Ringing in the new year affords us an opportunity to establish new goals for ourselves both personally and professionally. It’s a chance to hit the reset button and approach the new year with a renewed energy and prioritized focus. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead our AIA Rochester community, and help not only realize our goals, but achieve them.
I’d like to thank our Rochester AIA members and associated partners for their support this past year, and their continued contributions and support in 2024. I look forward to not only our ongoing collaboration, but also the opportunity to learn from each other as we navigate the year. I’d love for our professional architectural community to “get back to the basics”, and celebrate and promote what brings us all together: ARCHITECTURE. I, along with the Board of Directors, will be prioritizing the following to achieve our goals this year:
Focus & Energize the Board of Directors
By bringing in business development & strategic growth specialists, we’re going to organize ourselves at the Director level. This will help both new and existing Board Members understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as set some expectations for our roles. The hope is that our Board of Directors will realize and understand their purpose in serving, and with that purpose comes accountability.
Engage Firms & Membership
We will increase involvement and participation from Rochester firms and membership. Promoting the opportunities that are available and enabling volunteers (for both committee involvement and supporting events) is a high priority. Establishing firm liaisons and ensuring they have the tools to follow through with their peers is essential for growth.
Continuing Education Opportunities
We will continue to host focused, thought-provoking presentations for our members. We plan to concentrate on current and applicable topics like Business Development & Leadership, Marketing, Technology & AI, and Sustainability.
Re-establish Relationships
We will form guidelines for working relationships with organizations that share similar interests and goals as AIA Rochester. We will align our events with those of other professional organizations to ensure our membership has the best opportunities to benefit from said offerings, and we will continue to support mentor programs and promote mentor opportunities within our profession and community.
Celebrate
It's important that we make time to celebrate our work, the talented people doing it, and the clients we are doing it for. We need to reconvene as one professional organization and “get back to the basics” by promoting architecture in Rochester.
I am humbled to lead this effort like so many talented and successful leaders before me. I am proud to be a part of and serve the AIA Rochester membership, and I look forward to the influence, success, and impact that our profession will have on the Rochester community in 2024.
Thank you,
Jamie Bucci, AIA LEED AP BD+C
2024 AIA Rochester President