Committees FAQ 

Which committee is right for me?
The BSA offers a rich variety of committees, task forces and networks addressing issues of concern to the profession and the community.  There are also opportunities for career and professional development.  There is certainly a committee or task force to meet your needs and interests (and, if you can’t identify one, or if you would like more information on any of these BSA networks or other BSA opportunities in general, contact Nancy Jenner at njenner@architects.org or 617-951-1433 x227). Search for a committee online or print a committee list.

How do I join a committee?
If you would like to receive email and/or mail updates about future committee meetings, please contact the BSA at 617-951-1433 x221 or bsa@architects.org with your name, address, email address and the committee you are interested in joining.

Why should I get involved?
The BSA committee structure works because members and non-members have found it to be an excellent way to address and resolve philosophical and practical issues, to network, to have an impact on other professions in the industry, to have an impact on shaping communities and to grow personally and professionally.  Also, occasionally a free lunch is thrown in.

With what issues are committees involved?
There are hundreds of issues currently being addressed by architects and our allies in the region.  The issues being addressed evolve as old ones are resolved and new ones emerge for discussion and action. Some current issues include:

• Balancing work and play as a woman in the profession
• Indoor air quality in Newton schools
• The ethics of professional practice
• BSA dues levels
• CAD security standards
• Employee benefits in design firms
• Fees for public work
• The new energy code in effect in Massachusetts
• 3D fly-by magic in AutoCAD
• Ending homelessness in Massachusetts
• How to manage a mid-size design firm
• Planning and design solutions for interventional procedure rooms   
• How to develop a business plan for a small firm
• Halting “sprawl” and enriching smart growth
• Hobnobbing with State legislators
• Shaping the City of Boston

How often do committees meet?
Committees, user groups, forums, etc. generally meet monthly (no meetings in August).  Other committees, subcommittees and task forces meet at the call of their respective chairs. You may search for meetings on the BSA calendar.

How are committees structured?
Most committees have a chair or co-chairs who shape the committee structure, determine the schedule, etc. We recommend that you call the appropriate contact listed in the Annotated List of BSA Committees, Task Forces and Networks for specific information about the committee(s) you are interested in.

Are all committee participants BSA/AIA members?
No, membership is not a requirement for participation or even for chairing or co-chairing a group ... indeed, the BSA’s strength grows in large part from the guiding spirit of inclusiveness that brings members into daily interaction with a broad range of allies who are not members.

What are some success stories of BSA committees?

• The Building Envelope Committee has created the standard details for the new Massachusetts energy code to be used by the state.
  
  
• The Civic Initiative has had and continues to have major impacts on the ways in which cities and towns plan and zone for smart growth. 
  
  
• The Codes Committee, working with contractors and others, convinced the state to adopt the International Building Code. 
  
  
• The College and University Roundtable has formed a successful collaboration with SCUP to bring designers and facilities managers of higher education institutions together regularly to address long-term planning issues.  
  
  
• The Committee on the Environment has elevated professional and public awareness of sustainability/green design among state agencies, private-sector clients and design professionals. 
  
  
• The Healthcare Facilities Committee has succeeded in working with state public health officials to streamline the state regulations/procedures governing healthcare design.  
  
  
• The Historic Resources Committee led the state to create historic district commissions in every municipality to preserve the state’s architectural treasures.  
  
  
• The Task Force To End Homelessness has developed a national model for assisting those who operate facilities that serve homeless populations.  
  
  
• The Housing Committee has helped the city of Boston develop a new approach to providing needed housing by reviewing/rewriting zoning regulations.
  
  
• The Indoor Air Quality Committee has raised public awareness of air quality issues in public schools through the administration of a major case study of a large suburban high school.  
  
  
• The International Markets Committee has created national links for Massachusetts architects seeking work overseas.  
  
  
• The Legislative Affairs Committee has had a number of legislative victories, among them: adoption of the International Building Code, School Building Assistance funding made available, passing the Community Preservation Act is some Massachusetts communities, convincing the state to raise fee levels for design work, to pay design fees in a timely manner and to streamline the contracting process.  
  
  
• The Urban Design Committee has had a major role for 25 years in shaping Boston planning and zoning regulations, enhancing community design-review processes, creating a citywide design review body, enriching the designer-selection process in major projects such as the central artery revitalization and drawing public attention to the implications of significant development proposals.