2006 RECAP

EPSOLA was created to give us, Intern Architects, opportunities to acquire community service credit for IDP; provide a venue for interns to discuss issues of internship, ARE, IDP, and other issues concerning internship; and to provide a much needed connection between graduation and license.

This past year has been challenging. Setbacks and pitfalls produced work of minimal impact only to give way to triumphs with substance. We spent time with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in hopes to provide them a way to make the spaces better. It morphed into a collaborative effort with the AIA150:building hope initiative with exterior and interior improvements at the Granberry unit with the expectation that this will continue through all locations in Acadiana.

The H.C. Ramps for the Aged is a continuing process. We have designed and built three ramps. Lynda Southard of the Cajun Area Council for the Aged is looking forward to next year to continue this project and continue this altruistic venture. Recent developments lead me to believe that this project will expand dramatically next year. AmeriCorps provides HC Ramps across the country to those in need. AIAS President Hans Breaux is working on getting their cooperation in our local venture.

Meetings between AIAS board members and myself have proved successful. A mentorship program between EPSOLA members and students will be in place for next semester. We will also be providing guest crits to Third, Fourth and Graduate Studio classes. The exact schedule will be provided in the January 07 In ha-bit. This is an excellent opportunity to give back to the University, assist the students with trying situations, and recruit new members by association.

The Ledoux Memorial Seating Area at Kaplan High School is an ongoing project. We have begun the material collection process. Once the materials are sufficient to provide a viable project, we will begin the design process.

With the creation of this blog, EPSOLA will have a real-time record of our experiences. The EPSOLA membership, the students and any intern around the state that has a question, concern, etc will be able to utilize this blog for answers.

In 2007, I will be serving as the Associate Director for the state of Louisiana. My service to EPSOLA will not change; I only take on the responsibility of getting information to the interns outside of our area. I have created several booklets to assist AIA chapters around the state to create Associate groups similar to ours. I will also use this blog to post information important to interns around the state.
I will continue the study seminars started by 2006 AD Angela Morton, Associate AIA-New Orleans. I am also working to have a rotating schedule with the surrounding states for ARE study seminars. This will give interns around our state and surrounding states ample opportunities to attend these seminars.

Thank you, all of you, for a wonderful year. Merry Christmas!! Happy New Year!!

Lets look forward to a productive and vibrant 2007.

Sincerely,

Brent Frick, Assoc. AIA
EPSOLA President
Associate Director, AIA-LA