Can You Really Build a 700-Mile-Long Fence?
Proposed U.S. border defense depends on many kinds of technology beyond physical infrastructure
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to strengthen security along U.S. northern and southern borders through its Secure Border Initiative, a comprehensive multi-year plan to reduce illegal migration. And although at the end of September Congress approved construction of a 700-mile section of fence along the U.S.-Mexican border—at a cost of $1.2 billion—they quickly followed up with separate legislation stating the “virtual fence” is not a physical barrier in most places.

best practices in risk management
Who Are You?
Defining the architect
Risk Management gurus James B. Atkins, FAIA, and Grant A. Simpson, FAIA, explain that as the profession of architecture has evolved from the non-litigious days of the master builder, we have yet to shed the identity of being the only professional in charge. So who are we, and how can we make sure the public and owners know what we do?

Back to School
Architecture firm develops in-house university
Cincinnati-based Hixson Architecture Engineering Interiors has an active in-house university that provides accredited professional continuing education credits authorized by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, an organization whose accreditation is accepted by the AIA. Hixson University, established in 2001, follows a well-organized education structure of five colleges, each headed by a dean, with six curriculum tracks that serve more than 100 associates seeking technical and support training.