Forums Board Report
July 2010

by Nora Lewandowski, IIDA
Forums Chair

I am very much looking forward to this next year as your Forums Chair! I have the task of continuing to build on what my predecessor, Michelle Anderson, worked so tirelessly at growing our Chapters Forums offerings. I am so pleased each month to see how you members are dedicated in attending our Forums, sponsoring an event, or giving of your time by volunteering. It is with you in mind that I will continue to work hard at listening to what you would like to see or experience, and ensuring that through the year we touch on all areas of the design practice through tours, lectures, and panel discussions. Forums are here to inspire, educate, and celebrate all that we do. We look forward to sharing this upcoming year with you once again!

I want to thank Michelle Anderson for all that she so patiently taught me. I feel like I am now walking in the foot steps of someone whom has left their mark, and what an honor it is.

I would like to introduce to you our new Forums Chair Elect, Liza Kapisak. Liza is a designer at AECOM/Ellerbe Becket, and has been a tireless volunteer and supporter of our industry for the past seven years.  Liza has held many titles within several organizations, and I am so excited to have her on board, “literally”. Already, Liza has added great value, and I look forward to working with her this next year. She has a wealth of knowledge and ideas that will translate into an exciting calendar of events!

First Monday’s Forums: FAB 2010 Grand Award Winner:

On Monday, July 12th, 2010, First Monday’s continued with a tour of Syngenta Seeds, the 2010 Grand Award Winner at FAB. During our afternoon together, 20 Below Studio took our members on an unforgettable journey through this LEED Gold Certified building. They shared with us the challenges and rewards of working through their task of creating a “one tenant build out in a multi tenant building”. The result was a most breathtaking facility, in color, design, and finishes. Not one idea was left out, including the use of timber from the site, used in several of the interior finishes. This facility truly reflects Syngenta’s dedication to the environment and the community in which they work. 

Upcoming Forums:

NCIDQ Roundtable Discussion

Monday August 9th, 2010

Prevolv will host this candid discussion with designers whom recently passed the exam. If you are planning on taking the NCIDQ test this fall, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to listen to the advice offered, and ask questions that you may have.
5:30 Check in and networking
6:00 Discussion begins
Please visit our Forums web page to register! Space is limited to 50 people so don’t delay!

Keynote Address: Richard Pollack, Design Principal of Pollack Architecture, San Francisco

Monday September 13th, 2010

“Influential solutions: business made better by design” will be the topic of the address by this “Best of Year” Interior Design Magazine award winner. You won’t want to miss this inspirational evening!

Knowledge Forum: THEONEPERCENT.ORG

Monday, October 4th, 2010

Join us for an enlightening lecture on the “Power of Pro-bono Design” featuring John Cary, Executive Director of Public Architecture. Public Architecture puts the resources of architecture in the service of the public interest. They identify and solve practical problems of human interaction in the built environment and act as a catalyst for public discourse through education, advocacy, and the design of public spaces and amenities.

Institutional and Sustainable Forum: U of MN Science, Technology, Student Services Center

Monday, November 8th, 2010

Tour and program of new LEED certified building.

For more details on upcoming Forums, please visit our Forums web page. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Forum!