Small Moments

by Mary-Margaret Zindren, Hon. AIA MN, EVP/Executive Director

Often within the biggest gatherings it is the small moments that matter most.

At our Summer Awards Celebration last week, nearly 120 people gathered to congratulate individual award winners and to recognize national AIA award-winning projects.

Seeing your project on the big screen, going up to receive a plaque to the applause of a crowd; these are special moments, no doubt.

But I was most struck by the brief moments of individual connection; when mentors and mentees reconnected with hugs and words of gratitude. I was moved by being introduced to family members of volunteer leaders being honored and seeing the pride in their eyes.

Similarly, this year’s STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair involved connecting with hundreds of youth, introducing them to design and designers.

But within that volume of engagement it is the small moments that stick with you. Hearing a child tell their parent, “Just two more minutes” with a focused tone that says they are in it; they are solving a design problem; they are being introduced to a new part of themselves that finds joy in the challenge. And the parents who, having stood by for 30 minutes look to the encouraging, patient volunteer and whisper, “Thank you.”

We have more big events coming up soon: the Homes by Architects Tour September 19-20. A special October 1 gathering to celebrate the release of AIA St. Paul’s Mentorship Task Force Report and to introduce students, emerging professionals, and the broader AIA Minnesota membership to our new office complex. The Annual Conference November 9-12. And many other events related to the Next Gen Initiative and our committees and knowledge communities.

Each of these events involves planning for a crowd. But what will make them great – meaningful, memorable, potentially career-shaping – is the small moments of connection.

You can be that moment maker for someone. Your presence matters; and being truly present matters even more.

So come on along! RSVP that you’re coming, grab a beverage and a bite, and make it a point to make some new connections. In aiming to make others feel part of this architecture community, you just might experience a deeper feeling of connection, too.