Looking Forward: AIA IR 2016 Conference With President James M. Wright

The second annual 2016 AIA International Region (IR) Conference in Toronto, Canada, October 20-23 in cooperation with The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, promises to be a very rewarding event with Page Senior Principal and 2016-2017 President of the AIA IR Chapter James M. Wright serving as chair. For the past several years, James has served in various leadership positions for the AIA IR leading up to his current role.

His priorities for the AIA IR Chapter are to connect architects living and working around the world and raise global standards of design excellence. The chapter serves as an educational and inspirational resource for practitioners to share their expertise and experiences with issues that only those working internationally encounter. The annual conferences, which began under James’s leadership, provide forums for members to update their knowledge and elevate their abilities to serve as global ambassadors for the industry.

When James embarked on his career as an architect, he often found himself on assignments outside the U.S., providing him with extensive experience in practicing architecture in differing social, economic and geographic settings. This led to his involvement with the AIA International Practice Committee Advisory Group, of which he eventually became chairman. During his tenure on the Practice Committee Advisory Group, James helped found the AIA International Region in 2012 and was later appointed to its Board of Directors. He subsequently served as the International Region vice president in 2014, rising to president in 2016.

James knows the work he is doing on behalf of AIA IR has significant long-term value as the architectural profession becomes increasingly global. He is encouraged to see the growth of the discussion of sustainability and resiliency in international circles. For James, the work of AIA beyond the U.S. borders benefits all architects and has provided him with an invaluable network and community.     

To view the list of speakers and schedules for the AIA International Region Conference in Toronto October 20-23, please click here. To register, please click here.