Greetings All,

These days, everything feels simultaneously monotonous and unusual. It’s so easy to lose track of all the accomplishments we have made in 2020 amongst the turmoil and uncertainty. This year it has also been difficult to find time to pause and reflect. I hope each of us can create time during Thanksgiving week to do this.  What AIA Baltimore has accomplished this year would be considered amazing any year. However, to open The Center for Architecture and Design, sell the Chapter House, and transition to virtual programs, events, and day-to-day business this year is truly extraordinary! Similarly, to your firms and businesses, it takes a large dedicated team to be successful.

For AIA Baltimore, it starts with our Executive Director and her staff.  Thank you, Kathleen, Zevi, Nathan, Margaret,  and Olivia- you all have been amazing this year.  For myself, as President, I could not have been successful without the sage advice of our Past-President Suzanne Frasier, FAIA, and the dedication and leadership of our Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

AIA Baltimore owes our committee co-chairs and members a thank you as well.  As an organization, we are only as strong as our membership.  The Center for Architecture and Design will only be successful with the energy and engagement of our members.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, it will be different than any in memory.  We will have to find creative ways to safely get together.  As a profession, we have been creative all year long.  We have found new ways to collaborate with each other and to communicate with our clients as we’ve upheld our commitment to enhancing the built environment.

Finally, as 2020 draws to a close, I am thankful for the promise of 2021.  I can’t wait.

Stay Safe, I hope to see everyone soon.

Scott M Walters, AIA, LEED AP Hord Coplan Macht