Emerging Professionals Meetings
The WMAIA EP Committee typically meets monthly, on a slightly varying schedule.
To find out about our next meetings, subscribe to our e-news by contacting WMAIA Executive Director
Lorin Starr.
Architect Licensing Advisor: Kerry Bartini AIA NCARB
Emerging Professionals Coordinator: Garrison Piers-Gamble
About
Western Massachusetts AIA has made great strides in the past several years to engage the greater population of intern architects and designers in the region.
On this page we list events, articles, resources and information of interest to Emerging Professionals in our area.
To suggest additions to this page, please contact WMAIA Executive Director Lorin Starr.
Architect Licensing Advisors are Kerry Bartini and Garrison Piers-Gamble
Through the Emerging Professionals (EP) program, any architecture student, recent graduate or architect licensed less than ten years (per the AIA’s definition of Emerging Professionals) is welcomed to participate in the events hosted by the WMAIA that provide EPs with facilitated access to resources tailored toward professional development.
Events offer a variety of opportunities for EPs to build a regional network and connect with one another, as well as to learn about and communicate with established professionals in the area.
Addressing issues and interests found to be most relevant to individuals entering into the field of architecture and design are the focus of the EP meetings which are held every 6 weeks or so at various locations in the Pioneer Valley.
Study Materials – C/W MARS
WMAIA has made a major investment in materials to support the emerging professionals (EPs) in our region who are studying for the registration exam. To facilitate access to these materials throughout the region we have donated them to the public library system. They are available through C/WMARS – the regionally library system – via interlibrary loan. To borrow the materials all you need is a library card.
Don’t have a library card? Visit your public library (it’s a wonderful resource) and apply for one. It’s free and easy; though you must appear in person. Please contact your local public library for more information about how to register for a library card. A list of C/WMARS libraries and their contact information may be found here: http://www.cwmars.org/content/libraries
Once you have a library card you can visit any library in the C/WMARS system and request books through interlibrary loan — you can also request books online to be delivered to your local library by logging into your account. To request an item, click the “Place Hold” link when viewing the record for the item then follow the on-screen instructions. Having trouble with this? Consult you local librarian – they are wonderful people who are happy to help you.
Currently Available through Your Local Library (click on title and you will be taken to C/WMARS listing)
Dictionary of Architecture and Construction
Cyril M. Harris McGraw‐Hill
The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice
The American Institute of Architects John Wiley & Sons
Architectural Acoustics
David Egan, J. Ross Publishing
Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics: Sustainable Design Methods for Architecture
Norbert Lechner, John Wiley & Sons
Professional Practice: A Guide to Turning Designs into Buildings
Paul Segal, FAIA W. W. Norton
The Project Resource Manual: CSI Manual of Practice
The Construction Specifications Institute, McGraw‐Hill
Site Planning and Design Handbook
Thomas H. Russ McGraw‐Hill
Funding
WMAIA, in partnership with our Copper Sponsor PELLA, is proud to announce that we will be kicking off an initiative to award grants in the amount of up to $250 each to Emerging Professionals in Western Massachusetts who are furthering their architectural career.
Six grants will be awarded annually on a rolling bi-monthly basis beginning March 01, 2024. Applicants are eligible to receive 1 grant per year and are encouraged to reapply annually.
To find out more and to apply, click below.
Other Resources
The Emerging Professionals Companion: Read here.
The BSA Emerging Professionals Network: Find out more.
AIA Emerging Professionals: Career Stages for Recent Graduates: Find out more.
Strategizing the ARE Transition
by Jason Newman AIA
As an Architect Licensing Advisor, the majority of questions I have received recently all revolve around the same topic: the transition to ARE 5.0. Although the transition is still over a year away, it is important for ARE candidates to be aware of the potential implications of transitioning now so they can prepare themselves to be in the best position possible when the transition comes around. I am hoping that this article will help identify some of the fundamental considerations and what important information is out there to help candidates make a well-informed decision in the best interest of their long term licensure goals. Read more (article in Word or pdf format)
Sponsors
Thank you to Pella for their support of our Emerging Professionals programs.
