New AIA President Malecha takes over

Washington, D.C. – December 8, 2008 –

Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA, dean of the College of Design at North Carolina State University, was inaugurated as the 85^th president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) during ceremonies held on December 5^th. He succeeds Marshall E. Purnell, FAIA , and will represent the more than 84,000 AIA members in the coming year. Malecha was elected at the AIA 2007 annual convention in San Antonio, and has served as AIA first vice president this past year.

His inaugural speech highlighted the need for the investment in the evolution of the design practice as a learning organization is no longer optional. The AIA must investigate the repercussions of new technologies on every aspect of practice, education and the life of the professional community. During his presidential term, there will also be a strong emphasis on developing the talent pool of future architects by aligning more closely with academic institutions and fostering a better intern and emerging professional experience.

Malecha added, “As design professionals, the choices we make will leave our fingerprints for the judgment of future generations. Unless we are committed to engaging society as citizen architects, convincing all who can hear of the urgency of our situation and the role of design thinking as the means to address the pressing issues of our time, we will be the ones called into account for our decisions. This is the time for the strategic repositioning of the AIA and design thinking is the tool to accomplish the task. ”

Prior to his appointment at NCSU, Malecha was on the faculty of the Boston Architectural Center, and the faculty at California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, first as an assistant professor and later as dean.  Malecha attended St. Thomas College (St. Paul) and earned his Bachelors degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, and his Masters degree in Architecture from Harvard University.

About The American Institute of Architects

For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes.  By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visitwww.aia.org/walkthewalk.  
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