The Rochester chapter of The American Institute of Architects
Committee Overview
Participate
A listing of AIA Rochester’s programs, activities, and events
Design Excellence Awards & the Design Awards Celebration
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The winners of the AIA Rochester Design Excellence Awards are announced at the annual Design Awards Celebration. The Design Excellence Awards are established to encourage excellence in architectural design, to make the public more aware of the potential of the human-made environment, and to honor the architect, owner and builder of significant projects. This year’s Design Awards Celebration will be held on May 29, 2025 at The Memorial Art Gallery Ballroom. www.aiaroc.org/design-awards
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Contact: Adam J. Badura, Associate AIA
AIA Rochester Annual Golf Tournament Fortieth Anniversary!
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AIA Rochester’s “Swinging Fore Scholarships” Golf Tournament is held in September. It brings together architects, engineers, designers, allied members and more for a fun event and offers great networking opportunities. Held annually since 1985, it is AIA Rochester’s largest fundraiser, which benefits the scholarship program and other educational endeavors such as the local CES programs, and grants to AIAS Chapters, Girls in Architecture, and ERA’s ARE Study program. www.aiaroc.org/golf
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Contact: Michelle Murnane, AIA, Executive Director
AIA Rochester Annual Meeting
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Held in the fall, this meeting is a review of all the events held by AIA Rochester in that given year. It’s also a time to thank our members/sponsors for their support and acknowledge our volunteers. We present the chapter’s Honor Awards and enjoy a keynote speaker. It’s a great opportunity to network with others. General attendance is around 100 people. Chapter business is discussed and election results of board members are announced.
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Contact: Sara DeSalvo, AIA
Holiday Party
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Join us at our annual AIA Rochester holiday party to network and share some holiday cheer! The president hosts this annual event in December.
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Contact: Sara DeSalvo, AIA
Student Scholarships
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Both high school and college students may apply for scholarships through AIA Rochester. In conjunction with AIA National and funds from Women in Architecture and the Family of Myron Starks as administered by the Rochester Architecture Foundation, a combined total of $20,000 was awarded to 5 recipients in 2024.
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Contact: Barbara Burke, Associate AIA
Principals' Round Table
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Join 2025 AIA Rochester President Sara DeSalvo and VP Kory Hunsinger in a conversation about upcoming programming and opportunities. These are quarterly meetings held virtually in Q1 and Q3 and in person in Q2 and Q4.
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Contact: President: Sara DeSalvo, AIA
Vice President: Kory Hunsinger, AIA
Girls in Architecture
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Girls in Architecture introduces 7th and 8th grade girls to careers in architecture and engineering and the possibility of STEM options as they enter high school. Female professionals in the A/E industry can volunteer. The program is typically held in late winter for 3-5 sessions, depending on locations.
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Contact: Barbara Burke, Associate AIA
Career Fair
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At the late winter Career Fair, 12 local firms set up booths and welcome students from local colleges (Alfred, RIT, MCC, HWS, FLCC, and UB) to talk about internships/co-ops and open firm positions. Prior to the event, we work with students to help them assemble their resumes and portfolios in late fall. Attendance is approximately 60 people.
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Contact: Barbara Burke, Associate AIA
CANstruction
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CANstruction Rochester, sponsored by Buckingham Properties, is part of a national program in which A/E firms and student groups compete annually to design and build a themed structure entirely out of canned goods. After the structures have been displayed to the public and judged, all canned goods used in the structure are donated to Foodlink, our local food bank.
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Contact: Michelle Murnane, AIA, Executive Director
ACE Mentor Program (not an AIA Rochester program)
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The ACE Mentor Program is a national organization with a Rochester chapter that aims to engage high school students in the fields of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering, through hands-on activities and weekly meetings. The program spans from September through March, during which students design and build a playhouse, participate in on-site construction activities such as forming a footing, and design a 1,500 SF house that serves as their final project. The graduation/final presentation is a chance for the students to showcase their work to members of the community, including industry professionals. AIA Rochester supports this program by advertising the program, events, and fundraising. Also, several of our members are participants in this program.
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Contact: Barbara Burke, Associate AIA
Continuing Education
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Continuing Education credits can be obtained by attending a variety of presentations offered by the AIA.
www.aiaroc.org/events -
Contact: Kory Hunsinger, AIA www.aiaroc.org/events
Contract Documents
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Though not an event, please be aware that the Rochester chapter carries some AIA Contract Documents in stock that can be purchased. Documents can be ordered online and sent, or people can stop in when the office is open for pick up – call ahead.
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Contact: Linda Hewitt, Associate Director
Explorers Post in Architecture
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AIA Rochester is pursuing the re-establishment of its long-running Explorers post in conjunction with other industry groups. Stay tuned - contact Barbara if you are interested in becoming involved!
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Contact: Barbara Burke, Associate AIA
Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF)
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The RAF is a 501c3 sister organization which offers community programming and opportunities.
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The Rochester Architecture Foundation's mission is to promote and enhance the practice of architecture as a cultural, artistic, and business resource in the region. The RAF advocates for the architectural community and built environment and provides scholarship opportunities to regional students pursuing a career in architecture. They also partner with government, professional, education, community and arts organizations to increase their reach and impact. www.rocarchfoundation.org/
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Contact: Michelle Murnane, AIA, Executive Director
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Contact: James Durfee, AIA, President of RAF (jdurfee@durfeearchitect.com)
Join
A listing of AIA Rochester’s main committees
Emerging Rochester Architects (ERA): AIA Rochester’s Young Professionals group
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ERA aims to connect those who are new to the profession and invites them to participate in sketch socials, networking events, and tours. ERA also offers support through the registration process including hosting ARE study sessions and mentorship programs. Our young professionals have established a strong relationship with the architecture programs at RIT and Alfred and serve as mentors to these students as well. www.aiaroc.org/emerging-rochester-architects-era
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Contact: Emily Steinbacher, Associate AIA
Design Awards
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The Design Awards requires a robust committee to plan and execute both the awards process and the celebration event itself. This is an exciting committee which offers leadership development and creative expression to accomplish AIA Rochester’s signature annual event. The committee meets sporadically from August – June with a concentration from January – June.
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Contact: Adam J. Badura, Associate AIA
Golf Tournament
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The Golf Committee is a fun group which meets approximately monthly from February – September to plan and execute the annual Golf Tournament. There is opportunity to volunteer for the day of the event only (a Tuesday in early September) as well. www.aiaroc.org/golf
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Contact: AIA Rochester Executive Director Michelle Murnane, AIA
Committee on the Environment (COTE)
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COTE is an AIA Knowledge Community working for architects, allied professionals, and the public to achieve climate action and climate justice through design. We believe that design excellence is the foundation of a healthy, sustainable, and equitable future.
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Contact: Kory Hunsinger, AIA www.aiaroc.org/events
Education Committee
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This group of meets virtually monthly to coordinate architectural education efforts in AIA Rochester and the Rochester community.
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Contact: Barbara Burke, Associate AIA
Women in Architecture
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The mission of our Women in Architecture (WiA) group is to develop and promote women in architecture through mentorship, networking, and learning opportunities.
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Contact: Jessica Kruse, AIA
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
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AIA Rochester is committed to diversifying the profession and engaging the community at large as well as schools to promote the profession to all students.
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Contact: A.J. Gartland, Associate AIA
Communications
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AIA Rochester needs volunteers to help with content that will keep our members engaged and informed, and in creating recruiting tools to bring in new members. We are also always looking for ways to communicate with the community at large.
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Contact: Christina Fluman, Associate AIA
Local Government & Activism
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Become an active voice by joining a community review board, attending local government meetings, and having an active say in regulations affecting our profession.
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Contact: Michael Short, AIA
Membership & Membership Directory
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This committee keeps the chapter’s Membership Directory up to date to ensure its value to members and the community. We use InDesign and Google Sheets (similar to Excel) – experience is helpful but training can be provided. The committee meets virtually every other month to review member updates, and quarterly with the Executive Director. Tasks include proofreading, data cleanup, working with firms to update firm profile information, and reviewing submissions for the annual Cover Contest.
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Contact: Kathryn Doyle, AIA
Linda Hewitt, Associate Director
Honor Awards
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Nominate and/or help select AIA members for local and state Honor Awards. Any AIA Rochester member can be on the Honor Awards Committee. This is a short commitment.
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Contact: Ben Deuel, Associate AIA
Kathryn Doyle, AIA
Past Presidents' Council (new!)
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All past presidents of AIA Rochester are invited to participate in the Past Presidents’ Council. The Council is tasked with special projects as convened by the immediate past president and as the group deems fit.
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Contact: Jamie Bucci, AIA (jbucci@swbr.com)
AIA Rochester 2004 Annual Report