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Public Architects at AIA26: A Recap

  
The AIA26 convention served as a perfect venue for the Public Architecture Knowledge Community (PAKC). Here are some of the events that the PAKC was involved in:
   
The Joint PA-PD Open Forum: Designing for the Public Good
   
The collaborative forum held with the Project Delivery Knowledge Community (PDKC), titled "Designing for the Public Good: Navigating Change in Project Delivery of Public Projects," was a major Public Architect highlight of the convention. The forum engaged discussion from 60+ professionals of diverse backgrounds, industries, and ages, who are involved in public architecture design and construction.
   
The discussion topics:
      
  • Design-Build Dynamics
  • Value of Architects on Government Projects
  • Construction Manager @ Risk (CMAR/CMGC)
  • Public Projects & Community Input1
  • Is Architecture a Profession?
  • Architects & Builders in Partnership
  • Small Firms in Public Work

       

The feedback we got from the breakout tables was that public engagement in the design process should occur more frequently and with transparency. The excitement and participation we saw gives up hope that next year's forum will have even higher attendance
   
This program was made possible by both PA and PD committee members, alongside the staff who help put together all of the forum materials. View photos from the forum here.
    
SAME X AIA Happy Hour
      
A major highlight of the conference's collaborative efforts was the joint happy hour with the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), capitalizing on ongoing partnership opportunities discussed during recent leadership meetings. Held at the Seaport Village in San Diego, the event was exceptionally vibrant, drawing over 100 participants and running past its scheduled conclusion as attendees continued independent professional networking. View photos from the happy hour here.
   
Community-Building and Networking Events
   
  • PAKC Annual Dinner: The dinner hosted 15 participants, including PA leadership alongside several of Chair Mahbuba Khan's college alumni who currently practice as public sector architects. View the photos of the evening here.
  • Wednesday Night Welcome Party: Following the dinner, leadership attended the Welcome Party, which provided an excellent venue to connect the PAKC to the larger body of AIA members
  • Receptions: To further connect with other professional architect groups, Mahbuba personally represented the PAKC at the AIA International Reception, the Immigrant Architects Reception, and the NOMA reception.
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