Recognition
Recognition -- one of the reasons organizational specialists cite for joining, for answering the question "What's in it for me?" AIA Houston offers multiple opportunities for recognition. Both to give it and receive it. Design Awards submissions are due at the end of the month. I expect that our distinguished jury will find much to recognize and give us much to celebrate. But first, you have to enter. The Call for Entry is posted on the web. A seminar with tips on preparing your electronic submission is scheduled for January 8.
Also on the web are nomination forms for Chapter Honors. The two that we recognize in the spring at Celebrate Architecture are Honorary Member and Citation of Honor, a person and an organization that have significantly affected the quality of the built environment in Houston. Whom can you suggest to the Honors Committee? What organization would benefit, be encouraged to continue their good work because of recognition from AIA Houston? Whose individual achievements can we applaud?
Nominations for Firm Award and Young Architect are due on February 4. Winners of both will be prominently featured at Celebrate Architecture next April 12. Is it time to claim that recognition for your firm? For one of your rising stars?
What good does recognition really do? It makes us feel good, certainly, but it does more than that. It defines a standard for which others might strive, thus raising the quality of design, practice, and public service. It holds up a model for others to emulate. It stimulates creativity and competition. It illustrates the implications of good design to those who don't quite understand architecture. It allows those who do understand it to celebrate excellence. It feeds the ego, of course, but also the superego, that part of us that wants to do something for the public good.
Get your power point presentation ready. At your next principals' meeting, decide whether you are ready to go for the Firm Award. Review the accomplishments of your employees under 40 and consider nominating her or him for recognition. Think about the civic organizations and community leaders with lasting effect on Houston's quality of life. Plunge into this recognition business. There's something in it for all of us.
Martha Murphree, Hon. AIA
