I very much like the letter put forth by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, both its content and tone. It speaks very much to process of design review and issues of size and massing of the proposed addition. A previous correspondent proposed the AIA might work jointly with other stakeholder organizations such as National Trust. I can only see strength in numbers and effectiveness in such alliances, so why not. I also hope any possible discussions do not disolve into classical architecture vs. modern architevcture detours.
Of course this is very politically sensitive and The Donald has expressed his desire to hold events in this ballroom before his term is finished, hence the "accelerated schedule." But this is not unlike how he operated as a developer in New York City. The bulldozer came in, took a whack, brought down part of the East Wing - so far, and raised a cloud of dust no doubt. Did anyone do an environmental mitigation of that older building for asbestos and lead paint? Given the current administration's takedown of the EPA I think not.
As one who has practiced in the historic preservation and adaptive reuse space for many years, I also endorse the introduction of AIA national design awards in these project types. It has been a long time since I last experienced a sense of exhilaration and community with thousands of other people. But that was the experience I felt while my 85 yo body was demonstrating peacefully in my No Kings protest rally last Saturday. The issues of dictating architectural style and ramrodding huge new buildings (let alone The Arc D'Trump) in the historical spaces of our national capitol are huge issues before our community of architects and like-minded allied professionals and stakeholders. I would like to see the AIA take the lead to enhance and make much more exhilarating and visible our sense of professional community.
Thank you all for your interest and attention,
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Edward R. Acker, AIA Member Emeritus
Broomfield CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-22-2025 09:03 AM
From: Brittany Meyer
Subject: AIA Historic Awards and the current destruction of the White House East Wing
Hello:
We see this concern and are working on a response. I'm talking to The Trust for Historic Preservation today about possible joint efforts (they put this out yesterday: https://savingplaces.org/press-center/media-resources/statement-proposed-construction-of-white-house-ballroom) in addition to a possible alert to membership asking them to reach out to members of Congress to ask them to conduct oversight. We have to make sure our response is non-partisan and rooted in established policy / the law or regulations.
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Brittany Meyer
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
Original Message:
Sent: 10-22-2025 04:18 AM
From: Samuel D. Combs
Subject: AIA Historic Awards and the current destruction of the White House East Wing
I would like to keep the discussion going on the AIA Historic Preservation Awards. How many members are willing to sign a petition to request the added category for the National AIA Awards to include Historic Preservation and Adaptive Use of Historic Buildings?
Also, I've seen no comment on the demolition of the East Wing of the White House posted here. I for one think that what the orange menace is doing is a crime and that Congress should have stopped it as soon as they knew about it. I'm afraid the side of the aisle that is in charge currently has bent the knee to this administration. This is destroying our heritage and will result in the addition of a gaudy gold plated mess. We architects should be up in arms about this travesty. Why has the AIA not come out against this destruction?
I for one think that we as the AIA Historic Resources Committee should say something about this in a press release to the national news outlets.
Sam Combs, AIA
Current Member of the Alaska Chapter Historic Resources Committee of the AIA
Past Chairman of the Alaska Chapter Historic Resources Committee of the AIA, 2002-2010
Past Chairman of the Seattle Chapter Historic Resources Committee of the AIA, 1990-1991
Sam Combs, AIA, NCARB, Architect
Combs & Combs, AIA, Architecture, Interiors & Art
7480 Upper O'Malley Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
Office Phone: 907-346-3990
Cell Phone: 907-250-4207
Web Site: www.combsandcombsaia.com
