by Benjamin Prosky
Engaging younger architects in activities at the Center for Architecture and recruiting younger members to join the AIA is one of my priorities.
The median age of our membership is over 50 years old. Fewer people are pursuing licensure. Taking these factors into account, we realize that it is critical to demonstrate to emerging professionals that an AIA membership can be incredibly valuable to young practitioners and new firms.
Recently, the AIANY Board formed a membership taskforce to address this issue. We have already started working on some new initiatives. In the fall, we will hold a welcome reception for the area schools of architecture. We are also working on programs to support small firms, and increasing our efforts to support associate members on their path to licensure.
I was, therefore, thrilled last month when Alex Alaimo, AIA, and Phillip Anzalone, AIA, asked to interview me on behalf of the AIA Young Architects Forum. We had a candid discussion about the relevance of the Center for Architecture and the AIANY Chapter, and talked about ways in which our members can get more involved.
Please find the interview here: CONNECTION, The Architecture and Design Journal of the Young Architects Forum