FIRST 2005 MEETING
Washington, D.C.
February 2, 2005

1. The session began with a round of introductions and a brief review of our activities last year, including tours, meetings and incorporation. Nir Buras then opened the discussion regarding the direction of the Chapter in the near future, its programs and events. Daniel Lee devoted several minutes to conveying to the attendees some of the specific questions and concerns the Board had discussed in its telephone conferences over the past several weeks. During the free-form discussion the following ideas were put on the table. These include:

1. Create our own Mid Atlantic-ICA awards program

2. A general discussion on Academic Course categories mentioned were:

a. The "basics" on the orders, proportions, moldings, etc.
b. Advanced material including a Proportion class and Steve Bass's "Sacred Meaning" class
c. Pope House tours
d. Celebrating in lecture and tour local Mid-Atlantic unsung architects or projects (Thomas Noble)

3. People who might be willing to participate in an Academic Committee included Thomas Noble and Claudia Powell.

4. Under the "Open Show" concept, helpful categories mentioned were:

a. works in progress, any size
b. completed projects
c. the complete portfolio of a single firm
d. a"bring me your best" session.

5. Hold an annual large classical/traditional "salon" for current projects

6. The idea of renting a gallery for a Salon Show

7. Participating in DC Architecture Week in the fall

8. Sponsorship of events by firms -- to pay for honoraria and expenses to reduce member costs.

9. Joint projects with the National Civic Arts Society. Begin an aggressive strategic campaign to present classical traditional architecture as a "radical" and humane alternative to the present faceless confusion. Use salons and gallery shows, all media, targeted publicity, proactive advocacy through every available avenue.

This discussion was followed by each participant summarizing their thoughts. The main points of this round were (apologies for errors of any sort):

a. We should focus on education and the Chapter must be collegial: Learn, share among us, reach out.
b. This Chapter is about doing things for ourselves, us the constituency. They are for our enjoyment
c. He wants to see the work of other offices
d. Wants to participate in field trips. He is here to learn about traditional and classical design and to share his knowledge and love for landscape architecture. (Jeff Graham)
e. 1. Interested in fine art techniques, design, graphic and construction techniques, from water colors to stone carving. 2. Also suggested we have "Architecture Week" where offices, and some of their projects, are open for touring.
f. Interested in education for younger architects.
g. Believes we need to nurture the generation who sees classical as a viable alternative. He suggested there be "Dialogues" between experienced practitioners and younger aspirants
h. Office tours for students and create design competitions for our membership.
i. Enlarge the scope of people and build on other organizations including the American Society of Architectural Illustrators, with whom we could co-sponsor sketch tours.
j. Suggested we obtain the mailing lists of the DC Preservation League and the National Trust for Historic preservation to add to ours. [Does Peter Miller already have those? NB]
k. Other organizations with which to collaborate: Society of Architectural Historians, Smithsonian, AIA Baltimore, National Trust.
l. 1. We need to generate public awareness. A good way is house tours, and the ones in Annapolis were profitable. 2. He also mentioned the Congress of Residential Architects, recently established, might be useful and sympathetic ally. It might be a good idea for ICA central to find out who they are.
m. Suggested we start small, with two well-attended classes and a "give us your best" exhibit or salon
n. Stated that our long term focus should be on taking back the middle ground, and "rescuing the pioneers of modern design" from the clutches of those who included them in the history of modernism. Such abused "pioneers" include Irving Gill and CFA Voysey.
o. The ICA should have a library that would be a resource of information for members of the community. a.
p. The ASID is sympathetic to our goals and is searching for architects. Suggested we do the "give me your best" with an eye to the ASID

The Articles and Bylaws were approved. We are ready to set up the Chapter's bank account and to sign the Chapter Agreement with ICA NY.

Sponsorship of Events

We thank the following for their generosity and look forward to the events that this munificence will enable.

After the meeting, Ned Lawrence of Tendura offered to fund several events for the Chapter.
Virendra Rawat of Torti Gallas informed the Executive Committee that Mr. John Torti was interested in sponsoring an event.

Upcoming Events

Open Working Session
on Wednesday, February 23rd, 6-9:30 pm, dinner from 6-7, meeting 7-9:30.

In this session we will develop towards their realization ideas raised in the last meeting. All members interested in the chapter and determined to make a difference are invited to attend this "charette," and truly roll up their sleeves for some serious work. The Executive Committee will provide leadership , including directing focus and energies based on carefully considered priorities. Pizza provided. Please be there. RSVP ma-ica@buras-architecture.com

Chapter Representatives at ICA New York Offices
March 5 from 2 pm - 4 pm.

Chapter representatives, including committee chairs, will meet with Paul Gunther, Christine Franck, Henrika Taylor, Briana Miller, and others for a general introduction to the workings of ICA&CA and personal introductions to its officers.

Our First Chapter Dinner
Friday, April 1st at Daniel Lee's office, 608 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA . Cocktails at 7:00, dinner at 7:30-9:30.

This will be a fun "rally the troops" dinner. Alongside a talk and toasts, we will have a chance to visit Daniel's studio, meet one another, participate in interesting conversation and see on display items of ICA National. Looking forward to seeing you there. RSVP by March 15th ma-ica@buras-architecture.com Subject Line: Chapter Dinner - Accept.

Nir Buras, Chair


For information regarding the ICA or the Chapter please see the ICA website www.classicist.org and our Chapter webpage www.classicist.org/midatlantic. To reach our Chapter officers, write to ma-ica@buras-architecture.com.

PARTICIPANTS IN GENERAL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2005
(Please excuse any misspelled name)

Wayne Good
Mona Hajj
Mary Adams
Tartt Ryan Velasco
Jamie Walsh Virendra Rawat
Julia Hughitt
David Neumann
Richard Houghton
Dana Strickland
Daniel Lee
Laurence Aurbach
Wonter Boer
David Jones
Scott O'Barr
Thomas Noble
Claudia Powell
Mary Elfreth Watkins
Peter Miller
Ned Lawrence
John Dale
Nir Buras