The Birmingham Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional membership organization of 350 architects and graduate architects.
(2)
The Birmingham Chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) represents the Birmingham area’s more than 350 licensed architects, graduate architects and affiliates. The Birmingham Chapter includes; Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties. Our chapter was chartered in January 1965. For almost 150 years, members of The American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create a more valuable, healthy, secure and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. As architects together, we give voice to our shared values in order to shape our neighborhoods. AIA members strive to make the world a better place for everyone to live, work and play.
Operating as usual
Meet the candidates for 2021 AIA National Board of Directors and view their speeches.
This year, seven members announced their candidacy for office by the deadline of February 15, 2021. View their speeches for the AIA National Board of Directors.
#AIADesignoftheDay
Shipt Welcome Center by CCR Architecture & Interiors
This renovation of the first floor of Shipt Tower features a welcome center designed to facilitate collaboration and enhance the experience of Shipt’s employees, clients and partners. Large, illuminated signage and glass doors provide wayfinding to the welcome center from the building lobby. Inside the glass doors, a reception desk, lounge area and coffee bar create an inviting entry into the space and present a variety of seating options.
The lounge area also features a Shipt swag wall and a hanging projector installed to display visiting companies' branding. Beyond the coffee bar, workstations and various conference rooms are available for collaborative or individual work. Similar to Shipt’s office space on the floors above, the design is sleek and modern with ample natural light and bold pops of color.
Learn more at www.ccrarchitecture.com
“We are looking for development partners to help initiate some of these projects,” said Joe Ayers, real estate director at Woodlawn Foundation, at a recent ULI Alabama. “Property in Woodlawn needs to be developed, but we’re trying to be intentional about how it’s done and make sure that all people have an opportunity to benefit from it.”
The revitalization of Woodlawn is expected to continue with more housing and commercial development.
The American Institute of Architects commends Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, (D-OR), Rep. Darin LaHood, (R-IL), and Congressman Danny K. Davis, (D-IL), on the recent reintroduction of The Retirement Parity for Student Loans Act.
AIA praises proposed legislation aimed at easing & bolstering retirement planning for architects
#AIADesignoftheDay
Baptist Health South Florida Plantation Medical Office Building by Gresham Smith
When BaptistHealth SF sought to increase access to high-quality healthcare for Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade County residents, they called on Gresham Smith to design a 112,000-square-foot multi-disciplinary medical complex in Plantation, Florida. With a focus on prioritizing the patient experience, offering state-of-the-art care, and creating flexibility for the future, the new outpatient facility provides convenient care for the tri-county community.
Working against an accelerated timeline, Gresham Smith used tilt-up construction when designing this facility. Even though they streamlined the design process, they didn’t sacrifice style—the team emphasized the Baptist Health brand by embedding the logo on the façade.
Additionally, color-changing exterior lights increase visibility from the adjacent interstate, while modern metal panels and curtain wall glazing reflect the high-quality care patients can expect to receive inside.
Learn more about the project here: www.greshamsmith.com
Creature’s Mike Gibson and Geoff Golden as architect and general contractor. The two-story, 30,000-square-foot historic space was acquired by O'Neal Industries The estimated $5 million project will be an integral part of Downtown Birmingham’s restoration and revitalization, lead by David Schneider of Schneider Historic Preservation, LLC.
Break out those cowboy boots and denim cutt-offs—a new honky-tonk bar and even venue is coming to Parkside in Birmingham, AL! %
#AIAEXCOM Spotlight
Recognizing Rebecca Whitlow, Councilor, with Revolutionary Architecture!
Owner of Birmingham-based architecture and design firm Revolutionary Architecture, Rebecca is celebrating their 5th year in business this summer! Her practice is rooted in a passion for helping people with disabilities, creating accessible spaces that make their lives easier and allow them to function in the mainstream of our society. Rebecca attended Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction and received Bachelor’s of Architecture and Bachelor’s of Interior Architecture.
She is licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. As a Muscle Shoals, AL native, the musical influence of the Shoals sparked her interest in vocal performance, which was her talent in the Miss America pageant! She also enjoys singing in friend’s weddings and recently started playing piano as a new hobby. Painting is another creative outlet for Rebecca - specifically watercolor and oil painting.
Rebecca Whitlow is a committed advocate for the profession of architecture. serving on both the Alabama Center for Architecture dreamARCHITECTURE & N2 Architecture Committee. We look forward to her contributing presence in AIA Birmingham EXCOM!
#AIAEXCOM Spotlight
Recognizing Rebecca Whitlow, Councilor, with Revolutionary Architecture!
Owner of Birmingham-based architecture and design firm Revolutionary Architecture, Rebecca is celebrating their 5th year in business this summer! Her practice is rooted in a passion for helping people with disabilities, creating accessible spaces that make their lives easier and allow them to function in the mainstream of our society. Rebecca attended Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction and received Bachelor’s of Architecture and Bachelor’s of Interior Architecture.
She is licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. As a Muscle Shoals, AL native, the musical influence of the Shoals sparked her interest in vocal performance, which was her talent in the Miss America pageant! She also enjoys singing in friend’s weddings and recently started playing piano as a new hobby. Painting is another creative outlet for Rebecca - specifically watercolor and oil painting.
Rebecca Whitlow is a committed advocate for the profession of architecture. serving on both the Alabama Center for Architecture dreamARCHITECTURE & N2 Architecture Committee. We look forward to her contributing presence in AIA Birmingham EXCOM!
A wonderful read from DesignAlabama, Inc. about Amanda Loper with David Baker Architects, who won The American Institute of Architects 2021 Young Architect Award!
“Architects are late bloomers,” writes architect and urban designer Matthew Frederick in his book, 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School. “Most architects do not hit their professional stride until around age 50.”
#AIADesignoftheDay
The Cahaba by Justin Collier Architect
Located in Downtown Trussville, two existing structures will be renovated into a new coworking and event space. The building will boast 28 private offices, 2 meeting rooms, a rooftop patio, and views of downtown and the adjacent municipal park.
Learn more at www.jcollierarchitect.com
A really interesting series on 5/4 & 5/11 from our friends at Structural Engineers Association of Alabama! They have been so kind as to offer AIA Birmingham member price.
Email [email protected] to register.
Thanks to all who attended our Emerging Professionals ARE Prep event on Wednesday. We had so much fun catching up and watching the MBA Geotech pros crush a cylinder. Check out the finished product!
Huge shoutout to everyone who made this event possible: our gracious hosts at MBA Engineers Inc., our sponsor, First Resource Credit Union, and our EP Committee! 👷🏽♀️👷🏻♂️
#AIADesignoftheDay
Birmingham Airport's New Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station by Dorsey Architects Inc.
Construction is underway for a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Station at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (“BHM”). The fire station will be located southwest of the terminal building, adjacent to the western edge of the terminal apron. The approximate size of the 4 vehicle bay station will be 17,000 square feet.
The new facility to house all equipment and personnel needed to meet the airport’s Index C requirements under 14 CFR Part 139. It is estimated to be completed by May 2021!
To learn more about this project, please visit www.dorseyarchitects.com
#AIADesignoftheDay
Birmingham Airport's New Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station by Dorsey Architects Inc.
Construction is underway for a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Station at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (“BHM”). The fire station will be located southwest of the terminal building, adjacent to the western edge of the terminal apron. The approximate size of the 4 vehicle bay station will be 17,000 square feet.
The new facility to house all equipment and personnel needed to meet the airport’s Index C requirements under 14 CFR Part 139. It is estimated to be completed by May 2021!
To learn more about this project, please visit www.dorseyarchitects.com
Congratulations, Christopher Architecture & Interiors! ❣
The first-ever, all-digital The American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture kicks off this June for a series of immersive, connected digital experiences. #A21https
Get your ticket to A'21, the architecture & design event of the year! This four-day digital experience defines the year ahead. Special pricing ends May 4.
#AIAEXCOM Spotlight
Matthew Smith, AIA Birmingham Alabama Councilor
Matthew is an architect at Williams Blackstock Architects, and was formerly with Goodwyn Mills Cawood. Having previously worked as a graphic designer and photographer, he brings a compositional element of visual interaction and ergonomics to his users’ experiences. A significant portion of Matthew’s career has been focused on re-adaptations of existing structures, and thus he approaches his designs so they can efficiently evolve as the need changes.
Matthew seeks to improve those around him. He often mentors junior team members or helps guide a project team in a positive direction. His work on the AIA Birmingham Executive Committee is an extension of this philosophy, as he hopes to positively affect the local architectural community.
Before relocating to Birmingham, Matthew lived in 4 different states, including an Astoria on both coasts: Astoria, Oregon and Astoria, New York. His eagerness to travel and take in the world also facilitate his love of baseball and craft beer. He can often be found with his dog, Andi, heading out on a new road trip adventure, usually to have a beer at a ballgame.
Welcome to AIA Birmingham EXCOM, Matthew!
#AIAEXCOM Spotlight
Matthew Smith, AIA Birmingham Alabama Councilor
Matthew is an architect at Williams Blackstock Architects, and was formerly with Goodwyn Mills Cawood. Having previously worked as a graphic designer and photographer, he brings a compositional element of visual interaction and ergonomics to his users’ experiences. A significant portion of Matthew’s career has been focused on re-adaptations of existing structures, and thus he approaches his designs so they can efficiently evolve as the need changes.
Matthew seeks to improve those around him. He often mentors junior team members or helps guide a project team in a positive direction. His work on the AIA Birmingham Executive Committee is an extension of this philosophy, as he hopes to positively affect the local architectural community.
Before relocating to Birmingham, Matthew lived in 4 different states, including an Astoria on both coasts: Astoria, Oregon and Astoria, New York. His eagerness to travel and take in the world also facilitate his love of baseball and craft beer. He can often be found with his dog, Andi, heading out on a new road trip adventure, usually to have a beer at a ballgame.
Welcome to AIA Birmingham EXCOM, Matthew!
Materials selection is one of the most difficult sustainability goals to track and integrate into the design and delivery process.
Opting for healthier materials shouldn’t be a lofty goal for the well-resourced few.
The new AIA Healthier Materials Protocol was created to provide clear, practical methods and tools to navigate materials and effectively translate awareness to practice.
Architects are working with manufacturers to source new materials that improve health, lower costs, and reduce environmental impact. Greener building materials are key to halting climate change. Currently, buildings produce about 40% of the world’s fossil-fuel carbon-dioxide emissions (CO2).
Architects are working with manufacturers to source new materials that improve health, lower costs, and reduce environmental impact.
#AIADesignoftheDay
UAB Medicine School of Nursing by Williams Blackstock Architects
The UAB School of Nursing is committed to sustaining nursing leadership worldwide and the new state-of-the-art, transformative renovation and expansion of their existing aged facility will help elevate their role in driving the future of nursing education and development around the globe. The design was a “synapse” for collaboration and idea exchange, where all programs come together in the building and circulate the surrounding community of health education through the core of the building.
The existing 1970’s portion of the school was screened by the new dramatic glass structure, which provides a new face and image for the school on the main boulevard through campus. A palette of timeless terrazzo, warm wood, and layers of glass signify a welcoming atmosphere. A combination of new and renovated space on the ground floor brings together classrooms, skills labs and a new nursing competency suite for detailed training and testing. The carefully orchestrated combination of exterior vertical fins and horizontal shades create a unique look on the main thoroughfare of the UAB campus, while controlling solar access, and tying into the context of unique façade features of the surrounding buildings.
To learn more about the project, visit www.wba-architects.com
#AIADesignoftheDay
UAB Medicine School of Nursing by Williams Blackstock Architects
The UAB School of Nursing is committed to sustaining nursing leadership worldwide and the new state-of-the-art, transformative renovation and expansion of their existing aged facility will help elevate their role in driving the future of nursing education and development around the globe. The design was a “synapse” for collaboration and idea exchange, where all programs come together in the building and circulate the surrounding community of health education through the core of the building.
The existing 1970’s portion of the school was screened by the new dramatic glass structure, which provides a new face and image for the school on the main boulevard through campus. A palette of timeless terrazzo, warm wood, and layers of glass signify a welcoming atmosphere. A combination of new and renovated space on the ground floor brings together classrooms, skills labs and a new nursing competency suite for detailed training and testing. The carefully orchestrated combination of exterior vertical fins and horizontal shades create a unique look on the main thoroughfare of the UAB campus, while controlling solar access, and tying into the context of unique façade features of the surrounding buildings.
To learn more about the project, visit www.wba-architects.com
Evolving standards and practices around green building design and development have all led in one direction, spurring the architecture and construction industries to commit to reducing and eliminating carbon emissions.
To truly cut carbon, architects must design better systems, not singular structures.
Photos from Studio 2H Design, LLC's post
#AIADesignoftheDay
Champions Place by Poole & Company Architects
Located at the corner of Hackberry Lane and 11th Street in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Champions Place Condominiums includes a total of 27 units. There are 9 luxury "game-day" units and 18 premium units with 63 bedrooms on three stories and secured parking on-grade beneath the building. There is a private fitness facility and high-end interior features in all units.
Learn more here: www.pooleandcompany.com/championsplace
#AIADesignoftheDay
Champions Place by Poole & Company Architects
Located at the corner of Hackberry Lane and 11th Street in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Champions Place Condominiums includes a total of 27 units. There are 9 luxury "game-day" units and 18 premium units with 63 bedrooms on three stories and secured parking on-grade beneath the building. There is a private fitness facility and high-end interior features in all units.
Learn more here: www.pooleandcompany.com/championsplace
109 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S
Birmingham, AL
35233
| Monday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when AIA Birmingham posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to AIA Birmingham:
Have you heard about Build UP? This revolutionary anti-gentrification model is the first & ONLY one if its kind in the nation. Don't miss our FREE Virtual Friday Conversation with Mark Martin, Founder & CEO of Build UP! Everyone is invited. 7/10 // 11:30 AM-12:30 PM // Zoom Meeting Register- https://bit.ly/ShopAIABHM
Housing Authority of the Birmingham District
1826 3rd Ave. SouthAlabama Partners for Clean Air
2 20th St NRegional Planning Commission of Greater Birmi
2 20th St N, Ste 1200The Mosquito Authority of Central Alabama
400 24th St SLegal Aid Society of Birmingham
2021 2nd Ave NorthJefferson County Barbering Association's Publ
2200 2nd Avenue NorthThe Institute for Community, Youth & Family S
205 20th St N Suite 619
Subcontractors Association of Alabama (SubAla
4314 Eagle Point Pkwy
117th ANG Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patro
5401 East Lake Blvd, Building 205
Anne B. Sullivan Academy for Innovative Learn
2903 Highland Ave South