New AIA Survey Indicates Strong Gains in Compensation
Compensation gains for architecture staff positions have significantly outpaced compensation gains in the broader economy in recent years, according to the newly released 2008 AIA Compensation Survey. While the U. S. Department of Labor’s Employment Cost Index shows that overall compensation gains among the private sector workforce increased less than 19 percent between the first quarter of 2002 and the first quarter of 2008, the new AIA surveys point to gains approaching 30 percent over the same six-year period. The report indicates that growth in nonresidential construction activity has increased the need for architecture staff at firms, which has helped to force up compensation levels.

Reed Construction Data Offers 2009 Construction Outlook Series Free for AIA Members
Reed economists present 2009 U.S.outlook on October 15; Canadian outlook on October 16
Reed Construction Data, a strategic partner of the AIA, invites AIA members to take part in a series of Webinars that will offer a comprehensive analysis hosted by leading industry economic experts. The Construction Forecast Webcast series will deliver up-to-date information on current construction activity and a clear forecast of the construction industry in 2009 and beyond. Jim Haughey and Alex Carrick, Reed Construction Data’s chief economists, will lead the discussion of residential and nonresidential construction activity that also includes the institutional, commercial, industrial, and heavy engineering sectors. Haughey will present an in-depth 2009 U.S. Construction Outlook on October 15, 2–3 p.m. ET, and Carrick will present the 2009 Canadian Construction Outlook on October 16, 2–3 p.m. ET. Registration is free for all AIA members. Visit the Reed Construction Web site to register now.

Reminder
Nominations for AIA Professional Achievement Awards Due October 10
Nominations are due on October 10 for the AIA’s Institute Honors for Professional Achievement awards, which include: Associates Award, Collaborative Achievement Award, Edward C. Kemper Award, Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Architecture, Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, and Young Architects Award.

kiplinger connection
The Economy • Business Costs • Federal Deficit
The Economy: Last week was historic, dramatic, and, still, enigmatic.
Business Costs: Speaking of history, China is unionizing as the U.S. goes robotic.
Federal Deficit: At $10 trillion, the national debt is double of a decade ago.

Taking Care of Business
Letters to the Editor
This week, we have three cheers for AIA President Marshall Purnell’s article and video on Philadelphia’s CHAD charter school, some comments on filmmaker Michael Sendick’s Doer’s Profile, and some clarifications on our article about a Miami building seeking historic designation.