2023 AIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE

As President of the Chapter, I had the pleasure of representing AIA UK at ‘A23’, the AIA National Conference, held in San Francisco, California, earlier this year (June 7-10). This architectural and design event of the year brought together some 13,000 attendees and professionals who had the opportunity to engage in tours, learning sessions and networking programs over the four days.

The breath of the conference was impressive, including some 165 + seminars and workshop sessions that explored the current topics redefining the industry, over 110 architect-led tours and about 60 booths on the exposition floor showcasing the leading building product manufacturers. While the educational and learning tracks were varied and expansive, it was perhaps the Architecture Expo at A’23 – the networking hub for the industry representing over 500 brands and companies – that was one of the highlights of the event. The combination of content on offer to the attendees mixed with the ability to network with individuals across the industry representing a diverse range of expertise, project-altering ideas and revolutionary solutions was well worth the trip.

The conference was held at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, America’s first and only convention venue to achieve LEED Platinum certification. This also permits it to achieve the world’s lowest carbon footprint per convention visitor, making it an appropriate environment for this year’s conference where sustainability led the agenda. The conference’s keynote host Mike Chapman, Executive Producer and Co-founder of the CBS television show, America ByDesign, added an entertaining overture as emcee for the keynote experience, introducing each day’s topics, big ideas, and speakers.

Keynote speakers were Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who talked about a variety of key interest areas such as woman’s empowerment and climate action, and Architect Barbara Bouza, FAIA, who is Walt Disney’s Imagineering President, who about discussed “making the impossible possible.” Bouza provided the audience with a window into the world of Disney and how their imagineers bring Disney’s iconic characters and worlds to life. It was both surprising and gratifying to learn that prior to Disney, she was a Principal at Gensler.  

As the AIA UK president, I attended the Annual General Meeting. Topics at the AGM included streamlining proceedings at AIA meetings, updating the Code of Ethics, eliminating the requirement that AIA components submit bylaws and amendments to AIA for approval, and providing emeritus privileges to international members.

Emily Grandstaff-Rice, AIA President, highlighted her vision for the profession to the assembly. She delved into the many aspects from her seminal statement “Architects lead by using the power of design and the limitless potential of design thinking to make a positive, lasting and meaningful difference that changes the world we live in.” As some of you will recall, Grandstaff-Rice was in London earlier this year to witness the signing of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between NCARB and the ARB, and she and I were able to meet up again during the conference.

Coincidentally I also ran into Kimberley Dowdell the incoming AIA President after one of the keynote lectures and briefly touched base on her upcoming trip to the UK and potential of a meeting to discuss the AIA UK’s aspirations for the future. Her eventual visit to London on July was highlighted in our last AIA UK Newsletter (see HERE).

No conference, however, would be complete without a few field trips of which the educational, two- hour cocktail cruise of the San Francisco Bay aboard an all-electric Enhydra was the most memorable. The boat was equipped with three bars and plenty of space for viewing the scenic Bay’s architectural, historical, and cultural points of interest. We motored a loop around Treasure Island, up the Oakland Estuary, crossed the San Francisco Bay and then worked our way along city shoreline returning to Fisherman’s Wharf. The conference’s content, speakers, attendees, and special events all surpassed my expectations. I cannot wait to participate in AIA24 in Washington, DC!

Written by Gregory Fonseca, AIA