Within the last few years, AIA National worked to continue to “advance our nation’s quality of life and protect the public’s health, safety and welfare,” by creating priorities based on AIA’s legislative goals for the 115th Congress.
These priorities were driven from the feedback of thousands of AIA members, and a call to action was issued. Architects have become more engaged in advocacy on federal, state, and local levels across America to collectively further AIA’s stances on the following:
- We stand for equity and human rights
- We stand for architecture that strengthens our communities
- We stand for a sustainable future
- We stand for economic opportunity
- We stand for investing in the future
- We stand for protecting communities from the impact of climate change
Last week, as President Trump announced his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate agreement, AIA responded with a call to reverse this decision based on our stance on climate change. According to AIA Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ivy, FAIA, “As a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and as one of the most sophisticated countries in the world, we are capable of reducing these harmful effects on the environment. In order to move the needle on this global crisis, it will take the efforts of every industry, every company, and every citizen of the United States as well as the leadership of the United States government. The AIA will continue to prioritize climate action in an effort to support architects—and the entire design and construction field—in this critical role.”
See AIA Calls for U.S. to Reverse Paris Climate Agreement Withdrawal for more information.
See Where we stand on climate change to read AIA National’s position on climate change and read all current statements of AIA’s values here: Where architects stand: A statement of our values.
Where do you stand?
Allison Dvorak, AIA, CPHC, is a member of the AIA South Dakota Board of Directors, liaison to the Emerging Professionals and Communication committees, and an architect in Sioux Falls. She received her M.Arch from North Dakota State University and continues to develop her Master’s thesis of researching and implementing design theories focused on human centered design through speaking engagements, design practice, and one-on-one client education. Allison lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, son and daughter.