Last month, under Foster + Partners’ tessellated canopy at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA, was inaugurated as the 91st President of the AIA. A Chinese-born architect from Corpus Christi, Texas, Chu's contributions include an award-winning public radio series, “The Shape of Texas,” in addition to her role as CEO of Richter Architects and several leadership roles in the AIA. Elizabeth Chu Richter. Image © William J Stewart Photography She succeeds the 90th President, Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA. In setting a course for the AIA and the profession’s future, she identified three issues that merit close attention. The first is the challenges of a global economy that is increasingly urbanizing: “The message is clear: We must be prepared to apply our talents anywhere and anywhere.” The second is an informed public: “Few understand the impact [architecture] has on their lives. Every building has a story. Let’s tell them!” Thirdly, Richter sees an obligation to emerging professionals: “As a profession, each of us has an obligation to help all the bright, passionate, and creative young women and men to succeed. They are the profession’s future.” Image courtesy Richter Architects ...
Last month, under Foster + Partners’ tessellated canopy at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA, was inaugurated as the 91st President of the AIA. A Chinese-born architect from Corpus Christi, Texas, Chu's contributions include an award-winning public radio series, “The Shape of Texas,” in addition to her role as CEO of Richter Architects and several leadership roles in the AIA. Elizabeth Chu Richter. Image © William J Stewart Photography She succeeds the 90th President, Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA. In setting a course for the AIA and the profession’s future, she identified three issues that merit close attention. The first is the challenges of a global economy that is increasingly urbanizing: “The message is clear: We must be prepared to apply our talents anywhere and anywhere.” The second is an informed public: “Few understand the impact [architecture] has on their lives. Every building has a story. Let’s tell them!” Thirdly, Richter sees an obligation to emerging professionals: “As a profession, each of us has an obligation to help all the bright, passionate, and creative young women and men to succeed. They are the profession’s future.” Image courtesy Richter Architects ...