by Benjamin Prosky
At this time, just after the midpoint of summer, I realize I have now been Executive Director for just over half a year. With the buzz of our summer camps during the day and events in the evening, it feels like time moves very quickly at the Center for Architecture. I want to take this opportunity to share an update of some of the projects that are moving forward.
This year, we are prioritizing how to enhance our communications channels. As part of this, Meghan Edwards, former site editor at Interior Design, has joined our team as Director of Digital Content and Strategy. Meghan will be overseeing the redesign of our now 10-year-old website, and will develop an integrated digital presence for AIANY and the Center for Architecture.
Another element of our enhanced communications strategy is the creation of a seasonal printed calendar, which will launch this fall. It will highlight a selection (but certainly not all) of our events, exhibitions, educational programs, and tours from September through December 2016.
Justin Pascone has joined us as our new Policy Coordinator. We are looking forward to his assistance as us we strategize and act on advocacy issues at local, state, and national levels. He also brings with him his talent for outreach, which will help us improve communications with our members and constituents on the advocacy projects we are pursuing.
We are looking even further into the future as we begin to focus on the 2018 AIA Convention in New York City. Recently, George Miller, FAIA, and Claire Weisz, FAIA, and I joined a group of AIA colleagues in Orlando to participate in the AIA Convention – Experience Innovation Forum. Over the next few years AIA National will embark on an ambitious strategy to transform the AIA Convention. With the intention to expand attendance, focus the educational experience, and, in general, celebrate great architecture and architects, look for changes that will improve the convention experience in the coming years. We are excited to participate in this process. No doubt, New York City’s AIA Convention will be unique, but we will aim to make it extraordinary and impactful. Stay tuned as we start to engage more members in the planning process.
But for now, take some time to enjoy the summer, before it passes by too quickly.