economics
High Energy Costs Inspire New Features in Homes
AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, reports that as the residential market weakens, remodeling offers opportunities as homeowners look for new ways to increase energy efficiency, accessibility, and flexibility within their existing homes. In fact, the feature most mentioned as most popular by respondents to the AIA Home Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2006 was adding insulation to attics.

kiplinger connection
Energy • The Economy • Global Politics
Energy: Oil-price dip may last Economy: Still growing but wages stagnant Global politics: Mexico recovering from elections.

Taking Care of Business
There are many ways to conduct business in the complex arena of planning, design, construction, and operation of facilities. So, if you read something in AIArchitect you’d like to refine or correct, this is the feature for you. If you get the urge to respond, act on it. Make a point to send your thoughts to AIArchitect today. In this issue, Steven Shapiro, a lawyer and architecture-educated project manager and AIA allied member weighs in on two past AIArchitect Best Practices articles related to observation/inspection liability and continuing education for developing architects.