Architects Before, During, and After Disasters

Presented by:

Laura Anderson, AIA, NCARB, WELL AP

President, Principal Architect Studio Southwest Architects 

Co-Chair, AIA New Mexico Disaster Assistance Committee 

The AIA Disaster Assistance Program is often associated with post-disaster building assessments, but its mission extends far beyond emergency response. This presentation introduces the national AIA Disaster Assistance Program, its history, and its role in supporting architects' involvement throughout the full disaster management cycle, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and long-term recovery. 

The session will provide an overview of the AIA Safety Assessment Program (SAP), explain the unique role architects play in protecting public health, safety, and welfare before and after disasters, and highlight current efforts by AIA New Mexico to establish a formal partnership with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). Attendees will learn about the progress toward a statewide MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), the vision for growing the volunteer disaster assistance network in New Mexico, and practical ways to become involved in advancing community and building resilience. 

Dinner Sponsor: ESA Construction

Event Sponsor: AIA Southern New Mexico

Presented by: AIA New Mexico