Swanke Hayden Connell Architects and the AIA New York chapter celebrated the inauguration of Joseph Aliotta, AIA, LEED AP as the AIANY president for 2012. Founded in 1857, the AIA New York chapter is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The New York chapter's membership includes over 5,000 practicing architects and affiliate members based in Manhattan dedicated to design excellence, public outreach and professional development. Joseph Aliotta, AIA, principal and COO of Swanke Hayden Connell Architects, has 30 years of experience and has been an innovative contributor to Swanke's success for over two decades. In addition to his diverse experience in public sector, education, commercial office, historic preservation and residential work, he is the chief operating officer for the U.S. Previously, he has served the AIA NY chapter as first vice president and vice president of professional development. He is a graduate of the City College of New York School of Architecture with a bachelor of Architecture, Magna Cum Laude and has a diploma from New York University in Real Estate, Investment and Analysis. He is a registered architect in N.Y. and six other states. He serves as vice chairman for Architecture/board of director for the ACE Mentor Program of Great New York and board of director, CCNY Architect's Alumni Association. Additionally, he is a member of numerous professional organizations such as New York Building Congress Architect's leadership council, Public Buildings and Education committees; past member, New York City Building Codes Commission and member, United States Green Building Council. The theme of Aliotta's 2012 presidency is FutureNOW!, focusing on his ongoing commitment to professional development and innovative design practice. "In today's uncertain times, now more than ever, we must envision the future of our profession and the health of our building environment by addressing its most profound challenges," said Aliotta. "We will determine our own future by how thoughtfully we respond to those challenges. For these reasons, I have established the 2012 theme as FutureNOW!." In 2012, under the leadership of Aliotta, the Center for Architecture will feature major exhibitions focused on two significant design competitions - the Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) competition - The Harlem Edge: Cultivating Connections, and the biennial New Practices competition - New Practices New York 2012. The competitions and their related exhibitions and programs are the center-pieces of 2012, continuing the Chapter's focus on innovative technologies and sustainability. Based in New York City, Swanke Hayden Connell Architects is the continuation of an architectural practice founded in 1906. Staffed with more than 200 professionals located in eight offices worldwide, the firm provides services in four core areas of practice: architecture, interior design, master planning and historic preservation, working with a variety of corporate and institutional clients.