Heroes

I first realized my calling to the profession of Architecture at the age of six.  I am pleased to say that I was inspired to do so by my grandfather who practiced architecture here in Charlottesville from the 1930’s until shortly before his death in 1981.  Having a role model such as he was essential to my development as a professional.

Likewise, in CSI, I have a particular set of heroes, mentors if you will, who have been influential in my development as a member of this organization.  All of these individuals would probably wish to remain anonymous, so I won’t mention them by name.  They may not even realize the magnitude of their influence on me.  What is important, though, is that they have always made themselves available whenever I had any sort of question or problem.

In the years since becoming active in CSI, I have had the privilege of having a number of members coming to me for advice on various matters relating to how to do CSI and sometimes, why to do CSI.  I can only say that the influence of my own mentors is spreading to so many more people as I pass on that wisdom.

I have often said that as an architect, I intend to leave a positive mark on the physical landscape that will survive me.  In CSI, each of us has the opportunity to influence the process of creating and sustaining the built environment through the transfer of knowledge.  This transfer can take place as part of the mentoring process, but more commonly, it takes place in the form of the networking that takes place at the monthly membership meetings.  In this sense, through service to this organization, hopefully I am leaving a permanent, positive mark on the professional landscape.  If I am successful at this, then every single one of my mentors will have done so as well.