2021 has been a year of historical shifts in ways that two years ago we could not have imagined. We have seen our lives disrupted, affecting our families, businesses, jobs, clients, and communities. Just when we were looking forward to a 2021 “return to normal,” it quickly became clear that the year would be anything but.

Yet, through this past year, we have learned to be flexible and adapt to the unexpected. The turmoil of 2021 has provided opportunities to look forward. Old ideas are being challenged, and no new ideas are “off the table.”

We are experiencing shifts in society, work, and our architectural practices — but we’re also seeing opportunities to revisit and examine the role and impact of architects and architecture in our region. Fresh ideas are emerging regarding public health, social equity, housing, energy, and building sustainable communities, to name a few. Architects and the AIA have an opportunity now, more than ever, to play an important role. It is cliché (and true) to say that architects are “uniquely skilled to find creative solutions to problems.” Hence as professionals, we are also uniquely positioned to take on lead roles in solving challenging issues.

Our chapter’s mission statement, “Communicating the value of great architecture to positively impact our community,” succinctly states the path ahead. The AIA Northern Nevada chapter is here to support its members. And it is to our members that we look: to be advocates and leaders making positive impacts.

By taking on leadership and advocacy roles in the AIA and our region, we can be active participants in addressing current and future challenges. This high level of involvement and visibility is good for Nevada and good for our profession and businesses.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to affect all facets of our lives, much has been said about how we will emerge and how our communities and practices will be changed. The same can be said for climate change and shifting climate patterns resulting from drought and fire in our region. These have all stressed our cities and neighborhoods like no other in our history.

With this, our fourth annual issue of “Northern Nevada Architecture,” we would like to highlight opportunities for our chapter and members to actively participate in guiding the development of solutions to issues facing our communities and our profession. Many ideas that might have previously been dismissed or made a low priority need to be considered. “Old ideas are being challenged,” and solutions that might not have received attention previously are now “on the table.”

Our chapter has a long history of members stepping up, supporting, and making a difference. With the unprecedented growth and stresses now facing our region, architects must have a significant voice influencing our decisions and the direction we go.

As we begin 2022, Marshall Cowan will be stepping into the role of President, AIA Northern Nevada Chapter, and I am incoming President AIA Nevada. In the coming year, Marshall and I, along with our component boards, will continue supporting AIA initiatives already underway and some new ones to advance the roles the AIA plays in our state and local communities.

Our communities need architects — the AIA members and architectural profession — to be advocates actively involved in guiding the decision makers and stakeholders shaping our region. This not only will have a positive impact on our communities but is also good for business.

Bradley Carlson, AIA
2021 President, AIA Northern Nevada