Thoughts on AIA Ohio Valley Region Convention in Dayton

The AIA Ohio Valley Region Convention in Dayton, Ohio, which ran from September 15-17, 2011 was great. Here's a summary of issues, thoughts and ideas based on my participation and observations.

1. IPD Language Evolving

I attended a 1.5 hour session led by Hank Reder, AIA and attorney, who talked about IPD from a contractual point of view. There were two things that struck me.

First, the contract language is continuously evolving. NCARB just introduced some new language and an architect in the audience said, "If it's written that way, you could argue for including that clause, or against it." Hank's response, "That's why we're making so much money figuring this out."

In other words, architects who are entering into IPD engagements need to be aware that contracting agreements for IPD are continuing to shift and change rapidly.

Another architect asked, "You talk about trust being the key to a successful team and that breaking down silos of architect, owner and contractor has to happen for IPD to work. Will you share processes with us that can help us to build that trust?"

The presentation didn't cover that, but the answer is that what's necessary is team building processes. A client of mine who is working with the Cleveland Clinic in an IPD engagement has a facilitator working with the team to establish how to work together, how to foster trust, how to shift from CYA to let's get this solved. I suspect that as IPD continues to evolve, more organizational development and leadership coaches will be involved in the team building process.

2. Brad Dunning Keynote Speaker on Alexander Girard

The presentation by Brad Dunning about designer Alexander Girard was a highlight of the convention. He walked through the history of this little known designer illustrating the amassed collection of objects, toys and curiosities that Girard had collected over the years. He showed furniture design, fabric design and images of environments that no longer exist. Dunning showed a brief segment of a film called "Parade" that Girard made one weekend when hanging out with the Eames and Billy Wilder. It was a simple film set to music that allowed the team to march Girard's toys along to playful music: wind up toys, dolls, wooden spools--a fantastic collection of fun curiosities marching past the camera getting their close-ups.

The good news is that you can see Girard's collection in New Mexico and dine in a restaurant that he designed, one of the very few places that still exist.

3. Thoughts on Attending a 2.5-day Convention

It's interesting to note how attendance at the convention tapered off over time. Thursday was buzzing. The sessions were full and the evening event was really well attended. By Friday, the attendance was noticeably smaller. Quite a few folks I spoke with on Thursday said they were leaving Thursday night, and it showed the next day that they weren't alone in the decision to attend for one day. By Friday afternoon, things were getting quiet.

Recommendation: if you're hoping to network and meet up with folks you don't get to see, be there day one. From a programming perspective, try to use the first day for the most challenging sessions and choose "lighter" topics on day two. After attending four sessions on Thursday, my capacity for new input on Friday was getting low. If you're interested in a program on Saturday and you're attending the whole convention, try to schedule some time off during the first two days. Finally, a lot happens when you're not in a session, so even though the CEUs are important, remember to be open to chance interactions and opportunities that happen outside the session rooms.

 

Overall a great convention. Kudos to AIA Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, as well as AIA Dayton for a successful event.