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 Business
Conditions Begin to Stabilize at Architecture Firms
After declining for seven straight months, billings at U.S. architecture
firms finally stabilized in February, with as many firms reporting
increases in billings (compared to the previous month) as reported
declines. Inquiries for new projects continued to strengthen, indicating
that billings should pick up in the months ahead. 
(members only)
Your Kiplinger Connection
AIArchitect links members to
three stories a week from the pages of the renowned Kiplinger
Letter. (Nonmembers
may subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.)
The Economy: Consumer spending
to rebound Industry Tech: New technologies
on tap Trade: China moves ahead
(members only)
 PROJECT
WATCH
Tunica County Gambles on “River Experience”
Tunica County, Miss., best known of late for its spate of casinos,
is about to acquire a facility that may encourage gamblers to drop
their chips (just for a minute!) and pause to admire the majesty
of the mighty Mississippi River.
Libeskind to Discuss Design for World
Trade Center at AIA National Convention
Daniel Libeskind will appear in San Diego during the 2003 AIA National
Convention and Expo to discuss his recently selected plan for rebuilding
the World Trade Center site in a panel discussion moderated by Robert
Ivy, FAIA, editor in chief of Architectural
Record. The Saturday, May 10, panel will focus on issues
surrounding the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site, including
the political process; challenges in meeting the cultural, spiritual,
and economic needs of the many constituents; and the increased visibility
of architects and their role in shaping the urban environment.
 Ground
Zero: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
While in New York City on March 11 preparing programs for the
upcoming AIA convention in May, AIA President Thompson E. Penney,
FAIA; Convention Programs Director John McRae, FAIA; Convention
Chair Paul D. Boney, FAIA (left to right); and convention moderator/Architectural
Record Editor in Chief Robert A. Ivy, FAIA (foreground),
received a tour of Ground Zero. Guides were Port Authority Chief
Architect Robert Davidson, FAIA (pointing), and Ron Pisapia, program
director for WTC Site and Downtown Manhattan Planning (not pictured).
(Photo by AIA New York Executive Director Fredric Bell, FAIA.)
Need to catch up on recent editions of AIArchitect
This Week?
February
24 | March
3 | March
10
| March
17
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BEST
PRACTICES
Effective Project Closeout Begins During
Contract Negotiation
Project closeout, in clients’ eyes, is a crucial point of
transition as they take control of their new facility. Understanding
the client’s expectations and operational requirements at
the outset of a project can mean the difference between repeat business
and possible claims, explains Douglas Hartman, FAIA, in this excerpt
from the new Architect’s Handbook
Update 2003.
(members only)
April Conference:
Tools for Community Design and Decision Making
The Fifth Annual Working Session on Tools for Community Design and
Decision Making will explore the effective use of information technology
in regional/community/neighborhood planning and design.
The general conference, April 24–26 in San
Francisco, features workshops and panels in the afternoons, including
tool demonstrations, training opportunities, and case studies of
local governments that are successfully using design and decision
tools to solve urban and environmental problems. At the same time,
a hands-on digital charrette will provide a forum for attendees
and tool providers to work together on a specific planning situation.
It is an unmatched opportunity to see new tools applied to realistic
problems and opportunities in regional and neighborhood planning
in a real-time setting. For more information, visit the TCDDM Web
site.
Calling All Public Architects
to a Special
Pre-Convention Program!
The AIA Public Architects PIA invites all professionals who work
with public-sector buildings to attend a training workshop May 7,
the day before the AIA 2003 National Convention and Design Exposition,
May 8–10 at the San Diego Convention Center. Attendees will
earn six learning units. Register by April 11 to take advantage
of the early registration fee ($320 on or before April 11/$400 thereafter).
The workshop registration includes lunch and complimentary registration
to the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition, May 8–10.
Visit the
AIA convention site to register online. To register by mail,
use the Convention Guide, look for “Public Architects (03)”
on page 80.
 Have
You Seen These Chandeliers?
Three of these 10- to 12-foot-long, solid brass beauties were stolen
recently from the former train station in Jamestown, N.Y, reports
the city’s Building/Zoning Code Enforcement Officer, Larry
Scalise, AIA. The 1920s station, currently under restoration, served
as home for the chandeliers since it was built. “The theft
was not a random act, it was very well planned,” Scalise says.
“Whoever stole them knew their value and more than likely
had a destination already in mind.” Scalise suspects that
the chandeliers may end up as part of a similar restoration project,
and is asking his fellow architects to keep an eye out for them.
Anyone with information should contact him, (716) 483-7541 or scalise@cityofjamestownny.com.
AIA Career Center
Here are this week’s featured opportunities: Architect,
Alpha One, South Portland, Me. | Healthcare
Architect, HLM Design, Denver, CO |
Healthcare
Architect/Project Manager, Thomas, Miller & Partners,
LLC, Brentwood, TN | Job
Captain, OJMR-Architects, Inc., Los Angeles |
Manager,
Specifications, URS Corporation, Columbus, OH |
Project
Architect, Brown Design Associates, Holdrege, NE |
Project
Architect/Manager, Retail/Shopping Center, architectfinders,
inc., Texas | Project
Architect, Popham Walter Architects, Lagos, Nigeria |
Project
Architect, Topsider Building Systems, Inc., Clemmons,
NC | Project
Manager/Intern, Thomas, Miller & Partners, LLC, Brentwood,
TN | Urban
Designer, City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica, Calif.
Visit the AIA Career Center for a full list openings.
Copyright 2003 The American Institute of
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