Civic Leadership

Do architects and architectural firms have a social responsibility beyond our practice? We all have heard about the social consequences of architecture and about architects having a responsibility to the community when they create a piece of architecture. But do we have a social responsibility that extends beyond our practice?

How do we not? We would be fooling ourselves to think that we don't. All we need to do is ask ourselves why we got into this practice in the first place. It certainly wasn't for fame and fortune. It is because we all believe that architecture creates better places, that architecture affects society, and that it can even have a role in making a place civilized by making a community more livable.

No we aren't curing AIDS, or solving the world’s economy crisis, or ending poverty, but you better believe we are effecting the quality of life. It is why I design schools. While I am not an inspirational life-changing educator, I am providing a building that supports, stimulates, protects, and inspires young minds and encourages bright teachers.

We work in a profession made up of mostly introverts who seem more inclined to follow than lead. We tend to be too cautious and are too timid to set ourselves apart from the rest. Our world is missing out on a lot of conscious-minded individuals who are amazing problem solvers. It is our duty to serve others when we know what kind of talent our Architectural Society holds. Creativity is a form of social responsibility. I hold-heartedly believe that "creativity is how architecture makes itself matter, and how the generations take up the tradition of using architecture as a means of speaking to one another."

WE CAN AFFECT THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITIES

WE CAN INFLUENCE SOCIAL CONDITIONS

WE CAN BE THE CATALYST FOR POSITIVE SOCIAL CHANGE

WE CAN PROBLEM SOLVE FOR THOSE IN NEED

WE CAN BUILD A DISCOURSE AROUND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

WE CAN GUIDE OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR OUR PLANET