The Passing of Time (1.5 LU)

AIAEB Small Firm Forum (originally Remodelers Roundtable) has a long history (more than 30 years) of professional fellowship. We learned from each other and we made friends that are rewarding and long lasting.

While AIAEB is in the process of retuning to a physical office, it seems likely remote meetings will remain a part of the SFF experience for some.

One of the shortcomings of the remote format is less interaction. We are not only physically distant from one another. Many do not even present their face or share their thoughts.

So there are some things in a remote gathering we cannot overcome. But it could be fun to get to know one another a bit more than we currently do.

We will see the extent we can build new bridges via 5 questions and a protocol. Below are 5 questions that everyone can see and consider well in advance of our meeting. Hopefully the questions will resonate and inspire your thoughts. We will go through them in order and go as far as we can for the first two thirds of our meeting. After that we will all sit back and see the work presented by a couple of remarkable young architects.

The Questions:

1. Looking back to when you were just entering the profession, in what way has your experience in the profession not been what you expected?

2. Knowing what you know now, what might you have done differently, to your benefit, in the beginning?

3. Have there been any joys or special rewards that surprised you?

4. What has been more difficult than you imagined?

5. In what way is architecture an art?

The Recommended Protocol:

• Let others see you even if you are eating. It’s a lunch meeting.
• Mute if there are disruptive noises in your environment, but otherwise leave your mike on.
• If you cannot control the urge to laugh or interrupt, then do it.
• If someone says something you want to challenge or ask a follow up question about, do it.
• It is fine to raise your hand, we will keep an eye out for that, but if you feel ignored speak up.