2020 — what could have been a year of “perfect vision” seems, in hindsight, to have been everything but. In the grip of COVID-19, we found ourselves at a moment of sizable social unease, working diligently to keep our offices open and jobs moving through. Those with school-aged children had a crash course in teaching distance learning while simultaneously maintaining professional normalcy. And, of course, we have all been internally wrestling with the most divisive political rhetoric of our lives. Wow — 2020 has been one hell of a year!

While so many current topics find their way into the negative and fearful, I believe that architects are uniquely equipped to offer positive leadership and guidance during these uncertain times, knowing that our fundamental ethos, “design” with which we work every day, is disorderly by its very nature. As professionals, we consistently endeavor to broaden our perspective by attaining diversity in skillsets and cultivating connections between what might commonly appear as unrelated topics. We exist at the confluence of so many things: designers, engineers, educators and fabricators, right in the crossroads of artists, community leaders and entrepreneurs. Our diversity in thought, collaborative spirit, and an unyielding focus on equity for future generations define our label — Architect.

This year’s unprecedented social unease transcended the scale of any collective or profession. It is easy to recognize that cultural change is happening directly under our feet, powered by the influences of decency and the collaborative efforts of masses dissatisfied with the status quo. The diversity of our skillsets and the agility inherent within the way we perceive the world has the potential to manifest in boundless positive change, ultimately positioning us to lead proactively versus reactively during challenging times.

In 2020 and for years to come, I’d like to frame AIA Northern Nevada’s efforts as rooted in optimism and innovation. Efforts in bold steps forward — steps away from this pandemic, and steps into the uncertainties of our future; a future filled with opportunity. It means developing new opportunities and scholarships for our youth, particularly for individuals belonging to under-represented groups. It means positioning our members as innovators and thought leaders in society through improved public outreach. It means a fundamentally new definition of design excellence in the projects that we admire and celebrate.

Let’s not follow the same, beaten path or hunker down to endure this storm. Let’s be bold and confident in our actions, challenging existing expectations with new ideas to expand the reach, value and purpose of what we offer to society. Let’s embolden our colleagues to occupy the forefront of every conversation: social, governmental, health and well-being, economic or educational. This is the value our organization brings to our profession, its embodiment — it empowers voices, unites agendas, generates connections across diverse groups, and leads through action.

Even though 2020, while the concept of our profession’s meaning to society in “designing a better world” might seem out of reach, architects can always meaningfully apply themselves for equity and decency to the communities they serve. If done with intention and commitment, there is no choice but to succeed in the positive impact that we can make in society at large.