Work on the boards
2006 Starting Well for Architecture Firms
Improving business conditions lead to mergers and acquisitions interest
AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, reports that following some modest softening in December, billings at U.S. architecture firms began the new year on a stronger note by edging back up in January. Inquiries for new projects also moved up, pointing to even more improvement in business conditions in the months ahead. And improving conditions seem to pave the way for an increased number of mergers and acquisitions, as this month’s Work-on-the-Board panelist responses indicate.

2006 ACCENT ON ARCHITECTURE GALA
Architect, Allies, Clients, and Friends Celebrate the Power of Architecture
The American Architectural Foundation, in partnership with the AIA, hosted the 17th annual Accent on Architecture Gala February 10 in the soaring Great Hall of the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., a glorious event that saw 1,000 architects and architecture champions unite to celebrate the past, present, and future power of architecture “to enrich and elevate the human spirit.” Guests heard of a major new initiative of both the AIA and AAF and witnessed the presentation of the AAF Keystone Award, and the Institute’s Twenty-five Year Award, Architecture Firm Award, and the Gold Medal.

Grassroots 2006: Celebrating the Best and Brightest
One of the best and most personal parts of the annual Grassroots Leadership and Legislative Conference is that it offers a wonderful venue to acknowledge the hard work of many dedicated people. This year’s program honored seven programs and individuals with Component Excellence Awards—four for public affairs/communications efforts and three for government advocacy endeavors, three outstanding component executives with National Service Awards, and two AIA national component staff members with AIA Staff Awards.

Members’ Voices
LA Confidential: What to See While You’re Out at the Convention
With the AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Los Angeles fast approaching for June 8–10, we asked members in LA: “What is the one place in Los Angeles that AIA members should see when attending the convention and why?” Some of their answers may surprise you.

AIA/DC Offers Kudos to 33 Projects
The 2005 Washington Chapter AIA Design Awards program honored 33 of this year’s finest projects by D.C.-area architects. The juries grouped their selections into six categories, including Architecture, Catalyst, Historic Resources, Interior Architecture, Sustainable Design, and Pro Bono Publico.

Project watch
No Vacancy at the Ambassador Hotel
Demolition of the historic Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles was completed last month, making way for construction of three new city schools on the site. In a final show of reverence, hundreds of Los Angeles residents, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and movie stars Diane Keaton and Nicholas Cage, gathered on February 2, across from the rubble, to remember the Ambassador Hotel as a site of past celebration and tragedy.

Your Kiplinger Connection (members only, AIA.org login required)
Jobs and workers: A guest-worker program is on the horizon.
The economy: More private, but not public, R&D money this year.
Trade: Americans increasingly investing in China.
AIArchitect offers AIA members exclusive access to three stories a week to help them manage their practices and plan for the coming year. Nonmembers may subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.

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