Newsletter | February 2018

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Dear Colleagues,

We have hit the ground running! This past month the TXA to EP committee had the chance to meet and have begun to brain storm ideas to assist in preparations to meet with the state in the coming year. Let’s bring the AIA Texas Convention and Expo to El Paso. If you are a native El Pasoan or have found yourself in the Sun City for many years now, you understand just how much beauty and potential our city has come to offer. Being the western most city in the state, we are often forgotten about. We wanted to remind the board what El Paso has to offer and be able to share it with our fellow architects from all around the state. If you believe you have ideas or would like to contribute to the process, please join our committee, we would love your help!

“Whatever good things we build, end up building us” Although my newsletter is not lengthy this month, I would like to leave you all words of encouragement. Our job as architects is built on many natural talents and the continuous experiences we gain from each project we endeavor.  From that, we should always strive to continue educating ourselves on new advances. I encourage you to attend lunch and learns and to keep an eye out for guest speakers around the city. Don’t be afraid to step out of your creative comfort zone with a new idea. Think of our chapter as a human library, our members hold many levels of experience and will gladly lend a hand to one another. Lets continue to make El Paso a sight to see.

Renee Jimenez, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A

2018 AIA El Paso President

Newsletter | January 2018

Dear Colleagues,

 

The holidays have come and gone all too quickly. I hope you all enjoyed time with family and friends and are looking forward to a great year. As I Look back on the past 5 years, I have seen how far our chapter has progressed in many ways. To name a few, the incredible advances that our Design Awards have made, the amount of students and associate architects we have been able to assist in advancing their profession and the increase in funds brought in by our annual golf tournament that allow the AIA to fund scholarships for those up and coming with a bright future ahead. Of course, our chapter is only as good as those that participate and support us, so I thank each and every member whom, year after year, continue their membership and attend events. 

 

This upcoming year we are taking hold of a new and rewarding task. Our 2018 EXCOM has committed to bringing the AIA Texas Convention and Expo to El Paso within the next 3 to 5 years. This will be one of the largest challenges the El Paso chapter has endeavored in a long time. As you may imagine, this is no small task and we ask for each individual members support along the way. I have no doubt that every member of AIA El Paso will work hard to ensure we put another successful year in the records. With that said, it gives me great honor and privilege to continue the work of our past presidents as your 2018 AIA El Paso president.

 

Renee Jimenez, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A 

2018 AIA El Paso President

Newsletter | December 2017

Dear Colleagues,

Throughout the year I have referenced folks outside of El Paso who are making impacts in the architectural community.  At this point I think it is necessary to also reference Architects that are making an impact in our own community.

ExCom’s Event Coordinator, Michael Stills, reached a new high for fundraising for our annual golf tournament.  And because of recent efforts by Bruno Vasquez and Jorge Loya, previous Event Coordinators, the El Paso Architectural foundation has the opportunity to look at increased endowments with the State and increased opportunities for area scholarships.

Jorge, ExCom Secretary, has also been working with area Universities, both in El Paso and Juarez, to promote AIAS memberships and mentor students in the Architectural Colleges.  We have to also thank Bruno, ExCom Treasurer, for revitalizing Archtober.  Mostly due to him, we have had a successful three year run of an events filled Archtober.

Paulina Lagos, ExCom VP, raised over $13,000 at this year’s Design Awards; of which $6,250 went to AIA Associates and area Architecture students to assist in their pursuit of either license or degree.  And President Elect, Renee Jimenez, is now spear heading a group to get the TxA Convention back to El Paso.

El Paso is fortunate that they do not have to look too far to find great Architects.  I am fortunate to have been on a board with those mentioned above.  If in the past you have participated in El Paso Chapter events and boards, continue to do so.  If you have not participated, then 2018 is a great time to start.

Thank you,

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso - President

 

Newsletter | November 2017

Dear Colleagues,

State convention has come and gone.  El Paso represented itself well.  We were identified by the TxA President as a Chapter that has made better efforts in our contribution to TAC than most of the big cities in Texas; and we also hit our mark for those from AIA El Paso attending the convention.  Thank you for your efforts!

Although much un-natural disaster has challenged the built environment and infrastructure; the presenting Architects and Architect Advocates at the convention where confident that those who would provide the best solutions for our future are Architects.  Our combination of creativity, passion and knowledge of the build environment puts at the forefront.  So, we must educate the youth, bring awareness to those who can impact change, and set up our buildings to provide for the future.

Our city is growing and our economy is consistently on the rise where economist have said we should have flattened out by now.  We currently have opportunity upon us.  We must use that opportunity to bring solutions to our fevered world.  Keep doing your best and continue to set an example rather than follow the example.

May you get rest this holiday season because we need you at your best in 2018,

Rene Melendez AIA

AIA El Paso - President