President’s Message

As the old idiom goes: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

This time last year, we were facing a global pandemic, civil unrest, the effects of climate change, and the prospect of spending working hours at home. Yet, we were still able to celebrate virtually the incredible resilience and talent of our member firms and architecture in Long Island. This year feels different, yet many of the same challenges remain. We were delighted to receive over 100 submissions for the 57th annual Archi Awards presented by the Long Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

On display within the submissions, were numerous examples of resilient and sustainability, along with the exquisite attention to detail and design that we’ve come to appreciate from our AIA Long Island member firms and Long Island architecture. I also want to congratulate all the Honor Awards recipients, who have received recognition for their involvement as Legislator, Educator, Membership, Lifetime Achievement, Architectural Achievement, Community Service, and a Special Award.

While honoring our many Archi Award winners and honorees last year, I am sure many of us felt that this year would be different, almost normal. Yet here we are a year later, and today instead of focusing on the many things that have stayed the same, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the AIA LI Archi Awards’ program. I know you’ll come away as inspired to be the change this world desperately needs. As architects and designers, we are best suited to deliver that message.

Our members are the lifeblood of AIA Long Island; I want to thank you for your continued membership through this most unusual time. I truly value the member’s involvement in the Chapter’s events and initiatives throughout this past tumultuous year and a half.

Thank you to our sponsors, especially those who continued to support us during this difficult year. I look forward to our continued collaborations in the time ahead.

Lastly, I applaud the immeasurable contribution of the Archi Committee Volunteers, these incredibly engaging and motivated individuals that gave tremendously of their time while we are in a crisis.

Graciela Carrillo, AIA, LEED AP B+C

Graciela works as a Senior Manager for Nassau BOCES where she is managing Nassau County’s school’s operational and capital projects. She has been involved with the AIA at the local, state and national level, currently serving as the President 2020-2021 as well as the Chapter’s Women In Architecture Committee founder and cochair. On the national and state level Graciela was the past 2017-2018 NY Regional Director (YARD) for the Young Architects Forum (YAF). Graciela is also the cofounder of the Immigrant Architects Coalition, a group committed to helping and providing resources for immigrant architects to achieve a prosperous career in the U.S. Last year, Graciela founded the Powerful Speeches platform in an effort to champion women architects, to promote, advance, and elevate women in our profession. In 2019, Graciela was recognized as an Honoree of the Top 50 Women in Business in Long Island by the LIBN.