Committee on the Environment

Architects play a critical role in creating a healthy, beautiful, inclusive and environmentally responsible built environment. For the last quarter century, the AIA Committee on the Environment has represented the leading edge of this movement and sets an example for others to follow. We have no intention of stopping now.

In an open letter to AIA Architects, COTE reaffirms our determination to remain dedicated to creating a healthy, beautiful, inclusive and environmentally-responsible built environment. I ask for your continued support by reading and joining your fellow leaders in adding your name to the online letter. Now is the time for you and your Chapter’s COTE Committee to continue to build on our 25-years of leadership. Working together we will make a difference.

http://tinyurl.com/hvug6qt 

Paula McEvoy, FAIA, LEED Fellow, 2016 Chair AIA Committee on the Environment

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Paula McEvoy FAIA, LEED Fellow
2016 Chair, AIA Committee on the Environment
------------------------------

------Original Message------

Architects play a critical role in creating a healthy, beautiful, inclusive and environmentally responsible built environment. For the last quarter century, the AIA Committee on the Environment has represented the leading edge of this movement and sets an example for others to follow. We have no intention of stopping now.

In an open letter to AIA Architects, COTE reaffirms our determination to remain dedicated to creating a healthy, beautiful, inclusive and environmentally-responsible built environment. I ask for your continued support by reading and joining your fellow leaders in adding your name to the online letter. Now is the time for you and your Chapter’s COTE Committee to continue to build on our 25-years of leadership. Working together we will make a difference.

http://tinyurl.com/hvug6qt 

Paula McEvoy, FAIA, LEED Fellow, 2016 Chair AIA Committee on the Environment

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Paula McEvoy FAIA, LEED Fellow
2016 Chair, AIA Committee on the Environment
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Thank you for your dedication and leadership.

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James White AIA
Professor
Texas Tech University, College of Architecture
Lubbock TX

Original Message:
Sent: 11-15-2016 17:40
From: John Kelley
Subject: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

Thank you for your leadership!

Regards,

John D. Kelley, AIA Architect

jdkaia@cox.net / www.jdkaia.com

(805) 963-1013

------Original Message------

I wholeheartedly agree with the premise and purpose of this letter/petition.
While the scope covers many issues - I find even those Architects that agree with the position of this paper often ignore the responsibility of assuring hazardous materials are properly handled on renovation, demolition and new construction projects. I have written a white paper on this subject (http://www.aiacc.org/2016/05/16/architects-and-design-professionals-hidden-liability-hazardous-materials-in-construction/) which discusses this specific issue and is published on the AIA's California Council's website.  I have also attached a copy to this comment for anyone interested in this issue.

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Michael Sharp
CEO / Director of Training
Hazard Management Services, Inc. (hms, Inc)
Modesto CA

Well said, Ms. McEvoy -

There appear to be serious threats in the making for our issues. Our President-elect, Carl Elefante, has spoken well on the importance of remaining committed to the AIA's core values and advocating against moves inconsistent with them. Here is his statement.

11.12.16

 AIA Colleagues,

The past few days have been a whirlwind. The election results seem to have shocked everyone, including the Trump campaign team. Potential changes to federal policies and programs will certainly impact the building sector and architecture profession.

First thing Wednesday morning, AIA broadcast a "standard" post-election statement under the signature of Robert Ivy, FAIA, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President. The statement acknowledged the election results and indicated AIA's readiness to work with the new adminstration on relevant issues.

When I read the statement, I was troubled by what it said, and, far more by what it didn't. To say the least, I was not alone. Reaction from AIA members and industry partners has been widespread and forceful. As an elected by not yet sitting officer of AIA, I have been included in discussions about the post-election statement and its aftermath.

First, I can say without equivocation that AIA leadership, and specifically Robert Ivy and 2017 AIA President Russ Davidson, FAIA, believe the post-election statement was a terrible mistake and failed to respond appropriately to a crucial event.

Second, the election in no way alters the responsibility of AIA leadership, and all AIA members, to promote and defend AIA's long-standing and deeply-held values. Indeed, in the face of positions articulated during the campaign, AIA is called upon to redouble its efforts to advocate for the profession and the communities our work impacts

.

During the campaign, candidate Trump took positions that are undeniably at odds with many of AIA's duly constituted, non-partisan, Public Policies and Position Statements. For example, the intention to reject the Paris Agreement on climate change is ill-informed and threatens the wellbeing of all Americans. Delaying the adoption of zero net carbon practices across our profession, industry, and economy, even by four years, could have irreversible consequences.

More over, candidate Trump's hurtful bullying of women, Muslims, ethic minorities, immigrants, even the disabled, is diametrically opposed to AIA's views regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. A new generation of architects is tasked with resolving great social and economic challenges. We need the insights, talent, energy, and enthusiasm of everyone.

As the future AIA President, I pledge my full commitment to AIA's core values, to achieving Paris Agreement targets, and to resolving our profession's systemic equity, diversity, and inclusion challenges. Despite the deeply regrettable post-election statement, I know I speak in unity with AIA's staff and elected leadership.

------------------------------
Ralph Bennett FAIA
Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.
Silver Spring MD

------Original Message------

Well said, Ms. McEvoy -

There appear to be serious threats in the making for our issues. Our President-elect, Carl Elefante, has spoken well on the importance of remaining committed to the AIA's core values and advocating against moves inconsistent with them. Here is his statement.

11.12.16

 AIA Colleagues,

The past few days have been a whirlwind. The election results seem to have shocked everyone, including the Trump campaign team. Potential changes to federal policies and programs will certainly impact the building sector and architecture profession.

First thing Wednesday morning, AIA broadcast a "standard" post-election statement under the signature of Robert Ivy, FAIA, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President. The statement acknowledged the election results and indicated AIA's readiness to work with the new adminstration on relevant issues.

When I read the statement, I was troubled by what it said, and, far more by what it didn't. To say the least, I was not alone. Reaction from AIA members and industry partners has been widespread and forceful. As an elected by not yet sitting officer of AIA, I have been included in discussions about the post-election statement and its aftermath.

First, I can say without equivocation that AIA leadership, and specifically Robert Ivy and 2017 AIA President Russ Davidson, FAIA, believe the post-election statement was a terrible mistake and failed to respond appropriately to a crucial event.

Second, the election in no way alters the responsibility of AIA leadership, and all AIA members, to promote and defend AIA's long-standing and deeply-held values. Indeed, in the face of positions articulated during the campaign, AIA is called upon to redouble its efforts to advocate for the profession and the communities our work impacts

.

During the campaign, candidate Trump took positions that are undeniably at odds with many of AIA's duly constituted, non-partisan, Public Policies and Position Statements. For example, the intention to reject the Paris Agreement on climate change is ill-informed and threatens the wellbeing of all Americans. Delaying the adoption of zero net carbon practices across our profession, industry, and economy, even by four years, could have irreversible consequences.

More over, candidate Trump's hurtful bullying of women, Muslims, ethic minorities, immigrants, even the disabled, is diametrically opposed to AIA's views regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. A new generation of architects is tasked with resolving great social and economic challenges. We need the insights, talent, energy, and enthusiasm of everyone.

As the future AIA President, I pledge my full commitment to AIA's core values, to achieving Paris Agreement targets, and to resolving our profession's systemic equity, diversity, and inclusion challenges. Despite the deeply regrettable post-election statement, I know I speak in unity with AIA's staff and elected leadership.

------------------------------
Ralph Bennett FAIA
Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.
Silver Spring MD
------------------------------

------Original Message------

Where is the  Committee on the Environment regarding the proposed pipeline being built on sovereign lands?   Have we no opinion on this critical juncture?     This is not about politics - it is about health, safety and welfare of the environment.

------------------------------
Sally Grans-Korsh FAIA
National Association of College and University Business Offices
Washington DC

Original Message:
Sent: 11-23-2016 01:00
From: Tiffany Ivins
Subject: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

Thanks to Ralph Bennett for sharing a thoughtful letter regarding the highest standards of AIA to stand on the shoulders of giants who have paved the way forward for ZNE building and for embrace of principles that protect people and planet through thoughtfully designed architecture.

Bravo!

Tiffany

Tiffany Z Ivins, PhD

Principal
64 E 6400 S, Ste 100

SLC, UT 84107 | 801.824.0153

www.livingzenith.com
TiffanyIvins@gmail.com

------Original Message------

Where is the  Committee on the Environment regarding the proposed pipeline being built on sovereign lands?   Have we no opinion on this critical juncture?     This is not about politics - it is about health, safety and welfare of the environment.

------------------------------
Sally Grans-Korsh FAIA
National Association of College and University Business Offices
Washington DC
------------------------------

------Original Message------

Well said, Ms. McEvoy -

There appear to be serious threats in the making for our issues. Our President-elect, Carl Elefante, has spoken well on the importance of remaining committed to the AIA's core values and advocating against moves inconsistent with them. Here is his statement.

11.12.16

 AIA Colleagues,

The past few days have been a whirlwind. The election results seem to have shocked everyone, including the Trump campaign team. Potential changes to federal policies and programs will certainly impact the building sector and architecture profession.

First thing Wednesday morning, AIA broadcast a "standard" post-election statement under the signature of Robert Ivy, FAIA, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President. The statement acknowledged the election results and indicated AIA's readiness to work with the new adminstration on relevant issues.

When I read the statement, I was troubled by what it said, and, far more by what it didn't. To say the least, I was not alone. Reaction from AIA members and industry partners has been widespread and forceful. As an elected by not yet sitting officer of AIA, I have been included in discussions about the post-election statement and its aftermath.

First, I can say without equivocation that AIA leadership, and specifically Robert Ivy and 2017 AIA President Russ Davidson, FAIA, believe the post-election statement was a terrible mistake and failed to respond appropriately to a crucial event.

Second, the election in no way alters the responsibility of AIA leadership, and all AIA members, to promote and defend AIA's long-standing and deeply-held values. Indeed, in the face of positions articulated during the campaign, AIA is called upon to redouble its efforts to advocate for the profession and the communities our work impacts

.

During the campaign, candidate Trump took positions that are undeniably at odds with many of AIA's duly constituted, non-partisan, Public Policies and Position Statements. For example, the intention to reject the Paris Agreement on climate change is ill-informed and threatens the wellbeing of all Americans. Delaying the adoption of zero net carbon practices across our profession, industry, and economy, even by four years, could have irreversible consequences.

More over, candidate Trump's hurtful bullying of women, Muslims, ethic minorities, immigrants, even the disabled, is diametrically opposed to AIA's views regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. A new generation of architects is tasked with resolving great social and economic challenges. We need the insights, talent, energy, and enthusiasm of everyone.

As the future AIA President, I pledge my full commitment to AIA's core values, to achieving Paris Agreement targets, and to resolving our profession's systemic equity, diversity, and inclusion challenges. Despite the deeply regrettable post-election statement, I know I speak in unity with AIA's staff and elected leadership.

------------------------------
Ralph Bennett FAIA
Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.
Silver Spring MD
------------------------------

Ralph; Bravo and good luck!

------------------------------
John Dugger AIA
Principal Architect
J S Dugger, AIA & Associates
Gloucester MA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-23-2016 08:04
From: Roberto Sotolongo
Subject: An Open Letter to AIA Architects

I agree with your letter. It is critical that AIA stand up for protecting the environment and our nations diversity.

Robert Sotolongo, AIA LEED AP
DTW Architects & Planners, Ltd.
229 North Gregson Street
Durham, NC 27701
P: 919.317.4020
F: 919.317.4023

------Original Message------

Well said, Ms. McEvoy -

There appear to be serious threats in the making for our issues. Our President-elect, Carl Elefante, has spoken well on the importance of remaining committed to the AIA's core values and advocating against moves inconsistent with them. Here is his statement.

11.12.16

 AIA Colleagues,

The past few days have been a whirlwind. The election results seem to have shocked everyone, including the Trump campaign team. Potential changes to federal policies and programs will certainly impact the building sector and architecture profession.

First thing Wednesday morning, AIA broadcast a "standard" post-election statement under the signature of Robert Ivy, FAIA, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President. The statement acknowledged the election results and indicated AIA's readiness to work with the new adminstration on relevant issues.

When I read the statement, I was troubled by what it said, and, far more by what it didn't. To say the least, I was not alone. Reaction from AIA members and industry partners has been widespread and forceful. As an elected by not yet sitting officer of AIA, I have been included in discussions about the post-election statement and its aftermath.

First, I can say without equivocation that AIA leadership, and specifically Robert Ivy and 2017 AIA President Russ Davidson, FAIA, believe the post-election statement was a terrible mistake and failed to respond appropriately to a crucial event.

Second, the election in no way alters the responsibility of AIA leadership, and all AIA members, to promote and defend AIA's long-standing and deeply-held values. Indeed, in the face of positions articulated during the campaign, AIA is called upon to redouble its efforts to advocate for the profession and the communities our work impacts

.

During the campaign, candidate Trump took positions that are undeniably at odds with many of AIA's duly constituted, non-partisan, Public Policies and Position Statements. For example, the intention to reject the Paris Agreement on climate change is ill-informed and threatens the wellbeing of all Americans. Delaying the adoption of zero net carbon practices across our profession, industry, and economy, even by four years, could have irreversible consequences.

More over, candidate Trump's hurtful bullying of women, Muslims, ethic minorities, immigrants, even the disabled, is diametrically opposed to AIA's views regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. A new generation of architects is tasked with resolving great social and economic challenges. We need the insights, talent, energy, and enthusiasm of everyone.

As the future AIA President, I pledge my full commitment to AIA's core values, to achieving Paris Agreement targets, and to resolving our profession's systemic equity, diversity, and inclusion challenges. Despite the deeply regrettable post-election statement, I know I speak in unity with AIA's staff and elected leadership.

------------------------------
Ralph Bennett FAIA
Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.
Silver Spring MD
------------------------------