work-on-the-boards
After a Strong Start to the Year, Growth Easing at Firms
Firms see mostly increased benefits from sustainable architecture
AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, tells us that U.S. architecture firms reported growth in billings in June, but the pace of growth has slowed substantially since the beginning of the year. According to analysis conducted by the AIA, the strong growth in billings reported by firms points to an upturn in construction levels later this year, while the recent easing in growth in billings at firms points to slower growth in construction activity during the first half of 2006. Also, read how the AIA’s Work-on-the-Boards survey—reintroduced in this issue as the Architectural Billings Index—has been modified to make its connection to future construction activity more apparent.

ASLA Honors 33 Projects with 2005 Awards
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) on July 11 announced the recipients of its 2005 Professional Awards. The jury selected 33 projects to receive awards from a field of over 520 entries. This year marks the launch of a new category of residential design, which is cosponsored by Garden Design magazine. ASLA will present the awards October 10 at the society’s annual meeting in Fort Lauderdale.

Growth Spurs Creative Taxing District
A new taxing district in Florida, advocates say, will help developers and architects carry out a master-planned community concept. Governor Jeb Bush (R) signed a bill in June that creates the state’s first multi-county Stewardship District, a new taxing district that encompasses about 23,000 acres of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. This allows the developer of Lakewood Ranch, LWR Communities, LLC, to borrow money, issue tax-free bonds, award contracts, and levy special assessments to pay for the infrastructure, landscaping, and trails that are often installed before residents take occupancy.

Changing the Image of Technical Education Through Design
Connecticut’s Antinozzi Associates gives schools new self-respect
The State of Connecticut is upgrading and changing the name of its trade schools from Regional Vocational Technical Schools to Connecticut Technical High Schools. That, says Paul Antinozzi, AIA, is a welcome design challenge from the client. “The architecture and design of the buildings can help people understand that there is very high-quality education going on” at these facilities, he says.

Spotlight
Forward-thinking Young Architect Balances Design and Service
David Jameson, AIA, one of five recipients of the Young Architects Award in 2004, makes design the cornerstone of his Alexandria, Va., practice. His clean, crisp lines and compositions that foil texture, materials, and shape are the hallmarks of his studio. With about 80 percent of his practice devoted to residential architecture, Jameson’s work includes a range of large- and small-scale projects. A graduate of Virginia Tech in 1990, he worked for the prestigious firms of Hugh Newell Jacobsen and Cooper Lecky Architects before hanging out his shingle in 1997.

Members’ voices
How Will Building Information Modeling Change the Profession?
With prognostications abounding about the potential impact of building information modeling (BIM) on the profession, AIArchitect asked four members of the Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community, “How do you think BIM will change the profession in the next decade?”

project watch
Unique Partnership Produces Nation’s First Affordable, Universal-Design Apartments
A partnership between San Francisco-based Hearth Homes and Affordable Housing Associates (AHA) in Berkeley, Calif., has produced the nation’s first affordable- and universal-designed housing project. Located in Berkeley on the site of a former paint store, University Neighborhood Apartments features 29 residential units, common areas, and ground-floor commercial space. All of the apartments are for low-income families, and 14 units are reserved for disabled individuals.

Your Kiplinger Connection (members only, AIA.org login required)
The economy: GDP will grow 3.7 percent this year; slow down to 3 percent next year. Taxes: Beginning in 2006, homeowners will get energy-efficiency tax breaks. Business outlook: Steel prices won’t go lower than $500/ton.
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.

Need to catch up on recent editions of AIArchitect This Week?
June 27 | July 4 | July 11 | July 18

BEST PRACTICES
People Like Working at Kahler Slater, and Clients Reap the Benefit
Kahler Slater was named one of the top 10 small-business best places to work in the June 2005 HR Magazine and ranked 12th on that list in 2004. HR Principal John Horky, AIA, explains how the 135-person, two-office firm cultivates its close collaborative culture and why.

New IDP Mentor Guidelines Serve Interns and Mentors Alike
The AIA, in cooperation with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), presents the latest edition of the IDP Mentor Guidelines. Originally produced by the AIA in the early 1980s, the mentor guidelines were out of print for a number of years. Then, from 1996 to 2002, NCARB published a version that primarily served as a resource for mentors unfamiliar with IDP requirements. This new edition is broader in scope, focusing on the benefits of mentoring for interns, strategies for successful completion of IDP requirements with the help of a mentor, and information about mentoring to help both interns and their mentors. View the new 2005 IDP Mentor Guidelines online.

HRC Hosts Dialogue on Historic Preservation Education
Group to convene in Bath, England, September 12–14
The AIA Historic Resources Committee will hold a symposium in Bath, England, September 12–14, on the state of historic preservation architecture education internationally, featuring sessions held in the historic Bath Assembly Rooms and on the campus of the University of Bath as well as tours of historic sites in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and environs. The symposium aims to further dialogue between academicians and preservation practitioners to define the context, issues, approaches, and strategies to integrate preservation values into first professional degree programs while also addressing European educational models. For more information, visit the HRC Web page.

AIA CAREER CENTER
Here Are This Week’s Featured Opportunities

Story of Architecture by Patrick Nuttgens (Phaidon, 2003) is a richly illustrated, updated history of the development of architecture through the ages, complete with maps, timelines, and architects’ biographies. Story of Architecture is available now to AIA members for the special price of $19.96 ($24.95 retail). To learn more or purchase, visit the AIA Store or call 800-242-3837, opt. #4.

It’s All About Federal Procurement: Check out the new Guide to Federal Procurement Web site, a one-stop shop where AIA members can get updated information on how to apply for and win government contracts.

Change in Michigan: Architect and Urban Planner Eric Hill, FAIA, has joined Lord, Aeck & Sargent's Ann Arbor, Mich., office as principal. Find out more on the AIA online news service.

See Calatrava from the Convention: You now can see the keynote address by 2005 AIA Gold Medal recipient Santiago Calatrava that won him three standing ovations, and can earn 1 CES credit to boot. AIA members may take the “Santiago Calatrava Works his Magic,” course for $29.95 ($59.95 nonmembers).

AIA Members Save with United Parcel Service (UPS): Save up to 20 percent on U.S. and international overnight air shipping with UPS, the world’s largest package-distribution company.
Call 800-325-7000, ext. 7600. Reference No. C-000-070-0037

Free Continuing Education: After reading the standards and other information on environmental issues and products, references, and more in each MASTERSPEC topic, licensed users can access online tests to earn AIA/CES learning-unit hours.

Save Time! AIA.org now features a trouble-shooting Knowledge Base to address your AIA Contract Documents software questions quickly and efficiently.

Know How and When You’re Going to Retire?
The AIA Trust sponsors the AIA Members Retirement Program with plans offered by The Equitable, one of the largest and most experienced firms in the world. You’ll get 18 different investment options, ranging from conservative to more aggressive funds, and 24/7 online account access. Learn more about this program. For information about all AIA Trust programs, visit their Web site.