Birchfield Penuel and Associates wholeheartedly supports the efforts of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Both the AIA and the IIDA advocate on behalf of their respective professions to the general public and work diligently to support their members throughout their careers. The majority of the design professionals at BPA are active participants in AIA and IIDA. We proudly recognize the standout members of the BPA family who currently hold board positions in these organizations.
Alicia Pughsley, AIA, LEED AP, one of our senior associates, has served on AIA Birmingham's Executive Committee (EXCOM) for 8 years in several capacities: Councilor, Secretary, and currently as the First Year Director. In this role, she leads the chapter's effort on sponsorship and assists with the promotion of chapter events. In addition to her position on EXCOM, Alicia serves with AIA's non-profit extension, the Alabama Center for Architecture (ACFA) as the chair of their DreamArchitecture Birmingham committee. DreamArchitecture is an outreach program that inspires elementary school students to explore their curiosity about the design of the built environment.
Charlie Abram, Assoc. AIA, one of our graduate architects, is serving his first term with EXCOM as the Emerging Professionals (EP) Director. As the EP Director, Charlie serves as an ambassador and liaison between the young professionals of the AIA and the broader organization. His responsibilities include facilitating the development of the EPs in their pursuit of licensure and encouraging their participation in both the AIA and the profession of architecture as a whole.
Maria Glaser, RID, IIDA, LEED AP, one of our senior associates has served on the IIDA Alabama Chapter Board for 8 years as both a Professional Development Officer and an Executive Officer. In her role this year as President of the Chapter, she oversees all activities of the Chapter and acts as liaison to IIDA International. She has also been Chair of the Chapter's primary fundraising event, ARTrageous, for the past 6 years. Beneficiaries of the event include the IIDA Foundation and Studio By the Tracks.
Melissa Porter, RID, IIDA, LEED ID+C, one of our associates has served on the IIDA Alabama Chapter Board for 3 years as both Director and Vice President of Communications. In this role she is responsible for Chapter communications, social media, and website maintanence.
Laura Yeatman, RID, IIDA, LEED ID+C, one of our associates has served on the IIDA Alabama Chapter Board for 2 years, as Young Professionals Liaison and currently as Birmingham City Center Representative. In her current role, she coordinates City Center activities with the Executive Officers and committees.
All of these individuals are leaders within our office, so it comes as no surprise to us that they have been chosen to serve with AIA and IIDA. We appreciate how they represent BPA well and positively influence the design profession of Birmingham.
