Steve Fiskum, AIA
2011 President of AIA Minnesota

January 2011
As we begin the New Year, recent economic reports encourage our holiday cheer’s afterglow to linger. The recent upward revision of third-quarter GDP to an annualized increase of 2.6% bodes well for recovery in the design profession. While some indicators such as home sales continue to lag, other statistics give economists reasons to be hopeful.

Economic events have a way of changing how business is done. While it’s too early to predict how the practice of architecture might change in the years ahead, we know there will be new ways of collaboration and partnership with others in the building industry.

As it fulfills its mission of service to members, AIA Minnesota is striving to understand this change and to provide relevant information to members. Recent work of our Recovery Task Force under the leadership of Rich Varda, in partnership with the Carlson School of Management, provides constructive insights that are receiving national attention. In response, several of AIA Minnesota’s committees have begun to focus on continuing education and skill building for architects in a new practice paradigm. Also, in the near future we will learn about the work of the Integrated Project Delivery Case Study Advisory Group – a joint effort of the College of Design and AIA Minnesota.

Architecture Minnesota’s Videotect upcoming competition promises to be an exciting and fun way for us to deliver on another imperative of the Recovery Task Force – to effectively communicate the architect’s value to the public. This video competition, open to both architects and the public, will stimulate community-wide dialog about architecture. The focus of the Videotect competition is an unpretentious and yet predominant Minnesota archetype – the Skyway. Check out Videotect on the AIA Minnesota website, including an announcement of a preeminent film director and producer who will serve on the jury.

While there may be continued uncertainty in the year ahead, there are reasons for optimism. AIA Minnesota, through our many active committees, will continue to help members build new skills and spread an enthusiastic message to the public about the value of good design.

-- Steve Fiskum, AIA, AIA Minnesota President

Past President, 2010, Rich Varda, FAIA