AIA LA & Gulf States Region receive Component Excellence Award at Grassroots 2017

In 2012, a group of passionate young leaders wanted to create a learning experience that would touch the lives and careers of members in our very spread-out region.  They did the planning, found the speakers, developed both the program and the budget, and held the first EP Symposium in Memphis.  The experience was successful, gained recognition and grew.

Our 2014 young leaders created another successful event in New Orleans which drew even more emerging professionals, and we began sharing our vision with other AIA EP groups.  The 2016 EP “Engage” was held in Fayetteville and earned AIA Gulf States Region an award from the Institute for knowledge sharing.

The partnership between our five states, architectural schools, firm principals and resourceful young architects is a thing of beauty!  AIAS Chapters are more active; Associate AIA and YAF members are sharing their goals and plans with similar groups; firm principals are supportive; and the innovative and creative conversations continue.  It is a richly rewarding experience for all who participate.

It was with great pride that we stepped onto the stage during Grassroots ’17 to accept the Component Excellence Award.  It just encourages us to move forward.