AIA Orlando Celebrates Ten Outstanding Buildings
AIA Orlando held its 2004 Awards for Design Excellence Presentation and Gala last month at the Country Club of Orlando, where the component presented four awards to individuals and companies who have contributed significantly to the community. They also recognized 10 projects with AIA Orlando’s distinguished Awards for Design Excellence. From a field of 42 entries, the jury selected five awards of merit in architecture and five awards of honor in architecture.

book review
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Mayhem at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson (Random House, 2003)
Can you feel it in the air? Chicago holds architectural mojo as no other city can do. It is possessed by the fresh, pioneering spirit of Sullivan, Burnham, Wright, the first skyscraper, a climb of steel and elevator to the sky, and the World Columbian Exposition of 1893 that rocketed the bold ascendancy of architecture as a profession and architects as keepers of can-do civic pride.

Makeover for a Famous Club
Altevers Associates and Altevers International announce completion of the Thunderbird Country Club renovation in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The club, renowned for its long list of celebrity members—including Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Gerald Ford, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Bing Crosby, Arnold Palmer, Bob Hope, and Hoagy Carmichael—opened its doors in 1951. It also gained fame as the birthplace of the golfcart and the namesake of a certain Ford automobile. To document the club’s buildings and rich history, Altevers performed painstaking research that centered on interviews with many long-time members. The architects decided to create a new 48,000-square-foot golf clubhouse and a 6,400-square-foot fitness club, both in California Ranch style. They renovated the smaller facilities to mesh with the new buildings and completely refurbished the interiors to complete the elegant retro look. (Photo courtesy of the architect.)

PROJECT WATCH
Michael Graves & Associates Transforms New Entertainment Venue in Shanghai
Following a meticulous exterior restoration of the seven-story landmark Beaux-Arts building known as Three on the Bund, Michael Graves & Associates, Princeton, N.J., has completed the transformation of its interior into “a vital lifestyle destination.” Located on Shanghai’s historic Bund, the seven-story building features two floors of luxury retail, a contemporary Chinese art gallery, and four premier restaurants.

Convention Preregistration Deadline Approaches
Register by May 14 and save $70; sign up for newly added programs
The AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Chicago, June 10–12: You know you want to be there, so register online today! If you register by May 14, you not only will get a better selection of continuing education programs, tours, and hotels, you will save $70 off the registration fee (that’s at least one nice dinner on the town!). And check out the new programs that have been added to the agenda: From tempering the rising cost of steel to a special tour of the Farnsworth House, there’s something to capture every architect’s fancy.

AIA Officer Nominations
Eleven architects have been certified as candidates for three offices: Watkins withdraws candidacy
David Watkins, FAIA, has withdrawn his candidacy for First Vice President. “For those of us privileged to work with David Watkins on and off the AIA Board of Directors, his decision to withdraw his candidacy for AIA First Vice President seems consistent with his selfless dedication to the AIA and the profession he so dearly loves,” says AIA President Eugene C. Hopkins, FAIA. “David does not take on a responsibility or challenge unless he believes he can devote the considerable resources of his creative energy and intelligence to do the best possible job whatever the task. He has decided that, at this point, these resources are best focused on the continuing growth and success of his firm. I respect this decision, which was obviously reached after deep reflection. And I, along with David’s colleagues and many friends, look forward to his continued contributions to the Institute both nationally and in Texas, his home state.”

Your Kiplinger Connection (members only)
China’s economy: If this giant’s soaring economy crashes, the implications are global. But that probably won’t happen, and steel prices will stay high. The economy: Expect a steady 4 percent growth this year even as home-mortgage interest rates creep up. Health care: Insurance audits, though costly, could save your company money.
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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