Erin Greer

The Architectural Association appoints Alison Brooks, Pui Quan Choi, Cindy Walters, and Steven Ware as new Council members to shape its future strategy. Their diverse expertise will enhance the AA's growth and development. Read more - https://lnkd.in/e8-SWEzH #Architecture #Leadership #AA #Innovation #Diversity #ADF #ArchitectsDatafile

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Daryl Williams-Dotson, AIA, ULI, IIDA, is redefining what it means to be a leader in architecture. As the CEO and President of WDi Architecture, Inc., a firm she founded in 1995, she exemplifies innovation, and a strong commitment to inclusion. From her roots in Daytona Beach, Florida, to becoming a renowned architect and business owner in Indianapolis, Indiana, Williams-Dotson’s journey reflects her dedication to creating spaces that are as inclusive as they are functional. Williams-Dotson’s journey began at Southern University, a historically Black college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree. She later sharpened her leadership skills through Cornell University’s Women in Leadership program. Her early career took her to Phoenix, Arizona, where she obtained her first architectural registration, before relocating to Indianapolis in 1991. At a time when the architectural profession was still heavily male-dominated, especially in Indianapolis, Williams-Dotson’s perseverance set her apart. With over three decades of experience, Williams-Dotson has cultivated a diverse and impressive portfolio. Her expertise spans architectural design, planning, project management, and sustainable building practices. From managing multi-million-dollar projects to more modest renovations, her work demonstrates her ability to bring vision to life at every scale. Her firm, WDi Architecture, is known for its work on projects such as the renovations of William Penn School 49 and Washington Irving School 14 as part of the Indianapolis Public Schools’ Rebuilding Stronger initiative. For Williams-Dotson, these projects represent more than professional milestones. “Young African American children need to see successful professionals who look like them,” said Dotson. “Representation matters, and inclusion isn’t just a checkbox; it’s about creating environments that celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences.” She has a commendable history of designing affordable housing, emphasizing attractive and community-integrated projects. The recent developments at Wes Montgomery Park showcase a dedication to inclusive and accessible design. The park is named after the legendary jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Williams-Dotson’s work has not gone unnoticed. Her firm has garnered many accolades for its innovative and sustainable designs, showcasing a rich history of award-winning work. Her contributions have been highlighted in publications like Essence Magazine, the Indianapolis Star, and the Indianapolis Business Journal. She is also a registered architect in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio and is actively involved in professional organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the Indiana Interior Design Coalition (IIDA), and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). #WDiarchitecture #AIA #Architect

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In this #DETAILED #podcast clip: Brian Jonas, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal/Owner at Graham Baba Architects, talks about using interior materials that add character to the Ballard Food Bank. Full Episode: https://lnkd.in/eCyuTG5S

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Designing the Future: Gensler’s Take on 2025 Trends for a Resilient Built Environment Gensler Co-CEOs Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink recently outlined five key trends shaping the future of our industry in an interview for Interiors + Sources. 1. Adaptive Reuse as Climate Action Repurposing existing buildings is more than preservation—it’s a critical step in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Adaptive reuse projects offer sustainable solutions to urban challenges like housing shortages while minimizing resource use. 2. Net-Zero Design Net-zero energy buildings are becoming a non-negotiable standard. By integrating renewable energy and low-carbon materials, the AEC sector can significantly reduce emissions and enhance building performance. 3. Mixed-Use Lifestyle Districts Compact, walkable districts blending work, living, and leisure reduce urban sprawl and carbon emissions. These hubs offer community connection while addressing climate challenges through green infrastructure and efficient design. 4. Sustainable Workplaces Workplaces are evolving into platforms for sustainability. Flexible designs with biophilic elements support hybrid work models and reduce energy use, creating healthier environments that prioritize well-being and efficiency. 5. Resilient, Attainable Housing Modular and prefabricated construction techniques are streamlining housing production, reducing waste, and promoting affordability—all while ensuring homes can withstand climate stresses. Design is a powerful tool for addressing the climate crisis. AEC must lead the way. https://loom.ly/qha0_KU #aeco #adaptivereuse #design #sustainability

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"We have to think we are integral to somebody's existence on this planet." Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, SHRM-SCP, NOMA, NAAB, WELL AP, gives her inspiring take on the value of an architect. ✨ #ArchitectureWeek is about inspiring the next generation through K-12 engagement AND celebrating the #architecture profession! How would you answer this question? #AIA #NationalArchitectureWeek #Design

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Rethinking Space: The Time for Office Conversion Is Now Last year, Gensler's innovative scoring tool for office-to-residential conversion sparked considerable interest in the regular press. With three significant trends converging, the potential for transformation is immense: 1) Persistent Vacancies: Office vacancy rates in major cities continue to hover around 25%, underscoring the need for a new approach. 2) Conversion Potential: Initial analyses by Gensler suggest that a quarter of existing office spaces are prime candidates for residential conversion. 3) Market Dynamics: As office properties begin to appear on the market at substantial discounts, the opportunity for redevelopment grows increasingly attractive. Recent initiatives, like the one billion dollar commitment from Chicago to support developers converting office spaces within the Loop, signal a move in the right direction. Yet, the pace of transformation remains cautious. We stand at a crossroads. Who will champion the cause to revitalize our urban centers, making them more vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive? It's an unprecedented opportunity for a visionary leader to emerge, perhaps a mayor of a major metropolitan area, ready to make a significant impact. Let's seize this moment to foster a robust office market, expand affordable housing, and enhance our downtowns into thriving mixed-use communities. The time for bold action and visionary thinking is now. Read more about this transformative potential here: https://loom.ly/7r8A6BI #officeconversion #realestate #urbanplanning #architecture #housinginnovation Fast Company

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Today, we chat with Lisa Brenner, Project Manager Retail Design, who has embraced the challenge of managing diverse projects while fostering creativity. After graduating in interior design, Lisa joined our team and quickly became an integral part of our project lifecycle, from client communication to prototype development. In her Job Talk, she talks about her work life, highlighting the importance of teamwork, continuous learning and a supportive company culture. Lisa's ability to combine strategic planning with innovative design is key to delivering outstanding retail experiences for our clients. Read her full Job Talk on our website! #DFROST #RetailIdentity #BrandCompanion #Jobtalk

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With the U.S. Election Day just a week away and many voters across the country casting their ballots early, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is looking ahead to what it hopes to accomplish legislatively after the election’s outcomes are clear. Here are 7 Key issues on the ballot for architects:

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🚀 Get ready for the next episode of Architecture Beyond! We're diving into the future of architecture with expert insights from Rachel Gresham, AIA Senior Director of Professional Practice. Rachel shares her journey of empowering architects—from firm leadership to industry-wide initiatives with the AIA. Tune in Wednesday, October 2nd at 6pm CST to elevate your career and take your practice to the next level. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow! 🎧✨ #ArchitectureBeyond #Architects #ProfessionalDevelopment #AIA #Podcast

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🌟💡 Breaking News: Uncover the Crucial Role of Executive Architects in Securing Planning Permission for our Addison Gardens Housing Application! 🏡😱 • 💰💣 Budget Guardians: Executive Architects excel at cost management and meticulous planning, ensuring freedom from budget overruns. 💸🚫 • 📐🛠️ Space Optimization Experts: With Executive Architects at the helm, housing projects enjoy efficient layouts, minimizing waste and maximizing functionality. 📉🚪 • 🏗️🔨 Elite Contractor Selection: Executive Architects handpick top-notch contractors and suppliers, guaranteeing quality construction while avoiding costly rework. 🚫👷♀️ • 🌿🌧️ Sustainability Pioneers: Executive Architects prioritize eco-friendly design, reducing utility costs and lessening environmental impact. 💡🌍 • 📆⏳ On-Time Project Completion: Efficient project management by Executive Architects eliminates delays and coordination issues, ensuring punctual delivery. ⌛🚧 • 📜📝 Compliance Assurance: Executive Architects maintain housing projects in perfect alignment with building regulations and zoning laws, warding off legal troubles and additional expenses. ⚖️🔒 Experience a seamless and triumphant housing application process with the guidance of an Executive Architect. 💼🔑 Schedule a FREE initial consultation: 💻📞 https://lnkd.in/eaZjAKKn Associated hashtags: #PlanningSuccess #CostManagement #SpaceOptimization #QualityConstruction #SustainableDesign #OnTimeDelivery #ComplianceMatters #ExecutiveArchitects #ProjectExcellence #FreeConsultation #AGAAssociates #AddisonGardensProject

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🌟💡 Breaking News: Uncover the Crucial Role of Executive Architects in Securing Planning Permission for our Addison Gardens Housing Application! 🏡😱 • 💰💣 Budget Guardians: Executive Architects excel at cost management and meticulous planning, ensuring freedom from budget overruns. 💸🚫 • 📐🛠️ Space Optimization Experts: With Executive Architects at the helm, housing projects enjoy efficient layouts, minimizing waste and maximizing functionality. 📉🚪 • 🏗️🔨 Elite Contractor Selection: Executive Architects handpick top-notch contractors and suppliers, guaranteeing quality construction while avoiding costly rework. 🚫👷♀️ • 🌿🌧️ Sustainability Pioneers: Executive Architects prioritize eco-friendly design, reducing utility costs and lessening environmental impact. 💡🌍 • 📆⏳ On-Time Project Completion: Efficient project management by Executive Architects eliminates delays and coordination issues, ensuring punctual delivery. ⌛🚧 • 📜📝 Compliance Assurance: Executive Architects maintain housing projects in perfect alignment with building regulations and zoning laws, warding off legal troubles and additional expenses. ⚖️🔒 Experience a seamless and triumphant housing application process with the guidance of an Executive Architect. 💼🔑 Schedule a FREE initial consultation: 💻📞 https://lnkd.in/eaZjAKKn Associated hashtags: #PlanningSuccess #CostManagement #SpaceOptimization #QualityConstruction #SustainableDesign #OnTimeDelivery #ComplianceMatters #ExecutiveArchitects #ProjectExcellence #FreeConsultation #AGAAssociates #AddisonGardensProject

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Our friends at Archinect asked a group of architects, designers, landscape architects, academics, AEC economists, industry experts, preservation advocates, and architectural photographers to share their predictions and insights for the year ahead. Read what Brent Leggs, executive direction of the National Trust's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, sees as fresh possibilities for 2025: https://ow.ly/XhMS50UzxcX

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#Spring is a time to catapult yourself from the #conventional workday AND #DoWhatYouLove. It's Your Time, to Make That #CHANGE with CR architecture + design! #architects #architecturelovers #architectureanddesign #architectureinteriors #architecturedaily

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"This isn't just about the buildings, it's about the people." Steven Paynter, Global Director for Building Transformation and Adaptive Reuse at Gensler, discusses the challenges and opportunities in revitalizing downtown areas through building conversions. He emphasizes the importance of bringing people back to these spaces to drive economic success and shares insights on the viability of converting office buildings to residential use. He also highlights innovative approaches to amenity spaces that foster community engagement and the need for collaboration with cities and developers to unlock value in existing properties. You can watch the full episode on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e9k4GSgn

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We consistently value the insights shared in Gensler's annual design forecasts. For office conversions in 2025? "...Converting buildings into multiple new asset types becomes more viable than ever because of lowering interest rates, new zoning laws, and smarter design tools..."👍 https://lnkd.in/g3q-cuND

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“Looking ahead, what do you hope to be the legacy of your book, ‘Build Like It's the End of the World’?” 🌍📖 During their recent live book launch, Sandeep Ahuja and Patrick Chopson, AIA shared their bold vision for creating a carbon-positive built environment. “Build Like It’s the End of the World” challenges conventional AEC industry practices and sets a new standard for sustainable design and construction. Offering a practical blueprint for carbon-positivity, this essential guide combines rigorous research with actionable strategies that can transform the future of architecture. 💡🔧 Discover how this book provides practical tools, a comprehensive roadmap, and a compelling case for the economic and cultural benefits of sustainable buildings. It’s a must-read for AEC professionals ready to drive the industry towards a more sustainable future. 🌱🏢 Explore how this book can reshape your approach to design at the 🔗 in comments. #Sustainability #Architecture #Decarbonization #AEC #CarbonPositive #BuildBetter #FutureOfDesign #NetZero #GreenBuilding #SustainableDesign #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateChange #CarbonFootprint #EnvironmentalImpact #CircularEconomy #SmartDesign #LowCarbon #ZeroEmissions #GreenArchitecture #BuildingForTheFuture #InnovationInDesign

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In his latest article for Fast Company, MG2 CEO Mitch Smith, AIA, LEED AP discusses the power of collaboration. “Digital interactions have far outpaced our number of in-person interactions, but we still occupy real places and spaces when we have these digital interactions—cafe tables, shops, school cafeterias, office scrums, park benches, and airplane seats. That’s one of the reasons why I know AI won’t rob architects of their jobs—because people still occupy space and need their spaces to be responsive, healthy, inspiring, and beautiful—no matter what they’re doing. The quality of the space directly impacts the quality of collaboration.” Read more in the link here: https://lnkd.in/eJKwCQAs

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) president, Kimberly Dowdell, calls for bold action to reshape architecture’s future; addressing the climate crisis, diversity within the profession, and reevaluating compensation structures and embracing technological advancements, like artificial intelligence. #learnglazing #AIA #architecture #climatecrisis #climatechange #paystructures #AI #artificialintelligence #buildingdesign #glassindustry #sustainability #education #diversity #buildingthefuture

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🔍 Navigating the Architectural Landscape: Insights from Mark Gardner, AIA 🔍 One key issue in the architectural field is the lack of clear guidance on the skills and achievements necessary to progress within an office environment. This absence can leave new architects unsure of how to advance or assert their ambitions after years in the field. The industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of diverse skill sets, particularly business acumen, to meet market demands. Architectural practices are now hiring leaders from non-architectural backgrounds, emphasizing the need for education that encompasses not just design and technical skills but also business strategies and leadership training. 🎓 Bridging the Gap in Education: University courses play a crucial role in addressing these gaps. They should help students advance their careers and educate them about the business systems and mindsets needed for success. This comprehensive approach prepares future architects to be effective leaders and innovators. 💡 Advice from Mark Gardner: Mark Gardner simplifies his advice for architecture students into two main points: Research and Networking: Emphasizing the importance of these in today's world, where information and connections are readily available. Pursue Your Interests: Encouraging students to actively seek opportunities that excite them, rather than settling for less engaging work. Mark shares his own experience of deliberately moving towards projects that align with his interest in African American history, advising students to position themselves strategically and avoid complacency in mundane tasks. He believes in having a long-term plan, recognizing that each step, though not always directly beneficial, is part of a larger journey. 🛠️ Integrating Business Skills: Gardner highlights the common oversight in architectural education—the neglect of business skills. He contends that every aspect of the profession, including business, should be integrated into architectural education. Students should view their classroom experiences as practice for their future careers, constantly questioning and challenging norms. Mark Gardner's insights are invaluable for aspiring architects, blending practical advice with a forward-thinking approach to education and career development. #Architecture #Education #CareerDevelopment #BusinessSkills #Leadership #MarkGardner #Mentorship #Innovation #ProfessionalGrowth Parsons School of Design - The New School University of Pennsylvania

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