By Jason Larrison
58 months down… 2 months to go.
It was in late 2019 that I received a letter from then-president Jane Frederick, FAIA that I was appointed to the Regional and Urban Design Committee. I applied to join the RUDC after two decades of professional experience shaping the urban environment in Indianapolis. I was excited to learn from other experts in the field and to share my experiences with others.
Almost five years later and things are coming to a culmination in November. I am finishing my tenure as a member of the knowledge community and as chair of the RUDC. It finishes with an exclamation point when the RUDC symposium is held in Indianapolis next week. What better way to finish five years of dedication than by showing off my city to other like-minded architects and urban designers?
So forgive me for being obvious, but since this is the month where a national Thanksgiving is celebrated, allow me the opportunity to express my gratitude. RUDC wouldn’t be RUDC without the other leaders. It has been a pleasure working with them all and I would like to share their names.
I have worked most closely this year with the RUDC’s incoming chair for 2025 Scott Archer. His dedication to the AIA24 forum, the symposium, and preparations for 2025 has been overwhelming. He’s a rock star and will lead RUDC with enthusiasm.
To say that Peter Darby, Nathan Ogle, and Manuel Sanchez have been collaborators on the symposium would be an injustice. Along with Scott, they have taken up the burden to marshal the symposium through planning to execution.
Ashlee Dingler has for several years been the voice of RUDC. She is the reason you are reading this newsletter and coordinates the sharing of content on LinkedIn.
Manuel, Maria Katticaran, Rex Cabaniss, Michelle Todd, and Kuleya Bruce created RUDC content under the RUDC banner on AIAU and social media.
Everybody stepped up and went beyond to make RUDC the success it is.
I also need to thank AIA Staff. Susan Parrish, Lisa Berretta, Alison Karfeld, and Doug Paul has spent the past year and years working with us and helping us take major steps forward. Knowledge Communities are well supported by staff and keep us moving in the right direction.
I am grateful to my boss Deb Kunce, FAIA. Her own experience in AIA leadership enforced her belief that participation in AIA is important and provided the encouragement for me to dedicate the hours and hours of time on AIA leadership efforts.
And thank you reader for joining us on these efforts, for participating, for engaging… I hope our efforts help you in your professional life and inspires you to give back to the community, the profession, and the Institute.