Fall Lecture Recap

Claire Weisz, FAIA presented “Engaging at all Scales – WXY” on November 7th for the 2024 AIA Central PA Fall Lecture. Claire is the founding partner of WXY, the NYC-based architecture, urban design, and planning firm that is globally recognized for its community centered approach to design. WXY acts at every scale: from the intimacy of an interior to the complexity of a city. WXY is a self-described think tank that builds.

Claire’s presentation was focused on only a handful of projects but she took a deeper dive on the projects and talked more about the why of the architecture in lieu of the what. She walked thru the Rockaway Boardwalk Reconstruction and associated Far Rockaway Park structures and Nature & Welcome Center before touching on similar points in her Javits Center Rooftop Expansion, SeaGlass Carousel, and Palaver Bench projects

She challenged the audience to “…realize that architecture isn’t just the building. It’s also the organization behind the building got there. It gets to the fact that architects are the biggest sponsors of architecture – we actually are the ones that make architectural opportunities. Waiting for someone else to do it is not the answer – it’s us.” 

The social time after the lecture, as well as before, are welcome opportunities to not only catch up with colleagues but also have a chance to have a more personal exchange with the speaker.

Thank You to all the Sponsors – 13 sponsors made the lecture possible – and all the Attendees – we had another strong turnout. Special thanks to Armstrong again for being tremendous hosts.

Conference, Expo and Design Awards 2025

The 2024 AIA Central Pennsylvania Conference, Expo and Design Awards was held in York, PA at the newly refurbished Yorktowne Hotel, 48 E Market Street, York, PA.  Built in 1925, the 11-story Yorktowne Hotel was designed and constructed to be the cornerstone of hospitality during a time of significant growth for downtown York, Pennsylvania. Over the decades, the hotel would undergo several expansions and renovations, and eventually fall victim to deferred maintenance and neglect. In 2016, concerned about the worsening condition of the building, the York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA) with support from the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) purchased the hotel to restore it to its former glory.

Members enjoyed two amazing tours: The York County History Center co-led by Erin Himmelberger, AIA of Warehaus who provided insightful  commentary on this renovation project and the Yorktowne Hotel, where Todd Harvey with BHC Architects guided us through the hotel’s transformation.  After the tours we had a great hour networking with our exhibitors.  The keynote speaker, Megan Caruso from Sprocket Mural Works, captivated the group with the inspiring Sprocket Mural Works story, emphasizing the significance of urban art.  The evening concluded with the AIA Central PA  Excellence in Design Award presentations.  The award winning projects can be seen here.

The committee is now looking for location recommendations in Harrisburg, PA.  If you have suggestions please send them to Rachel Haynes rhaynes@tippettsweaver.com

Tri State Conference

More than 200 architects and design professionals from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and beyond gathered for the 2024 Tri-State Fusion Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to earn up to 22 LU HSW credits with over 27 diverse sessions and three keynote presentations.  Hershey’s reputation as the “Sweetest Place on Earth” proved to be an inspiring backdrop for knowledge, networking, and community.  See the full recap here. 

Government Affairs

2025-2026 Legislative Survey 

Let us know what is most important to your practice and to the profession of future architects as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

AIA Pennsylvania, the voice of the architecture profession at the State Capitol, is seeking your perspective on key issues that promote the value of architecture, combat climate change, design equitable communities, and position architects and firms for success.

Your Feedback will decide our legislative priorities for the 2025-2026 legislative session and supplement AIA Pennsylvania’s strategic plan framework. 

  • Please complete prior to January 6th
  • The survey will take 30 minutes of your time
  • You do not have to complete all at once
  • This information is critical to shape AIA Pennsylvania’s future strategies

COMPLETE THE SURVEY TODAY!

2024 AIA PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATIVE RESULTS

New Bill Demonstrates Collaborative Industry Efforts and Results of 2024-2025 Legislative Survey

HARRISBURG, Pa. (November 20, 2024) – The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA PA) together with the Interior Design Legislative Coalition of Pennsylvania
(IDLCPA) are pleased to announce the passage of Senate Bill 1319, which amends the Architects Licensure Law to advance both professions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Senate Bill 1319, signed into law as Act 144 by Governor Josh Shapiro on October 31 st , 2024, contains many provisions including continuing education for architects, certification for qualified interior designers, and changes to the Pennsylvania Board of Architecture with an additional seat for a Certified Interior Designer thereby providing representation and a voice for the interior design profession within the board.

“Over the past two years, AIA PA has worked with IDLCPA to bridge past differences and build a framework for collaboration, recognizing that both architects and interior designers are essential
contributors to integrated design teams. We believe this new law is a significant step toward advancing our professions and enhancing our collective impact on the built environment,” Michael Metzger, AIA, 2024 AIA PA President.

As part of this landmark legislation, continuing education (CEU) requirements for architects will now be mandatory in Pennsylvania for the first time. AIA Pennsylvania has long advocated for
continuing education as a critical tool for architects to maintain the skills necessary to safeguard the public’s health, safety, and welfare. By requiring architects to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, the state aligns with best practices across the country, ensuring that architects are up-to-date on the rapidly evolving landscape of building codes, materials,  technologies, and design strategies. This change will help ensure that Pennsylvania’s architects continue to deliver the highest level of expertise to their clients, improving the quality and safety of the built environment statewide.

“IDLCPA is thrilled to see this agreement finally signed into law. For decades, IDLCPA has worked to advance and elevate the interior design profession in Pennsylvania. Those designers who meet rigorous education, experience, and examination standards will have the opportunity for legal recognition as well as a path for continued collaboration with our colleagues in Architecture, without whom we would not be here today,” said Jennifer Gibian, IDLCPA President.

Senate Bill 1319 was a bi-partisan effort prime sponsored by Senator Frank Farry (R-Bucks) and cosponsored by Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware). AIA PA and IDCLPA thank both Senators for their leadership and tireless efforts to move this bill from concept to law.

In Remembrance of Jim Thompson, AIA

The architectural community of AIA Central Pennsylvania and Harrisburg mourn the loss of a remarkable figure, Jim Thompson.  Serving as the AIA Central PA President in 2008, Jim was a fervent advocate for the profession and played a crucial role in establishing and supporting the AIA Central Pennsylvania Architects Foundation and Scholarship.   His dedication to architecture spanned more than four decades as he practiced in the Harrisburg area as a sole practitioner.

Jim’s commitment extended beyond architecture; he was deeply involved in his community, serving as a member of the Harrisburg School Board from 2012 until his passing.  His contributions to Harrisburg continue to resonate, reflecting his passion for both the architectural and local community.   

Discover more about Jim’s lasting impact on the Harrisburg community

ACE MENTOR PROGRAM

The ACE Mentor Program’s mission is to enlighten, engage, and encourage high school students in the pursuit of careers in the integrated construction industry. ACE accomplishes this mission by providing a structured academic curriculum and guidance on the many aspects of the industry, both technical and professional. Students that successfully complete the ACE program are eligible to receive a scholarship to assist in their pursuit of an industry-related education after high school.

ACE Mentor Program has been active in Central PA since 2007. Student participation is entirely voluntary, and ACE offers academic programs in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, and York Counties beginning in the fall and concluding in the spring of each year. For the 2017-2018 academic year, more than 100 students from 24 schools are enrolled in programs offered by ACE’s Central PA affiliate.

GET INVOLVED TODAY!

Call for Member Articles

AIA Central PA would like to feature scholarly articles / blogs related to our profession in each quarterly newsletter. This is an excellent opportunity to have your article published and available to your fellow architects / engineers in Central PA. If you are interested in submitting an article or blog please send your inquiries to Brett Hallacher at bhallacher@rlps.com.  This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your expertise and contribute to the professional development of your peers.

Membership Notes

  • Thank you for being an AIA Central Pennsylvania Member!  It is time to renew your membership for 2025!  We value you as a member and appreciate your feedback.  Please let us know what we can do to continue to support you.  Please reach out to Susan Frear at any time.  Remember to log in and update your profile information at aia.org.  Please let Susan Frear at AIA PA know if you have any questions about dues or membership.  sfrear@aiapa.org

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