On Friday, April 25, Associate members of AIA Arizona gathered for an afternoon of programming and conversation that explored resilience within the architecture & design profession.
This annual event was planned and produced by and for Associate members—emerging professionals who are on the path to licensure. Attendees heard insightful presentations from excellent speakers, and were able to connect with each other. Planning for the event was led by Sara Ghaemi, Assoc. AIA, of BWS, and the AIA Arizona Associates Committee.
Speakers included Juan Rovalo, the first firmwide ecologist at Perkins&Will; Sidney Smith, AIA, Partner at HKS, Inc.; as well as Jonathan Peiffer, AIA, and Sarah Potzler, AIA, who will describe the paths to licensure in Arizona.
The afternoon concluded with a reception and fun tour of The Abbey, led by Maria Salenger, AIA; Eddie Jones, FAIA; and former mayor of Phoenix Terry Goddard.
Scroll down for images from the event.
AIA Arizona Associates Director Sara Ghaemi welcomes attendees and introduces the event.Juan Rovalo, Director of Ecology at Perkins&Will gives an insight into best practices in nature-based design solutions that drive climate action and environmental justice.AIA Arizona Associates Committee member David Zuniga, Assoc. AIA, introduces Sidney Smith, AIA.Sidney Smith, AIA, Partner at HKS, Inc, describes the resiliency of being an architect. Attendees enjoy the Associates Gathering.AIA Arizona Associates Director and Committee member Ana Astiazaran, Assoc. AIA, introduces Sarah Potzler, AIA and Jonathan Peiffer, AIA.Sarah Potzler, AIA, Senior Architect at Shepley Bulfinch and Jonathan Peiffer, AIA, Principal at Sketch Architecture, describe resiliency in the path to licensure.AIA Arizona Associates Committee member Ally Kwan, Assoc. AIA, introduces Maria Salenger, AIA. Maria Salenger, AIA, Senior Associate at Jones Studio, gives a preview of the history and renovation plans of The Abbey.AIA Arizona Associates Gathering speakers from left: Sidney Smith, AIA; Juan Rovalo; Sarah Potzler, AIA; Maria Salenger, AIA; and Jonathan Peiffer, AIA.Attendees enjoy networking at the Associates Gathering.Attendees tour The Abbey in Phoenix.The 2025 AIA Arizona Associates Gathering Committee from left: AIA Arizona Executive Director John Czarnecki; David Zuniga, Assoc. AIA; AIA Arizona Associates Director Ana Astiazaran, Assoc. AIA; Associates Gathering Chair Sara Ghaemi, Assoc. AIA; Ally Kwan, Assoc. AIA; and AIA Arizona Membership Manager Sarah Levi. Attendees hear from Eddie Jones, FAIA of Jones Studio on the award winning renovation of The Abbey.Maria Salenger, AIA, leads attendees on a tour of The Abbey.Eddie Jones, FAIA (left) and former mayor of Phoenix Terry Goddard.Former mayor of Phoenix Terry Goddard describes the resiliency of The Monroe Street Abbey.Attendees enjoy a closing reception at The Abbey.
Thank you to our 2025 Associates Gathering Sponsors!
