"Design literacy" and the appreciation of architecture in everyday life are Paulsen's goals for her tenure, which begins with her inauguration today in New York City.

NEW YORK, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter's 2009 theme -- "ELEVATING ARCHITECTURE/Design Literacy for All" -- reflects the commitment to civic involvement shared by the incoming president, Sherida E. Paulsen, FAIA.

An award-winning partner at the New York City architectural firm PKSB Architects, Paulsen will assume the one-year term at a ceremony today at the Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, at 5:00pm, with the symbolic "passing of the gavel" from outgoing President, James McCullar, FAIA.

Paulsen, who served as Commissioner of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission from 1995 to 2004, and as its Chair from 2001 to 2003, believes there is a special connection between a community, its buildings and landscapes.

"The AIA New York and the Center for Architecture offer architects and the public a great opportunity to communicate about the buildings that are an integral part of their everyday lives," Paulsen explains. "This dialogue will encourage an architecturally literate populace to actively engage in decisions about its surroundings."

In addition to programs elevating the role of architecture in everyday life and expanding the Center for Architecture Foundation's arts curriculum, Paulsen's initiatives include an exhibition hosted by the Center for Architecture and sponsored by the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation, and developed in partnership with the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Curated by design author Rachel Carley, the exhibition will further public appreciation of New York's landmark structures and new buildings reviewed by the Commission.

"Sherida intends to use her presidency as a platform for education and public awareness," comments Rick Bell, FAIA, Executive Director of AIA New York. "By shaping the public's perception of architecture, she will further the mission of AIA New York and the Center for Architecture: exploring the role of architects in housing, planning, historic preservation, and urban design."

Each of AIA-NY's presidents has left a unique legacy, gradually building the reach of the institution and its cultural venue and community resource, the Center for Architecture. "Outgoing President McCullar brought his unique perspective on housing and urbanism in 2008, and we look forward to Paulsen's influence next year," says Bell.

    Contact: C.C. Sullivan
    914.462.2096  chris@ccsullivan.com