Letter from SARA National President Asaf Yogev, ARA

Dear SARA Members,

It’s my honor to introduce myself as SARA’s incoming President, and to succeed outgoing

President Anthony C. Baker, FARA, as he concludes his term. I know you all join me in

thanking him for his friendship, membership, and service to the organization.

Since I became a member of SARA, I have served as a director, Vice President, and

President of the New York Council. Through it all I have absorbed two important things.

One is that SARA is inseparable from its motto, “Architect Helping Architect.” This ideal is

the organization’s essence and raison d’être. But I’ve also found that it’s challenging, day

to day, to live by the phrase. Partly, this is because “Architect Helping Architect” may mean

so many different things—from providing referrals to assist emerging professionals in

establishing themselves, to connecting principals with the right candidate for a position.

Sometimes it’s hard to hold these disparate manifestations in our imaginations at the same

time. I believe the best way to make the motto reality is by keeping it always close to mind.

I value deeply SARA’s 66-year legacy, and as I embark on my term I have a few thoughts

on what its motto means for us in 2022. The first implication is that we need to increase

membership, particularly among the young. This will serve all members, because a larger

organization offers more resources and greater networking opportunities. All of us are

invested in securing SARA’s future, and I understand the importance of social media as

key to accessing a new generation of architects. We need to build our online presence,

and as president I will prioritize this effort with a view to revitalizing SARA and ensuring its

longevity. My goal is to make SARA a household name, and one that’s indelibly associated

with its motto through our commitment to living “Architect Helping Architect” in every way

possible.

I want to explore all the substantive ways in which SARA can help its members. The

continuing education events SARA provides give members a tangible benefit, and I want

to focus energy on expanding our accreditation program where possible. SARA should

strive to provide the continuing education credits every member needs to maintain their

license, with no additional charges involved. I also believe there is room for our Design

Awards to honor the contributions of a greater number of architects by looking for the

merits in all submitted projects.

Finally, SARA can best benefit its members when local councils and SARA National unite

for a common purpose. If the councils are strong, then SARA is strong. I will be reaching

out to the councils to learn how SARA National can help them achieve their goals. I would

like to hear from individual members, too: What would make your membership of most

value? To take one important example, since various states have different continuing ed

requirements, SARA can tailor its offerings to these needs. It is my intention that we show

such responsiveness and flexibility. I want to hear from members across the country—from

everyone, if I can.

Everything I undertake during my term will be for the benefit of SARA members, and I

warmly encourage you to share your insights with me. My hope is that everyone with a

stake in this organization will join me in the quest to make sure “Architect Helping

Architect” is realized, rediscovered, and redefined afresh, every day.

Asaf Yogev, ARA

SARA National President