As many of you know, AIA Utah has a new Executive Director, Angie Harris Roberts. Angie brings years of experience and knowledge about non-profit organizations that will foster a greater sense of connectivity within AIA Utah and our community. Jessica Hoffman, AIA, NCARB, is the 2023 AIA Utah President. She believes that AIA Utah is the best way to connect with colleagues to enhance and complement each other’s careers as architects. She has been hard at work since the beginning of the year, continuing to cultivate that positive environment and pushing the association forward to ensure that we are heading in the right direction.
We recently sat down with Angie and Jessica to discuss their new positions, careers, and thoughts on membership. We enjoyed getting to know more about them, and we hope you do as well. The following are excerpts from our conversation.
Why is AIA membership important?
Angie: AIA membership is important because it provides architects with the tools and connections they need to be successful. In addition, AIA membership is an “endorsement” that the individual adheres to the profession’s highest ethical standards.
Jessica: Architects are busy people! It is important to ‘look up’ from what is in front of you and view your surroundings. AIA helps you see the forest through the trees. It helps capture opportunities to connect on a local level and imagine a larger vision on a national level. AIA provides information and protection for our future, and we all should be actively interested in the health of our profession.
How and why did you get involved in a leadership role at AIA?
Angie: One of my favorite parts of my job at the College of Architecture + Planning is the relationships I’ve developed with local firms and architects. The local architecture community has a unique and strong connection to the School of Architecture, so it seemed like a natural fit to join AIA Utah as their Executive Director. Both positions complement each other so well, and I look forward to working even more closely with our current and emerging professionals.
Jessica: It turns out that it was my turn to give back to the architecture community. It really was a serendipitous and natural opportunity, and I was encouraged by mentors and friends. When I was asked, I said yes — and I’m glad I did.
How has AIA been helpful to you as an architect? How is AIA helpful to architects?
Angie: I’m relatively new to this position, but one thing that has really struck me is how important AIA is in advocating for the profession. We need to remind the community of the important role architects play in designing healthy communities. As we look at current and future challenges with respect to climate action, community resilience, and equitable spaces, architects play a key role. We need to make sure their voices are heard and understood. And we need to celebrate the brilliance and beauty in their designs.
Jessica: I would say getting out of your own bubble and into new situations is always a healthy plan for personal growth and improvement. I like being around people that I can talk to about problem-solving in common situations.
What are the biggest problems currently facing AIA Utah? What can be done to address the issues?
Angie: From my very new perspective, AIA Utah needs to make sure we are meeting members where they are and then providing the resources they need to succeed. AIA National has a clear vision with explicit goals, and they are a great guideline for us, but we really need to listen to our members as well. I look forward to learning more from our local professional community over the remaining year.
Jessica: We have gone through a lot of in-house administrative changes, and the board changes every two years. Fortunately, we have several dedicated volunteers in our community that come together and continue to keep the organization going, building on the foundation from the past and bringing energy to ideas for our future.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term?
Angie: For this first year, I want to learn as much as I can from the Board of Directors, our committees, and local professionals. We will continue to do the great work AIA Utah is known for but also reflect on how we can improve our relationship with members.
I do want to make our organization as effective and responsive as possible. It will take time to evaluate our procedures, but right from the start, we can ensure that members’ concerns are heard and handled in a timely manner.
Jessica: My mission is to get the word out to the membership and show them what our volunteers do for them and what their fees go towards — not just the beautiful space and excellent staff. I also want to focus on the enrichment of our local architectural culture.
What can members do to help support your goals for AIA?
Angie: Share their stories, their concerns, and their hopes for the future. We are ready to listen. Also, be patient with AIA Utah staff as we are a lean operation, and both of us are new to the organization. This will be a year of transition and growth, so we appreciate member support and understanding.
Jessica: Participate! Volunteer! Come find a place where you can give back — you will find your life enriched by these relationships as I do.
What would you like to say in summary to the AIA members who will be reading your article?
Angie: You have a dedicated, passionate Board of Directors and great committees who work hard to provide value for your membership and the professional community overall. Take advantage of what they offer and consider joining us as a board or committee member. This is your organization, so we want to hear from you and make you feel welcome.
Jessica: Tell me your ideas! You may get tired of hearing from me — give me some content — help me celebrate our amazing community … but most of all — show up! Come to our events. You will have a good time, maybe get to know someone, and learn something new that will enrich your career and make you feel like you are part of the larger picture.
