2011 Recipient | AIA Honorary Membership

Kate M. Brunswick, Hon. AIA | Notes of Interest

The success of AIA Ohio over the last ten years is due, in part, to Kate Brunswick’s consistent and quiet leadership. Her work in coordinating annual programs and conventions has a reach beyond Ohio’s local members, as the programs are intended to advance the standing of the profession, to expand participation in advocacy and to educate members as a whole.

Brunswick has successfully managed the coordination of programs not only for the state, but also in collaboration with the seven local components that make up AIA Ohio. One of the most significant events offered each year is the planning of the AIA Ohio Annual Convention. This program, which has grown in quality and depth, provides opportunities for members to expand their knowledge in a variety of education tracks. Such opportunities include not only educational courses but also programs such as the “Green Home Competition” that was coordinated with associate/emerging professionals and Habitat for Humanity.

With the formation of the AIA Ohio Valley Region, Brunswick was instrumental in working with state components to forge agreements, gain cooperation, and contribute to a practical working format for convention planning. As part of the planning committee, which includes Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, Brunswick works directly with leadership of the three states as well as the state executives, to develop balanced programs and management for the events.

Three regional conventions have occurred during her tenure at AIA Ohio, including those in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Covington, Kentucky—all highly successful. These efforts continued this year with the AIA Ohio Convention in Toledo, where efforts were made to include neighboring components in Indiana and Michigan. Even in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns, her efforts and careful attention to detail resulted in one of the best-planned and one of the most financially successful conventions in AIA Ohio’s history.

Through a collaborative approach, Brunswick is able to motivate a diverse group of volunteers. Through her dedication, she has garnered the highest degree of respect for her outstanding service to the profession.

While much of Brunswick’s time is spent meeting the needs of the Chapter’s members and accomplishing the work of the component and association boards, she also has been a strong proponent of working outside the walls of the AIA with legislators to ensure the needs and goals of the AIA are met. Her efforts in directing and coordinating AIA Ohio’s Day at the Statehouse has created a better understanding of the legislative process while introducing representatives to key members of the architectural profession.

Brunswick’s management style fits perfectly with the model created for the Ohio Valley Region: encouraging participation of members and highlighting how to improve cooperation between areas to create a highly effective and active region. Brunswick has worked to improve the region’s communications by creating shared calendars and a new website, intended to broaden the programs and events to both members and the general public. Local chapters were offered templates to update their own websites. Brunswick’s development of more advanced means of communication also extends to Facebook, Twitter, and Sharepoint to ensure the most effective communication and outreach to members in today’s world.

Bruce W. Sekanick, AIA, President of AIA Ohio, states in his nomination of Brunswick, “Our respect for her and her abilities, knowledge and contributions cannot be overstated. I know of no finer person who represents and is associated with the AIA. Kate’s passion and dedication is contagious and her energy has extended these same levels of dedication to everyone who she has encountered.”

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