Jeffery S. Smith

Our purpose is to promote the value of architecture to the public and improve the quality of the built environment. We are a resource for local AIA members, allied members, building industry professionals, businesses and individuals seeking architects, and those with an interest in architecture. Community service and outreach are important to AIA Springfield, and our component’s resources are available for assistance to the community.

Who is eligible for membership?

The AIA has three membership options. Associate membership is open to architectural interns. Full architect membership is for registered architects, and an allied membership is available for local building industry professionals.

How can building design help clients to “build green” ? What role does design play in being able to conserve energy, lessen pollution or address other environmental concerns?

In the United States alone, buildings account for:

• 36 percent of total energy use and 65 percent of electricity consumption

• 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions

• 30 percent of raw materials use

• 30 percent of waste output (136 million tons annually)

• 12 percent of drinkable water consumption

When you consider those statistics, it is obvious that our built environment has an enormous impact on our natural environment, economy, and the overall health of our community.

As the building professions continue to make advances with new materials, technology and operating systems available, we are able to use good design and life-cycle planning to maximize economic and environmental performance in new buildings that benefit both the owners and users of the space.

By using “green” design or by designing projects using the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification process, we have the ability to benefit the environment, minimize operating costs of the building, optimize life-cycle performance costs and improve the overall quality of life in the communities where we live and work.

How does the local AIA chapter help its members to stay on top of industry trends and changes?

We have monthly membership meetings in which we provide continuing education at various levels. We work to provide guest speakers and product reps to give presentations and also coordinate with the other local organizations and the city to provide joint workshops and seminars.

What design trends do you think members will see in 2006?

As mentioned, there is a real push toward “good” sustainable design. We are seeing an increasing number of architects and recent graduates taking the LEED-certification exam, and green design will shift gears into mainstream demand. I think intelligent and smart buildings will become more of the norm as we continue to see major technology changes. More firms will be using building information modeling software to show clients three-dimensional design solutions earlier in the design process. We also are starting to see architects designing more of the “experiences” within the building along with the building itself.

What annual events does AIA-Springfield have for its members and the community?

AIA Springfield has a president’s reception, a holiday party and a movie evening as part of Architecture Week each year for our members. We hold an annual golf tournament, open to members and guests, to help fund the scholarships that we offer to qualified students at Drury University’s Hammons School of Architecture. In addition to these annual events, AIA Springfield also has the Design Awards program and free study sessions for the Architectural Registration Exam every other year.[[In-content Ad]]