AIA Wyoming architects gathered at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody to celebrate architecture with a very diverse selection of continuing education programs and several acclaimed speakers. We first gathered for a reception on Thursday evening at the Cody Craft Brewing, an adaptive reuse on an existing site and building. This opportunity afforded architects, speakers, suppliers and allied professionals the chance to get reacquainted in a dynamic social setting.

Friday’s continuing education programs included six presentations and, later, a tour through “By Western Hands,” a renovated maker space in downtown Cody that includes furniture, art and a maker space where patrons can witness unique pieces being crafted. Attendees were given a copy of the book by the same name.

Our first presentation featured Aris Georges, an architect whose passion started in Italy and continued later in the U.S. at the famed Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s School of Architecture in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is the author of the portfolio OM Studio and has also started a collaboration with Lindal to provide well-designed homes using Lindal’s traditional structural format. Examples of his work were inspiring.

Addie Abushousheh, a gerontologist, gave a presentation exploring cultural and bio-psycho-social perspectives, organizational structures and a host of other related topics related to architecture, development, aging and applied research. Her goals were to challenge and encourage architects to create healthy working environments.

Sarah Mohland, a designer and educator with MASS Design Group, gave a presentation on improving construction standards. Her work in Rwanda has received worldwide attention and has allowed MASS to impact the world’s social fabric.

The Blair House in Cody, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is going to be renovated. Cornelius Kinsey walked us through the house as originally designed, shared with us some of the additions and elaborated on the goals he and the third generation owners hope to achieve.

Rebecca Clemens with Sky Factory gave members a crash course on the neurobiology of biophilia and spatial cognition.

John Buse, FAIA; Merrilee Hertlein, AIA and Brad Massey, AIA gave a collaborative presentation of “Beyond Classroom Walls,” focusing on the planning and design of two new high-rise student dormitories at the University of Wyoming.

Saturday morning’s agenda featured a building tour of the newly completed Wyoming Game and Fish Headquarters. We also attended a presentation about Buffalo Bill Cody and the Irma Hotel. Dan Odasz introduced the grandson of Buffalo Bill, Mr. Bill Garlow and Brian Beauvais, the curator of the Park County Archives, to give a historical perspective on how the Irma was created and later how it evolved into a Wyoming landmark.