedback is essential for Emerging Professionals. Success can come quickly. Many had Baby Boomer parents and have been working on their resumes since they were toddlers! I believe they want straight feedback and a guide to navigate their future career path -- not yours. Through mentoring, mentors can extract talents of the mentee to be better themselves. With the recession, many may have stayed in school longer and developed more business-like skills, such as general business, technology, and marketing – models for new methods of doing business that can be shared. This open approach gives the mentee viability in this volatile marketplace. Most importantly, mentors must connect to: Develop existing and new skills in others and Encourage them to build on natural strengths. Through mentoring, we make new friends, learn new skills and connect to a larger purpose in life. Mentoring is a two-way thoroughfare and not a one-way street… JOIN IN! The Question...... Credit: Dave Ruff Photography ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],2012-13 AIA VP Candidate

 How successful we are in getting AIA members to return will be a judgment on how well AIA reached out and stood by members during the economic downturn. I can cite many local AIA programs that reached out through fellowship, “not business as usual” programs -- resume writing, ARE prep programs, etc. There was a “navigating the economy” resource created to provide tools and tactics to members. Additionally, national initiatives to inform members about hardship dues reduction opportunities were prioritized and for the first time ever , a BOLD dues payment plan was initiated. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Regaining Members after Economic Downturn Our focus on the future and connection to former members must be through local AIA components. Our members feel their greatest connection there, and they know our members best. A person-to- person outreach program will be the key to success. Just as importantly, the Institute’s communication efforts will need to be BOLD and demonstrate the value of the architect in the NEXT economy. Members want to be relevant. In the past, we have talked about the value of design and architecture – now we need to talk about the value of designers and architects where innovators win. AIA needs to demonstrate the value of the architect in the NEXT economy… The Question...... ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],www.AIA.org Navigating the Economy 2012-13 AIA VP Candidate

AIA Communications  Let’s face it, architects are not great self-promoters, and it is reflected in our professional organization. We want others to simply recognize and acknowledge our efforts absent any promotion. Two recent actions that give rise to much excitement in this area are the hiring of Robert Ivy, FAIA, Executive Vice President / Chief Executive Officer and the focus on “Design Matters.” I concur with 2011 AIA President Clark Manus, FAIA, quoted in the February 2011 edition of Architect magazine, “The issues all of us face are fundamentally matters of design…transportation, security, health, productivity, land use, energy, climate change, and sustainability. It’s time for us to get out from under our desks and out into the larger world we should serve.” We cannot just tell ourselves. AIA communications must focus outward, not inward. The Question...... AIA efforts must focus on shaping our message, sticking with that message, and permeating it across the Institute. However, we cannot just tell ourselves. AIA must focus outward, not inward. We will provide greater service to members by maintaining an outward communications focus. The average person is bombarded with more than 3,000 ad images each day. According to our AIA Public Director, “The secret is in telling our story with elegance and eloquence, not just being louder and brighter.” ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],2012-13 AIA VP Candidate

 In 2011, the oldest Baby Boomers will reach the United States’ legal retirement age of 65. The AIA membership mirrors that demographic, and the millennials group appears to be larger than the Baby Boomers. Let’s face it -- our future AIA President just simultaneously tweeted a favorite restaurant or AIA experience to millions of people and grew up watching the Iraqi war on YouTube. Our AIA future must focus on maintaining its standard of excellence while challenging traditional thinking. To that end, I will support a stronger integration of Associates and Young Architects in leadership positions, including but not limited to Regional Directorships and National Committee positions. Additionally, I will support a study on how to increase Young Architect participation on AIA boards at all levels of the Institute. I strongly believe our leadership must reflect the diversity of our current and future profession. Our future AIA President just simultaneously tweeted a favorite restaurant or AIA experience to millions of people and grew up watching the Iraqi war on YouTube. The Question...... Emerging Professionals, Our Future Graph courtesy of AIA National ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],2012-13 AIA VP Candidate

Forging a Future  AIA must remain practice relevant. The traditional nuclear family – mom, dad, 2.4 children – is a shrinking minority. Is the “traditional nuclear architecture firm” a shrinking minority? In my practice, we provide architecture, engineering, construction management, guaranteed energy savings and program management services. On one project, we might team with a local, national or international firm and turn around on other projects and compete against them. The makeup of our practices is changing, and AIA must support both traditional and other more aggressive business models. AIA has talked about the value of design and architecture – now we need to talk about the value of Architects. We often say the public and clients do not understand the value of architects. AIA members must teach them. Lastly, we must be good communicators, devoted to service and committed to causes that will make our world a better place for our children’s children. There is no greater time to employ the problem-solving skills of architects than during these massive changes in our geopolitical, economic and environmental landscape. AIA must leverage its members’ creative talent at this crucial point in our world’s history. There is no greater time to employ the problem-solving skills of architects than during these massive changes in our geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscape. The Question...... ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],2012-13 AIA VP Candidate

Deb Kunce AIA response to Emerging Professionals

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Deb Kunce AIA response to Emerging Professionals