June 2023 Chapter President’s letter
A personal letter from Angela Mazzi, FAIA, FACHA, EDAC about recent advocacy, A’23, Chapter Liaisons and more
Advocacy, Sustainability and EDI Updates
We continued to spotlight advocacy, sustainability and EDI this month at AIA Cincinnati.
On June 2, we received a letter from the US Department of Transportation thanking us for our letter supporting funding for the Reconnecting Covington: Central Riverfront Grid Restoration project. Although we do not yet know whether this project will receive funding under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program, it was encouraging to receive a letter acknowledging AIA Cincinnati as experts with valuable knowledge of the area’s transportation needs.
We wrote a letter last week in support of the Bridge Forward alternative to the Brent Spence Bridge replacement. It stressed the ways that Bridge Forward will provide greater social and economic connectivity and improve stormwater management to provide more sustainable and resilient infrastructure. This letter was the culmination of a January 2022 Urban Design Committee Salon and represents proactive advocacy and leveraging partnerships around quality urban fabric. To learn more about the proposal, visit this website.
In July, we’ll be sending out our second letter to community leaders across the metropolitan area. This one focuses on tax credits for carbon emission reduction, and the positive environmental impacts of historic tax credits. We want to continually remind these officials that AIA architects are a resource to help them have a positive social, economic and cultural impact in the communities they serve.
A’23 Recap
Even as an OG conference-goer, A’23 is a lot to take in. Sixteen fellow members of our chapter joined me (and 14,000 others) out in San Francisco for this event. Some things that were of interest:
At the general business meeting, I shared our commitment at AIA Cincinnati to promoting the impact of design on well-being and the value of architecture to the public and elected officials. Common issues voiced by components centered around equitability and accessibility. Affordability of both the conference and national dues was cited as younger professionals are being priced out. Equity in access to licensure was another common theme as our profession evolves. We need a more diverse perspective and support of a non-traditional career path. The National Board and Strategic Council heard loud and clear messages from a vast cross section of AIA components on these topics. What do you think? Let us know and we will make sure it gets shared.
Sustainability, equity, and resilience were a big focus for many of the sessions I attended. Carol Ross Barney, this year's AIA Gold medal recipient, made the case for why we can’t afford NOT to build sustainably and why we need role models who are unflinching advocates for design that promotes wellbeing for all. I was expecting platitudes from Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s former Prime Minister, but was surprised at the way she found common ground by focusing her talk on leadership. She was refreshingly vulnerable and authentic as she discussed ways she navigated terrorism, the pandemic, women’s rights, and climate action. “There’s a difference between saying I don’t know and I don’t have a plan.” Read more here.
I had the honor of being a delegate this year and witnessing the election of my friend Evelyn Lee to be 2025 AIA National President. This breaks all kinds of glass ceilings (three women will be back-to-back leaders of AIA, and two of them back-to-back minorities).
The COTE Open Forum was an opportunity to explore climate action and climate justice through advocacy, engagement, tools, and pathways toward equitable communities.
The sold-out marathon (2.5 hours) Equity for Women In Architecture exchange was also an event that built on progress made and produced 100 new recommendations around the topics of Design and Leadership, Professional Practice and Development, Workplace Culture, and Advocacy and Activism.
As chapter president, I sit in on AIA’s Leadership Exchange calls where National leadership provides updates on the Strategic Council, National Board, and National initiatives. If you’d like more information on what’s happening at National, please review this PowerPoint
AIA Cincinnati Liaison Volunteers
Does your firm have an AIA Cincinnati Liaison? If you would like to volunteer (or volunteer someone else) on behalf of your firm, please let me or Julie know. We are continuing to roll out this program to increase member awareness and engagement. I want to celebrate those that have stepped forward into this role:
Andy Corn, AIA, RWA Architects
Melissa Reddy, AIA, Platte Architecture and Design
Mary Kate Genis, KZF Design
Tyler Kersh, MSA Design
Alex Dever,AIA, drawing dept
Chris Graham, AIA, BHDP
Tyler Zembrodt, Assoc. AIA, GBBN
Upcoming Events
Our upcoming Passive House tour (a joint event presented by our CRAN, COTE and Early Professionals Committees) sold out quickly. Missed your chance to take the tour? Join the group afterward at Urban Artifact, RSVP. Your professional network is a valuable resource and this is a great opportunity to meet up with others who share your interests.
We are not taking the summer off at AIA Cincinnati. Please check out our events page and join us for one of the great programs scheduled. Whether it’s learning about the new energy codes being adopted in Ohio, being part of a WiA Dinner Circle, studying for the ARE—there is something for everyone!
Angela Mazzi, FAIA, FACHA, EDAC
2023 AIA Cincinnati President