Pub. 3 Directory 2020

While our entire country has wrestled with unexpected changes this year, AIA National has repositioned its efforts to meet our members’ needs through these uncertain times. Although there are many more initiatives not listed here but being developed by the AIA board of directors, strategic council and staff, we’ve come a long way in 2020 on many below. We’re also pleased to share that our very own 2020 AIA Northern Nevada President and longtime local and regional board member Nate Hudson, AIA, was recently elected to the AIA National board of directors! Congratulations Nate!

Meadowood Mall was abuzz March 11th with 13 teams separately coming together to use cans of fruit and vegetables as the brick and mortar for the building of 13 uniquely different structures in a competition designed to bring awareness of hunger in the community through the build of artistic structures using food as the medium — it was CANstruction Reno 2020. This was the 17th year that AIANN teamed with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN) for the local CANstruction event and over 26,000 pounds (29,491 cans) of food were specially ordered for the task at hand, all of which was donated to FBNN after the event at a critical time of the year. Even more so this year as CANstruction was able to wrap up just a day or two ahead of the pandemic lockdown, giving a boost to the Food Bank shelves just in time.

YoDeNG, or the “Young Designers Networking Group,” serves as a support network for local design professionals to meet and learn from one another. Like most organizations that focus on in-person gatherings, 2020 has challenged us. Nevertheless, YoDeNG (pronounced “yo-dang”) has adapted its efforts to ensure young designers’ continued support in the community.

HISTORY
The AIA Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program was established in 1994 by local architects who wished to reach out to students and support their development into architects. The Chapter has been awarding scholarships in varying amounts each year since 1995. All Scholarships are awarded to students in May / June each year and then applied towards tuition for the following school year.

On June 10th, the AIANN scholarship committee reviewed and discussed the 2020 Raymond Hellmann and Graham Erskine Scholarships’ submittals. The committee members present were Max Hershenow, Greg Erny, Mark Johnson and Nate Hudson. We received a total of six applications this year [five Erskine and one Hellmann], up from what we received last year. While most of the applicants were for the Erskine Scholarship, we will need to better market to the region’s high schools next year to find more interest in the Hellmann Scholarship, our typical gateway.

The Nevada Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Nevada) honors the achievements and exceptional service of select AIA members and firms through the annual awards program.

The Western Mountain Region has spent the past year listening to our components and finding opportunities to assist with their needs during this very unusual year. Our perspectives have changed as new information unfolds, reminding us of how delicate the human condition is and how beautiful the society we all help shape can be when we get it right.

Through much uncertainty this year, our milestone tournament was a success. Our sponsors and players came out and supported the Scholarship and Education Fund. Our proceeds topped $26,000. Montreux has invited us back next year. Mark your calendars for Aug. 16, 2021.

Membership in the American Institute of Architects is an opportunity to be a part of a group representing a force for positive change. The AIA offers a way to belong to a group of like-minded professionals through associateship, integration and camaraderie. We let our clients, community, and peers know about our commitment to the profession, design excellence, and a particular code of ethics. As a result of the 2020 pandemic, our commitment to others’ well-being caused a shift in regular events that would normally keep us in closer contact. Regardless, AIANN succeeded in finding a way to host important events such as the Annual Dennis Askew Golf Tournament and the Annual Design Awards Program. Both of which required some creativity by the board of directors and the members who remained supportive and involved.

As the incoming AIANN President for 2021 and Chair of the City of Reno Historical Resources Commission — and being a native of Reno with my family having first arrived at Reno’s founding in 1868 — I am passionate about and inspired by our community’s history and architectural legacy. With our region’s unique identity and history, we have grown into a community that fosters and attracts creativity and innovation.