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The AIA responds to U.S. Congress tax reform bills: "You're making a terrible mistake"

2017-12-04T16:12:00-05:00

Following recent developments the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made in various versions in both the House and the Senate, the American Institute of Architects announced that it would lobby aggressively against "significant inequities" the legislation currently represents.

Back in September, the AIA already warned about earlier tax reform proposals and called for caution.

AIA 2017 President Thomas Vonier, FAIA now issued a new statement, alarming that with the current legislation "Congress would be making a terrible mistake":

By weakening the Historic Tax Credits, Congress and the Administration will hurt historic rehabilitation projects all across the country - something to which architects have been committed for decades. Since 1976, the HTCs have generated some $132 billion in private investment, involving nearly 43,000 projects. They are fundamental to maintaining America's architectural heritage.

Unfortunately, both bills for some reason continue to exclude architects and other small ...

AIA makes a statement against U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO

2017-10-16T16:15:00-04:00

This week the U.S. announced their intention to withdraw from UNESCO at the end of 2018. President of the AIA, Thomas Vonier, responded in support of the organisation.

Full release follows:

Washington, D.C. – October 16, 2017 –
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement on the United States withdrawal from UNESCO. Please attribute to AIA 2017 President Thomas Vonier, FAIA:

“The American Institute of Architects has long supported the cultural mission of UNESCO, and especially its World Heritage Sites program, which seeks to identify and preserve buildings and places of exceptional importance to humankind. We hope and expect that the United States will continue to work with global stakeholders to protect such sites.

“In addition, UNESCO has recently agreed to join with the International Union of Architects (UIA) to designate a World Capital of Architecture every two to three years, choosing cities of outstanding character with the World Congress of...

The AIA sounds cautions on tax reform proposals

2017-09-28T15:21:00-04:00

Wednesday, President Trump and congressional Republicans rolled out a sweeping tax overhaul proposal that would radically slash business taxes, trim the number of individual tax rates to around three brackets, and expand the standard deduction and child tax credit for individuals. The plan has been applauded by Republicans, as well as business groups and the far-right House Freedom Caucus, who argue it would provide the country with a fairer, simpler tax system. Opposing the blueprint, Democrats contend that proposal delivers tax cuts for the rich at the expense of the middle-class.

Today, the American Institute of Architects responded to the tax reform proposals advanced by the Administration and Congressional Republicans issuing caution and releasing the following statement by AIA 2017 President Thomas Vonier, FAIA:

Any tax reforms must do three basic things:

Support and strengthen small businesses, which account for the vast majority of U.S. architecture firms.
Encourage innova...

AIA President Thomas Vonier named President of the International Union of Architects

2017-09-13T14:03:00-04:00

Established in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1948, the UIA is recognized as a non-governmental organization by the United Nations. It works on matters of professional and public interest through three permanent commissions and various work programs. It is chartered to unite architects internationally, without regard to nationality, ethnicity, or political viewpoint.

Thomas Vonier, president of the AIA, was elected President of the UIA (International Union of Architects) during the 2017 World Congress and General Assembly held in Seoul.

Vonier will remain AIA President until December. Carl Elefante, will be AIA President for 2018 and William J. Bates for 2019.

“We must show the world how architecture can help to resolve the difficult issues facing society and our planet. The UIA is here to unify architects worldwide, influence global policies and outcomes, and advance the power of architecture to meet human needs,” said Vonier during his campaign.

Thomas Vonier elected 2017 AIA President

2015-05-20T16:44:00-04:00

Thomas V. Vonier, FAIA, from AIA Continental Europe, was elected 2016 AIA First Vice President/2017 President at AIA Convention 2015 in Atlanta. [...] "Our profession must have unity of purpose and enlarge its constituency. This new era demands fresh ideas and new approaches. We have begun to set new directions for AIA, putting members and components first. We are on a new course."