President’s Letter JANUARY 2021

My theme for this year: REACH!

First things first. Our Redwood Empire Chapter navigated through uncharted waters and we owe a debt of gratitude to Past President Mary Dooley and Executive Director Carissa Green. Their leadership and the work completed by the board of directors is greatly appreciated.

‘Hindsight is 2020’ is an expression that will not be heard the same way for at least a generation to come. While it may seem that 2020 has 13 months, it is just now beginning to feel like 2021. Lesson learned, we carry forward so that we can all be better prepared for unfortunate events, and be stronger to find opportunities to help and step up to take action.

One thing will not change, our commitment. The Board of Directors and active committee members of the Redwood Empire Chapter of the AIA will continue to provide networking and educational opportunities of value to our members as I intend to consider the following three values of mine.

Culture- Architecture should leave a legacy. Leaving the world a better place than when you found it through artistry in the built environment.

Community- Improving the quality of life, through design. Stepping up, and stepping onto difficult paths so that others can succeed.

Commerce- Commerce is the result of research and exchange of ideas. Great design will improve your surroundings and your bottom line.

As for right now? The events of 2020 have accelerated the development of vaccines, and work from home tools like Zoom, Slack, Teams & more. We have new ways to connect with each other. The benefits of reduced greenhouse gasses, and more time with family are just two.

For Our Redwood Empire Chapter, we can reach out and connect, serve more AIA members far beyond Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. We have an opportunity to scale-up our chapter and bring benefits to more architects. I look forward to highlighting our Chapters endeavors, showcasing successes and humbly taking lessons learned as opportunity to get it right. In next month’s letter I will share with you our active committee and goals, with opportunities for members to reach out to get involved.

Ross A. Jones, AIA

AIARE President 2021