Message from the President
ALEXANDRA KOVENAT
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Chroma Architecture
AUGUST 2025
From the Desk of the President
I hope that everyone had a nice summer and was able to refresh and recharge for the fall season. Our calendar is packed with exciting tours, an amazing business meeting that will feature mass timber and our beloved design awards.
Photo by James Ewing of the Olana Frederic Church Center for Art and Landscape by ARO.
Please get tickets to the event here featuring Kim Yao, FAIA of ARO: https://www.aiawhv.org/aia-events/ar2025-235annualmeeting
The focus of my newsletters has been on inspiration. I have been very proud to feature different aspects throughout the year whether it be community-driven or even artificial intelligence. The question for this month’s newsletter is what happens when inspiration is hard to grasp? Or even dealing with burnout?
I believe that creativity and motivation are cyclical. For me, typically there are peak times in the day when I feel most productive and inspired. Usually, the pressure of deadlines helps me to complete the task at hand. But what happens when deadlines are not enough? What happens when the peak moments come and go without the usual output?
Over the years I have enjoyed listening to and reading Bob Borson’s FAIA podcast and reading his blog Life of an Architect. A little over three years ago, he created episode 97 titled “Burnout.”
https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/ep-097-burnout/
I recommend reading it, even if you’re not experiencing burnout. It can be helpful to understand what your peers may be experiencing. The article may not provide individualized solutions, but I think that being aware of the many factors may help in prevention and awareness.
In our complicated world, we as architects are extraordinary listeners to our clients’ needs and requirements. As we enter the busy fall season, I encourage everyone to take a moment to assess yourself and check in with others around you. It can be as simple as a short phone call, a thoughtful text message or even inviting someone out for a cup of coffee to hear about how they have been. These simple mindful acts may make all the difference.
I look forward to seeing you all soon and wish you well.
Alexandra Kovenat