As someone educated and trained in the southern hemisphere (where winter is only seen in the movies), I was taught architecture from a different perspective. As the director of EPN, I hope to inspire innovation and collaboration throughout Vermont. To achieve this goal, I have envisioned a lecture series called "Parallels". This series will feature professionals from around the world who will present their solutions to community issues such as housing innovation, climate change, equity, and diversity. My hope is that these presentations will become seeds for new ideas in our state.

I am also committed to continuing the Tech Nest initiative, which promotes communication and technology literacy among Vermont's architecture professionals. Additionally, the EPN Design Charrette, which takes place in the fall, will be the perfect opportunity for us to come together and find innovative solutions to complex problems for our brave little state.

My request from you is to:

• Please add your suggestions for important voices we should learn from in the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1odMnuC21k__TIwTTLJ0lGBPFDgj8K8LmyE0Qj8Pzn5s/edit?usp=sharing
• I would also love to hear about any technologies that interest you - I'm particularly interested in the role of AI in architecture. You can add your suggestions in this link. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WAE2rLS3vWBqFwKrJ0rKn0mhF4TYSzRAnYj23Ac-Wos/edit?usp=sharing
• If you are interested in any of the above initiatives, please feel free to send me an email at aiavt.ep@gmail.com.

Together, let's make this year one of collaboration, learning, and fun.

Andres

Andres Gutierrez holds a BA from Los Andes University in Bogota, Colombia, and a MPS in Design Management from Pratt Institute. In Colombia he worked with Taller de Arquitectura de Bogota, ran his own studio and co-founded a collective of architects, artists and designers. In New York City, he worked for a real estate company helping non-profits and an architecture studio where he focused on the office build-outs for a multi-national company.