First, I need to commend the Assembly of Architects’ Board of Directors and professional volunteers on their faithful dedication and commitment to our organization. I’d also like to thank our community and corporate sponsors, and the many non-profit partnerships for collaborating with the Assembly of Architect volunteers on making positive changes for our communities in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Our joint ventures demonstrated the benefits of quality relationships achieving common goals.
Next, I’d like to take a moment to talk about quality. Our organization is comprised of people-of-color engaged in the pro-cess of creating quality buildings, both locally and nationally. They are the most qualified professionals today participating in the design of educational, healthcare, public and cultural institutions. They bring a unique cultural perspective to the design aspect of our urban communities. They represent business owners in minority business enterprises, partners and princi-pals in majority firms, architects, designers, facility managers, construction managers, urban planners, developers, artists, educators and community activists.
I would also like to commend the Assembly for an extraordinary activity year in 2006. We initiated two new projects that have made an impact on achieving our mission statement: 1) A partnership with St Thomas University’s undergraduate management class, and 2) “The Drawing Board Project” withBenjamin E. Mays, a St. Paul Public School.
Finally, I have heard references to “we cannot find an architect-of-color” on several occasions. I would like to state, un-equivocally, there are over 30 professional Assembly of Architect partners-of-color who represent the highest quality profes-sionals in the region. They continue to leave a positive mark on our communities through their talents and creative contribu-tions. On that note, it is my hope that our work in the Assembly of Architects, which includes building talent and capacity, will change the perception of available personnel, and create many hiring opportunities for years to come.
My sincere best wishes to each and every partner on your personal and professional pursuits.
Very truly yours,
Nathan Johnson, AIA, LEED AP
President
Assembly of Architects
