Happy Friday AIA Family,

The loss of our sweet friend Dick Pigford, FAIA reminded me the people we work with become our friends and work family. Dick was a friend and mentor to so many of you. I have received so many calls, text and emails about how Dick inspired and mentored them, kept them in the architectural profession when they were uncertain of their career choice. He reminded them why they chose architecture and the impact an architect can have in a community by engaging in the community – CARING for others.  He quietly led by example.

I met Dick fourteen years ago and worked with him on DreamARCHITECTURE, our kindergarten thru fifth grade art competition to inspire children to think about their built environment and consider architecture as a career option.  The awards ceremony is always held at SawWorks/ArchitectureWorks. Dick LOVED this program and EMCEED it every year.  He always wore a suit, bow-tie, pocket square and a warm smile that put everyone at ease. He would call each child’s name proudly as if they had just won a gold medal.  Some would beam with pride and others would shyly come to the front while he would ask questions and praise them for their creativity.  Not just a few winners, but all thirty to forty winning children, regardless of how long it took. He had a gift of making every person in the room feeling special, like you could do anything.  I wonder how many people a better person for are knowing him. I know I am. I did a very rough calculation of the number of years I know he worked on dreamARCHITECTURE, the number of winning children, attendance at the dreamARCHITECTURE awards ceremony (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, principals….) and came up with 2,100 people I know he made feel special thru EMCEEING dreamARCHITECTURE and left them with a positive impression of an architect.  I wonder how many thousands of people he touched in his 71 years with us. We are so blessed and fortunate to call Dick Pigford, FAIA our friend.

AIA Family – I challenge each of you to show the kindness and caring Dick did thru architecture. He was one of a kind.  Please keep his family and work family in your positive thoughts and prayers.

Peace & AIA Love,

Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham &
Alabama Center for Architecture

Remembering Richard “Dick” Ireland Pigford

May 4, 1947 – March 31, 2019

View the obituary here.

______

Purchase Tickets Here!

RSVP to sarah@aiabham.org by April 12th

Presented by Elijah Davis with Urban Impact, the community economic development agency for the district, this is a discovery session that focuses on the cultural, commercial, and architectural legacy of the Civil Rights District. The session will culminate in a tour of the National Monument District and the Historic 4th Ave. Business District. We will meet at the Ballard House,

April 16th, 2019
11:30-1:00 PM
The Ballard House
1420 7th Ave North

Schedule: 
Presentation – 11:30-12:00 PM
Walking Tour-12:00-1:00 PM

The Ballard House Project, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization, is working to restore and re-program The Ballard House, one of the few surviving live-work structures, which was designed and built by African-American contractor Leroy Gaillard for Dr. Edward H. Ballard and his family in 1940.

The building is designated by the Jefferson County Historical Society as an historic structure. Situated at 1420 7th Avenue, North, the cultural space is located within the Birmingham Civil Rights District.  The facility is also listed on the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure within the Birmingham Civil Rights Historic District.

A walking tour will follow the presentation. The route will consist of stops at the churches, park, motel, and three points along 4th Av. Only a few blocks.

We have permission to park in the 16th Street Baptist Church parking lot between 16th Street Baptist Church and St. Paul Church. The entrance is on 6th Avenue, North. This is right across the street from the BCRI. Street Parking is also available.

Sponsors, it’s time to Renew for 2019!

Click here to renew online! 

Check out the 2019 sponsorship brochure here.

Powerpoints due: April 11th

Jury: April 23rd in Austin, TX ______

The Structural Engineers Association of Alabama
cordially invites you to

Register Here!!

Erleen Hatfield, PE, AIA, LEED AP, has over 25 years of experience in the structural design of a wide range of complex projects including sports facilities, high-rise, cultural and academic buildings. She recently founded Hatfield Group a structural engineering firm based in New York. As former partner of Buro Happold, a global multi-disciplinary engineering consulting firm and past principal at Thornton Tomasetti, she has a broad range of experience in the engineering industry.

Presentation:This presentation will share insights into the design approach of large scale, long span structures. A discussion of long span design, new materials and the implementation of new technology will be shared from the initial concept phase through construction. Stadium designs will be featured, including the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, that has a host of engineering innovations in its pioneering design. The 72,000 seat stadium features a 723′ long span steel retractable roof with 8 moving petals that open like a camera lens. The roof supports at the center of its span a 360-degree LED video “halo” scoreboard, the largest in sports. The geometrically complex facade is clad in single skin ETFE, a light weight and translucent material. In addition, the building is the first LEED Platinum stadium.

This presentation is extremely pertinent, given we have broken ground on the new $175 million stadium project at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex!! Read more about the new stadium here.

AIA Alabama State Convention

View the itinerary here! Click here to register!

Wow, what an educational and eye-opening Chapter Meeting we had with Greg Carden of Homeland Security! Greg Carden, Protective Security Advisor Homeland Security, shared what homeland security looks for when they enter a building. He discussed case studies & what went wrong and how the design could have made a difference in the safety of the public. We would like to thank Greg for taking the time out of his day to present for us, as well as everyone who attended, including the Mountain Brook Police and Fire Department!

“The March Chapter meeting presentation on “What Homeland Security Wishes Architects Knew” by Greg Carden was very informative and thought provoking.  As architects, we have so many things to consider in design, and often security design can be reduced to our own understanding, a client’s experience and standard code considerations.  It was interesting to learn about all of the many factors that can and should be considered in security design and how those differ depending on your client, project type and site.  As a healthcare architect, I left the meeting considering how the tools presented to us could be utilized in our projects to further protect patients, families, and healthcare staff.  In fact, it would probably be beneficial to have a similar presentation be made to our clients related to their specific needs and concerns. Thanks to Greg Carden for taking the time to share his knowledge with Birmingham’s architects!”

Alicia Pughsley, AIA
Birchfield Penuel & Associates

“The Homeland Security presentation was very informative. The presentation introduced different creative design approaches that can be incorporated in the initial design phase of new buildings or retrofitted into existing buildings in lieu of using costly ballistic materials which in some cases can be extreme or excessive fortification for the general public.  The presentation also has made me more cognizant of the different levels of security as it relates to building design such as creating secured buffer areas at entrance lobbies, reducing fenestrations at the ground floor levels and having exit only doors in inconspicuous areas at the exterior perimeter of buildings.  I will definitely be considering implementing some of these conceptual ideas in all of my future school, aviation and municipal projects.”

Clay Dorsey, AIA
Dorsey Architects & Associates Inc

“I enjoyed the presentation by Greg Carden with Homeland Security. Since building security has become such an important and oftentimes critical consideration in building design, I appreciated Greg’s insight into balancing building aesthetics with occupant security and life safety. It was interesting to learn about the different types of potential hazards and threats for building occupants. I thought Greg’s advice to incorporate building security during the design phase and not afterwards was good. His comments about the potential dangers of having open classrooms were also thought provoking. I was reminded of just how much architects have to consider when designing a building.”

Ross McCain, AIA, 2019 Past President
KPS Group

Women in Architecture Spring Mixer Recap

We had so many powerful and inspirational women in our gallery on March 19th! Thank you to everyone who attended our WIA Spring Mixer. Laughs were had, plus delicious snacks and libations, and a phenomenal tour of Studio Goodlight by CCR Architects! Studio Goodlight has succeeded in the AIA Design Awards, winning at Gulf State Regional, AIA Alabama, & AIA B’ham Design Awards! Thank you to Tammy Cohen and Leisa Cole for organizing a tour of the Studio.

Click here for the photos!

Emerging Professionals

Let’s kick off National Architecture Week at a site visit with Williams Blackstock Architects! (Pending HSW)

• April 22nd, 4:30-5:30 PM
• Lee Building
• 1620 4th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Parking: Street Parking on 3rd Ave S. or 4th Ave S.
• Meeting Location: At site location, the corner of 4th Ave S. & 17th St. South)
• Required PPE: Hard hats & closed toed shoes (we will have a few extra)

RSVP to sarah@aiabham.org if you would like to attend. ______

Site Visit to the Zoo with Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Recap!

We had a splendid time touring the new Birmingham Zoo entrance with Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Aquatic Gardens! Thank you to everyone who braved the potential bad weather for this lovely tour & a special thanks to GMC for organizing this for us.

Click here for the photos! ______

Purchase raffle tickets here!

RSVP to sarah@aiabham.org ______

2019 Building with Bricks Recap!

WOW – what an incredible turnout we had for the 2019 Building with Bricks Exhibit! Our exhibit featured local projects from our amazing firm members, a private collection of incredible architectural wonders made of LEGO®, architectural models, and a design & build room for kids! This year, we added a scavenger hunt for all the project boards, ending with lots of oooooos and ahhhhhs over your project boards! Thank you to all who participated – we could not have done it without you!

Scavenger Hunt

Participating Firms: Adams Gerndt, ArchitectureWorks, ArcSpace Studio, CCR, Chambless King, Christopher Architects, Creature, Dorsey Architects, GMC, Gresham Smith, Herrington Architects, KPS Group, Matheny Goldmon, Studio C Architecture, Thompson Architecture, TRO Jung Brannen, & Williams Blackstock.

View the photos here!

Save US Architects!!!

The expectations we put on architects each year is overwhelming. We expect you to save the environment, keep us healthy, quality of life and keep us safe- thru DESIGN, but the public still struggles with the VALUE an architect brings to the table. Maybe, just maybe with SAFE design being in the forefront, there will be a NEW awareness and appreciation for architects.

We are in the beginning phases of a five-year strategic plan and we will be asking you for your input. Part of this strategic plan is our chapter meeting topics and education.  We have been having conversations with Birmingham Regional Planning Commission, Jefferson County Health Dept. and UAB. They (and others) have researched and gathered data on health issues, food deserts, poverty, and so many other challenging issues in our area, but there are no solutions to date. How can architects help? How can AIA make an impact in our community?

AIA BHM is committed to making a difference.

Peace & AIA Love,
Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham &
Alabama Center for Architecture

Greg Carden, Protective Security Advisor Homeland Security will share what homeland security looks for when they enter a building.  He will discuss case studies and what went wrong and how the design could have made a difference.  Building design plays a direct role in how law enforcement responds to an incident.  Find out more March 19^th at the Jewish Community Center.

RSVP to sarah@aiabham.org by March 15th
Purchase tickets here!

Click here for more information! ______

Sponsors, it’s time to Renew for 2019!  Click here to renew online! 

Wow, what a great year we had! Just a reminder that all chapter sponsorships expired at the end of December!

Check out the 2019 sponsorship brochure here.

AIA Birmingham Design Awards Call for Entries 2019

Click here to fill out your entry forms ONLINE!

Click here to pay your entry fees!

February Chapter Meeting Recap!

Women in Architecture

RSVP to sarah@aiabham.org

Emerging Professionals

Purchase tickets here!

Michael Riscica AIA is a Licensed Architect, keynote speaker, internationally recognized blogger, and creator of Young Architect.com an online-based platform which helps Architects succeed passing tests for licensure and beyond.

An unexpected poster child for success with entrepreneurship and exams, Michael struggled with school and was a special ed student in his early academic years. In high school, he couldn’t pass a standardized test in writing essays.

Ironically, now he writes about a standardized test for the Architecture Community.

Michael discovered Architecture through Architectural Drafting, working with an interior design company, which ultimately led him to pursuing a career in Architecture. Like many Architects, Michael loved architecture school but felt blindsided by the real-world challenges that happened after: namely achieving financial stability in an unsteady and unpredictable job market and navigating the challenging process of becoming a Licensed Architect.

Determined to succeed in spite of an extremely rigorous testing process and a learning disability, Michael invested 4+ years in finding a way to pass the exams. What shocked him most was that upon his success, he realized that thousands of friends and colleagues who had declared their desire to become licensed never did– because they did not understand the process, or have the guidance and support system, to complete the Architect Registration Exam.

Fueled by his own experiences of success and struggle, Michael now helps Emerging Professionals pass exams and be financially resilient Entrepreneur Architects through blogging at YoungArchitect.com, speaking tours, teaching workshops and leading in-person study groups.

Motivated by his students’ success and his drive to create a better future for the next generation of architects, you can find Michael writing, speaking, teaching, consulting, or volunteering for the greater architecture community, locally and beyond.

RSVP to Sarah@AIABham.org

Site Visit to the Zoo with Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood!

March 14th
4:00 PM
2630 Cahaba Road
RSVP to sarah@aiabham.org

Building with Bricks > LEGO!!!

Check out the cool architectural models we have for the LEGO Exhibit!  Thank you, Gresham Smith and Adams Gerndt, for the models (and project boards). Everyone (architects too) have fun checking these out.  It is not too late for you to exhibit at the LEGO exhibit. And I must thank the other firms for their BEAUTIFUL project boards: ArchitectureWorks, CCR Architecture & Interiors, Chambless King Architects, Christopher Architects & Interiors, Creature, Dorsey Architects, Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, Gresham Smith, Herrington Architects, Krumdieck A + I, KPS Group, Matheny Goldman, Robert Thompson Architecture, Studio C Architecture & Interiors, Williams Blackstock Architects, and TRO Jung|Brannen. There is still time for your firm to exhibit.

March 12th – 30th, 2019
109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd South
Free to the Public // Open Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM Saturdays – 23rd & 30th, 10 AM – 3 PM

We are hosting our Annual LEGO Design Build exhibit this month. The purpose of this exhibit is to educate adults & children on the importance of architecture in a fun and engaging way. We have boards that explain what an architect does and the design process, architectural models, Lego architecture, and 20 pounds of LEGOS for the kids to design and build in the conference room. The ACFA gallery will have architecture projects for the parents to check out while the kids are learning about architecture and building it with LEGOs in the conference room.

If you are interested in helping with this exhibit, or you would like to exhibit your firm’s projects, email aiabirm@aiabham.org or fill out this form here to enter a board or model!

Click here to volunteer for the Spring Break lunch time (March 25th-29th) or Saturdays (23rd & 30th).

You guys are the BEST!!! We asked you to donate art supplies for two schools and you did. Dick Pigford and I had the pleasure of delivering them to the kids.  They were all so excited, except for one little girl who was disappointed she did not get to take them home with her. Both teachers were very appreciative, and our timing was spot on since their art supply money was spent for the year. The kids are starting on their dreamSCHOOL project this week. It will be fun to see what their imaginations come up with, we will share with all of you since the kids are the reason you design schools.  They may have design solutions  for your next school project.

Our Young Professionals Group also raised money for art supplies for schools. Hector Orozco and Janine Mwenja, Assoc. AIA delivered art supplies to Wylam K-8 School & Smith Middle School on February 1st!

All of you make me so proud. Let’s keep up this giving mind set all year long and keep making a positive difference one design at a time.

Peace & AIA Love,

Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham &
Alabama Center for Architecture

______Sponsors, it’s time to Renew for 2019!  Click here to renew online! 

Wow, what a great year we’ve had! Just a reminder that all chapter sponsorships expired at the end of December!

Check out the 2019 sponsorship brochure here.

THANK YOU to all the sponsors who paid their 2019 sponsorships in January!

AIA Birmingham Design Awards Call for Entries 2019

Click here to fill out your entry forms ONLINE!

Click here to pay your entry fees!

______

February Chapter Meeting: Wood Design Symposium

January Chapter Meeting Recap > Designing with Wood Seminar 

We had a FABULOUS chapter meeting to kick off the year: Resiliency in Construction. Alabama Concrete Industries Association brought in our rock star presenters. Dr. David Roueche, Auburn University shared his research findings on concrete structures that survived hurricanes. Preliminary damage trends were presented to highlight key performance factors such as the age of construction, retrofits and local terrain. Concrete definitely out performed the other structures on the coast. Tien Peng – National Ready Mixed Concrete Association gave great case studies of fires in structures and how concrete gives people more time to escape a burning building, saving lives. John Cicciarelli – Oldcastle Architectural presented the safety and durability of concrete.

THANK YOU to our lecture sponsor Alabama Concrete Industries Association, we could not have hosted these interesting speakers without you.

 ______

Emerging Professionals

Career Center
Jobseekers – we have LOTS of jobs listed on the website! Don’t miss AIA Birmingham’s Career Page for the latest local opportunities.

Check out the AIA Career Center for all the hottest jobs and access to the Career Learning Center, which encourages an integrative career and professional development process that enhances your skill set.

FIRMS– post your jobs on the AIA Birmingham website! FREE for local member firms. Email Rhea or Kathryn for more details.

Building with Bricks > LEGO!!!

The LEGO exhibit was a huge success last year. More than 200 people attended the exhibit and built cool structures with LEGOs, oooed and ahhhed over your project boards on exhibit. It was fun to see so many non- architects in the gallery admiring your work. We would love to add architectural models to the exhibit. People LOVE to see models and the kids would think they are so cool too.

If you missed this event last year; the conference room turns into a LEGO design build room for kids (and adults). The gallery space exhibit has LEGO buildings and DESIGN AWARD project boards.

We need your project boards ($100 for each project board, $50 for a model). This is an opportunity to market your projects to a captive audience (literally). This is another great opportunity for us to educate the public about the VALUE of hiring an architect. If you are interested in helping with this exhibit, or you would like to exhibit your firm’s projects email aiabirm@aiabham.org or fill out this form here to enter a board or model!

Click here to see the photos from last year’s LEGO Event!

The Alabama Center for Architecture hosted the Fourth Annual Posters, Pints & Pies Exhibit opening reception on Thursday, January 31st. This years exhibit included more than 50 music posters from private collections. A BIG THANK YOU to The Beveled Edge for sponsoring this event – they still have some posters for sale as part of the exhibit! Our delicious pizza was provided by Dave’s Pizza and beer/wine was provided by Diplomat Deli & Cahaba Brewery. A special thanks to Mom’s Basement, Live & Listen, & Diplomat Deli for donating raffle prizes! The exhibit will be up in the ACFA through February 28th. Hours are Tues-Th 10-3 and F 10-3.

This year we added live music with the YOUNG and very talented AndBlack. These kids are 15 and 16 years old playing old school music. We will all be paying big money to see these kids play one day. We can say we knew them when…..

As part of every exhibit, we promote architecture.  The design wall is always a part of the annual poster show. The design wall is your design awards project boards and everyone loves to look at your creative inspiring projects each year. Hope to see you in 2020 for our Five Year Anniversary! Yes, five years, time flies when you are having a “Good Time.”

P.S. Props to Lance Black, architect and dad to one of the musicians in the band.

Click here to view photos!

2019 dreamARCHITECTURE Teacher Workshop!

Charles Williams II presented Designing Schools 101 to 13 teachers representing 13 different schools. This was the most interactive teacher workshop we have had to date. Charles did a great job explaining why certain things get cut from the design, who is making those decisions, why there are only a certain number of bathrooms and why they can’t have margarita machines in the teacher lounge. We all agree they need one!  One request Charles heard several times from the art teachers, we need an adult sink and more rest rooms. It is hard to get 50 students in and out of the restrooms in a timely manner, much less orderly. Teachers were asked to leave their design suggestions at the end of the workshop.  Check out what teachers suggest here!

Click here for more information on this amazing program or to learn how to become a sponsor!

2019 President’s Letter

Looking back on 2018, I am struck by the breadth of what our 350-member chapter continues to accomplish each year: continuing education, exhibitions, lectures, building tours, government outreach, design awards, intern development, disaster relief, (and parties) to name a few. I am proud that AIA Birmingham’s offerings rival those found in much larger cities and that our membership has the diversity, critical mass and vitality to make a difference

Last year, the AIA launched Blueprint for Better, a national campaign to raise the public’s awareness of what architects do to make our communities better – more engaging, safe, and resilient. At its core, the blueprint calls for architects to strengthen relationships with their cities, towns, and communities. It’s gratifying to know that AIA Birmingham has already spent years developing robust community connections that have become stronger and more extensive each year. Expanding our public influence requires us to fully utilize the talents of everyone within the profession and to inspire upcoming generations to become architects. Our chapter is addressing this need.

One of the chapter’s newer and most active committees, Women in Architecture, focuses on the accomplishments and challenges of women in the profession: one of 2018’s highlights was the Women in Architecture exhibit and reception. Other members are currently sharing their experiences and resources to help architects licensed in other countries obtain registration in our state. The Emerging Professionals committee provides ARE support and other programming for interns in a social venue. Through our affiliation with the Alabama Center for Architecture, our members support outreach programs for elementary and high school children as well as college scholarships.

All of this would not be possible without your membership, the dozens of architects volunteering their time, our enterprising executive director, and her staff. Thanks to everyone for their efforts!

We are a service organization and are always looking for ways to add value to your membership – we encourage your feedback and suggestions.

I hope to see you in 2019: you can look forward to events that have become AIA Birmingham traditions as well as some surprises. In the meantime, check out our rapidly growing social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I look forward to another year of fellowship, learning and service as President of this chapter.

Sincerely,

Richard F. Simonton, AIA [h

Renew your 2019 AIA membership!

AIA Birmingham strives to provide the best possible experience for our members. As we look forward to 2019, we will continue to advocate for our profession and promote the value of architecture in the community.

With more than 350 members in our chapter, AIA Birmingham provides a great opportunity to develop contacts and advance the profession through continuing education and industry specific training.

Click here for a list of all the meetings we hosted last year!

We are stronger together, and AIA values your partnership. We hope you will join us again as a member of the AIA.

Five ways to renew today — Learn more at aia.org/renew.

1. Online by electronic check
2. Online by credit/debit card
3. By phone
   Call (800) 242 3837, option 2 (within the U.S.) or 1+(202) 626 7300, option 2 (outside the U.S.)
4. By mail
   Return your 2019 renewal invoice with payment to:
   The American Institute of Architects
   P.O. Box 64185
   Baltimore, MD 21264-4185
5. Dues installment program
   Pay your dues in up to six monthly installments with our Dues Installment Program. Enrollment begins October 1, 2018 and is available through April 30, 2019. Learn more >  ______

Sponsors, it’s time to Renew for 2019!

What a great year we had! Just a reminder that all chapter sponsorships expired at the end of December- Check out the 2019 Sponsorship Brochure here!

THANK YOU to all the sponsors who paid their 2019 sponsorships in November & December!

If you renew your sponsorship and pay by January 15th, we will give you $100 off your sponsorship (platinum, gold and silver levels only)! See the brochure or contact Rhea or Sarah with questions.

______

JANUARY SEMINAR – Resiliency in Construction – Up to 3 HSWs!

KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION – get 3 HSW’s at the first of the year!

Join us for our first Chapter Meeting of the year: Resiliency in Construction. We’re pairing up with the Alabama Concrete Industries Association to bring you some amazing speakers, so don’t miss out on this one! Reserve your spot by registering online or RSVP to me by end of day!

Pre-Payment for this seminar is required. You can purchase your ticket online here, https://squareup.com/store/aia-birmingham, or send a check to the address below. I can also take a CC over the phone. Thanks, and we hope to see you on Tuesday!

2018 Holiday Party

Way back on December 6th, we had our annual holiday party! Special thanks to our party sponsor, Spire, and Cahaba Brewery for the libations!

View photos from the party here!  ______

Save the Date for our February Chapter Meeting!

February 28th, 2019
Click here for more information!______
Career Center

Jobseekers – we have LOTS of jobs listed on the website! Don’t miss AIA Birmingham’s Career Page for the latest local opportunities.

Check out the AIA Career Center for all the hottest jobs and access to the Career Learning Center, which encourages an integrative career and professional development process that enhances your skill set.

FIRMS– post your jobs on the AIA Birmingham website! FREE for local member firms. Email Rhea or Sarah for more details.

4th Annual Posters, Pints & Pies – Opening Reception! 

Thursday, January 31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Alabama Center for Architecture, 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South
$10 cash donation at the door

The Alabama Center for Architecture is hosting its fourth annual Posters, Pints and Pies, an art exhibit of private collection music show posters, with an opening reception on Thurs. January 31st from 7-9 pm. Hand-selected by local music-lovers, these show posters are curated from private collections and include Grateful Dead, Phish, Widespread Panic, Drive-By Truckers, Ben Harper, MOE, BB King, Galactic, Jefferson Airplane, The Black Keys, Warren Haynes, Gov’t Mule, Bob Dylan, Lumineers, Keller Williams and so many more. Live music by AndBlack, these two kids will blow you away with their Grateful Dead  and Allman Brothers jam session and they might throw in a little bluegrass too. We’ll also be raffling off some marvelous prizes, so this opening is not one to miss!

The exhibit will be open to the public Tuesday-Friday from 10-3 until February 28th.

$10 cash donation at the door, which benefits educational programs for the Alabama Center for Architecture, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.

Thanks to The Beveled Edge, Dave’s Pizza, Diplomat Deli, & Cahaba Brewery for sponsoring this event!

Interested in submitting a poster for the exhibit? Fill out this form by January 15th! ______

2019 Building with Bricks Exhibit!

The LEGO exhibit was a huge success last year. More than 200 people attended the exhibit and built cool structures with LEGOs, oooed and ahhhed over your project boards on exhibit. It was fun to see so many non- architects in the gallery admiring your work. We would love to add architectural models to the exhibit. People LOVE to see models and the kids would think they are so cool too.

If you missed this event last year; the conference room turns into a LEGO design build room for kids (and adults). The gallery space exhibit has LEGO buildings and DESIGN AWARD project boards.

We need your project boards ($100 for each project board, $50 for a model). This is an opportunity to market your projects to a captive audience (literally). This is another great opportunity for us to educate the public about the VALUE of hiring an architect. If you are interested in helping with this exhibit, or you would like to exhibit your firm’s projects email aiabirm@aiabham.org. Stay tuned for more info!

Click here to see the photos from last year’s LEGO Event!

BRICK FAIR (LEGO conference) is January 19th & 20th at the BJCC!  Click here for more info: https://www.brickfair.com/

Happy Thankful Month,

It was so good to see most of you at the Thank You Members and Sponsors luncheon.  I would like to thank each of you for your AIA membership and your valuable time.  Many of you volunteer and serve on committees in addition to paying your AIA dues.  All of you give to the profession in so many ways (other than AIA), serving on boards, committees, non-profits, zoning boards, design review and save time for your personal life. Whew!!!!  Be sure to take time to take a few deep breaths for yourself.  This is the burn out time of the year, try to take a minute for YOU. It can be as simple as walking outside at lunch, coffee without your phone, whatever is your happy place – make a point to visit that place. Find your zen before the holidays hit you, things will get really CRAZY.

Thank you for making a difference and caring.
Peace & AIA Love,
Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham
Alabama Center for Architecture

We would like to give a warm welcome to new Silver Sponsor
Brown Sales Associates, LLC!
Click here to learn about the company.

Thank you to our 2018 AIA Birmingham Chapter Sponsors!
A full list of sponsors is listed on the right column of this page.
Check out the 2018 sponsorship brochure here.
______

RSVP to Jessica@karmamanagementinc.com by November 9th
Purchase tickets at https://squareup.com/store/aia-birmingham  
______

Purchase Tickets Here: https://squareup.com/store/aia-birmingham
RSVP to sarah@aiabham.org by November 13th
If you cancel less than 24 hours before or do not show up to the meeting without notice, you will be billed the cost of the meeting. ______

2018 AIA Holiday Party

RSVP to jessica@karmamanagementinc.com by December 3rd ______

We had a spooktacular time for this year’s AIA Birmingham EP Liquor Treat!
We saw some incredible costumes, wandered spooky offices, and drank some delicious witch’s brew and lagoon juice! Thanks to all our amazing firms who participated this year: Williams Blackstock Architects, Creature, Rob Walker Architects, Davis Architects, and Cohen Carnaggio Reynolds! We couldn’t have done it without you! 👻🎃☠️

View the photos here!