WORK-ON-THE-BOARDS
Firms Report Slightly Higher Billings, Strong Inquiries in June
Compensation gains modest in 2003
Business conditions continue to edge up gradually at U.S. architecture firms. Billings were stable or up for their fifth straight month in June, although the gains have been very modest. Inquiries for new work, however, point to more encouraging conditions in the months ahead. More than a third of firms reported a significant increase in inquiries (5 percent or more), while only 12 percent reported a significant drop-off.

Uncle Sam Plays Commercial Matchmaker
Commercial Service links small firms and overseas ventures
The federal government says it is eager to help make the connections that will expand business opportunities for architecture practices. The Commerce Department’s U.S. Commercial Service has officers who link small and midsize firms, including architects, to specific projects and develop ongoing relationships that can bear fruit as work becomes available.

Eight Projects by Six Design Groups Earn Kudos From AIA Pennsylvania
AIA Pennsylvania feted the eight projects—four of them on college campuses—that received the chapter’s 2003 Design Awards at a June 3 event sponsored by Brinjac Engineering in Harrisburg, the state capital. Jury Chair Graham Wyatt, AIA, and Awards Program Chair Elmer Burger II, AIA, presented the awards to the designers of the winning projects chosen from a field of 108 submissions. Eligible projects can be built anywhere in the world; however, the architect must be a member of AIA Pennsylvania.

Project watch
HOK Runs With Sustainable Design for Athletic Facility
The New York office of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum is flexing its design muscles on Kean University’s new arena and a comprehensive renovation of the school’s existing D’Angola Gymnasium in Union, N.J. The overall project includes a new 65,000-square-foot arena and dressing rooms, office facilities, three basketball courts with seating for 2,500 for varsity games, and a suspended running track. The 55,000-square-foot gym gets a renovation plus a 10,000-square-foot addition that will include dance studios, classrooms, physical education labs, and faculty offices. The project is scheduled for completion in 2005.

Spreading the Word
Gretchen McKellar Penney, AIA, wife of AIA President Thompson E. Penney, FAIA, and daughter Frances, paused for a pose outside the Today show studios in New York City June 26. You’ve got to like Frances’ sign and its message, as captured by Today show photographer Frances Johnson.

Your Kiplinger Connection (members only)
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.)
The Stock Market: Market outperforming all other asset classes; S&P 500 should return 10 percent in 2004. Business Costs: Modest cost increases for construction products projected for next year. Tech: Virtual private networks make remote computer connections easier, cheaper, and still secure.

Need to catch up on recent editions of AIArchitect This Week?
June 23 | June 30 | July 7 | July 14

BEST PRACTICES (members only)
New Challenges for Rebuilding Iraq
Uriya Saed, PhD, Assoc. AIA, a former professor of architecture at the University of Technology, Baghdad, and now a refugee in Virginia, explains a dozen key nuances to design and construction in Iraq, work that is still well within reach of U.S. architecture firms of all size.

Psst! Wanna Buy a Solar House?
University of Colorado puts 2002 Solar Decathlon winner up for bid
The award-winning University of Colorado/ Boulder Solar Decathlon house officially is on the market, and the university is accepting sealed proposals for purchase over the next month. Offers are due August 8, and a pre-bid information session and house tour will take place July 22. Last fall, the project entitled “Just About Any House,” to demonstrate the universal applicability of photovoltaics, captured first place among 14 entries judged in 10 categories that included design and livability, efficiency, and public communications.

Design for Aging Review Seeks Projects for 2004 Publication
The AIA’s Design for Aging Center and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), through its Quality First initiative, invite architects, designers, and providers to submit projects for consideration in Design for Aging: 2004 Review. Entry forms and fees are due August 15; completed submissions are due August 29.

AIA CAREER CENTER
Here Are This Week’s Featured Opportunities

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