The Kansas Historic Preservation Conference 2024 in Newton, Kansas brought together preservationists to learn how to protect historic buildings and sites for future generations. There are more federal funds available now than ever before to help those working to preserve historic buildings. Several AIA Kansas members find this conference valuable. The video below shares a glimpse of the conference.
AIA Kansas Represents well at Leadership Summit 2024!
Call for action as "Citizen Architects" Check out the video recap >
AIA Leadership Summit 2024 in Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, February 27
The first day of the conference started with the Opening General Session to discuss Hill Day for component members from across the nation. This program included a panel from AIA national outlining our key legislative focus for 2024. Our primary focus consists of continued work for the Democracy in Design Act, Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, and the Fee Limit for Federal Contracts. We share the voice of over 96,000 design professionals of our organization. Architects are partners in progress and through events such as the Leadership Summit and Federal, State and Local advocacy, we can thru bipartisan bills, affect change in our communities. We broke out into sessions with more in-depth discussion for Capitol Hill and to plan our “ask” for Hill Day.
Wednesday, February 28
The day on Capitol Hill – the second day was filled with action, we took to the hill and each state met with senate and house representatives to discuss the legislative agenda. Our delegation met with staff from the following offices: Rep. Ron Estes , Rep. Jake LaTurner, Sen. Roger Marshall, Sen. Jerry Moran, Rep. Tracey Mann. Each meeting was an opportunity to relay the AIA message of maintaining a style-neutral position for government architecture through the Democracy in Design Act and the importance following the lead of the DOD regarding an increase to the cap of fees for federal projects from 6% to 10%. The events of the day were concluded with a Lobby Day Reception with fellow members of AIA for a chance to debrief with each other, comparing notes about our discussions on Capitol Hill.
Thursday, February 29
This morning’s sessions started with a focus on speeches from candidates running for AIA national positions. Immediately following, we heard from the current AIA National leadership discussing the importance of our work on the hill and the need to keep showing up for our communities. Bringing awareness to the issues we see local, state and nationally and the importance of personalizing the talking point of the legislative agenda.
“The role of a leader is to secure the future,” words from Kimberly N. Dowdell resonated with the audience and carried into breakout sessions. AIAS representatives provided a panel discussion on the importance of what AIA can offer AIAS. Hearing from students that they want exposure to the career world, the need for transparency and communication between organizations, and opportunities for mentorship and programs that bridge the gap between school and work (Emerging Professionals).
Sessions continued with Mentorship Models for Components, covering different approaches to placing associates with mentors, meet and greet opportunities and peer to peer learning. The benefits of mentorship seen through 360 mentor models, feedback loops and also using tools like personality tests to match mentor/mentee. Discussions continued well beyond the sessions.
AIA National is also working with mayors across the country interested in the Chief Architect position. The session discussing this position, the history and the need was packed to capacity. It was very interesting to hear from current Architects holding the position of Chief Architect in their cities. Accessing existing conditions of city buildings, code analysis, facility management are just a few of the tasks a Chief Architect can help to guide cities into the future.
Friday, March 1
The final day we wrapped up the conference with our final few sessions, discussions with other state components, and our final keynote speaker. I enjoyed meeting all the wonderful members in attendance and I am proud to have participated in my second Leadership Summit on behalf of AIA Kansas.
Lisa Shaffer, AIA, NCIDQ
Welcome to the New 2024 AIA Kansas Board!
Welcome from the 2024 AIA Kansas President
Craig Lofton, AIA - Alloy Architecture
Dear AIA Kansas Colleagues,
Dear AIA Kansas Members and Colleagues:
As a long-time member of AIA Kansas, and while serving on the Board of Directors for many years, I always looked up to and admired the individuals who were willing to take on the challenge of being the President. While it is an honor to accept that challenge, it is also humbling. I hope I can live up to the legacy that precedes me as I begin my service as AIA Kansas President for 2024.
As we embark on the Chapter’s 103rd year, we look to make the COVID-19 Pandemic a distant memory and build on our last two years of having in-person events. For those of you that know me, you know just how much I enjoy in-person events, and one of my biggest personal challenges, was losing my voice the morning of the first day of the AIA Kansas Annual Conference, so consequently I was not able to network like I usual do. I may have heard, more than once, that while losing my voice may have been tough for me, it may have been a blessing for others! If you were able to read the 2023 Annual Report, you will have noted that AIA Kansas accomplished many significant objectives to improve the professional lives of the members of AIA Kansas.
The 2023 Annual Conference was held in Manhattan, KS at the Bluemont Hotel, and between the venue, the interaction with the K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design, fantastic tours, great speakers, and as usual very enjoyable time to reconnect with our friends and colleagues, I personally thought the Conference was excellent. A big highlight of the
Conference was to have Lakisha Woods, AIA National EVP/CEO and Jennifer Schlueter, AIA National Managing Director, Component Engagement join us in person, and Kimberly Dowdell, AIA National 2024 President was able to join virtually as the Opening Keynote speaker on the final day of the Conference. We look forward to this years’ Annual Conference, which will
be held in Lawrence, and we are excited to see where the venue will be, what great speakers/topics will be presented, and what ways we will be able to collaborate with the KU School of Architecture & Design.
In 2024 the AIA Kansas Board and Staff will continue to make governmental advocacy a priority and will work to increase participation in the Governmental Affairs Committee. Significant effort will continue to be put forth by the AIA Kansas Board, Staff, and Sections (Wichita, Flint Hills, and Topeka) to meet the goal of complying with the AIA National mandate to realign
all sections under their corresponding State Chapter. This has been a long and challenging process, but it appears that there may be light at the end of the tunnel.
I want to personally thank the members of the 2024 AIA Kansas Board of Directors for their valuable time to work alongside myself and the AIA Kansas Staff as we continue to guide the AIA Kansas Chapter through this year. I also look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the various events that we will have this year.
Craig Lofton, AIA, Alloy Architecture
President, AIA Kansas