New AIANY president’s message: Architect|Activist - by Guy Geier

By Guy Geier, FAIA, LEED AP

The field of architecture and the society our profession serves face many challenges today, from climate change and resiliency; to diversity, equity and inclusion; the affordable housing crisis; immigration reform; and the pressing need for infrastructure updates. How we as architects address these challenges will have an immediate impact on New York City but can also have far-reaching repercussions throughout the country and beyond.

As the incoming president of AIA New York, I am committed to building on the engaging advocacy work the institute developed during 2017. In an effort to expand on these efforts, AIANY’s Presidential Theme for 2018 is Architect|Activist. 

This year, I would like to challenge us all to be activists. We must engage politicians, stakeholders, and government authorities through design thinking to solve the most important and existential problems of our time. Let us use our talent and creativity to tackle the issues that weigh on the profession and our society. Through our actions, we will demonstrate the value and impact that we as architects can deliver.

In 2018, AIA New York will develop content and programming to foster civic engagement and civic responsibility among professionals, encouraging architects to advocate for the issues that concern and inspire them. In the fall, the Center for Architecture will present “Hip Hop Architecture,” curated by Syracuse University’s Sekou Cooke, an exhibition exploring the important role hip-hop culture has played in the design and evolution of our urban environments. 

In addition, this year, after 30 years, New York City will again host A’18, the AIA Conference on Design. At the conference, we hope to demonstrate that the design solutions we employ in New York have national and international relevance.

The time for activism is now. I promise that AIA New York and the Center for Architecture will offer you opportunities to fully engage the issues facing us. We hope to engage with you throughout the rest of the year and beyond.

Guy Geier, FAIA, FIIDA, LEED AP, is the 2018 president AIA New York and a managing partner at FXFOWLE, New York, N.Y.