On February 24, 2025, our organization was listed as a signatory to a letter calling for the complete preservation of the existing complex. That is not AIA-Detroit’s position, and we regret the confusion. We would like to clarify support of the initial letter from Preservation Detroit was reviewed by the Past President, President, Vice President, and Executive Director, and was taken without the consent of the entire AIA Detroit Board nor the Chapter membership. We regret any misunderstanding this may have caused and appreciate the opportunity to correct the record. Like so many Detroit stakeholders, AIA-Detroit wishes to see the iconic Renaissance Center remain a part of Detroit’s fabric for generations to come. At the same time, we fully recognize that the Renaissance Center must evolve and change to be successful and sustainable in the future.

Unfortunately, AIA-Detroit’s broad desire to see the Renaissance Center remain a part of Detroit’s architectural identity was translated into a specific position that we did not intend as an organization. For this reason, we want to make clear that AIA-Detroit does not oppose selective demolition or other evolution of the complex, and indeed that we recognize the necessity and benefit of such steps.

AIA Detroit remains committed to thoughtful dialogue about the future of Detroit’s built environment. The Renaissance Center is an important part of the city’s architectural legacy, and while preservation is a key consideration, long-term viability and continued investment are equally critical. We support responsible development that balances historic significance with Detroit’s evolving needs.

We apologize for any confusion and welcome continued engagement to explore solutions that serve the best interests of our city. AIA Detroit remains available as a resource in these discussions.

FULL AIA DETROIT BOARD RESPONSE TO PRESERVATION DETROIT LETTER

Congratulations to this year’s Fellows! A magnificent achievement and we’re proud to have FOUR Fellows representing Michigan, with three from our chapter.

• Laura Clary, FAIA, ALA, NCARB, LEED-AP, iDesign Solutions, LLC
• Karl Daubmann, FAIA, Lawrence Technological University
• Kimberly N. Montague, FAIA, Albert Kahn Associates
• Kathy Velikov, FAIA, University of Michigan

Your hard work and dedication to this profession is admirable and we’re lucky to have you!

AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3% of the AIA members have this distinction.

See the full list of Fellows here.

Please join the AIA Detroit Board and membership at our 2024 Annual Meeting, taking place on Tuesday, November 12th, at Plante Moran in Southfield, beginning at 6:00pm.

This meeting will include the election of the 2025 AIA Detroit Board of Directors. We will discuss what the organization has done this year and the success of our new Annual Sponsor Package. The Annual Meeting is one of the few times throughout the year that AIA Detroit can reflect on our progress and discuss the future of the organization with our members.

Food and beverages will be provided. We hope you will attend!

Those unable to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting may request an absentee ballot by emailing elections@aiadetroit.com with your name and AIA Member number by November 11, 5:00pm. Absentee ballots must be completed by 12:00pm on November 12th. (You must be an AIA Detroit Member in good standing to vote)

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WHAT ARE WE OFFERING?

Kathryn Pentiuk | C&G Newspapers

Photo by Lindsay Hansmann

METRO DETROIT — “Forming Function” is “a design podcast for everyone.”

On the Detroit-based podcast, co-hosts Brian Moore and Sam Malott Brown cover everything from barber poles to Prince to toilets. Pairing history with architecture, the duo set out to uncover the origins and meaning behind everyday design in each episode using Moore’s background as an architect and Malott Brown’s education in anthropology and historic preservation, which is only fitting considering that the pair met while working at an architectural firm in Detroit.

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The Building Enclosure Council of Greater Detroit is proud to celebrate their Symposium with you again. For each Symposium, the BEC-GD symposium presents a distinguished panel of speakers to discuss the current and upcoming trends in building enclosure performance and evaluation.

The event includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks. As in previous years, there will be Continuing Education Credits and a raffle for prizes for attendees who visit all of the vendors and obtain a signature from each.

AIA Detroit will provide up to 5 AIA Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) Learning Units.

REGISTER HERE

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INTUIT Dome Arena, Inglewood, CA
AECOM

See the Jury Submission Here

“A textbook example of how computational design can push the boundaries of architecture, the jury was particularly impressed with the exceptional innovation, creativity, and technical complexity showcased in the work. The seamless integration of generative design and environmental simulations demonstrated a clear and sophisticated approach to form-finding solutions. The project proved that this approach to problem-solving can have measurable impacts on both the environment and functionality. By leveraging advanced techniques, it shows how computational design can address environmental concerns and enhance the usability of architectural spaces.”
~ co.de.D 2024 Jury

PROJECT STORY
The groundbreaking INTUIT Dome arena is inspired by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer’s vision to create an exceptional fan experience focused on user comfort. The 18,000-seat sports and entertainment campus includes an 85,000-sf practice facility, 71,000-sf office space and 25,000-sf for sports medicine, retail, and concert stage. The $2 Billion development located in Inglewood California features a translucent oval -shaped dome, the world’s largest video board, wired power for every seat, frictionless concessions, and quick restroom access. Sustainability is prioritized with carbon-free operation, natural ventilation, and solar power. The Intuit Dome redefines sports venues by emphasizing simplicity, convenience, and fan-centric design through computational design innovation. (more…)

The results are in! Salvatore Moschelli, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP has been selected as the recipient of the 27th annual LTU Distinguished Architecture Alumni Award! Join us in congratulating Sam as he becomes part of an elite group of LTU’s Architecture + Design Alumni. As project executive for Fanning Howey , Sam specializes in the design of high-performing buildings for K-12 and higher education clients. Sam is passionate about sustainability and has led integrated design teams through the successful completion of multiple LEED Gold certified buildings. Sam’s experience also includes the development of district-wide design standards, working with associate firms, and collaborating with owner representatives and program managers.

The Lawrence Technological University DAA Award is given annually in recognition of the recipient’s professional, academic, and personal achievements including:

-Local, national, and international professional accomplishments
-Support of the College of Architecture and Design
-Charitable, volunteer, and community service

Sam will receive his award and deliver a lecture on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Save the date and look for more information as we get closer or add your name to our pre-registration form: https://buff.ly/3VZ23qf

See the original post here.

Last Tuesday, AIA Detroit’s Committee Environment (COTE), Detroit 2030 District, and the USGBC Detroit Region met for the first-ever Detroit Green Circle Meetup at Lord Aeck Sargent‘s beautiful downtown office. It was a packed house, with folks from several industries coming together with a mission to integrate and bring together Detroit organizations to create one strategic vision. The organizations are teaming up to create a collaborative platform to advocate for the architectural profession, building industry, academic institutions, the public, and design and construction industries, fostering holistic and sustainable design practices within the built environment.

In partnership with AIA Detroit, Green Living Sciences announced the winners of the Zero-Waste Education Center Design Competition, giving out cash prizes for the designs. The winners were as follows:

First Place: Progressive AE

(Represented by Rand Harder and Matthew Van Sweden)

First Runner-Up: Bryan Seef

Honorable Mention: Jessica Hartwig

Congratulations to the winners! A special “Thank You, ” to Lord Aeck Sargent for hosting, and our supporting organizations for putting together a wonderful event.

To see the photos, visit: https://aiadetroit.pixieset.com/detroitgreencirclemeetup/

To get involved with our Committee on the Environment, email us at cote@aiadetroit.com

AIA Detroit is pleased to announce the 2024 AIA Detroit Scholarship recipients, Faith Ten Eyck of Lawrence Technological University and Heather Soper of Lawrence Technological University! 

AIA Detroit awarded two annual scholarships, (1) $1,500 and (1) $3,000, with the intention to support and foster a diverse profession that is representative of our greater chapter community. This year’s efforts were made more special by the generous contribution of an AIA National Component Matching Scholarship Grant, which awarded $1,000 to students enrolled in a NAAB accredited program.

The AIA Detroit Scholarships were established to recognize deserving architecture students attending a NAAB-accredited institution within our chapter boundary (University of Detroit Mercy and Lawrence Technological University) or whose permanent residence is in the AIA Detroit chapter boundary (Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties) and is enrolled in a NAAB-accredited institution elsewhere. The goal is to support future BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or women architects as we aim to have our profession better reflects our diverse chapter community.

Congratulations, Faith Ten Eyck and Heather Soper! You are assets to the community and we can’t wait to see you flourish within the profession.