2025 Edward C. Kemper Award Submittal by EV&A Architects

Nomination

August 24, 2024

2025 Kemper Award

The American Institute of Architects 1735 New York Avenue NW Washington, DC 20006-5292

Re: 2025 Kemper Award Nomination Letter, Raymond G. Post

Dear Jury Chair and Members:

As AIA President in 1991, I welcomed Raymond G. Post to his first AIA board meeting. He arrived wellprepared and fully conversant on each issue. Throughout the year, his performance was outstanding, and I realized Post would be an excellent candidate for President. He was elected and served as President in 1996. While Post inherited a multimillion-dollar deficit, he finished his year as AIA president with that deficit abolished.

Post went on to become Chancellor of the College of Fellows. During this time, he took over the position as moderator of the Former Presidents’ Council, where he served for ten years, providing forward-looking leadership and maintaining a neutral position on critical issues. Post thus facilitated meaningful discussions on issues such as the AIA’s new governance system, which had very strong opinions on both sides.

In preparation for this nomination, I learned about his firm, his buildings, all his AIA activities, and his commitment to his community. Post has maintained an office of 8+/-, for 44 years, which as is evident in the Exhibits, has produced monumental work. His office reflects his belief in diversity with a balance of licensed women and men and a dedication to hiring minorities. His AIA activities span fifty-one years, serving on the Foundation, on many committees, and as president of both the local and state chapters of AIA. His community service spans fifty-four years and includes membership on a diverse group of committees, on the board of directors of many and chair or president of a significant number.

Post has balanced his dedication to excellence in design, maintaining a productive office while supporting and enriching the lives of his staff, with parallel commitment to AIA at all levels and community service. The half century of his work has produced countless rewards for the architectural profession. He established “Quality Based Selection” for Architects and Engineers on state and local government projects; he went on to successfully pursue a fair and equitable fee schedule for private and public work. The community is enriched with his buildings and has been shown the value an Architect can provide in local leadership

Raymond G Post is an excellent candidate to receive the distinguished honor of the Edward C. Kemper Award.

C. James Lawler FAIA Former President and Chancellor, Kemper Award Recipient

Raymond Post, FAIA

Across six decades, Raymond Post has dedicated himself to American Institute of Architects service at all levels. His extensive community and organizational volunteerism elevate public perception of AIA architects and the value of their work.

Biography

Education

Outstanding Alumnus, Texas A&M College of Arch 2002

Bachelor of Architecture, Texas A&M University | 1963

Affiliations

Honorary Fellow, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada | 1996

Honorary Member, Japan Institute of Architects | 1996

Honorary Member, Federation of Architects, Republic of Mexico | 1996

Leadership and Service to the Profession

Business Person of the Year, Baton Rouge | YEAR

For planning, promotion and integrating the Louisiana State Capitol Complex, State and City of Baton Rouge

COMMUNITY

Outstanding Volunteer, Louisiana Art and Science Center 1991

Baton Rouge Volunteer Activist Award | 1964

Honors & Recognition

Registered Architect, Louisiana 1966 AIA

College of Fellows, Led the Institute | 1992

AIA Baton Rouge – Certificate of Commendation for Community Service 1987

AIA Louisiana – Certificate of Appreciation for Leadership and Personal Sacrifice for Originating the Baton Rouge R/UDAT | 1986

AIA Louisiana Medal of Honor | 1997

Highest Award of Recognition by the State AIA for

Chair, Council of Former Presidents | 2001-2021

56th Chancellor, AIA College of Fellows | 2018

Vice-Chancellor, AIA College of Fellows | 2017

Treasurer, AIA College of Fellows | 2015-2016

Chair, Convention Site Selection Committee | 2004

Chair, Continuing Education Committee | 2002

Chair, American Center of Architecture Group, AIA 150

Sesquicentennial | 2001

Member, AIA 150 Shape of America | 2001

Member, Codes Committee | 1998-2000

Member, Board of Regents, American Architectural Foundation | 1993, 1996-2007

Delegate, International Union of Architects - Beijing | 1999

Delegate, International Union of Architects - Barcelona 1996

72nd President | 1996

Member, Board of Directors | 1991-1993

Member, Intern Development Program | 1991-93

Member, Lifelong Learning Committee | 1992-93

Member, Planning Committee | 1992

Member, Credentials Committee | 1990

Chair, Minority Scholarship Committee | 1990

Member, Minority Scholarship Committee | 1988-1989

Member, “Committee of 100” - Vision 2000 | 1989

AIA LOUISIANA

President | 1976

Vice-President | 1975

Secretary | 1974

Member and Chairships, various committees | 1963-2000

President | 1971

Vice-President | 1970

Secretary | 1969

Panelist, Art in Architecture Selection Panel, School for the Coast and Environment, LSU | 2005-2006

Member, Dean Search Committee, College of DesignLouisiana State University | 1996

Juror, O.J. Baker Honor Awards, School of ArchitectureLouisiana State University | 1987

Member, Deans Advisory Board, Texas A&M

Member, Deans Advisory Council - Architecture, Louisiana State University

Member, Southern University School of Architecture Advisory Board

Member, Citizen’s Task Force for Quality EducationEast Baton Rouge Paris

Member, Professional Conduct Committee, NCARB | 2001- 2004

Member, Codes Committee, NCARB | 1999-2000

Member, International Committee, NCARB | 1999-2000;

Team Member, NAAB Accreditation, University of Texas, Austin | 1995

President, Louisiana Board of Architectural Examiners | 2001-2003

Panelist, Art in Architecture Selection Panel, Federal Building and Courthouse, Baton Rouge | 1990-1991

Member, Advisory Committee, Baton Rouge Centroplex Convention Center | 1990-1991

Member, Steering Committee, Comprehensive Land Use & Development Plan, East Baton Rouge Parish | 1989

Chair, Steering Committee (R/UDAT), Greater Plan - East

Baton Rouge, City-Parish Planning Project | 1988

Originator & Chair, Steering Committee, Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT), Baton Rouge | 1986

Vice-Chair, Governor’s Committee for the State Selection of Architects | 1986

Member, Steering Committee, Baton Rouge Master Plan | 1980s

Creator, Louisiana Architects Selection Board | 1980s

Member, Board of Directors, Baton Rouge Green | 1970s

Member, Plaza Design Committee, Baton Rouge Civic Center | 1970s

Member, Committee on Recreation Centers, Recreation and Parks Commission, City of Baton Rouge | 1970s

Member, Committee on Areas and Facilities, Recreation and Parks Commission, City of Baton Rouge | 1970s

Juror, Engineering Excellence Awards, The American Consulting Engineers Council | 1997 & 1998

Chair, International Competition Jury, American Society of Architectural Perspectivists, Memphis, TN | 1997

Chair, Architects Selection Jury - International Financial Center, Beijing, China | 1996

Juror, Precast Concrete Institute | 1995 & 1996

Juror, American Bar Association | 1995

Juror, Interfaith Forum on Religious Art & Architecture | 1990

Juror, AIA New Orleans Design Awards | 1994

Chair, Board of Directors, Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce | 2000

President, Rotary Club of Baton Rouge | 1999

President, Board of Directors, Salvation Army | 1990s

Member, Board of Directors, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank | 1990s

President, Vice President, Treasurer & Secretary; Baton Rouge Round Table Civic Club | 1960s

Member, Board of Directors, Camp Fire Girls Council, East Baton Rouge | 1690s

Vice-President, Civic Beautification Council of Clubs | 1970s

Member, Board of Directors, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center 1990-1999

Member, Board of Directors, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center | 1996-1999

Member, Board of Directors, Pennington Medical Foundation | 1990s to Current

President & Member, Board of Directors, Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation | 1960s

Member, Advisory Board, Arts Council/Community Fund for the Arts | 1990s

Member, Steering Committee, Greater Baton Rouge Cultural Plan | 1980s

President, Board of Directors, Arts and Humanities Council/Community Fund for the Arts (Founding Board | 1985-91

Member & Consultant, Recreation and Entertainment Task Force, Goals Congress of Baton Rouge | 1970s

President & Member, Board of Directors, Louisiana Arts & Science Center | 1980s - 1990s

Volunteer Architectural Consultant; Discovery Depot, Children’s Exhibit, Egyptian Exhibit, Science Station & Challenger Center, Louisiana Arts and Science Center

Architectural Services, Caretaker’s Residence, Camp Fire Girls | 1986

Rotary Centennial Sculpture | 2018

It cannot be said the transition of Raymond “Skipper” Post, FAIA, from education to practice and to adult life was routine. 1963 was to be a good year, even a great year. He graduated from Texas A&M in Architecture, following in the footsteps of his architect father who is also an A&M graduate architect. He went to work in his father’s firm and soon married. But within a year, his father died in an auto accident. In a matter of minutes Post had no father, no job, and a widowed mother.

Post’s AIA career continually expanded in scope, responsibility and involvement and in his desire to do more for the AIA and for architects and architecture. He saw the AIA as foundational to architecture.

Challenged by AIA peers, “What good is the AIA to me?” He proclaimed, “If the AIA shuts down at noon today, it will be reformed by dusk!” Such is his faith that mutual experiences among architects always call for collegiality and a unified approach.

As his career unfolded, his AIA leadership allowed him to increase his representation of the ideas and needs of others, whether among AIA members or in his practice or civic volunteerism. Post has always believed in engaging with others with the determination to make a positive difference in their world, no matter who they are. When it seemed the right time to hand the reigns to others, he was first a mentor and then a champion for their success.

Becoming Chair of the Council of Former Presidents (2001-2021) was the highest honor of all, as his was selected by some thirty-five men and women who had served as AIA President.

to seek participation in College leadership as Treasurer, then as Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor. His priority platform, if elected, was to investigate donation patterns of College members and use the insight to develop a strategy to raise more funds to support the goals of the College.

When elected as Treasurer, he embarked on that quest to understand the flow of donations to the organization. He found that: 15% of donors were giving 70% of the donations; 57% of donors gave only 15% of the money; and $500 was a popular benchmark donation. This insight allowed his to develop a new approach to raise funds for the grant and research programs that are the hallmark of the College’s work, after mentorship. His first action was to personally write thank-you letters to all donors.

Hard to imagine some six decades later, Post would have dedicated his life to architecture, the AIA, community service and civic involvement. His dedication to the Institute has included positions from local to national. He extended sustained leadership in the AIA to model the architect—and AIA member—as a continual contributor to the cultural and civic fabric of our communities; his is Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In addition to maintaining contact with elected and staff leadership and guiding the concerns of the Former Presidents group, Post established an annual meeting with leadership, which the Former Presidents would fund themselves. This kept the past presidents’ enormous legacy of experience and insight available to current AIA leaders.

The College of Fellows is the AIA’s highest honor for members’ exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. After being elevated in 1992, Post was encouraged by colleagues and acquaintances

Inaugurated as Chancellor in 2018, Post made a special trip to AIA to do a comprehensive review the status and process of fund raising, including the software used and record keeping. From this, changes were made to the various systems to enable proper tracking and record-keeping. He then promoted to new Fellows that Fellowship was not the end of a journey, but rather the beginning of doing more for the AIA and architecture. He also urged, and continues to promote, the idea that Fellows were the “Keepers of the Spirit” of the AIA.

He oversaw the Investiture of 152 new AIA Fellows, two Honorary Fellows, and 13 Component Grants to Emerging Professional projects from chapters as farreaching as AIA Detroit and AIA Hong Kong.

Skipper Post began moving into the national arena of AIA in the late 1980’s, being appointed to chair the American Architecture Foundation Minority Scholarship Program and serving on the Convention Credentials Committee. These two assignments propelled him into the AIA programs and issues on a national stage. The Minority Scholarship Program proved a model experience of what happens when good intentions are not adequately funded. The process of assigning scholarships to the most worthy applicants proved impossible without enough funding to reach all those in need or provide the support required to help recipients reach graduation.

Having served in all positions of leadership for AIA Baton Rouge and AIA Louisiana, Post jumped at an opening on the national AIA Board of Directors for the Gulf States Region. He was elected, and served from 1991 to 1993. This led Post to a complete immersion in service to the AIA, all while continuing his role as citizen-architect and practitioner in Baton Rouge. His AIA duties during the 1990s exceeded thirty AIA individual obligations that served all levels of the organization. Likewise, his involvement in the community developed into higher and more responsible positions.

As Post began his board service, he was appointed to important committees, including Intern Development and Lifelong Learning (Continuing Education) and became its co-chair (with Don Lutes, FAIA, AIA VP). Lutes let Post run with the ball, which led to Post making a presentation to the national convention in Boston in 1992. Continuing Education (CE) was not an easy sell back then, and the architects gathered pushed back against making education credits a requirement for continued AIA membership. At one point the issue became so controversial, “ANTI-CE” lapel buttons were produced and worn.

Post persevered, with a vision CE as part of the profession’s commitment to the health, safety and welfare of society, and he actively promoted the AIA as the best authority for establishing rules and guidelines

rather than leaving it to licensing boards or state legislators. He foresaw attendance at all conventions local, state, and national—becoming vital arenas for providing CE courses. Post’s motion for this bold new step was adopted, forever establishing the AIA as the arbiter of CE learning for the profession.

The evolution of Post from an involved AIA Board member to running for President-Elect/President of the AIA seemed natural. This progression allowed Post to continue what he started and all he felt he could bring to the AIA. His visits to Japan, China and France maintained the AIA’s leadership position as an organization of excellence open to all dedicated architect members. This was Post’s strength—friendliness and understanding, layered with an attitude of openness and accessibility. He was the first in a generation to break the aloof elitism of the profession’s leadership in favor of transparency.

Nonetheless, Post’s true devotion was to members nationally through his monthly newsletter articles. Yet, these outreach publications were not enough: He yearned to make personal contact with every member—a sentiment that advanced Post’s relationship with his board, who he considered a lifeline to members across the country. He listened to what they had to say, weighing this insight with a desire to reserve judgment until all positions were aired and considered. In fact, Post empowered the board to bring their perspectives to light and established a dynamic where all knew they had a voice. Among many notes from board members was a letter received twenty-six years later. Danie Johnson, FAIA (North Carolina) said, “I have just had the opportunity to go through years of accumulated ‘stuff’ and consider its importance. As I reflect on my tenure on the AIA Board, you were by far the most capable, competent, and congenial person serving. Thank you for your leadership!” This 26-year-old memory reinforces the value of Post’s leadership as 1996 AIA President.

Posts other positions in the AIA were serving on President-Elect Susan Maxman’s planning committee

in 1992, being delegate to the international Union of Architects meetings in Barcelona in 1996 and Beijing in 1999, becoming chair of the AIA150 American Center of Architecture, the Board of Regents of the American Architectural Foundation (AAF) in 1993 and again in 1996 through 2007, and joining the NAAB Accreditation Committee at the University of Texas, Austin.

Civic

Once Post was elected to the national presidency, the governor of Louisiana tapped him to join the Louisiana Board of Architectural Examiners and serve as its president 2001 through 2003. He was also invited to become active in NCARB and joined three national committees: Codes, International Practice, and Professional Conduct.

As an established citizen-architect, Post served as Chair of the Board of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, the only architect to have held that position, as well as President of the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, the 15th largest Rotary Club of 30,000 world wide. He also brought an architect’s insight to the board of a large regional medical center, a large cancer center, an internationally known biomedical research center foundation, and the Baton Rouge Food Bank, to name a few.

For fifty-nine years Post has served the AIA, the profession, and his community as a citizen architect. His service spans decades and a myriad of roles and endeavors, which combined with the honors and recognition he has earned, number nearly one hundred. All this as his devotion to family—especially his wife as “AIA’s First Lady” on many occasions—is woven with founding a practice that has completed projects of increasing size, importance, and impact. Post’s service is both about decades-long dedication to the American Institute of Architects and about his deep appreciation to family and staff, who adapted to his absence when he was called again and again to serve the AIA and his community.

No one knew Post and his AIA service better than the Executive Director of AIA Louisiana, Richard Thevenot, Hon. AIA (1967-2003), who said of Post: “During my tenure as Executive Director of AIA Louisiana, I experienced a professional relationship with Post as he transitioned from local to state to national AIA and public activism. It is an honor and a distinct privilege not comparable to any in my 37 years at AIA Louisiana. I have known and worked with him on hundreds of occasions and projects where the service by, and the public respect for, architects were critical issues.”

Exhibit Introduction: The Culmination of Service

For Raymond Post, his mother and father laid out his life’s destination—they propelled him into the world of architecture, the AIA, and civic responsibility—and endowed him with a strong inclination toward leadership.

After his father’s death, no time passed before a small local firm offered Post a position. He felt a sense of urgency to get involved in architectural practice and, notably, the AIA. He also recognized civic involvement opened two avenues: one was to serve the community while teaching community leaders about the value of good architecture, the other was to become acquainted with important business and community leaders to expand awareness of the profession.

By the mid-1960s, the local architect community encouraged Post to run for AIA offices. He served on the boards of the Camp Fire Girls Council, the Speech and Hearing Clinic, where he rose to become

president, the Round Table Civic Club, becoming its president as well, and a member of and pro-bono consultant to the Baton Rouge Goals Congress.

Post

In 1968 he became Secretary-Treasurer of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the AIA and rose through the ladder of offices, never realizing that by the sixth decade of his career, he would serve in every office of the AIA from

local through national, including the AIA College of Fellows and the Council of Former Presidents.

The following pages place Post’s most current AIA service first—the culmination of decades of dedication and commitment—and trace his legacy of giving back to his first civic volunteerism in the 1960s.

Raymond

- Elected Secretary-Treasurer of AIA Louisiana

“ You were, and are, uniquely capable of strengthening the ties that bind. I feel especially fortunate to have served together with you in 2018. The common mission of AIA and the College of Fellows is enhanced by the personal relationships among their leaders. I always knew that you brought endless goodwill, deep knowledge of the profession and both institutions, and the character and devotion leadership demanded and more. ”

- Carl Elefante, FAIA, President 2018

2021 marked ten years of Post serving as Chair of the Council of Former Presidents—being selected by some-34 prominent AIA leaders, whose tenures reached back to 1977, made the appointment a special honor. In 2011, the relationship between the Former Presidents and AIA leadership had diminished. Changing communication patterns and complicated schedules limited the two entities’ engagement. Post led the Former Presidents through a process of re-building relationships with the AIA. He earned the respect and trust of the Council with his even demeanor and concern for the ideas of others, as he focused on bringing the Council’s legacy of experience to aid, advise and benefit new AIA leaders. Post is noted for open, fair, honest and calm leadership and his seemingly-effortless, egalitarian approach to consensus-building. This distinct leadership style has been widely recognized, as exemplified in this unsolicited commentary:

“ I want to commend and congratulate you on the extraordinarily professional way in which you conducted the entire technical review process. In the 20+ years I have been involved in technical consulting, including a number of large lawsuits, your performance in this regard was the finest that I have ever seen. You were able to bring together a disparate, multi-disciplinary

team of experts, and allow them to have freedom technically and yet focus their efforts on the task at hand and reconcile apparent technical perceptions ”

- Eric Kline, National Consultant KTA-Tator on Post’s charing a team of experts on a S20MM project

Post’s ability to coordinate and diplomatically engage both sides enhanced the potential for success, with the two entities feeling Post addressed their concerns—all without injury to the sometimes-sensitive egos that come with both established and emerging leaders. Post became a master of a temperate, one-on-one approach that prevented damaging the fledgling relationship.

Post handled one event a bit differently: at a convention meeting, a discussion among former presidents on how to improve the relationship between them and the AIA became mired in inaction. Post bluntly asked if they would meet with AIA leaders at a central location in the US, at their own expense. He received a resounding affirmation!

Post studied the location of Former Presidents, and established Chicago as the most convenient place

to meet, close to O’Hare International Airport to save lengthy and expensive travel time from plane to meeting. Despite the emergence of COVID, the two meetings were held and well attended by Former Presidents and AIA leadership. These sessions enabled open discussions. Post, as chair, kept the dialog flowing, preventing old tendencies toward conflict to arise.

Thanks to these dynamic gatherings, Post established new and better channels of communication between the Former Presidents and current AIA elected and staff leaders. Today, AIA leadership draws on the Former Presidents’ years of experience and knowledge serving the Institute. The Former Presidents also act as vital AIA ambassadors in communities across the country with business and political leaders, the public and AIA members alike.

“ Skipper, I mean it sincerely (and regrettably) when I say that no one among we formers could begin to replace you. Your passion, commitment and focus has been extraordinary. ”

-

Bill Chapin, FAIA, President 1994

Exhibit 1: The Council of Former AIA Presidents

At the 2018 Convocation Dinner and Investiture, Post shared with those gathered that being made a Fellow is a significant recognition—only 2-3% of the AIA’s members achieve this honor. Then, he went further, “It is more than that. Fellowship is NOT the end of a road. It isn’t even a plateau. It is not an elite position for its own sake. It is the start of doing more! More for the profession, the College, the AIA, more for our young architects, and more for our communities and our planet. IT IS, SIMPLY PUT, A PASSION FOR DOING MORE.”

Exhibit 2: The College of Fellows

In 2014 several former presidents and former chancellors convinced Post he should run for office in the College of Fellows, leading to the Chancellorship in 2018. As a candidate, Post emphasized the College undergo a complete review of its financial stability, define best practices for developing donors, and take a more fiduciary role with the College’s finances to maximize grant funding resources. Elected to Bursar in 2015, Post began his journey through the College’s ExCom offices. As Bursar, he concentrated on the donor base and expenditures. As a pragmatist, he researched and illustrated past spending, so the ExCom could make informed decisions.

As 2018 Chancellor Post continued to emphasize donor funding from Fellows and smart spending on programs to fulfill the organization’s primary goals of maintaining the College, working with emerging architects through programs such as “2+2”, the Young Architects Forum, and YAF Awards including honoraria and the Latrobe Prize, a $60,000 annual grant by the College for research projects with practical application for the profession.

Reserve Contributions 2007-2017

Post continued the tradition of hosting local Fellows wherever an ExCom meeting occurred. He believed leaders must make decisions based on interaction with those they serve—the Fellows “in the trenches” in AIA chapters across the country. Through his leadership, with his ExCom members and staff Terri Stewart, Hon. AIA, local Fellows felt a stronger connection to the College. In Santa Fe, internationally known architectural illustrator and Fellow Steve Oles was so moved by the outreach, he offered to create and donate a drawing of the Octagon House for limited edition prints as a gift to the College’s highest level donors.

Post becomes Bursar / Treasurer, College of Fellows in 2015

of Fellow Reception in Santa Fe, NM

AIA Mississippi - Thoughts on being AIA Director

By: Skipper Post, FAIA, Gulf States Regional Director

From the standpoint of being an architect, and a dyed-in-the-wool AIA believer, there have been few things in my life which exceed my enjoyment of serving on the AIA Board. However, it is an intense service which demands constant attention if taken seriously, as it should be.

The most rewarding part of the service is that there is great satisfaction in working hard to do a job well. Just about equally rewarding are the friendships you make all over the region, and, indeed, all over the country. I feel that I get far more out of the AIA than I put into it. It is a truly fantastic experience!

Seemingly unable to step away from the AIA and the architectural profession, NCARB committees on Codes, International, and Professional Conduct all enlisted Post to serve (1999-2004). In 2000 Governor Foster of Louisiana appointed Post to serve on the Architectural Board of Examiners, serving as president of the board from 2001 to 2003, where he oversaw the registration and regulation of the state’s licensed professionals.

The 1990s became the decade of Post’s service to national AIA. As his local and state service became known to AIA national leaders, who appointed him to two national committees. He served on the National Convention Credentials Committee in 1991. On the Minority Scholarship Committee of the American Architecture Foundation (AAF, 1988-1990), becoming its chair in 1989, Post realized the fund had too many applicants for too few dollars and became a lifelong donor to the cause. He carried this concern through his service on the AAF Board of Regents—the source of scholarship funds—at a point of a major change as the AAF became a separate entity from the AIA. The new Architectural Foundation, which established as its primary goal Post’s call for increased minority scholarship funds, replaced the organization.

A door opened just as Post’s interest in national AIA service became his new AIA ambition. A position was opening for a Regional Director on the AIA Board for the Gulf States Region. He ran and was elected to serve 1991 through 1993. Little did Post realize that this was the beginning of an enormous commitment to national AIA.

Not content with simply attending AIA Board meetings, Post energized the five-state region by bringing the national AIA to the Gulf States chapters. Through in-person visits, a newsletter featuring AIA national activities and programs, and working with the Council of Architectural Component Executives, he further connected national AIA and area members. Post’s willingness to step forward, ask questions, and offer suggestions and ideas to strengthen ties between his Region and AIA national drew the attention of President Jim Lawler, who become Post’s mentor and advocate.

AIA Alabama 1991 - Gulf States Region Report Raymond “Skipper” Post, AIA

I’ve learned a lot about the AIA, how it operates, who does what, etc., and hopefully how to get things done for the Gulf States Region and for the AIA as a whole. The most important thing I’ve learned though, is that it is a highly active organization both in terms of the volunteers and staff, and if I sit on the side of the track and hope the train will stop I’ll be sitting there at the end of my term. What I’ve got to do to make an impact is the same thing you must do - jump on the train and contribute to its operation. Then, and only then, can we hope to have a meaningful impact!

My personal observation is that there must be a better communication link established between the Institute and the mombers back home. But don’t forget - it’s a two way street. Neither the institute staff nor I can guess what your problems and needs are if you don’t express them to us. I’ve made myself as accessible as possible, but if I miss something let me know. DON’T LET THE TRAIN GO BY.

4: AIA Board of Directors & President

Post realized that as an AIA Board member he had to maintain a “congressional” balance that considered the big picture of representing the AIA nationally and a more focused representation of the Gulf States Region, which was composed of five states. (The AIA governance model at that time was composed of Regional Directors, some from single, heavily populated states and some from multiples of less populated states.) He carefully considered whether any action might be good for one, but detrimental to the other. Throughout Post’s AIA Board years and his year as president, he successfully balanced the goals of both through thoughtful and measured action.

21st Century Outlook Images of Architectural Practice

& Education - AIA 1992

“

Skipper Post applauded the conference, indicating that this is an example of what can happen when we communicate or exchange ideas. He added that this face-to-face communicate is a key to working better. He encouraged architects to be proud of what they had accomplished. He strongly felt that lifelong learning is necessary due to the technological changes occurring in the world. We must be able to educate ourselves more quickly. The idea of continuing education is a sign of change. We will make it work. ”

own CE program rather than allowing other entities to dictate one, particularly government agencies fostering a plan for a field they knew little about. The committee teamed with the University of Oklahoma, which had an established CE program, including the capability to track and maintain AIA member records.

The topic of unceasing professional education, following a formal and rigorous professional education, had become a top national priority. Immediately upon joining the AIA’s Board of Directors, the board asked Post to contribute his insight by serving on the Intern Development Program, the Lifelong Learning Committee, and President-Elect Susan Maxman’s “Brain Trust” Planning Committee.

The Board appointed Post, now in his second board year, to co-chair (with AIA VP Don Lutes, FAIA) a new Continuing Education Committee. With committee members, these two leaders realized the public was moving toward required CE for many professions, services and trades. Post also recognized that by “owning” continuing education programs for members, the organization would increase the attendance, purpose and vitality of its annual conventions. The committee concluded the AIA should establish its

Post and Lutes made a formal presentation at the AIA Convention in Boston (1992), when Post presented his vision for the CE program’s potential to transform the AIA’s national conferences. The proposal had its nay-sayers, and Post and Lutes, making a deliberate and fact-based case, persevered. In the end, a majority agreed the plan presented was the Institute’s most logical way forward. The motion passed to require prescribed CE coursework to maintain AIA membership rather than an unaffiliated government agency.

Post couldn’t know as a future president that he would still need to advocate for the validity of CE against the occasional outburst of opposition. He became the go-to, ad hoc resource for another decade of formal AIA and state-based continuing education programs.

Exhibit

As he predicted in 1992 in Boston, CE would inspire increased convention attendance for all AIA members nationally. The AIA’s embrace of CE programs, shepherded by Post and Lutes, transformed convention to include huge attendance numbers, plentiful CE programs on topics relevant to the diverse practices of members, and being attractive venues for enormous numbers of manufacturer and service exhibits and programs. All occurring at a time of significantly lower registration fees. Now, some 20 years later, CE is taken for granted.

Convinced by the encouragement and support of other board members and leaders, Post threw his name into the election cycle to become national AIA President. In 1994, elected to Vice-President and 1995 PresidentElect, Post then served as President in 1996. Post’s mission was to start an era of leadership that invited members to interact with the Institute’s leaders by bringing the AIA to members. He reached out to the members directly, showed up for every component invitation when possible, and responded to inquiries personally. His presidential visits were 95% in the US— the other 5% took him from Maui to Japan and China.

“Your ability to put people at ease at the Minneapolis convention was notable to all members and did everything to bring AIA closest to its members.”

- Lee Bearsch, FAIA, 1996 AIA Convention

Community” and “Education – It’s Our Profession’s Way of Life.” Notes flowed back praising his outreach: “I have copied your article on Leadership to include in our Governance for our board members, AIA Chicago.”

During his year as president, multiple issues and events and a myriad of situations required attention. All had to be woven into a legacy pattern of travel and meetings, and all had to revolve around Post’s ongoing practice. Dozens of significant issues and events of importance fell on his docket. He was often called to represent the AIA at events; assemblies of influential public leaders to advance public perception of architects and the positive effects of architecture on people’s lives. The “1996 BUSINESS WEEK Presidents Forum” featured General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State and Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where Post heard a special address on “A PRESCRIPTION FOR CHANGE.” He interacted with corporate leaders from Home Depot, Pier One and other companies and organizations.

BUSINESS WEEK

proudly announces that

General Colin L. Powell

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will present a special address

“A Prescription for Change” AT The 1996 Business Week Presidents Forum

Architectural Foundation board (1993 and 1996-2007), furthering his quest to improve funding for minority scholarships, and served on competition juries: the American Bar Association (1995); the Art in Architecture for the Long Federal Courthouse (1990); the Precast Concrete Institute (1995 and 1996); the Interfaith Forum on Art and Architecture (1990); the AIA/New Orleans Design Competition (1994); and as Jury Chair for the International American Society of Architectural Perspectivists, at which he proposed separate categories for hand drawn work versus emerging computer generated renderings.

Post headlined the printed monthly newsletter AIARCHITECT to appeal to the members. His opening January article was “You ARE the AIA.” He wrote, “My task is to ensure that every member has an ownership in the AIA.” Followed by bylines such as “Building

Post did not stop his other AIA, architecture, and civic engagements: he still served on the American

During his presidency, Post continued to represent the AIA internationally when invited to serve on an international selection panel for a billion-dollar financial center in Beijing, where the group elected him to chair the panel. He represented the AIA as a delegate to the 1996 International Union of Architects meeting in Barcelona. Jim Scheeler, FAIA, AIA’s Resident Fellow of International Relations, commended Post for “statesmanship in leading our delegation to represent the best interests of the profession and the public, and for continuing development of the (UIA) Accord.”

Post with General Colin Powell at “The 1996 Business Week Presidents Forum”

When future AIA President Tom Vonier, FAIA, invited Post to the Paris meeting of the distinguished AIA International Practice Committee, hosted by the new AIA Europe Chapter, Post expanded the vision and mission of the AIA in western Europe. US Ambassador to France, Pamela Harriman, honored Post’s entourage by hosting a formal reception in her official residence. Post presented the Ambassador with a certificate and words of appreciation.

He spoke to all assembled about the importance of architecture to society. Post and all assembled were further honored by Ambassador Harriman as she stayed for the entire delivery of comments by Post, seemingly enthralled by his advocacy of architecture.

Post’s service as citizen-architect in Baton Rouge never ceased. He had risen to prominence in major organizations as a citizen architect, frequently asked to serve as chair or president. In fact, the recognition of being national AIA President expanded public expectations of his capability and value to organizations. He served on the boards of Our Lady of the Lake regional Medical Center and the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; as chair of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce board (the only architect to hold the position even today); on the internationally known Pennington Biomedical Research Center; as president of The Rotary Club of Baton Rouge (the 15th largest of Rotary’s 30,000 clubs worldwide); and president and board member of the Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge.

Recognized as Businessperson of the Year by the Business Report Newspaper for his promotion of the planned redevelopment of downtown Baton Rouge and for serving as Architect/Planner for the Louisiana State Capitol Complex—establishing the Complex as the central seat of state government and its agencies in Baton Rouge.

Personal Letter from EVP / CEO Terry McDermott, Hon AIA to Post upon closure of the Post Presidency

December 10, 1996

“ What a year! AIA accomplished more than I hoped for in 1996 - and you know my hopes are always set high. I have to tell you that the consistent catalysts for always being able to optimize the situation were your leadership vision and your negotiation skills.

If anyone has the professional touch of making all parties to a process or decision feel they’re in a win-win situation, to a high art form, it’s you, Skipper. I’ve worked with corporate, civic, and elected leadership across the country, but few have shown the balance of personal and political sensitivity that you bring to an opportunity. The refreshing aspect if that you never compromise the goal or the momentum just to make ‘em feel good or reach a diplomatic but unsuccessful conclusion.

I’ve worked in many markets in different countries for some very bottom linefocused corporations. Your skill at bringing a team together brought a lot of home runs to the AIA ”

Signed - Terrance McDermott, Hon AIA Executive Vice President / Chief Executive Office r

Post speaking at reception in Paris, hosted by Pamela Harriman, US Ambassador to France

Raymond Post and Ambassador Pamela Harriman at reception in Paris

Exhibit 5: The Early Decades

Post followed his AIA Louisiana presidency in 1976 by bringing to fruition several critically important efforts of his early state-level AIA service. As a citizenarchitect, he also immersed himself in civic organizations, where he promoted architecture as essential to properly planned city growth. The close alliances he developed with the business community aided the success of these professional initiatives, including two goals of immense importance to Louisiana’s architects: the state architect selection process and fee arrangement. These involved years of effort, and Post stayed involved in both, from serving president to chair to committee member.

The fee dilemma increased architects’ responsibilities and associated costs because of the rapid rise of technology, increasing code complexity, and the cost of professional liability insurance, which together outpaced the inflationary induced 6% fee. For an unbiased perspective, the AIA hired a Louisiana State University economist to study the situation and work jointly to establish a fair fee arrangement. As stated by Richard Thevenot, Hon AIA, Executive Director AIA Louisiana (1966-2003) “In Louisiana, Post worked for years toward a fair and equitable state fee schedule, an effort that ultimately concluded to the satisfaction of AIA

architects, and which established fees for private work as well. How does this fit into public architecture? This fee structure allows architects to receive adequate fees to perform public work of excellence, in fact enhancing public architectural work.”

Thevenot describes Post’s efforts as the concluding vice-chair on policy changes to awarding state projects to architects, “Of many notable examples, I offer this demonstration of service to Post improving public architecture. Historically, the award of public architectural contracts in Louisiana went to politically connected architects. During the 1970s he and a small group of architects took on the ‘David vs Goliath’ battle of establishing a merit-based system for awarding these contracts. This effort over ten years and two governors experienced disappointing losses until a final negotiation with the governor, which Post solely chaired, resulting in a national model for the public qualifications-based selection and award of architectural contracts.”

Post’s originating and leading an AIA R/UDAT visit to Baton Rouge had perhaps the greatest impact ever on strategic planning for the city’s growth. The resulting 1986 report became the embryo for a series of organized plans, studies, reports and recommendations that continue into 2022. Post chaired the event and

“What you have done during your career in Baton Rouge has no peer. Had you not initiated your early studies of Baton Rouge, our Foundation would have had no basis to proceed. Everything depended on your foundational work.”

- John Davies, Baton Rouge Area Foundation

1980s - 1960s

oversaw the work of multiple sub-committees, including funding and the production of a final report.

Post followed the R/UDAT work by being named chair of follow-up efforts via a comprehensive planning project—the GREATERPLAN EBR (East Baton Rouge Parish (County)—and to the Steering Committee for a Comprehensive Land Use and Development Plan.

Although active in the AIA, Post role as citizenarchitect role throughout the 1980s expanded. He served as a board member, then president, of the Arts and Humanities Council, initiating and implementing its conversion to the Community Fund for the Arts. For the Louisiana Art and Science Center, he became president after board service.

1980s | State AIA & Civic Service

AIA R/UDAT - Final Report

1970s | The Decade of Gaining Traction

Back to the Future

The 1970s marked Post’s transition to higher achievements in both the AIA and the civic/business world and in establishing his firm. As the AIA called on him, he acted, starting major efforts that would continue into the 1980s. He served as 1971 AIA Baton Rouge President, merely eight years after entering the profession and the AIA. Post rose through the ranks of AIA Louisiana, serving as Secretary-Treasurer, which inspired his career-long interest in the financial health of the organization to ensure it served members. Post’s 1976 AIA Louisiana presidency propelled him into his first national involvement representing the state at the national convention in Philadelphia.

marked to in both and the world in his firm. called starting that into He 1971 years after the profession the AIA. ranks serving which in health to members. Post’s 1976 AIA Louisiana propelled into national representing the state the in

Closing the circle. Fifty one years ago in 1971 Post, as AIA Baton Rouge President, welcomed national AIA President Bob Hastings to Baton Rouge for the AIA Louisiana Convention. It would have been unimaginable at the time to think that Post would serve all AIA offices in Baton Rouge, in Louisiana, and at national AIA along with serving as Chancellor of the AIA College of Fellows and Chair of the Council of Former Presidents.

1960s | Out of the Blocks

1963, started the rest of my professional in I wasted being Secretary-Treasurer of AIA 1968 even offices as 1967.”

“Graduated in May 1963, started the rest of my professional life in June! I wasted no time in being elected Secretary-Treasurer of AIA Baton Rouge in 1968 and even ran for AIA Louisiana offices as early as 1967.”

Along with his jumping into service to the Institute, Post gained seats on the board of Camp Fire Girls; on the board, becoming president of the Speech and Hearing Foundation; on the board of the Baton Rouge Round Table Civic Association; as a member of and consultant to the Baton Rouge Goals Congress. And thus began a lifetime of service woven into his architecture career.

Along his Post of Girls; on board, president of and the Baton Rouge Association; as a the Baton Rouge Congress. began woven his career.

All good firm principles know that it is the people working with them who deserve much of the credit for accomplishments and success. This is especially true of Post and his firm as he carried out his AIA and civic responsibilities, and included other architects and firms, consultants of all specialties, family, and likely the most important and directly involved of all -his staff. Interwoven with Post’s schedule, his staff allowed him to come and go as they backed him when he was gone and carried on the work of excellence whether he was in Baton Rouge or Boston, San Diego or San Antonio. As in this application, the Post Staff was the transition from Post’s AIA and civic work to the production of excellent architecture.

Post addressing business and government leaders explaining the architecture of the 19th Judicial District Courthouse

Post and 1971 AIA President Bob Hastings, FAIA