President’s Message
Dear AIA El Paso Members,
I am thrilled to be part of the AIA El Paso Chapter Executive Board once again, and this time I feel honored to help lead our way through 2025. So many new things to look forward to, as well as to continue to build upon the previous hard work of our past presidents.
The dedication and endeavors of our 2024 President Rida Asfahani and 2024 Past President William Helm have set an exemplary standard for our chapter and its mission. On behalf of the Executive board and our members, I give my heartfelt thanks for their commitment. We're proud of the accomplishments we achieved together, with the most recent long sought goal of onboarding an Executive Director.
My excitement for AIA began as an Emerging Professional in AIA Dallas, where I was nominated for their Award-Winning Emerging Professional Program. This program emphasized the true value of our profession, encouraged personal growth, offered opportunities to give back, and gave architects a collective voice. Recognizing its importance, I saw a need for similar initiatives in my hometown of El Paso. Motivated by this, I moved back to get involved with AIA and contribute to the positive change our community needs. My ongoing involvement with AIA El Paso has allowed me to cultivate this purpose and intend to inspire future architect leaders.For this reason, and with support of the Executive Director, I’m emboldened to aim higher this year. I hereby, present three simple goals which are aimed to rise and excel our Chapter’s potential.
Fortify our Organization by increasing member involvement and acknowledging member contributions. Expand our Associate and Professional Affiliate Memberships by educating on the value and opportunities our organization has to offer. Encourage young professionals to join by providing participation and volunteer positions for them to see firsthand the possibilities of this organization. Boost our sales and participation from PA’s with the help of our new Executive Director.
Increase Community Awareness through public outreach we'll engage in events and programs to raise consciousness about the positive impact of our profession. Architects shape communities, a nd it can be done by building stronger connections with our local leaders and foster the partnerships of our industry’s supporters. Advocating for the architecture profession by supporting our committees to elevate their events and emphasizing the importance of maintaining our profession’s integrity.
Promote Design Excellence and Professional Development by supporting our local firms to achieve greater things identifying diverse talents and leveraging them to address distinct challenges. As stewards of the built environment, we advocate for health, safety and welfare, yet we will encourage to elevate our designs with innovative solutions that are sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. Together let’s support our aspiring architects in their path to licensure by providing the resources they need. AIA El Paso is committed to provide recognition for these contributions to the community and its future leaders.
The success of our chapter lies in the collective efforts of its members. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our profession and our community. I am confident that by working collaboratively towards these goals, we will not only strengthen our chapter but also contribute to the positive growth of the architecture profession.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our shared vision. Here's to a year of collaboration, growth, and positive impact!
Regards,
Lorena Holguin, AIA, LEED AP
AIA El Paso Chapter | 2025 President
AIA El Paso
Executive Director
As we kick off a new year, we’re excited to introduce Katherine Vandertulip as our new Executive Director beginning January 2025. Please join us at this months Chapter meeting to give her a warm in-person welcome.
Katherine, a native El Pasoan, is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Fashion Design and Museum Studies. She has an outstanding track record in non-profit and membership-based organizations. Her resume includes noteworthy roles at the Borderplex Alliance, Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, IDEA Public Schools, and New Mexico State University.
Enhancing her professional accomplishments, Vandertulip has a strong commitment to community service. She is an active volunteer with several organizations including the Junior League of El Paso, Girls Scouts of the Desert Southwest, Center Against Sexual and Family Violence, United Way of El Paso County, and YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region.
Katherine looks forward to meeting all of the members and working with us to help grow the impact and mission of AIA El Paso in the region.
CALL FOR SPONSORS
Proceeds to benefit AIA El Paso’s Architecture Students & Emerging Professionals
Dear Sponsors:
Each year the El Paso Chapter of the American Institute of Architects hosts an Architecture Gala to celebrate excellence in architectural design in our city. AIA El Paso will host our annual Architecture Gala event (Powered by PechaKucha) on Friday, January 31, 2025 downtown at the Hotel Paso del Norte.
The expected attendance will be 250 participants including architects, developers, contractors, consultants, manufacturer representatives, and other construction industry leaders. Invitations will also be extended to local government leaders and community partners to the construction industry.
A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit El Paso Emerging Professionals pursuing licensure and will fund scholarship endowments benefiting El Paso architecture students with scholarships in perpetuity.
Please take a moment to review the sponsorship levels available this year. We trust that you will find a sponsorship opportunity suited to your company’s needs. Once you’ve made your selection, send an email to johnbreyes10@yahoo.com
We truly appreciate your support of this event and for furthering architecture excellence in the El Paso community!
Ticket sales end January 24, 2024
INDIVIDUAL GALA EVENT TICKETS
DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIPS ACCEPTED
Gala tables and tickets are limited - buy your tickets and donate here now!
