AIA/LA International Practice Committee Meeting Minutes

3780 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 800

Los Angeles, California 90010
4:00 PM Tuesday, May 4, 2010
In attendance: 21

Call to order 4:15pm: Fred Kerz, AIA, Chair

1. Sojel Sonani of The Albert Group Architects presented on the topic of Markets in
India. Ms. Sonani spoke of the booming economy, increased consumer spending
and shortage of architects in India. She spoke about the types of projects that are
in high demand, such as infrastructure, housing, healthcare, hotels, educational
facilities, shopping malls, entertainment and super markets. Her presentation
touched on construction and design opportunities, and the lower construction
costs and lack of the need for liability insurance. Ms. Sonani spoke about the
cultural influences in India and their family values, regard for education, need for
social interaction and their sense of community. She gave many examples of
foreign and domestic projects. After the presentation there was a lively and
interesting discussion period.
2. Michael Gehring spoke about a questionnaire given to one of his clients in India.
It was interesting to here from the client’s perspective why they hire foreign
architects and what his experience has been.
3. After the presentations there was discussion about future meeting topics.
4. Future meeting topics are as follows:
June 4
“Economic Turbulence+ Steady Entrepreneurialism = Global Practice.
AIA/LA International committee will present a lecture by Ron
Altoon FAIA, Former President of the National AIA, and with and
built projects in over 42 countries to talk about his experiences.
The venue is the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing.
July LA’s Competitive Advantage
August Opportunities in Latin America
Ms. Terri Batch from the US Dept of Commerce is our speaker on
Brazil.
September International Sustainability
October Marketing internationally
November International Health Care
A Co-chairman of the Health Care committee talked about having
a joint meeting of his committee and the International committee.
Most people in attendance thought this was a good idea and would
like to see a sharing of information between committees. We
added this meeting to our list in response to his offer and will
resolve the schedule.
5. Next meeting is scheduled at FIDM, 919 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
90015-1421 PH. 800-624-1200 4:00 PM Tuesday , June 1, 2010.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 PM.
Thank you Steve Tanner and the AIA/LA for your support.