The American Institute of Architects, California Council, recently installed Anne Laird-Blanton, AIA, as the incoming 2011 president.

Laird-Blanton is principal of ALB Designs, an architecture and interior design firm in San Rafael. She received her education at the University of Tennessee, and holds architectural licenses in both California and New York.

LAIRD-BLANTON

The AIACC says her strong interest in social causes, development of personal relationships and effective communications has helped guide her in creating a business that serves both residential and nonprofit clients.

As a Certified Green Building Professional, Laird-Blanton�s primary focus is on implementing energy efficient technologies and green building materials into her designs. The council says her honesty, integrity and attention to detail are reflected in the quality of her work and the satisfaction of her clients.

As president, Laird-Blanton has many goals and cares most about increasing collaboration with allied organizations and professionals in the design and building industry, as well as with local and state government officials, to help California become a more effective and efficient state, the council says.

�It is important for us to build coalitions and work effectively with all of our constituents in the architectural profession,� says Laird-Blanton. �We must collaborate with legislators, regulatory bodies and the public, to best be able to share the knowledge generated by our profession and to effectively impact the future of California. Communication is key in demonstrating what architects do as creative problem solvers, leaders, and facilitators in efforts to better the environment, technology and innovation in California's communities. In a tough economy, where our profession has been hit hard, our goal is to get architects back to work, which in turn generates additional jobs, and that's what's important right now.�

Since joining the AIA in 1991, Laird-Blanton has served the California membership in various positions: AIA San Francisco president, AIACC secretary, and California regional director on the AIA National Board, as well as numerous committees and task forces.