WORK ON THE BOARDS
June Brings Strong Growth to All Regions
Architecture Billings Index hits highest score since last August
Business conditions at architecture firms took a sharp turn upward in June as the ABI score approached 60, reports AIA Research Specialist Jennifer Riskus. Billings were strong in all regions of the country, and, among building types, the institutional sector continued to lead the list in growth. And, in response to our monthly poll, more than a third of panelists reported that their firm’s managing partner has a business degree or formal business training, a figure that rises to 52 percent for firms with 50 or more employees.

Los Angeles Business Council Honors City’s Best Architecture
The Los Angeles Business Council (LABC) honored the region’s finest architecture design projects on June 14 at its 37th annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards. The awards recognized 25 project teams—architects, contractors, and developers—for outstanding projects in Los Angeles across 12 architectural and building categories. The council also presented a special Community Impact Award to seven entertainment studios. Co-chairs Brooke Lauter, first vice president of Corporate Communications at Arden Realty, Inc., and Andy Cohen, FAIA, executive director of Gensler, and key leadership from sponsoring companies presented the awards.

kiplinger connection
Jobs and Workers • Reg Relief • Tech
Jobs and Workers: H-1B visas are a carrot in the immigration debate.
Reg Relief: SEC will loosen Sarbanes-Oxley provisions for some corporations.
Tech: Office software hosted on-line is the newest twist.