From: Janes, Mike
Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2000 12:10 PM
To: 'brian.tracey@msnbc.com'
Subject: Architects, construction and the economy

Greetings, Brian—Mike Janes here at The American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Washington. I understand you're on board as MSNBC.com's east coast biz editor, and I wanted to drop you a brief note.

The AIA is a 66,500-member association representing the nation's architects. Our chief economist and head of the AIA's department of economics and market research, Dr. Kermit Baker (who also serves as director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies), is available as an ongoing source for you and your reporters, either as an analyst or commentator for stories relating to the construction industry. Kermit is adept at analyzing and forecasting industry trends affecting architects, businesses and consumers, particularly as they relate to the wider economy.

Kermit's team prepares, among other reports, a monthly "On the Boards" survey of our members which addresses different questions and issues each month, focusing mostly on business trends within the industry (billings, inquiries, projects, etc) as well as one "feature"-type question involving issues such as productivity, use of interns, and the like. I'm attaching, for your information, the current survey report.

Good luck with the new post, and don't hesitate to contact me in the future if you'd like to speak with Kermit.

All the best,

Mike Janes
Director, Media Relations
The American Institute of Architects
(202) 626-7467
mjanes@aia.org

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.