The AIA Salem chapter wishes to better involve and support the Associate and young architect members of the chapter by creating an Emerging Professionals & Young Architects group now called DesignOpine. The chapter is working to provide the group with a library for research and test preparation, a mentor program and a website to inform and connect members.
The current board of the AIA Salem Board is composed of three architects, three young architects and two Associate members. Most of the chapter’s recent events have included building tours and continuing education credits that do not always apply to Associate members. In the chapter, there are over 15 Associate members and 10 young architects in a chapter with only 48 members. The associate members are a very diverse group and the AIA Salem would like to encourage involvement and provide support to traditional interns, members without professional degrees, and those newly licensed. The chapter will also involve members that have experience in specific areas of interest to the EP & YA by asking them to present topics or consider becoming a mentor. AIA Salem will provide mentor training and materials as well as invite mentors from AIA Portland to share their experiences at an AIA Salem Mentor Training session. With a variety of programs and activities, AIA Salem Board members feel everyone can be supported.