AIA Grand Rapids

**Context Profile for AIA Grand Rapids**

1. **Organization Mission & Cause:**
   - AIA Grand Rapids is dedicated to advancing the profession of architecture and enhancing the quality of the built environment in the Grand Rapids area. Their mission focuses on promoting architectural excellence and fostering a community of architects who are committed to improving the built environment through sustainable and inclusive design practices.

2. **Type of Activities:**
   - **Events:** AIA Grand Rapids organizes a variety of events such as "Talk + Tour Lunch & Learn" sessions, which focus on topics like residential accessibility, aging in place, and inclusive design strategies.
   - **Educational Programs:** They offer courses and workshops that provide continuing education credits for architects, emphasizing health, safety, and welfare in design.
   - **Collaborations:** They partner with organizations like the Disability Advocates of Kent County to host events that address community needs and promote inclusive design.

3. **Tone of Voice:**
   - The tone is professional yet approachable, aiming to educate and engage both architects and the broader community. The language is informative and supportive, often highlighting the importance of inclusive and sustainable design.

4. **Emoji Usage:**
   - There is no significant use of emojis in their communications. The content is primarily text-based, focusing on delivering clear and professional information.

5. **Key Facts:**
   - **Founding Info:** Part of the larger American Institute of Architects network, AIA Grand Rapids serves the local architectural community.
   - **Scale & Impact:** They are a regional chapter with a focus on local events and educational opportunities, impacting architects and the community in the Grand Rapids area.
   - **Volunteer Info:** While specific volunteer opportunities are not detailed, involvement in events and educational programs suggests opportunities for engagement.

6. **Writing Guidelines:**
   - **Style:** Maintain a professional and informative tone, focusing on clarity and educational value. Use structured content with headings and bullet points to organize information effectively.
   - **Content Focus:** Emphasize the importance of inclusive and sustainable design practices. Highlight partnerships and collaborative efforts that enhance community impact.
   - **Audience Engagement:** Address both professional architects and the community, ensuring content is accessible and relevant to a diverse audience.
   - **Visuals:** While the website and communications are text-heavy, consider incorporating visuals like event photos or design examples to enhance engagement.

This context profile should guide AI assistants in generating content that aligns with AIA Grand Rapids' mission and communication style, ensuring consistency and relevance in all outreach efforts.

AIAGR Members (RSVP Free)

Non-AIAGR Member ($15)

Student (RSVP Free)

Join AIAGR Member Architect <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.corrisandwick.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Corri Sandwick, AIA</a>, and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://minetzero.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Michigan Net Zero Homes LLC</a> for a tour of the recently completed Grand Rapids&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://minetzero.com/properties/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Michigan Net Zero Home</a>! Hosted by: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.corrisandwick.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Corri Sandwick, AIA</a>, and <a fr-original-style="" href="https://minetzero.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Michigan Net Zero Homes LLC </a> Event Description:&nbsp;Tour the first Phius-Zero certified house in Kent County, which is also undergoing final certification review for LEED Platinum and Greenstar Platinum. This premium, no-compromise home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids has been meticulously designed and built to facilitate net-zero living for its occupants. Solar panels on the roof generate the annual power required for the home and two electric vehicles. Double stud walls and quad pane windows contribute to the home&rsquo;s exceptional health, comfort, tranquility, and energy efficiency. The wood floors are sustainable and comfortable. The home incorporates water-saving features, health-certified materials, and native plant landscaping. The detached garage features V2H electric vehicle charging capabilities. Be captivated by the comprehensively net-zero design, including a south roof and PV array sized to power the house and two EVs. We have also reduced up-front carbon emissions by utilizing low-embodied-carbon assemblies and materials, such as the concrete-free foundation, TimberHP insulation, and a thermal-bridge-free double-stud wall assembly. Indulge in the beauty of net zero Dekton countertops, Milestone tile, and native plant landscaping. Our objective was to create a warm, understated, Lagom aesthetic in a highly walkable neighborhood close to downtown. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: Learning Objective 1: Evaluate the principles of Phius-Zero and net-zero residential design, including on-site renewable energy generation and building envelope strategies, to support occupant health, safety, and long-term energy resilience. Learning Objective 2: Analyze the impact of high-performance enclosure systems, such as double-stud wall assemblies, quad-pane windows, and continuous air barriers &mdash; on indoor air quality, thermal comfort, moisture control, and occupant well-being. Learning Objective 3: Assess the role of low-embodied-carbon materials and assemblies, including concrete-free foundations and advanced insulation systems, in reducing environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity and durability. Learning Objective 4: Identify design strategies that enhance occupant safety and resilience, including wind-resistant construction methods, water conservation systems, and site planning approaches such as native landscaping and walkable community integration. Home is complete, but unfortunately, it&rsquo;s not barrier-free. There are two flights of steps up to the house from the sidewalk in front, and one flight of steps down through the garage from the back alley. Please plan to remove your shoes or wear shoe covers indoors. Program Credits: AIA &ndash; 1.0 LU | HSW (Pending AIA Approval)

Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you for signing up to attend our AIA Grand Rapids Building Tour. You will not receive actual tickets. If you have any questions, please email <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:info@aiagr.org" rel="noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">info@aiagr.org</a>. We look forward to seeing you at the AIA Grand Rapids Building Tour.&nbsp; AIA Grand Rapids<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:info@aiagr.org" rel="noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">info@aiagr.org</a>

Join AIAGR Member Architect <a href="https://www.corrisandwick.com/" target="_blank">Corri Sandwick, AIA</a>, and <a href="https://minetzero.com/" target="_blank">Michigan Net Zero Homes LLC</a> for a tour of the recently completed Grand Rapids <a href="https://minetzero.com/properties/" target="_blank">Michigan Net Zero Home</a>! Hosted by: <a href="https://www.corrisandwick.com/" target="_blank">Corri Sandwick, AIA</a>, and <a href="https://minetzero.com/" target="_blank">Michigan Net Zero Homes LLC </a> Event Description: Tour the first Phius-Zero certified house in Kent County, which is also undergoing final certification review for LEED Platinum and Greenstar Platinum. This premium, no-compromise home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids has been meticulously designed and built to facilitate net-zero living for its occupants. Solar panels on the roof generate the annual power required for the home and two electric vehicles. Double stud walls and quad pane windows contribute to the home’s exceptional health, comfort, tranquility, and energy efficiency. The wood floors are sustainable and comfortable. The home incorporates water-saving features, health-certified materials, and native plant landscaping. The detached garage features V2H electric vehicle charging capabilities. Be captivated by the comprehensively net-zero design, including a south roof and PV array sized to power the house and two EVs. We have also reduced up-front carbon emissions by utilizing low-embodied-carbon assemblies and materials, such as the concrete-free foundation, TimberHP insulation, and a thermal-bridge-free double-stud wall assembly. Indulge in the beauty of net zero Dekton countertops, Milestone tile, and native plant landscaping. Our objective was to create a warm, understated, Lagom aesthetic in a highly walkable neighborhood close to downtown. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: Learning Objective 1: Evaluate the principles of Phius-Zero and net-zero residential design, including on-site renewable energy generation and building envelope strategies, to support occupant health, safety, and long-term energy resilience. Learning Objective 2: Analyze the impact of high-performance enclosure systems, such as double-stud wall assemblies, quad-pane windows, and continuous air barriers — on indoor air quality, thermal comfort, moisture control, and occupant well-being. Learning Objective 3: Assess the role of low-embodied-carbon materials and assemblies, including concrete-free foundations and advanced insulation systems, in reducing environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity and durability. Learning Objective 4: Identify design strategies that enhance occupant safety and resilience, including wind-resistant construction methods, water conservation systems, and site planning approaches such as native landscaping and walkable community integration. Home is complete, but unfortunately, it’s not barrier-free. There are two flights of steps up to the house from the sidewalk in front, and one flight of steps down through the garage from the back alley. Please plan to remove your shoes or wear shoe covers indoors. Program Credits: AIA – 1.0 LU | HSW (Pending AIA Approval)

AIA Grand Rapids

AIAGR Michigan Net Zero Home Tour

720 Eastern Ave NE

AIAGR Members (RSVP Free)

Free

Non-AIAGR Member ($15)

$15

Student (RSVP Free)

Free