Publisher's Profile: Center director promotes importance of architecture

Virginia Business
July 2005

John Braymer is the head of the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, the state component of the AIA. Since 1914, VSAIA has represented the professional interests of architects in the commonwealth. More than 2,000 architects, associates and allied professionals are members of the state AIA. Braymer is also the president and CEO of the recently opened Virginia Center for Architecture on Richmond’s Monument Avenue. Located in the Branch house, a Tudor-revival residence designed by the architect John Russell Pope, the center showcases the importance of architecture through exhibits and educational programs. Completed in 1918, the 27,000-square-foot building features five main levels and 14 smaller levels. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was awarded landmark status by Virginia and the City of Richmond.

How did you get your start out of college?
My dad owned real estate in the Pittsburgh area, and I grew up around construction sites. I thought about actually going into architecture but was never willing to give up the place I was in my career to go back to school. My first job was teaching English at the college level and while working toward my Ph.D. I continued my studies in architecture. For a brief time I also worked for JLARC [the state Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission] as a legislative analyst.

When did you start at the society?
I came in 1986 as the executive vice president and CEO of the society. At that time there were three employees and our office was in the Barrett House [a historic building at Fifth and Cary streets in Richmond].

What impact do architects have on our society?
There is this perception that architecture is really just “building gone wild.” This completely misses the point. We all know that there are places we want to be because they make us feel a certain way — like gratified or at peace. These responses are responses to the architecture. People who study physiology and psychology have learned how people respond neurologically to their surroundings, and architects play a major role in developing that space.

What is the society’s mission?
Architects have always been directed toward advocacy and the VSAIA has the potential to be that arm of advocacy. Our association tries to engage people outside the profession who are like-minded. As a profession, architects have a strong commitment to do the right thing, helping to build livable, sustainable communities and the society was designed to take the lead on these types of societal issues.