Fostering Growth and Collaboration:

Insights from the AIA 2023 Convention – COTE Open Forum

Stepping into the AIA 2023 convention as the national AIA COTE liaison for the Young Architects Forum (YAF), I was filled with anticipation and did not know what to expect. This year’s AIA COTE Open Forum sought to unravel the practical implications of “climate action” and “climate justice,” exploring how designers and communities can collaborate to redefine value, embrace a culture of care, reuse urban fabric, and practice climate-responsive design centered on health and equity. Our breakout session delved into the specific challenges and opportunities surrounding the establishment and growth of COTE chapters. Here are the topics that stood out to me from my breakout sessions.

Continuity of COTE Leadership and Nurturing Succession

Discussions around the challenge of leadership transitions illuminated the importance of knowledge transfer, mentorship, and leadership training in sustaining momentum at both the state and local levels. By fostering collaboration between outgoing and incoming leaders, we can empower emerging professionals to carry the torch of sustainability. The resources and support offered by YAF and National Associates Committee (NAC) communities become invaluable on this journey.

How to Establish a COTE Chapter - Seeking Common Ground

Navigating the landscape of states which do not have a COTE chapter proved to be an important topic. The conversations shed light on the need to build relationships and find common ground with stakeholders who may hold differing views on sustainability. Sharing successful frameworks from neighboring states provided inspiration and a foundation for sustainable design initiatives. It’s advantageous to utilize existing resources and frameworks that can serve as a starting point.

The Relationship Between State and Local COTE Chapters

The dynamics between state and local COTE chapters exhibited intriguing variations across regions. In cities such as New York and San Francisco, there are multiple local chapters that almost operate at a state scale, while others, like Texas, found strength through collaboration during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening connections and facilitating communication between state and local chapters amplify the collective impact of COTE initiatives. It becomes essential to find the path that works most efficiently for each state or local chapter, fostering collaboration that suits their unique context.

Engaging the Next Generation

As a YAF State Representative, I firmly believe in the power of member groups like YAF to inspire and cultivate emerging professionals. Mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and tailored educational initiatives become the catalysts for igniting their passion and fostering leadership in sustainability efforts.

The AIA COTE Open Forum Discussion provided an enriching platform for dialogue, sparking new ideas and challenging existing paradigms. Through the breakout sessions, I was able to learn more about the specific challenges and opportunities surrounding COTE chapters. I extend my gratitude to the national AIA COTE Leadership group for curating these meaningful conversations and to the voices from different corners of the country that contributed to our collective understanding. The insights we discovered are not definitive answers but rather invitations to explore, question, and evolve. As we forge ahead, let us savor these moments of food for thought.

Wei Wang, AIA, NCARB

Wang is an associate and project manager at Dattner Architects. Wei believes the architect’s role goes beyond design and function; it also uplifts communities and fosters social equity.