Helene prepared these articles and published them on LinkedIn.
Architect of Liberty
“Architect of Liberty.” This inscription beneath the statue of Thomas Jefferson at the entrance of Virginia’s State Capitol (which he designed) speaks of the power of the collective voice. Although only one architect, Mr. Jefferson, has served as President of the United States, the architects of the 19th and early 20th centuries were members of…
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Killer Culture
Killer culture. One year ago, my LinkedIn article focused on design culture as a global driver in society (big “C” Culture). This October, my thoughts land a little closer to home as we consider the culture of organizations (little “c” culture). More than 100 years ago, Henry Ford said, “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” Key…
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What My AIA Membership Means to Me
During an online event several months ago, the moderator led attendees through a unique ice breaker exercise. He asked all of us to select something from or near our desk and tell a story about that object, but his key request was that the item be fun. I later pondered what I would have selected…
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From Sculpture to Culture
One of my fellow students in Virginia Tech’s Bachelor of Architecture program concentrated much of his professional career in Alaska – certainly one of the more remote locations to practice! Even so, he exercised his impressive brilliance and enviable talent to cross miles and climb mountains to reach others. Some years ago, Mike Mense, FAIA…
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AIA Conference on Architecture 2025
Embodiment and Engagement! Several weeks ago, I returned from Boston energized and excited by AIA25, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture, as I am sure many of you did. “Signature moments” abounded, and I find myself still smiling about reuniting with SO many special peeps through continuous ceremonies, events, presentations, discussions, gatherings,…
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Justice in All Forms
Justice in all its forms. In these LinkedIn writings, I have endeavored to keep my religious beliefs and political opinions very much in the wings. My apologies, today, if I offend anyone who might hold a different position than my own, as I shall place those at center stage. I already had a message teed…
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Architecture Week 2025
Architecture Week 2025 is April 13-19! This event is near and dear to my heart, as one of my AIA staff VP roles found me serving as the internal lead for the AIA’s sesquicentennial in 2007. Overall, AIA150 was an unprecedented effort to greatly enhance the public’s understanding of the power of architecture and, in…
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Client Spotlight: NOMA
Our first client spotlight shines on NOMA! For Black History Month, we highlight the history-making organization with which we worked as one of our first official strategic planning efforts: the National Organization of Minority Architects. I am anxious to feature also the entity’s awesome leaders at the time: President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC and Executive…
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The Three Aspens Turns 5!
The Three Aspens, Ltd. turns five! Although my architectural practice has existed in one form or another since 1989, I launched this management consultancy – focused on “organizational architecture” – in January 2020. What perfect timing … two months prior to the onset of a global pandemic. Eek! Even so, with but a few bumps…
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The Three Aspens 