AIA Utah’s annual conference, held September 26 and 27, was a success! Thanks to all who attended and to our President-Elect, Chamonix Larsen, for her vision and hard work in planning a concise and compelling slate of events. A true highlight was hearing from Carol Ross Barney, the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal recipient. Carol’s belief that excellent design is a right, not a privilege, is a message our community can learn from as we navigate the issues of economic growth, housing inequality and sustainable city planning.

The annual conference and design awards are a great opportunity to network with colleagues, learn from industry experts (while completing seven LU’s) and celebrate the innovative excellence of peers. It was particularly compelling to hear feedback from attendees about the presentations done by local AIA members. There is a wealth of knowledge in our own backyard, and it is gratifying to bring members together so we can all benefit from it.

Sitting in the back of the room and listening to the questions asked and the conversations flowing around me during breaks, I realized that AIA Utah members are concerned about good design that improves our lives and still want to address inequities in the profession and in our communities. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. The Astra Tower lecture by Emir Tursic included conversations around the design challenges of a 400-foot luxury apartment building that also seeks to address sensitive environmental issues specific to our region, such as air quality. Sarah Narjes, General Manager with Mortenson Construction, and Alan Matheson, Executive Director of Point of the Mountain Stand Land Authority, shared their experiences with large-scale developments and the impacts these projects have on cities, communities and individuals. Tough questions were asked by attendees, and results from other projects in the U.S. illustrated that large development can respond to environmental and social concerns. The fantastic panel discussion on strategies for hiring and retaining foreign talent was one of the most well-attended lectures. This, along with the queries we received after the conference, indicates that firms do have an interest in maintaining a diverse, talented pool of architects. Not because it is the “right” thing to do but because it has been good for their business.

In addressing issues of climate change or hiring inequities, are we being political? Is the housing shortage or poor air quality a “left versus right” discussion? And, in discussing these issues, are we ignoring the importance of good design? Based on my first AIA Utah conference, I would say no. Construction spending in Utah is predicted to increase through 2024 and easily outpace spending nationally. AIA Utah members work at the leading edge of this industry and have the unique skill set to not only shape how our communities look but also how they can thrive in the midst of challenges unique to the intermountain west. AIA Utah is excited to support our members during this time by advocating for the profession and offering resources that help individuals advance professionally. We want our members to feel confident in envisioning a better future for all. As Carol Ross Barney stated when she received word about the Gold Medal award, “It’s a recognition that design matters everywhere. CTA stations, infrastructure, McDonald’s hamburger stands — everything needs responsible design.”

Lastly, I’m excited to highlight Libby Haslam, AIA, RIBA in this issue for the latest in our Member Spotlight series on page 6. If you’d like to be featured in this section, please reach out to me at ahroberts@aiautah.org.