Birmingham Architect Alan Cobb Elected 2010 President of American Institute of Architects Michigan

Several Metro Detroit Companies Also Represented on Board of Directors
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DETROIT — January 27, 2010 — The American Institute of Architects Michigan (AIA Michigan) announced the election of Birmingham architect Alan Cobb, FAIA, LEED® AP as its 2010 president.

Other newly elected AIA Michigan Officers include Douglas W. Kueffner, AIA, of Wigen, Tincknell, Meyer & Associates Inc. (Saginaw) as vice president, Tamara E. Burns, AIA, of HopkinsBurns Design Studio (Ann Arbor) as secretary, and Victor A. Saroki, FAIA, of Victor Saroki & Associates Architects PC (Birmingham) as treasurer. Ronald R. Campbell, AIA, of Oakland County’s Planning & Economic Development Services (Waterford) sits on the board as past president and Frederick F. Butters Esq., FAIA, of Frederick F. Butters, PLLC (Southfield) as regional director.

In his role as AIA Michigan president, Cobb will address a range of issues that are important to AIA members and the public. His plans include assisting membership with the challenges of the economic transition, placing architects in a leadership role around the state, and reshaping the world for further generations.

“For nearly 35 years, Alan has given so much to Michigan’s rich architectural foundation,” said Rae Dumke, Hon. AIA, Executive Director of AIA Michigan. “We are pleased to welcome him as our president at such a vital time and are confident that he will continue to promote good design in our ever changing environment.”

Cobb is the director of design, architecture & sustainable, and design principal for Albert Kahn Associates Inc. in Detroit, where he has spent his entire career. He has helped reposition the 115-year old firm with the primary goal of creating sustainable environments. Since 1976, the Birmingham resident has pushed for environmentally sensitive design, such as the use of adaptive re-use, natural light, proper solar orientation, alternative energy sources and reclamation of brown-field sites. In the past 12 years, his design leadership has guided Kahn to more than 25 design awards, including the three AIA National Honor Awards.

Cobb received his degree in architecture, cum laude, from Lawrence Technological University (LTU). In March 2000, he was awarded the Fourth Distinguished LTU Architecture Alumni Award. He is a registered architect in 40 states, including Michigan, is LEED accredited and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Cobb is a member of the AIA National Design Committee, who served co-chair for the AIA Design Conference, which took place in Detroit in 2008. A member of the AIA Michigan Executive Committee since 2006, he also is active with the AIA Michigan Government Affairs, Public Relations and Web Site Committees. Cobb twice has served as AIA Michigan Director (1992-1997 and 2005-2006) and in several leadership positions within AIA’s Detroit chapter (president—2004; vice president—2003; and treasurer—2001 to 2002).

He is a member of the Society of College and University Planners, on the executive committee for the New Center Area Council and is the first vice president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.

Several members from AIA Detroit also serve on the AIA Michigan Board of Directors, including Saroki; Mark Nickita, AIA, of Archive Design Studio (Detroit); Cynthia K. Pozolo, AIA of Albert Kahn Associates Inc. (Detroit); and Benedetto Tiseo, AIA, of Tiseo Architects Inc. (Livonia). Glen LeRoy, FAIA, FAICP of Lawrence Technological University (Southfield) is the education advisor and Jonathan Cebelak (Hazel Park) is the student director.

The mission of AIA Michigan and AIA Detroit is to serve its membership, advance the values of the profession and improve the quality of the built environment. For more information, please visit www.aiami.com.