Latest Blog Posts

The promotion of our profession to the public at large and continued engagement with our local communities has been a growing and welcomed emphasis of the AIA both nationally and locally. Thankfully this initiative hasn’t remained simply a “grand idea” relegated to our chapter’s strategic plan. It’s been deliberately and enthusiastically pursued through numerous initiatives across the state, including our intervention in the proposed SWEPCO transmission line placement near Thorncrown Chapel, the Arkansas Design Network (ADN) public lecture series, Studio Main in Little Rock, numerous Pop-Up neighborhood events, and many others. This renewed emphasis has not been limited to our […]

Last month’s devastating storms in Central Arkansas were heart wrenching, and laid bare the fragility of life in the midst of nature’s fury.  While not every building can be practically constructed to withstand an EF4 tornado, the event serves as a sober reminder about the role buildings can and should play in providing safety and protection for their occupants, even while they’re destroyed in the process.  Evidence regarding the types of structures susceptible to destruction, and the lack of adherence to sound construction practices was enlightening, if not discouraging.  Let’s use this opportunity to educate ourselves and the public-at-large about […]

As I type this, a sizable contingent of your AIA Board is en route to Washington D.C. for the AIA Grassroots Conference.  Held annually, representatives from every chapter across the country convene in the nation’s capital to discuss issues relevant to our profession, followed by a day on Capitol Hill to meet with our respective representatives to discuss those issues that are important to each of us as architects. The national AIA identified three primary issues to promote on Capitol Hill:  First, extend the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction (179D).  Second, improve government procurement methods for federal projects.  Third, […]