AIANY president's message: Off to a running start

By Jill Lerner, FAIA As I complete my first month as 2013 AIANY president, the chapter is deeply embedded in advocacy issues at the city, state, and federal levels, and we are committed to expanding these efforts on our members' behalf. These include post-Superstorm Sandy activities, the development of a platform to be shared with mayoral candidates, and exposure of New York architect's global design work in concert with the theme for the year: "Global City/Global Practice." Most immediate are our efforts to provide research and recommendations on post-Sandy issues of resiliency and reconstruction in a timely manner. The results of our five working groups, developed in alignment with the city's Office of Emergency Management and in partnership with allied professional organizations will result in white papers, a symposium, and an exhibition later this year. In preparation for the upcoming New York City mayoral election, we have been developing a platform of key positions to share with the candidates as they consider the role of design and the built environment in their visions of New York's future. Crafted with the input of AIANY committee leaders and other experts from among our membership, it will be a milestone in our Cchapter's advocacy efforts. Last, but not least, is our focus this year on New York as a global design leader, and the role of the architecture, engineering, and real estate communities in many expanding urban centers across the globe. In today's economy, this is a remarkable moment to engage the design community in an international dialogue. We will bring together municipal officials, industry leaders, and design professionals to discuss relevant international issues, including issues of environmental disaster preparedness and lessons learned from around the world. While our economy is slowly regaining traction locally, the largest growth area for architecture firms remains projects being designed for locations outside the United States. Now more than ever is the time for New Yorkers to show their resilience and commitment to global leadership and cultural exchange; all eyes are on our city as a center of vitality in architectural practice, and in the building of cities. Since the year began, we have hosted leaders and esteemed visitors from Seoul, Copenhagen, and France at the Center for Architecture. Our initial exhibition, "Hong Kong at 15: Redefining the Public Realm," received a tremendous response both locally and in Hong Kong featuring groundbreaking projects by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, and Kohn Pedersen Fox. I am thrilled to have my AIANY presidency off to a running start and am excited to expand the public awareness of AIANY and its members through programs, exhibits, events, and discussions at the Center for Architecture. 2013 presents a unique opportunity for AIANY and New York City to sharpen our global competitiveness as mayor Michael Bloomberg completes his term and the next mayor prepares for his or hers. Jill Lerner, FAIA, is the 2013 president of AIANY and a principal at KPF, New York, N.Y. Jill Lerner, FAIA, American Institute of Architects