Two weeks ago, Lake|Flato hosted the 2023 San Antonio Symposium by the Global Design Alliance, of which we are members. I had the opportunity to participate and present at this event. In today's post, I will share the highlights of the event and the GDA.
The symposium had about 50 participants from the US and Canada. It was held the week of March 20, 2023. We hosted the event, which was held in three locations: our newly remodeled office, the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and the new Canopy Hotel by Hilton, which we designed (in collaboration with Gensler)... this photo is from the lobby overlooking a restaurant nestled along San Antonio's famous River Walk.
I participated in the following session on the first day: Running a Climate-Minded Organization
- Location: San Antonio Botanical Garden - Classroom Building
- Speakers: Heather Holdridge, Dan Stine, Paz Arroyo (DPR Construction), Jill Robertson (Dialog)
I also helped with some of the technical aspects of the event, by providing and setting laptops and making sure the Zoom meetings worked for the remote participants. I had a great time doing this while working with GDA Associate Director Brook Wyntergreen.
What is the GDA?
Here is the description of the GDA from their website:
The Global Design Alliance is an international network of design, planning and construction firms who are committed to fostering dynamic growth and change. We are a living 30-year experiment in transparency, resource- sharing, authenticity and creativity that builds trust and develops not only people, but whole companies, who truly are “Better Together.” The GDA intentionally brings together a diverse group of companies to facilitate trusted partnerships and knowledge sharing amongst the most forward-thinking leaders in the AEC industry.
2023 San Antonio Summit
Also from the GDA website, here is a description of last month's event:
GDA member firms will explore critical issues surrounding the built environment during our Spring Symposium. The semi-annual symposium of the Global Design Alliance, hosted by Lake Flato, is an intimate gathering where firm leaders from across North America collaborate to seize opportunities and tackle challenges related to the AEC industry and the strategic practice of our firms.
The event started with a social event at our office the evening before the first day of the symposium.
Trying to live up to our own advice in the AIA Climate Action Business Playbook (a resource we co-authored), we did not use single-use cups, plates, or utensils.
Food was catered in our beautiful new outdoor courtyard.
Lake|Flato partner, Tenna Florian, helped kick things off during the social event, followed by an overview of the Canopy Hotel by David Lake.
The next day we went into full swing with several presentations at the SA Botanical Garden.
Lewis McNeel, Associate Partner at Lake|Flato, presented on several of his projects, including House Zero, a 3D printed house in Austin, Texas, for ICON. This project won a 2022 TIME Magazine Best Invention in Design award.
Our Chief of Operations, Scott Lelieur, presented with Jeff DiBattista (DIALOG), John Gavan (KPFF) on navigating uncertainty in the economy.
A fun and interactive poster session: Marketing and BD Poster Session at the Canopy Hotel.
The last day started with Lake|Flato's tradition of Bike for Breakfast held in our new courtyard (some attendees rented a bike and went for a ride). This is a community event that includes breakfast tacos (a local tradition) and a local bicycle company on hand to tune up bikes for free and offer test rides of new bikes.
At the end of the day, for those who could stay, we hosted another community event featuring the local artist Ricky Armendariz, whose work is currently on display throughout our office.
We shared these great postcards that feature Ricky and his work in our office (click to enlarge)...
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