Firm’s Compassionate Policies Earn Praise from National Group
Tilton, Kelly + Bell (TKB), Chicago, has been named one of the most compassionate employers in the country by a nonprofit group called The Compassionate Friends, based in Oakbrook, Ill. The Chicago-based architecture and design firm is one of 81 employers, representing 33 states, recognized for showing extra sensitivity to bereaved employees following the death of a child or other close family member. TKB received the award from Compassionate Friends, Principal Marsha Bell explains, after a former employee nominated them for the honor. The employee recalled the kindnesses TKB showed her when she lost her brother.

best practices
Project Goal Definition Through Storytelling
Most people are familiar with visioning charrettes, project objectives statements, and scope questionnaires as tools for establishing a common definition of project goals among the client and design/construction team members. In his newly published Integrated Practice in Architecture, George Elvin, PhD, offers another tactic: storytelling.

NCARB Requests Architects’ Participation in Practice Analysis Survey
Results will inform updating of IDP program, ARE
Beginning April 9, AIA members and NCARB certificate holders may receive an e-mail invitation to participate in the online survey on practice analysis. The survey will take approximately 40 minutes to complete and can be saved and completed in multiple sessions. Respondents will be asked to rate a range of knowledge, skills, and abilities and provide commentary where appropriate. Participants will have until May 7 to complete the survey.