Past President: David S. Collins, FAIA
David S. Collins, FAIA, President, The Preview Group, Inc.
Looking back at your time leading AIA Cincinnati, what are you most proud of accomplishing?
The 1980 National Convention, although I was not president then, I was a member of the local planning committee and chaired the committee to create the Convention Book; fascinating, spirited Cincinnati. The 1980 Convention in my hometown was a great awakening for me to the vibrancy of the national AIA.
In your career, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in the field of architecture?
The digital age has come to full force. However, I still have bumwad!
Looking ahead, what is the biggest challenge facing architects working today?
Gaining back and maintaining preeminence in the design and construction process.
How has AIA membership benefited you?
I originally joined AIA to meet more architects and to find a job. It has been much more than I could ever hope and not only job-wise, but satisfaction with things that have been achieved at the local, state, and national levels.Perhaps more than ever AIA membership is a significant and important investment for architects to invest as we are addressing pressures in every segment of business and all our lives. AIA at the national, state and local levels doggedly looks out for our interests in the authorization, legislative and administrative process regulating construction and the licensing that sets architects apart.
But perhaps even more important during times of COVID, serious questions on sustainability and environmental impacts on our lives, the way we practice and the way we design, AIA has provided resources and directions to assist us all to build for a better future. No one and no other organization provides better leadership, but without your involvement and leadership the weight and power of our united voice is lost.
No, it isn’t cheap, but the value is immeasurable!
What advice would you give to a recent architecture graduate?
AIA is a phenomenal value for anyone that is committed to the profession of architecture. Ideas are always welcome and opportunities to serve and gain traction on changes you feel are needed are often accomplished by larger numbers of a like mind!