Each year the American Institute of Architects California Chapter’s (AIACC) Academy for Emerging Professionals (AEP) hosts a program to honor those who contribute in assisting Emerging Professionals and their colleagues in pursuing their personal and professional goals through presenting awards to deserving AIA chapters and members. The awarded chapters, individuals and firms recognize the importance of emerging professional AIA members and their contribution to the current environment and future of architecture.
This year, the Sacramento region received not one, but two honors! Our very own and extremely deserving Laura Wood was honored with the 2015 Associates Award and the AIA Central Valley received the 2015 Chapter Award!
Associate Award – Laura Wood, Assoc. AIA
Laura is the current AIA Central Valley Chapter Associate Director, and has created programs such as the Intern Development Program (IDP) Tours that connect IDP candidates with licensed professionals who provide guided tours of their projects under construction to gain “site visit with mentor” IDP hours and the “So You Want to be an Architect?” event where representatives speak to associates about the latest licensing requirements and answer questions about licensing experiences of recently licensed Emerging Professionals.
“It is Laura’s extracurricular efforts however, that continually surprise and inspire all who are around her. From her fervent volunteer efforts with our local AIA chapter and CSI; her contributions in setting national BIM standards and implementing that process in our firm; her work with Sacramento Modern and the Sacramento Zoo; to organizing local Pecha Kucha discussions, Laura has built her reputation as a dedicated and invested community ambassador.”
– Michael Corrick, AIA, Nacht & Lewis President
Laura also contributes outside of the profession, bringing her passion for design into the community and public eye by assisting the Sacramento Zoo to create sustainable visions for the future, as well as collaborations with HackerLab and so much more.
Chapter Award – AIA Central Valley
The jury noted how well this chapter manages programs and events and how their approaches and inclusions of the Emerging Professional in several programs is top notch. All jurors commented on how it would be wonderful if all chapters could implement even a portion of what the AIA Central Valley is able to do. From example programs such as the Emerging Professionals Speed Mentor Match, to the documents and resources provided to ensure successful ARE examinations, this chapter is dedicated to the up-and-coming architect.
In order to implement so many wonderful programs and events, it takes a strong team of leaders, which includes Michael Parrott, AIA, LEED AP, a Vice President at Nacht & Lewis and the AIACV’s current Chapter President. Your tireless effort and behind the scenes leadership do not go unnoticed!
Congratulations again to Laura, Mike, Kim and the entire AIA Central Valley Chapter. Your dedication to the trade is what makes Sacramento a great place to be involved in architecture!
