A rebellion is brewing in Chicago’s architecture community. On August 13, AIA Chicago, the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, announced that 55-year-old Zurich Esposito, its accomplished and charismatic executive vice president for the last 14 years, was out. When asked for an explanation, Chapter President April Hughes replied, “Out of respect for all parties, additional details will not be shared."
The reaction from Chicago architects has been swift and strong, and a group led by Mark Schmieding of Goettsch Partners is seeking Esposito’s reinstatement. Its online petition declares "Zurich is like our statesman, building bridges with various government agencies and civic groups and dramatically raising the organization’s visibility and stature. The board's abrupt removal of Zurich demonstrates questionable and inexperienced behavior. Those actions not only failed Zurich, an invaluable advocate for all of us, but they failed the entire design community as well.” The growing list of signatories, which approached 300 after just two days, includes local luminaries Carol Ross Barney, Margaret McCurry, and John Vinci, along with younger voices like Vladimir Radutny, who was featured in RECORD’s Design Vanguard this year.
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