What's New
The American Institute of Architects
Defining Contractual Relationships
AIA Contract Documents released six new documents— including a
first-of-its-kind building information model (BIM) hands-on tool.
These new documents help to build on the AIA's 120 years of
experience in defining the contractual relationships in the design
and construction industry.
Exploring Design
The AIA Committee on Design (COD) invites students and
allied design professionals to submit sketches to the annual
international COD Ideas Competition. Those who submit
sketches are asked to explore the legacy of Modernist design
through a conceptual design problem. The registration deadline is
February 13, 2009, and submissions are due by March 13, 2009.
Walking the Walk
The October 1, 2008, issue of Association
Meetings spotlights the AIA as a leader in the Green Meetings
movement. The article, "The Future of Green," described the AIA as
setting off "a wave of compliance among all its vendors, venues,
and exhibitors." See our green meeting guidelines.
Recording Sustainability Data
The AIA has joined in a new effort to develop reliable
sustainability data. Launched this year, the STAR Community Index is a framework for
evaluating, measuring, and improving the sustainability and
livability of communities. The International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives' (ICLEI) Local Governments for
Sustainability, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Center for
American Progress established a partnership to develop this
index.
Supporting Students
AIA Corporate Architects and Facility Management is
offering scholarships to students currently enrolled in an
architecture program. Applicants must submit an essay exploring how
their education might prepare them to work in an alternative
architecture career path such as facility management or corporate
architecture. Apply now.
Marketing Architecture
In our featured podcast, Marketing Architecture in an Economic
Downturn, Hugh Hochberg, a partner in the Coxe Group, opines
that a downturn can be a time to enhance the firm’s position
in the market for when the rebound occurs (and it always
does).
Choosing Green Materials
When it comes to building materials, careful selection
will help reduce the environmental impact of your project. The
GreenStep webisode, Choosing Green Materials, shows how your
project can have important, immediate, and positive long-term
effect on our enviroment.
Finding Opportunities Overseas
In Overseas Opportunities, Mark Wells of the
U.S. Department of Commerce discusses how the agency helps U.S.
firms export their services to overseas markets.
Continuing the Discussion on America's Favorite
Architecture
Maya Lin's Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the featured
project on the AIA's Shape of America site, where AIA
architects can share their personal stories, opinions, and insights
about the memorial and other inspiring architecture.
Discussing Schools in a Flat World Conference
Take part in an online community that is accompanying the
AIA Committee on Architecture for Education's Schools in a
Flat World conference which took place in Helsinki in September.
This is a great opportunity to interact with conference attendees
through blogs and discussion groups, see pictures from the event,
post your own comments, and react to the knowledge that is being
shared.
Assessing Your Insurance Needs
Kate Enos, FAIA, senior vice president of Victor O.
Schinnerer and Company, discusses the recent bailout of AIG as part
of the weekly series of podcasts on Navigating
the Economy.
Gaining in Compensation for Architecture
Professionals
The newly released AIA Compensation Survey shows gains for
architecture staff positions significantly outpacing compensation
gains in the broader economy in recent years.
Monitoring Economic Indicators
The most recent Architecture Billings Index (ABI) shows
billings at architecture firms experienced some growth in August
after several months of sluggish conditions. Our Work-on-the-Boards
panel reported increasing change orders recently, as well as more
than one-third of firms responded that change orders have become a
lot more common or somewhat more common in recent years.
Getting More for Your Membership
In our 15 for 12 campaign, you can join the AIA
between October 1 and December 31 and get three extra months of
membership free.
Navigating the Economy
Do you need practical tips on navigating through these uncertain
times? If so, visit our new site, Navigating the Economy. You'll find tips
and resources for dealing with a sluggish economy.
Shopping Green
Green goes with everything so show your commitment to
sustainability. In the AIA Bookstore, you'll find a host of Walk the Walk products, including
T-shirts, door mats, jewelry, and posters.
Promoting Green
The AIA's Government Advocacy team's video, AIA DesignVote 08, sought ideas from
selected voters on how the country can save energy and reduce
carbon emissions. Narrated by Mickey Jacob, AIA, chair of
DesignVote 08, the video illustrates an easy, effective way to
engage the public in a dialogue about creating a more sustainable
environment.
Growing Popularity for Green Design Features
Findings from the Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2008 show that emerging features to make homes more energy efficient—such as solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and water reclamations systems—are gaining in popularity, while less emphasis is being placed on special function rooms such as home offices and game rooms.