December 20, 2021

Where in Wyoming is this building located?

Biologists, botanists, and geologists will be working under the same roof when the new Science Initiative (SI) building opens on the University of Wyoming campus.

The Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is a Member Group of the American Institute of Architects. The mission of the SFx is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms (defined as having 10 employees or less). The objectives of the AIA SFx are threefold:

Architects in Action has been AIA’s premier annual policy and advocacy event. For more than 30 years, the State & Local Government Network has offered leaders like you an opportunity to discuss pressing legislative issues and learn directly from your colleagues. In 2021, Architects in Action delivered more of what you love — thought-provoking guest speakers, stimulating conversations with our peers, inspiring workshops on emerging state and local issues, and the resources we need to strengthen our advocacy programs.

The Wyoming Board of Architects was established Feb. 17, 1951. In 1991, legislation added the regulation of the practice of landscape architecture, increased the membership of the Board to five, and changed the Board’s name to the Wyoming State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects. The Board is comprised of three architects, one landscape architect, and one member of the public.

The final Western Mountain Region conference — as part of the AIA National structure of regions — was named a Regional Summit. This regional summit, Vision 2020(1), was hosted by AIA New Mexico.

AIA’s premier chapter leadership training event, AIA Grassroots and Leadership Conference, took place virtually Feb. 16-19, 2021. This year’s theme, Bring It Home addressed critical issues facing the architecture profession, including COVID-19, climate change, and racial equity. Participants observed best practices and strategies that they brought home to implement successfully in their chapter, firm, and community. The event was packed with keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, networking, and the opportunity to advocate for AIA’s legislative agenda with Members of Congress.

The Public Awareness Committee’s mission is to provide and increase the exposure of Wyoming Architecture and the value of the profession. This has been difficult to provide during the last couple of years, as bringing people together for events has not been the easiest. But even with these hurdles, the Public Awareness Committee continues the staples of communication that do not require face-to-face interaction, the calendar and publication. We could not hold events for National Architecture Week due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, but we hope next year will provide more opportunities. We will work toward having more in-person events next year as the environment allows. AIA Wyoming is a resilient group and is always thinking of ways to reach out to the public and our membership to keep everyone involved and educated.

A large amount of work currently experienced by Wyoming’s architects is apparent. Unfortunately, our entire committee, including myself, has struggled to participate as our work doesn’t allow additional time for the volunteer activities. Moving forward, it’s important for our committee to creatively approach how we not only boost AIA Wyoming membership but additionally promote accessible and easy involvement by our existing members. Efficient and broader member support is critical in ensuring AIA Wyoming pursuits are not only the result of a small group of heavily dedicated members but rather a larger group of selectively active members.

The Pandemic continues to impact the Education & Resource Committee, preventing it from organizing events and outreaches in schools and colleges.