BROWN-BAG ROUNDTABLES @ AIA San Diego

For 2011, AIA San Diego is exploring the feasibility of hosting bi-monthly “Brown-Bag Roundtable” events that focus on a particular niche area within the architecture and design community.  To some degree, these roundtables are like local versions of the AIA “Knowledge Communities.”  The various roundtables listed below are being created as a result of a handful (or more) of individuals coming forward to the chapter staff and leadership and asking to start a committee.  Because committees typically require varying levels of administrative support, the chapter leadership felt that these interest groups would be better off starting out informally and occasionally, with less structure and more of an opportunity to “grow up into a committee” should there be enough traction and critical mass to merit allocation of chapter resources. 

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The following roundtables have been created and, for some, a kickoff date has been established. All roundtables, initially, will meet at the AIA San Diego office from 12pm – 1:30pm.

Small Firm:  Intended for architects/designers who practice by themselves or in a small firm (designed as less than 5 total employees).  The group will self-determine topics for discussion which might range from marketing and business development to accounting practices.  Will help smaller firms collect, share, and disseminate knowledge/wisdom on how to profitably run a small firm and manage small projects that do not fit into the model of departmental production that characterizes many larger firms. Kickoff roundtable will be hosted January 18.

Healthcare:  To improve healthcare quality through design, this roundtable is intended for healthcare architects to affiliate with one another, learn from one another, and advocate with each other to advance the practice of healthcare architecture. Kickoff roundtable will be hosted February 8.

Public/Government Architects:  This group is comprised of architects who are employed by the public sector.  These are a unique group of practitioners with different perspectives and needs, as compared to architects who practice in the private sector.  Discussion will focus on promoting excellence in public architecture and enhancing the role of the public architect as an essential element in the planning, design, construction, and management of public facilities.  Kickoff roundtable will be hosted February 15.

Modular Architecture/Prefabricated Construction:  This roundtable was established to provide a central point where architects and allied members can share, learn, and push the state-of-the-art of off-site construction to new levels.  The first roundtable was hosted Friday, November 12.  They’ll convene again in February – stay tuned for details!  To learn more about this group, read the article on pg. 4 of the newsletter.

Historic Preservation:  The participants in this roundtable will discuss their passion – historic preservation – and provide a centralized gathering (in person and virtually) to better identify, understand, and preserve architectural heritage, both locally and, when appropriate, beyond San Diego.  Kickoff roundtable will be hosted February 22.

Codes, Permits & Processing:  Will discuss codes issues and to provide a resource to one another relative to navigating the labyrinth of permits and processing.  Kickoff roundtable will be hosted January 25.

Livable Communities by Design:  Listening to one another and to the greater community, architects can absorb a community's needs and translate them into visible and viable options, serving as a valuable resource to communities that seek to improve quality of life.  This roundtable will discuss regional issues as they relate to the AIA’s 10 Principle of Livable Communities.  Those issues may range from transportation challenges, affordable housing, vibrant public spaces, mixed use, and more!  Kickoff roundtable will be hosted January 11.

Career Resources:  For those entering the work force for the first time or are now unemployed or underemployed, this roundtable is meant help motivate one another, brainstorm, gain feedback/ insight, and tap resources for topics (resume writing, interview tips, networking, and more.  The first Career Resources Roundtable was hosted in June ‘10.  The next one is set for January 4.

To understand more about how the Brown-Bag Roundtables are intended to operate in response to member requests and needs, please click here to download flyer.  We hope to see you at an upcoming Brown-Bag Roundtable!