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National Curriculum Conference 2013

The weekend of July 11–14 brought members of the ICAA curriculum committee and chapter representatives from across the country to Newport, Rhode Island for the second annual National Curriculum Conference (NCC). Salve Regina University, whose campus is comprised of late 19^th century estates, graciously hosted the group, many of whom were housed in the historic Young Building – a McKim, Mead & White project that boasts Tiffany stained-glass windows and the former office of Senator Claiborne Pell.

The primary objective of the conference was attaining consensus on the newly collated core subject area document. A brainchild of the 2012 NCC, the document defines, exemplifies, and supports a unified, official ICAA curriculum to be used in New York and throughout the nation. Written by instructors and committee members, the document was thoughtfully assembled and supplemented with supporting materials by ICAA Board of Directors Fellows President Michael Mesko and ICAA Archivist Nora Reilly.

The President of Salve Regina University, Sister Jane Gerety, along with Vice President for University Relations & Advancement Michael Semenza and Historic Preservation professor Jon Marcoux, welcomed guests on Thursday evening at a reception in the Pell Center for International Policy and Public Relations, also housed in the Young Building. Board member Andrew Cogar, who served as conference moderator, spoke to the importance of a unified vision for ICAA education initiatives and the opportunity to build upon the excitement of the previous year’s conference.

Board Trustee & conference moderator Andrew Cogar welcomes participants to the 2013 National Curriculum Conference

Friday marked the kick-off of discussion about chapter education, partnerships, and how to best adjust, apply, and expand upon educational programming throughout the country. Nora Reilly and Michael Mesko introduced the newly minted core subject area document, explaining its origins and various components.

Michael Mesko and Nora Reilly outline the core curriculum document

Subsequent to the orientation to the materials, conference attendees broke into groups to review and discuss the five core subject areas. It was decided that a sixth core area, Design, will ultimately be added to round out the curriculum and emphasize practical skills. The lively discussion led to the formal adoption of the core subject area document as the basis upon which to carry out programming.

Participants discuss the national core curriculum

After lunch, representatives from each present chapter summarized regional educational programming offerings and presented suggestions for expansion and improvement. To offer a better idea of educational programming in New York, Marvin Clawson and Michael Djordjevitch discussed the structure of intensive programs and ICAA Director of 麻豆AV Richard Cameron illustrated the history and desired future of the full-time Beaux-Arts Atelier program.

Reinforcing the expansion of outside partnerships, Boston Architectural College Vice President of Professional & Continuing 麻豆AV, Karen Muncaster, and Head of Professional & Continuing 麻豆AV, Jane Toland, joined the group to offer an exciting look at opportunities for expansion into the realm of online education.

Karen Muncaster and Jane Toland present opportunities for an online education partnership

To conclude the day’s discussion, ICAA Rocky Mountain Chapter representatives Cameron Kruger and Taisto Makela described the success of the University of Colorado Denver-ICAA partnership. This past spring, UCD congratulated the first two graduate recipients of an ICAA Certificate in Classical Architecture. Upon completing the requisite number of course hours in classical architecture within UCD’s graduate program, students are eligible to receive the certificate, which evidences a mastery of the hand drafting and design skills necessary for work in the field.

Cameron Kruger discusses the success of the ICAA’s partnership with University of Colorado Denver

Friday’s productive session was celebrated with a private evening tour of Rough Point, Doris Duke’s storied Newport estate, before the conference resumed on Saturday. Joseph and Judy Pauley of Process Communications led participants through a discussion of management and working styles to be considered in both the classroom and office. Bearing these best practices in mind, discussion resumed regarding the core curriculum content. As Saturday drew to a close, hearty consensus was expressed about the strength of the document, and Chapter representatives were eager to return to their regions and engage members in discussion.

Conference attendees explore the house and grounds of Rough Point, the homestead of heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke

Conference attendees explore the house and grounds of Rough Point, the homestead of heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke

Judy Pauley characterizes the various management and education styles that influence productivity

As the ICAA 麻豆AV Department looks towards next year’s conference, we thank all 2013 attendees for their thoughtful contributions and hard work, and extend further gratitude to all those who made the weekend possible.

2013 National Curriculum Conference attendees celebrate a productive weekend