Re-Emergence

Definition: To come forth into view or notice, as from concealment or obscurity.

Chapter growth is a topic we all discuss. How do we get more members? How do we “convince” people of the benefits we offer? One must take a step back from these questions and reflect. Time and again it seems as if the number of members represents the status of a chapter, describing successes both past and present. This assumption is misleading,

Building a foundation is the key to longevity and success of a chapter; however let’s take this unquantifiable word – success – out of this conversation. To describe success is to compare oneself to others, but each chapter is unique, directly linked to the college or university in which it is housed, meeting specific needs of the student body.

Those who are involved already understand the benefits directly and indirectly received from being a member of the AIAS. How can we better describe these benefits to potential members or those less involved in a succinct manner?

One-on-one communication is fundamental. This is easy to say and great in theory, but one of the hardest communication strategies to implement. Think of when you joined AIAS and first got involved – what sparked your interest? Most say it was that short conversation with a current member that outlined the benefits. Think even harder now, it probably wasn’t a conversation directly discussing AIAS at all. Effective recruitment starts with being relatable, talking about relevant issues in studio or social life. Once a person begins to feel comfortable and the conversations become regular, discussing AIAS naturally falls into place. It’s a slow process that takes time, but is well worth the effect in the end. By cultivating small conversation with just a few people for a week or two, one can effectively transmit an individualized view of how AIAS can help them.

So the question is, what can AIAS do for you?

Answering this question bewilders many, but is crucial in the process of recruitment. Gaining interest and excitement in one person spreads to ten more. These conversations are started from answering those original questions; the greater relevance you bring to events the quicker people will see the importance. Providing more than a travel opportunity and throwing in an educational value provides substance.

When I reflect on this process at IIT I see how well this method works. Getting a representative from each year level to be a relatable face offers great conversation. To have a friend benefiting from AIAS and going through the same tortures of studio creates topics of discussion that transcend year levels. This sort of integration of diversity within a chapter is what defines a grassroots organization. This viral spark happens without notice, then suddenly people begin to show up at events and approach officers in the hallways, and the mailbox fills up with emails. So when you have them, now how do you sustain an active pool?

The fault of many chapters is the status of a club. When one looks to define a club it seems as if it is a group of individuals who share similar interests, goals, and cultivate fun. Exclusivity, cliques, and many other terms come to mind when associations of club status come to mind. But the AIAS is much more than just a club. It is a professional organization birthed from the ideas of advocacy and relevance both in architectural education and in the profession. To describe this and define it is an odd idea to many leaders and recruiters alike. From an image standpoint chapters walk the fine line between providing relevant events for members and just providing fun social activities. Hosting an annual pumpkin carving contest or throwing a grand Beaux Arts ball should not be what defines an AIAS chapter. We as an organization can offer so much more than just a fun event.

When I reflect on the history of IIT’s chapter I see the struggle and re-birth of a chapter. From experience I can vouch that iitAIAS was once an exclusive club on a lost path. With dismal membership numbers it was hard to maintain positive drive. I first became involved in my first year, when iitAIAS stood for a group of friends that traveled; at least that’s what it looked like from the outside. I quickly bonded and began to delve deeper into the actual meaning of AIAS. Upon attending my first conference I was hooked, something our chapter likes to call the “gotcha” moment. You go into it thinking of an awesome trip and leave with an unforgettable experience that transcends the educational realm.

It is almost indescribable what one gets out of an AIAS conference; the only way to define it is to experience it. We started to send more members to conferences and brought back topics for discussion, ideas for events, and how we could further develop. The discussions and collaboration between chapters in each quadrant and at a national level are what promote education amongst leaders. Moving forward we as a chapter learned to open our doors and work harder to relate to the student body. It started with engaging ourselves in each year level and talking one on one. Creating a physical presence with posters and social media started to stir things up. One thing that I believe stemmed from this was our relevance – no longer were we focused on the “fun” trips, we were focused on making those educational experiences and bringing to the table the mission of AIAS. Through simple involvement, emails, and utilizing publicity the college had, we increased membership an astonishing 358%, going from 12 members to 43. Continuing those same morals we now have a vibrant chapter of 70 members and successfully bid to host FORUM 2013.

It is important to remember that quality is more important than quantity. When looking at a chapter’s size and then comparing activity, a majority of chapters rank the same. The differences lie in the culture of joining and calling yourself an AIAS member. Defining that culture takes years, but groundwork can be laid and continued efforts pay off. Our membership is interested in a diverse range of opportunities in many sectors including professional development, community service, and travel. Providing an activity that pleases all is what keeps them interested. Some are interested strictly in how we as an organization can build their network and jump-start a professional career. Others are interested strictly in community service. Whatever that interest is, a chapter must cater to those without loosing the insight to the mission of AIAS.

We as the American Institute of Architecture Students stand behind incredible values. Let numbers not discourage you, for the work and effort may not be obvious but it is taking place. The impact that this organization has is far reaching; changing the future of architectural education and practice. This explains a re-emergence of growth and power.

Ryan Gann 2011-2012 AIAS Illinois Institute of Technology Chapter President

AIAS Lawrence Tech University Freedom by Design

Recently, Lawrence Tech University (LTU) AIAS Freedom by Design completed a design-build project in Royal Oak, MI with a non-profit organization called Rebuilding Together Oakland County (RTOC). After working with RTOC on a previous project, Al Kaczkowski, Executive Director of RTOC called LTU AIAS Freedom by Design to aid in designing and constructing a new kitchen for the Common Ground Youth Sanctuary in Royal Oak. The Common Ground Sanctuary serves Oakland County adults, children and families through a variety of programs including 24-hour crisis and referral hotline; 24-hour psychiatric screening and assessment; short-term residential psychiatric facility for adults; victim assistance/advocacy; short-term shelter care, transitional living, street outreach services and outpatient counseling for runaway and homeless youth; in-home youth and family counseling; support and education groups.

This extensive project began in July of this year with students meeting with the contractor Dave Adams to discuss the design and construction documents of the kitchen. Once the designs were finalized, Freedom by Design volunteers took steps to acquire cabinetry and tile for the project. After many extensive hours and days, volunteers, members and the contractor came together to install cabinets, tile and countertops, re-paint the kitchen and install a new pantry system. LTU AIAS Freedom by Design would like to thank our donors: Masco Corporation for cabinetry, Pewabic Pottery for back splash tiles, Sherwin Williams for paint, and Daltile for draperies.  A special thanks to our professional contacts and mentors: Dave and Barbara Adams. With the help of Freedom by Design chair Eliza Morales along with volunteers Bryce Gamper, Michael Mondo, Meaghan Markiewicz, Jake Boyd, Ryan Maynard, Jason Flint, Jolanta Skorupka, Samantha Doherty, Shaun Corollo, Brody Knox, Andy Neevel, Cassie Pizzi, and Ryan Tucker this project was a success.

This project gave insight to students on the complexities of the construction process, including project management as well as time and budget management. To learn more information, visit the AIAS-LTU blog at http://ltuthebuildingyears.blogspot.com/.

For more information about AIAS Freedom by Design, please visit: www.aias.org/freedom.

AIAS Cuesta College Firm Crawl

Over President’s Day weekend, fifteen students from AIAS Cuesta College took a trip Los Angeles for a firm crawl and to visit landmark buildings in the area. They toured Steinberg Architects, Perkins + Will, Leo A Daly, AECOM, Gensler, RTKL, and ZGF. They also saw the Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA Public Library: Central Branch, The Standard Hotel, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Pershing Square, The Getty Museum, 3rd Street Promenade Santa Monica, and more.