TSA Convention 2008

I have been looking forward to the TSA Convention ever since I heard about it about 4-5 years. My friend Scott has been attending since he got licensed. It doesn't matter if it is in San Antonio, Houston, or Fort Worth... he is there every time, for at least 2 days. Now I understand why.


My first TSA convention was a great one. It was also my first official function as an "architect", therefore it was extra exciting. I arrived in the Fort Worth Convention Center at approximately 8:30am (time of the first CEU seminar). My first one was "Designing for the Silver Tsunami". Pretty clever title for a seminar about senior living design. I chose it because it talked about things that are a little out of my comfort zone, yet relate to something I used to do (high-end residential). I was surprised about what I have learned. Senior Living is a very similar animal to Hospitality (unless you are in "assisted living")... and that the buildings are becoming more comtemporary and innovative (they have game rooms for Wii's!) recently, as our society and culture evolve.

My second lecture was a keynote by Dr. Jeff Salz, an Anthropologist that has traveled the world in most extreme conditions. A few quick hits from the speech:

"Stories you tell (spaces you design) defines you..."
"Life is dance, not a journey..."
"Change is happiness..."
"Look at things through a beginner's mind, a child's eyes"
"Leap before you look (risk)..."
"Work is (should be) what you love in visual..."

It was one of the best speeches I have ever heard. He was charismatic, insightful, and inspiring. It was poweful. Many attendees shared my opinion.

I later found out that Dr. Salz's price tag for one of these keynote is well over $10K. I was not surprised.

After that was the trade show and lunch break. Most of the booth were nothing special. Since Patrick and I were starved, we got in line for our $10 hot dogs and chips... After being in line for 20 minutes or so, we were told they do not take cash!! Wonderful. A trusty Corner Bakery downtown FW ended up getting our business for half the price!... :-)

My second was about Zero Net Energy Housing. It was presented by UT's very own Michael Garrison. He presented his studio project that utilized photo-votaic cells (off the grid) as the only source of energy. It had some very intriguing details and methodalogies on energy harvesting. However, there was one problem.... the small modular home cost almost $500K to build. Well, at least they are trying. One day, especially with the advantage of mass production, zero energy homes just might take over this country by storm.

The second general session was James Timberlake. His firm Kieran-Timberlake recently won the AIA firm of the year honor. He talked about how his firm approach a project and the profession as a whole. I love hearing about how other firms operate, especially from one of the elites.
The new architect recognition followed the keynote. Clint, Patrick, and I were fairly excited about it, but did not think it was going to be anything. Come to find out, we got a little bit of "showtime"... see below.

Patrick and his mug.

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Clint...well James.

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me (not the photo, just the name)
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We were also invited on stage to be further congradulated. I cannot even describe how great it felt to be applauded by the fellows of your profession for the hard work you have put forth.

Afterwards, I got to meet with the TSA President Chris Hudson. He was delightful to talk to even though we only had a few minutes to chat. He is certainly someone I admire and aspire to be like one day.

TSA Convention 08 was a memorable event. It is one of those things similar to when you bought your first car that will remain in a special place of my heart.