For the price of a single connection fee, as many architects as so desire can participate in a live, interactive seminar for a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional conference.

To take part, you need a computer (Mac or PC) with an Internet connection and a separate telephone line. Take it into your conference room, add a projector and a speakerphone, and you can invite the entire office to join in. (Regardless of the number of participants each link costs $149.).

Each participant in any of these virtual conferences earns 1.5 AIA/CES learning unit hours. (Design/Build for Health-Care Projects earns HSW credits.)

Below is a complete schedule of the AIA Professional Practice virtual conferences this fall. To register, visit www.krm.com/aia.

SEPTEMBER
The Role of Architect as Construction Manager
Monday, September 17, 1:00–2:30 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by the Construction Management PIA and featuring John Beveridge, AIA, principal, S/L/A/M Collaborative

The ever-increasing marketplace demand for one-stop shopping places the architect in an excellent position to function again as "master builder," taking a project from inception to "bricks and mortar." This session offers a case study of one architecture firm's experiences in CM, including:
• How an architect providing CM differs from one who provides "traditional" services
• Financial and product delivery benefits
• Potential risks and pitfalls
• Types of personnel best suited to lead and administer CM services
• Marketing CM within and outside the firm.

For more information, contact Pat Lukas, 202-626-7576 or plukas@aia.org.

Design/Build for Health-Care Projects
Tuesday, September 25, 1:00–2:30 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by the Academy of Architecture for Health and featuring Jill Horton, AIA, senior associate, Kaplan McLaughlin Diaz (moderator); Ken Bailey, COO/EVP, Centrex Construction Group; Robert Guerry, CHFM, director of engineering and operations, Duke University Medical Center; and Daniel J. Rooks, director, management programs, Construction Estimating Institute.

Join a moderated panel of speakers in discussing the impact of a design/build paradigm on health-care facilities' development. In addition to responding to audience questions, this session will look in detail at:
• Specific project issues
• Detailed contractual concerns for all parties involved
• Case studies of successful ventures.

For more information, contact Jennifer Barry, 202-626-7366 or jbarry@aia.org.

OCTOBER
Architect at the Center: Harnessing the Internet to Manage Collaboration
Friday, October 5, 1:00–2:30 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by the Technology in Architectural Practice PIA and featuring Jonathan Cohen, AIA, principal, Jonathan Cohen and Associates

The fragmentation of the building industry results in numerous inefficiencies in time and money. Cheap and secure external communication offered through the Internet offers the possibility of improving that situation by connecting the building project team within networked organizations.

Architects can position themselves at the center of this new design organization by adopting a new role: project information manager. This session will explore how such an organizational structure might be a perfect fit for the AEC industry and an opportunity for the architecture profession.

For more information, contact Kevin Shertz, 202-626-7579 or kshertz@aia.org.

NOVEMBER
Performance Specifications
Monday, November 5, 1:00–2:30 p.m. EST
Sponsored by the Specifications for Building Design PIA and featuring Ron Gupta, program manager, Carlson Group

What is the difference between a performance specification and a prescriptive specification? What is the role of a performance specification in the design/build project-delivery method from an owner's, constructor's, and designer's perspective?

Learn the answers to these questions and review case studies employing performance specifications. This session is intended as an introduction to performance specifications and the role of specifications in the design/build delivery method.

For more information, contact Patricia Lukas, 202-626-7576 or plukas@aia.org.

Emerging Trends: The Changing Role of Juvenile Justice Facilities
Monday, November 19, 1:00–2:30 p.m. EST
Sponsored by the Committee on Architecture for Justice PIA and featuring Steven E. Loomis, AIA, design director for judicial facilities, Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern, Inc.; Bobbie L. Huskey, president, Huskey & Associates; and Charles J. Kehoe, vice president for business development, Securicor New Century

Join industry experts as they take an in-depth look at the emerging market trends for justice facilities. They will also review sample juvenile justice projects that address health, nutrition, education, and recreation issues for juveniles in prison.

For more information, contact Anieca Lord, 202-626-7487 or alord@aia.org.

DECEMBER
Enhancing Knowledge Management: Implementing the U.S. National CAD Standard
Friday, December 7, 1:00–2:30 p.m. EST
Sponsored by the Technology in Architectural Practice PIA and featuring Jerry Jackson, CSI, senior CAD specialist, HDR Architecture, Inc.

Version 2.0 of the U.S. National CAD Standard (NCS) is now available, and this session offers a detailed examination of one large, multi-office A/E firm's strategic approach to incorporating the standard into their design and documentation process.

Learn how the NCS can help you produce clear and concise construction documents, improve your office efficiency, and streamline the sharing of electronic information with consultants, contractors, and owners.

For more information, contact Kevin Shertz at 202-626-7579.

IT Principles for Principals: Pursuing the Productivity Payoff
Monday, December 17, 1:00–2:30 p.m. EST
Sponsored by the Technology in Architectural Practice PIA and featuring Jerry Laiserin, FAIA, The Laiserin Group (Moderator)

How can your firm leverage the latest technologies to gain a competitive edge? A moderated panel of IT masters share their perspectives on IT and how it has changed their firms. In addition to fielding your questions regarding technology in architectural practice, they'll discuss:
• The evolution of their firms' IT capabilities to present
• What they have learned along the way
• Where IT will take us (and them) in the future.

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