Aquitectos was established in 1985, by a small group of Latino professionals in Chicago. The organization’s initial objective was to provide a valuable resource that offered Latino architects opportunities for career and professional development. Currently the organization continues to provide professional support and has expanded to include two student chapters. Membership Categories
1. Architect 2. Student 3. Recent Graduate/Intern 4. Corporate (these would normally be archtiectural firms)
5. Associate (these would be all non-architects) Highlights
Awards and Scholarship Ceremony: Key Note Speakers have included, Paul Vallas (2000); James Destefano (2001); Dominic Delgado (2002); Rafael Hernandez (2004); Henry Cisneros (2006). Five professionals recognitions and over $18,000 in scholarships awarded.
Instituto del Progreso Latino and Little Village Development Corporation: Pro-bono assistance in the development and implementation of creative design solutions with the community for the renovation of their existing learning facility and new high school respectively. Services include: documenting existing building, feasibility study, program review, community meetings, Feasibility Studies, Site Evaluation and Analysis, Existing Building Evaluation, Site Planning, Master Planning, Programming, Building Design, RPF process. Over 400 hrs of volunteer work hours totaling $40,000 of professional services.
Great Chicago Places and Spaces Architecture Weekend: In coordination with the Mayor Office of Special Events, Arquitectos promotes tours hosted by Arquitectos members. Chicago tours of built projects were hosted by Patricia Saldaña Natke,AIA, Edward Torrez, AIA, Rodrigo del Canto, AIA and Carmen Vidal (2006-present)
Community Architects at Work: Arquitectos members provide pro-bono assistance to residents on design and permit issues. Over 350 residents served. (2005-present)
Bowling Tournament: Bowling tournament and fundraiser where teams compete for first place as well as the opportunity to network with contractors, developers and architects. Fundraised over $12,000 and over 500 participants.
Diversity Alliance: Arquitectos along with Chicago Women in Architecture (CWA), and the Illinois Chapter of Minority Architects (INOMA) coordinate to form panel discussions on issues affecting the community at large. (2004-2006)
National Rebuilding Together: Over 25 volunteers and members participate in rebuilding the homes of people in need in the Chicago land area. Program has been in place for over 14 year of participation, 16 homes rehabbed and over 300 volunteers.
National AIA Participation: The National AIA invited Arquitectos to participate at the 2006 National Convention and at the 2007 National Diversity Forum.
Public Lectures: Co sponsorship lecturers with local universities include Enrique Norten, Jose D'Uturbe, Jose Castillo, Carmen Vidal, and Carme Pinos
Continuing Education Units (CEU) Events include, "Innovations in Lighting" by Charter Sills, "Windows an Environmental Perspective" by Pella Windows, "LEED Permit Process" by Department of Construction and Permit, Center for Green Technology Tour, Millennium Park
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