The American Institute of Architects Appoints Robert Ivy, FAIA, as the Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer

WASHINGTON,  Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  The Board of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the premier organization representing licensed architects and professionals in the design and construction industry since 1857, appointed Robert Ivy, a Fellow of the AIA, as the new Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer effective February 1, 2011.

A greatly recognized figure in the architectural profession, Robert Ivy, FAIA, is the Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Record, a position he has held since 1996.  He is also the Vice President and Editorial Director for McGraw-Hill Construction responsible for the efficient management of a large editorial organization as well as the editorial quality of a family of publications in design and construction.  Robert was a principal with Ivy Architects and the managing partner with Dean/Dale, Dean and Ivy for nearly 14 years before moving to corporate executive positions.  He is a recipient of the Crane Award in 2009, the American Business Media's top award for lifetime contributions to business media.   In 2010, he was recognized as Master Architect by Alpha Rho Chi, an architectural fraternity, for communicating the value of design to a new generation.

Robert has been an advocate for the profession on many of the most important social, political, and environmental issues affecting the built environment.   He is a dedicated member of the AIA having served on the AIA Board of Directors in the 1990s.  

In his new position at the AIA, Robert will manage the national office in Washington, DC with a $56 million annual budget and 206 employees.  He will direct organizational focus on design and practice issues within the Institute, enhance the voice of the AIA to demonstrate the value of design and the public's understanding of architects and architecture, and work collaboratively with over 300 chapters nationwide and overseas to support AIA members.  

AIA 2010 President George H. Miller, FAIA, said, "We are excited to have Robert join the AIA as EVP/CEO.  He has the combination of seasoned industry experience and corporate leadership skills sought by the Board and we welcome him to the Institute.    The Board is unanimous in its view that his passion for the profession, his experience in the industry, and his leadership style will enhance the AIA."  Miller continued, "On behalf of the entire Board, I would also like to thank Paul Welch, Hon AIA, for his leadership as the interim Executive Vice President/ Chief Executive Officer.   Paul's unwavering loyalty to the AIA and his steady and diligent management of the Institute were highly valued during the transition.  He has my deepest respect and gratitude."  

Clark Manus, FAIA, 2011 President, commented that, "This is a pivotal time at the AIA and in the industry.   There is no denying that the profession has recently faced significant economic stress but, as the economy rebounds in the US and the world, we must be vigilant and responsive to emerging opportunities.   Our members are looking to the AIA to focus its efforts and resources while facilitating growth.   I am thrilled to be working with Robert in the coming year."

"The AIA is a stellar organization, one that I have always been proud to be a part of," Robert said.  "The brand represents the highest standard of design and professional ethics.  It serves as a powerful message to clients and communities that design matters.  I look forward to working with the Board, the staff and the components to enhance this valuable resource on behalf of all present and future members.  I am committed to the profession and the success of our members and their practices in this transformed economy."

Robert received his Bachelor of Arts in the University of then South in Tennessee and his Master's in Architecture in Tulane University, Louisiana.  He was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 1993.

About The American Institute of Architects

For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

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SOURCE American Institute of Architects