Small Firm Exchange

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Although I agree that politicians aren't going to be inspiring to us Architects....what we really need is to be noticed and recognized
as being necessary----so if it takes a former president and spouse of potential candidate to get the press's attention to an AIA Convention, then I say it's probably a good thing.  I've been bitching and moaning for decades about the dues we pay and how little we get for them.  What it should go to is informing the public as to what we really do and how necessary we are and how difficult it is to do what we do so that they appreciate our skills and knowledge and are willing to pay for them.  



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Gina Moffitt AIA
Kiyohara & Moffitt
Los Angeles CA
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Personally, I'd rather hear a non-architect talk about the role architects can play in the society we serve then listen to "starchitects" talk about their work.  With the exception of Calatrava, they are generally boring and uninspiring.  Does it have to be a politician?  Certainly not.  In Illinois, one of the best speakers we have had was Chad Pregracke , who, as an individual, started cleaning up the Mississippi River.  It was a powerful lesson in the power of what one person can accomplish.  In fact, he was rewarded as the 2013 CNN Person of the Year.  

BTW, those who believe that any keynote speakers' fees come from member dues, they are mistaken.  The convention is an entity in itself and, in fact, is one of the larger revenue sources for the Institute.

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Walter Hainsfurther FAIA
Kurtz Associates Architects
Des Plaines IL
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I agree that a politician speaking at the convention may not be inspiring - but a good/great speaker would be ... Heard David McCullough at DC convention and was totally inspired - I still recall his talk now several years later as one of highlights of convention. I think that if (big "if" to some) you can put the polarizing effect of the Clinton name aside, his speech could be a real highlight of the convention.

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Carl Dress AIA
Principal
Heritage Design Collaborative
Media PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 2/16/2015 5:32:08 PM
From: whainsfurther@kurtzarch.com
Subject: RE: Clinton As Keynote Speaker

Personally, I'd rather hear a non-architect talk about the role architects can play in the society we serve then listen to "starchitects" talk about their work.  With the exception of Calatrava, they are generally boring and uninspiring.  Does it have to be a politician?  Certainly not.  In Illinois, one of the best speakers we have had was Chad Pregracke , who, as an individual, started cleaning up the Mississippi River.  It was a powerful lesson in the power of what one person can accomplish.  In fact, he was rewarded as the 2013 CNN Person of the Year.   BTW, those who believe that any keynote speakers' fees come from member dues, they are mistaken.  The convention is an entity in itself and, in fact, is one of the larger revenue sources for the Institute. ------------------------------------------- Walter Hainsfurther FAIA Kurtz Associates Architects Des Plaines IL -------------------------------------------

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Brian Frickie AIA
Kerns Group Architects, P.C.
Falls Church VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2015 10:49
From: Carl Dress
Subject: Clinton As Keynote Speaker

I agree that a politician speaking at the convention may not be inspiring - but a good/great speaker would be ... Heard David McCullough at DC convention and was totally inspired - I still recall his talk now several years later as one of highlights of convention. I think that if (big "if" to some) you can put the polarizing effect of the Clinton name aside, his speech could be a real highlight of the convention.

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Carl Dress AIA
Principal
Heritage Design Collaborative
Media PA
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I don't see how the press' attention on Bill Clinton at an AIA event would do anything to advance the necessity for architects among the general public. A majority of my actual and potential clients either ignore Clinton or doubt the qualifications of anyone who listens to Clinton.

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Sean Catherall AIA
Senior Project Manager
DAVE ROBINSON ARCHITECTS
Salt Lake City UT
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The attendees and  exhibitors pay for the convention keynote speakers, not membership dues.

After hearing Al Goer, and Colin Powell I can't wait to hear Bill Clinton.  The keynote speakers are one of the highlights of  the convention.  Neither of the  two I  listed made political speeches.  Goer spoke about the environment, and Powell spoke about his professional  life.  I  benefited from both.

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Jeffrey Rosenblum FAIA
Rosenblum Coe Architects, Inc.
Charleston SC
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Very few people believe there's any such thing as a non-political Al Gore speech about the environment. The AIA leadership is out of touch.

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Sean Catherall AIA
Senior Project Manager
DAVE ROBINSON ARCHITECTS
Salt Lake City UT
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2015 09:16
From: Jeffrey Rosenblum
Subject: Clinton As Keynote Speaker

The attendees and  exhibitors pay for the convention keynote speakers, not membership dues.

After hearing Al Goer, and Colin Powell I can't wait to hear Bill Clinton.  The keynote speakers are one of the highlights of  the convention.  Neither of the  two I  listed made political speeches.  Goer spoke about the environment, and Powell spoke about his professional  life.  I  benefited from both.

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Jeffrey Rosenblum FAIA
Rosenblum Coe Architects, Inc.
Charleston SC
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