Hello to the Utah Architectural community! My name is Michael Smith; I am AIA Utah’s new executive director. I represent a local association management company the AIA Utah Board has engaged to operate the Utah chapter. I know the Utah A/E/C industry well; I have worked with associations in the Utah-built environment for almost twenty years. Before working in the association world, I served on the staff of Governor Michael Leavitt and Governor Olene Walker. During the past couple of decades, I had the opportunity to collaborate with both Heather Wilson and Elizabeth Mitchell on joint A/E/C industry events and legislative issues for the design community. AIA Utah, last year, celebrated its 100th anniversary, which is a milestone few businesses and fewer associations reach. I am delighted to join an organization with such a notable history and abundant possibilities for the future.

We have been working with the AIA Utah Board on a new strategic plan focused on refreshing the membership proposition as we look to the next hundred years of AIA Utah. You may have seen one of the recent membership surveys asking questions about what aspects of AIA membership bring the most value to you. If you have not had a chance to share feedback with me or the 2022 AIA Utah Board, we would like to hear from you. What benefits do you find most beneficial to your work in the architectural community; what events engage you and inspire you to hone your craft? Are there things that you would like to see AIA drop, or are initiatives you want your association to focus on? Drop me an email and share your thoughts about how AIA Utah can better serve you; I can be reached at msmith@aiautah.org.

As we continue to feel our way out of the recent pandemic, I recognize that many facets of the marketplace have changed. We have new ways to meet and interact, new options to work remotely, and new ways to learn and gather information. As we look at how AIA Utah interacts and engages with the Utah membership, I want to know what your preference is? Do you prefer virtual or in-person training, email, text, video, or social media to stay up to date with the current fluid business environment, and what about networking with peers? Do you miss it, or are you not ready to engage with a large group? These are some of the questions we are looking at with the 2022 Board of Directors. Our mission is to bring value to you, our members, and help you be a better architect.

We are excited to be back in person for the national convention in Chicago A’22; if you have not registered yet, there is still time to join your peers in the windy city at the end of June. Please plan to join AIA Utah for our annual scholarship fundraising golf tournament; the 2022 tournament will be held on August 22nd at Jeremy Ranch Golf and Country Club. It is the only Arnold Palmer signature course in Utah, so do not delay; we expect the event to sell out. Finally plan to join AIA for our annual conference in late September that will feature two great buildings, engaging professional development, and recognition of the 2022 Design Competition winners. Along with these major events, you will see new opportunities, both at a state and section level, to network with peers, tour exciting projects and participate in some great continuing education events.

It is an exciting time to be in the A/E/C industry! Utah leads the nation in growth and in economic outlook, which has led to unprecedented project opportunities to chase. In addition to a strong state economy, your association is starting the second hundred years with a refreshed focus on bringing value to you as a member of AIA Utah. I hope you will engage with one of our committees and some of the upcoming events. It is a pleasure to work with this association; I hope to meet each of you soon.