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AIA Connecticut’s Committees and Knowledge Communities are practice-area or professional-based interest groups for the purposes of sharing information, organizing learning opportunities and events, advocacy and policy formulation, networking, and various other initiatives. The majority of the chapter’s programs are spearheaded by these Committees and Knowledge Communities.
To get involved, contact the staff coordinator listed below or email programs@aiact.org.
Please consult the AIA CT Calendar for up-to-date meeting information.
The BP&R Knowledge Community focuses on code-related issues and the performance of building materials systems. It also supports codes and building performance programs.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Brian Baril, AIA, A/Z Corporation
Dov Feinmesser, AIA, Newman Architects
Staff Coordinator: Joel Whitten
The Committee on Design promotes design excellence among members of the AIA, the broader design community, and the public. It promotes a range of activities to encourage dialogue on the art of building.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Jeremy Jamilkowski, AIA, Amenta Emma
Mahdad Saniee, AIA, Saniee Architects
Staff Coordinator: Gina Calabro
The COTE Knowledge Community educates members on environmental matters and promotes the chapter’s involvement in sustainable and energy-related issues, including the role of architects in mitigating environmental damage.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Melissa Kops, AIA, City of New Haven
Andrew Gorzkowski, AIA, Pickard Chilton
Staff Coordinator: Joel Whitten
The Emerging Professionals Community serves architectural designers pursuing professional and personal growth by providing resources that afford social, educational, and cultural opportunities.
The goal is to celebrate their unique talents while encouraging active involvement within the greater AEC community.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Laura Bedus, AIA, JCJ Architecture
Leen Hariri, Assoc. AIA, Patriquin Architects
Staff Coordinator: Nora Kaszubowski
The J.E.D.I Knowledge Community is dedicated to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity within the architectural profession and beyond. Its mission is rooted in understanding related challenges, fostering commitment and action, and supporting diverse future generations.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Max E. Ballardo, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, Patriquin Architects
Thaddeus Stewart, AIA, ID&C
Staff Coordinator: Nora Kaszubowski
The Professional Practice Knowledge Community’s focus is to identify emerging trends in practice and advance the knowledge and skills of architects and emerging professionals to enable a better understanding of and ability to adapt to the changing landscape impacting the practice of Architecture.
The Committee continually seeks to proactively facilitate and encourage open discourse among AIA Connecticut architects, designers, and allied members to advance member understanding of practice-related issues including topics such as business, ethics, construction law, taxes, human resources, marketing, and technology.
2024 Co-Chairs:
F. Michael Ayles, FAIA, Antinozzi Associates, PC
Amy Samuelson, AIA, BL Companies
Staff Coordinator: Joel Whitten
The Women in Architecture Knowledge Community provides an environment for women architects and Allied professionals to enhance their professional development, networking, and leadership skills.
The knowledge community focuses on supporting professional growth through networking and connections, championing advancement to leadership positions, offering career guidance, strengthening community outreach, and providing support to women in their career development in architecture.
Click here for information on the 4×10 Mentorship Program.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Jennifer Huestis, AIA, Huestis-Tucker Architects
Julia Jack, AIA, City of Hartford
Staff Coordinator: Nora Kaszubowski
The Small Firms Exchange advances the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. The group advocates for the value of small firms within the AIA and out in public. It also promotes business development, marketing, and leadership development.
The AIA CT SFx focuses on the national mission at a local scale, engaging and supporting small firms practicing in Connecticut.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Karin Patriquin, AIA, Patriquin Architects
Elizabeth Di Salvo, AIA, Trillium Architects
Staff Coordinator: Nora Kaszubowski
The Allied Advisory Committee provides a channel of support and communications between related service providers (Allied members) and AIA members. The committee assists AIA CT staff by providing support in planning major events and securing sponsors.
2024 Co-Chairs:
Dominic Di Cenzo, CT Concrete Promotion Council
Staff Coordinator: Joel Whitten
The Government Affairs Committee assists as a watchdog for the profession, focusing on legislative and licensing issues, and encourages AIA Connecticut’s participation in local, state, and federal government.
2024 Co-Chairs:
John J. Butkus, AIA, Arcadis
Marc Andre, AIA, Marc Andre Architects
Staff Coordinator: Gina Calabro
The Honors & Awards Knowledge Community helps determine award programs by finalizing criteria, forming diverse juries, and jurying specific awards.
AIA Connecticut Awards recognize personal successes, crowning career achievements, and exemplary design in various practice areas.
Staff Coordinator: Gina Calabro