Alan H. Cobb, FAIA

AIA Michigan President's Message

2010 - Architects excel in times of significant change, and with this change comes great opportunity.  We must be the agents of this change. Our profession is one of leadership, especially when our innovative solutions can unlock access to the future.  This economic transition is a catalyst for advanced thought, and the architectural profession is a transformative engine.  AIA Michigan will assist our membership with these challenges, placing architects in a leadership role around the State.  2010 will continue to challenge all of us, but I firmly believe that in this kind of environment architects do their best work. In 2010 we will be reshaping our world for future generations. 

Excellent communication to all of our membership will be a major focus this year.  One of my 2010 goals is to provide an AIA Michigan E-Newsletter, monthly.  With this we will provide a venue for each local Chapter from the Upper Peninsula to K 'zoo to "sound-off" and tell membership about local events around this great state. 

Our 2009 - 2014 AIA Michigan Strategic Plan will guide 2010 and provide our Board of Directors direction.  Please visit our full Strategic Plan on the AIA Michigan Web-Site.

Vision Statement - AIA Michigan will inspire its members to be leaders in creating environments that uplift and celebrate the human spirit.

Mission - AIA Michigan will serve its members and advance the profession of architecture through education, networking, partnerships, promotion, and advocacy at a state-wide level. It provides and funds programs, fosters communication among its members and the public, mentors students and young architects, collaborates with allied professions and organizations, and is of service to society.

A Balanced 2010 Budget - solid fiscal planning is essential for AIA Michigan.  We have attempted to help our membership by reducing dues this fall, as well as, reducing many of the perceived luxuries.  All firms in the State are experiencing similar kinds of issues. We have prioritized our annual budget reflecting our values from the Strategic Plan. We have changed many aspects of our operation.  Board meetings will be held at firms with no cost to AIA Michigan, and members are welcome to attend.  We have re-focused the AIA Michigan dollars to programs that add value to membership.

Expand and Diversify AIA Membership - A Task Force has been established to directly address the issue of expanding membership in both the short and long terms.  One way to accomplish this is to diversify the membership by discipline, interest, age, gender and ethnic background.  Although the AIA will undoubtedly continue to have firm practice as a focus, it needs to engage other aspects of the profession as well as collaborate with other design and practice disciplines.  Create diversity by appealing to different groups with different programs. 

ED Leadership Transition - as some of you may know, Rae Dumke, Hon. AIA, our AIA Michigan Executive Director, is considering spending more time in Northern Michigan after over 40 years of service to AIA architects in the State. We have just signed a one year contract extension that could be the last year. She has dedicated her entire career to the architectural profession in Michigan. AIA Michigan has been very lucky to have Rae working in this role for so long, but we must now consider a transition with the Executive Director position.  Rae Dumke has served our organization with integrity and dignity.A Task Force is being formed to address the next steps.

Election of a new Regional Director - We made an announcement at the December Board meeting that the current Regional Director Term will expire at the end of 2010.  The current Regional Director (RD), Fred Butters, FAIA shall call a regional convocation of delegates to nominate a successor to be held at the January Leadership Retreat.   Delegates consist of the President of the Society and Presidents of Chapters.  

(Article 9, Section 2 - Nomination): The Delegates shall nominate one or more members of the Society as RD candidates.   These names shall be placed in nomination in a Society publication. The publication shall be presented to membership a min. of 30 days prior to the first of June to allow for nominations to be made by petition containing the signatures of ten members, or by resolution of any Chapters or its ExCom. An election will be held if more than one nomination is made.

Be the Authoritative Source on the Built Environment -  the public and State government must see AIA Michigan as the authoritative source on the environment and be the first organization that is turned to in regards to the physical environment.  In 2009 we were given a great opportunity to facilitate a key discussion with over 85 State Legislators in Lansing on sustainability.  The State Senate Committee on Energy and Technology reached out to AIA Michigan to help our Representatives understand the logic of several Bills being introduced with "Sustainable" concepts.  AIA Michigan places our Government Affair activities as our highest priority, which contributes to every practicing architect in the State. AIA Architects in the State have made a difference.