JUNE 2005 - Scott Stolarczyk, AIA

A thought I have been mulling over that I brought back with me from the AIA National Convention in Las Vegas last month is the importance of having a passion for what we do. There were several speakers I heard that pointed out how passion not only makes for a more enjoyable job, but that this passion translates through our work, and leads to greater inspiration for us and for those that use our buildings and spaces.

This passion too is what allows us as architects to step forward into a leadership role within our communities on issues such as livability, planning, and community identity. Our education and training make us technically qualified to address these issues. But it is our internal drive and enjoyment of what we do that helps to shape the questions and tone of our community's dialogue.

We each create buildings that we hope are appreciated and enjoyed by the users and contribute positively to its neighborhood. And as a group, through AIA/SWO we also have the opportunity to contribute. More and more people are recognizing the importance and benefits of good design in the built environment. We need to create ways for AIA/SWO to contribute to the continued dialogue on the future of our communities and the importance of issues such as growth, sustainability, and quality design within them. So where does your passion lie? What are the values and ideas that are important to you? And how can AIA/SWO help you to bring these ideas to the forefront?

Quickly coming towards us is the sesquicentennial of the AIA. 150 years is quite the milestone and we need to start planning for ways that our Chapter can provide something to our area to promote our values and set the tone for the next 150 years. If you have ideas you would like to see addressed, please let one of our Board members know and we can work together to find an avenue to bring it to our members and the community.

Scott Stolarczyk, AIA