Feature Article

Day in a Wheelchair
by Alex Knesnik, AIA, LEED AP

The Editor of YAF Connection spent a day in a wheelchair for charity. He learned a few things and shares his humbling experiences with you.

Leadership

Wyatt Frantom, AIA

Leadership Profile: Wyatt Frantom, AIA

For Wyatt Frantom, practice is a laptop-enabled, remote-connected, caffeine-induced, travel-worn multi-disciplinary design struggle to outpace the frenetic speed of today’s global development. And somewhere in the midst of that perpetually peripatetic state, Wyatt was forced to question his role as an architect. What he realized was that he was in search of a profession that may no longer exist.

YAF Call for Nominations
Deadlines: September 26, 2008 for the YAF Advisory Committee

Looking to be involved with YAF at the regional or national levels? The YAF needs you! Click here for information on position openings and how to apply.

Mentorship

FellowTalk

Got problems? Send us a description of your dilemma and we’ll solicit advice from our “Dear Abby” Fellows. Send your questions to yaf@aia.org.  

Articles of Interest

Design Perpendicularities
by Mike Mense, FAIA

The Committee on Design (COD) of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) met in Detroit, Michigan, April 3-6, 2008, at a conference entitled Design Parallels. Our goal was to illuminate our own design process by studying the methods of automobile designers.
Design is the imagining and facilitation of the creation of a new object or idea. One might expect, then, that automobile designers and architectural designers engage in similar activities. In fact, the process of automobile design described to us in Detroit bears very little resemblance to what we currently respect as architectural design.

The Future…Without Licensed Architects?
by Carolyn Sponza, AIA
Previously published in the Spring 2008 Edition of the NAC Forward

Are fewer young architects seeking professional licensure in the United States today than twenty years ago? There is a perception within the profession that the answer is a resounding ‘yes’, however according to newly licensed architect Carolyn Sponza, AIA recent statistics indicate that the numbers are actually increasing.

Book Reviews

Book Reviewers Wanted!
Did you know that our book reviews are some of the most read articles in every issue? Now is your chance to join the fun. Individuals interested in reviewing books for publication in this newsletter are needed for the upcoming year. Reviews will address such topics as theory, sustainability, urban and master planning, property development, and professional growth, as well as architecture monographs. Each issue of the Connection will feature up to three book reviews written by emerging professionals. Volunteers get to make their selection from a wide variety of titles and keep the book as a thank-you from the YAF for submitting their review. If you are interested in participating, contact yaf@aia.org  

Designerly Ways of Knowing
by Nigel Cross
Review by Paul Cline, AIA

As Director of Design Studies at The Open University, Nigel Cross, PhD teaches and studies the workings of the design process, including industrial design and architecture. Designerly Ways of Knowing presents an updated collection of Cross' essays analyzing design behavior. Each essay argues the value of design by providing insight into the inner workings of the design process.

Women in Green, Voices of Sustainable Design
by Kira Gould & Lance Hosey
Review by Kristen Fritsch, Assoc. AIA, LEED A.P.

The amazing list of women who have written books, held leadership positions, and been key movers and shakers in the sustainable design effort are gathered together in this book to offer their opinions and observations.

XS: Small Structures, Green Architecture
by Phyllis Richardson
Review by Deanna Nafzger, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

XS: Small Structures, Green Architecture the follow up to Phyllis Richardson’s best selling book XS: Big Ideas, Small Buildings published in 2001. A landmark book in the design community, Big Ideas, Small Buildings brought unique, arguably “green,” projects to the forefront of discussions around the world. As the title Small Structures, Green Architecture suggests, the second volume of XS focuses its attention on sustainable projects around the world.

Announcements

IDP Mentor Training Webinar
Thursday, September 11

The Society for Design Administration (SDA) and the AIA present IDP Mentor Training via Webinar on September 11 from 2-3:30pm EST. Buy one “seat” and invite an unlimited number of people to watch. The fee is $125 for AIA Members/Chapters and $155 for Nonmembers. To purchase a seat, visit SDA’s Web site.

“IDP Mentor Training” teaches individuals the essentials of being an IDP mentor. Attendees will learn about the expectations of IDP mentors, how to stay connected with an intern from another state, the best models for mentoring relationships and more. Everyone who is either currently a mentor or who is planning on becoming one should take this workshop. Interns should also attend the program to learn what to expect from their IDP mentor and what is expected from them in a mentoring relationship.

If you have any questions about the program content and speaker, please contact idp@aia.org. If you have questions about the webinar process, please contact SDA at admin@sdadmin.org.  


Call for Interviews: The 150 at 150 Project

Members of the Young Architects Forum (YAF) are interviewing Fellows for the AIA 150 at 150 Project. The YAF launched the 150 Project early this year, which interviews 150 Fellows on podcasts available on AIA Podnet, Soloso and iTunes. Coinciding with YAF’s fifteenth anniversary and AIA’s 150th anniversary, the Project came out of a brainstorming session by members of the YAF who recognized that their key issue is mentorship. If you are interested in participating please email Camilo Parra at cparra@parradesigngroup.com. To find out more about the 150 at 150 project, read Camilo Parra's article from the February issue of Connection.

AIA’s Premier Knowledge Resource is Here!

Soloso.aia.org is ready for you to sign in and use daily. Soloso.aia.org connects you to the most current and emerging information on architecture that can serve your practice and career. Through Soloso, you’re linked to a continuous flow of information that gives you insight on important trends, solutions, products, and strategies related to architecture. Sign in to Soloso.aia.org to experience this new online resource from AIA.

Share your thoughts!
On the new AIA Archiblog at http://blog.aia.org/yaf/. Current postings include the sharing of crazy work stories, a debate over architects in the movies, and a discussion of work/life balance. Other topics are definitely invited! Join the discussion.

Know Someone Who’s Not Getting The Connection?

Don’t let them be out of the loop any longer. It’s easy for AIA members to sign up:

1. Go to www.aia.org  
2. Click on the “for members” tab at the upper left of the page.
3. Log in
4. Click on the “Member Services” link on the left scroll bar (this is the same link you follow to find your continuing education transcript)
5. Click on “Update Member Profile”
6. Click on “Add/Modify Knowledge Communities”
7. Select “Young Architects Forum” (last line of the checklist)

The YAF Connection is e-mailed to AIA members six times a year - definitely a benefit of membership!

Call for articles

Do you have an interesting program or idea of interest to young architects that you would like to see featured in The Connection? Contact LaTonya Whitfield-Horhn, AIA, 2008 YAF Communications Advisor at yaf@aia.org.