Category Archives: Uncategorized

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,Continue reading “AIA Conference on Architecture 2025”

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 teedContinue reading “Justice in All Forms”

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, inContinue reading “Architecture Week 2025”

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 ExecutiveContinue reading “Client Spotlight: NOMA”

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 bumpsContinue reading “The Three Aspens Turns 5!”

Congrats to AIA leaders across the country and around the world who are transitioning into their new roles as the calendar turns to 2025! In December 2013 during my Inaugural as AIA President, I actually invited the incoming Board of Directors to join me in an oath of office as a means of publicly verbalizingContinue reading “Congrats 2025 Leaders!”

Last time, I spoke of having a thankful spirit. Today, we express that gratitude to our entity-of-choice for their important work. I encourage everyone to select a worthy organization or worthwhile cause to support on this Giving Tuesday! For my part, I lift up my cherished hashtag#AIAVirginia colleagues, who in 2015 generously established a fellowshipContinue reading “This Giving Tuesday”

Much appreciation for the under-appreciated! As Thursday approaches and we all pause (one hopes) for a time of Thanksgiving, I can think of no better moment to celebrate the true heroes of the AIA: the chief executives and staff team members who serve our local and state components. (When I reflect on the ‘care andContinue reading “Much appreciation for the under-appreciated!”

More on Design Culture. Last month for World Architecture Day, I introduced the topic of design culture. Design thinking. The value of design. Today, I return to these topics since LinkedIn’s (understandable) character limit did not allow me to cover everything I wanted to share! Designers are trained to solve problems, make ideas visible, envisionContinue reading “More on Design Culture”

Symposia and seminars and summits, OH MY! There are many reasons for us to attend various AIA-offered conferences and conventions. Based on my own attendance history, I could go on and on about inspiring keynote speakers, world-class educational opportunities, and meeting individuals on the cutting edge of materials, products, and services. Above all, though –Continue reading “Symposia and seminars and summits, OH MY!”