Letter from the President

letter from president

AIA Columbus Members and Supporters,
 
It is with sadness I write to you today to address yet another challenge that is gripping our city, state, and country. The unrest being demonstrated across the nation is unfortunate but not unexpected.  Our mission at AIA Columbus is to "design a better world", including our communities of color. The social unrest over the past few days reminds us we have a long way to go, especially in racial equality.
 
As our Chapter continues to work toward an equitable and resilient environment, what can we do to help with the immediate situation? I offer the following, let us have frank conversations about inequity in general and in our profession so we can better understand our own biases. Only after thoroughly examining our own motivations will we be able to help build a more equitable environment. 

While we do not condone vandalism and looting, we do support the right to free expression intended to highlight inequality. During the past few nights of demonstrations in Columbus, the Center for Architecture and Design sustained minor damage (windows were broken along Town Street). The building management team has done a good job of protecting the building thus far from any major damage.
 
We have been operating remotely due to the pandemic, so any damage to downtown buildings will not inhibit our ability to deliver programming to our membership.
 
Our Chapter will overcome this period of unrest. As we navigate what has been a difficult year, I hope that you and your families are staying safe. AIA Columbus will continue to work on your behalf to provide service that is valuable and needed.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Elizabeth Krile at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
 
Sincerely, 
 

Mike Vala, AIA
2020 AIA Columbus Chapter President
 
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AIA Columbus is a visionary membership organization providing advocacy, leadership, and resources to architects to design a better world.

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