WORK-ON-THE-BOARDS SURVEY
Institutional Sector Reports First Slowdown in Four Years
Overall, firms report client problems with financing as the most serious current problem
Billings at architecture firms tumbled in September on the heels of turmoil in international credit markets, generating increased economic uncertainty. However, firms still are reporting interest in new projects as indicated by September’s inquiries score remaining above 50, reports Economics Research Manager Jennifer Riskus. Overall, business conditions remain weak in all regions of the country, and firms with an institutional specialization, the one construction sector that had yet to be affected by the downturn, reported its first slowdown in nearly four years. Nearly all our survey panelists reported that their firms were directly feeling the effects of ongoing problems in financial markets, and client problems with financing was reported as the most serious current problem.

College of Fellows Calls for Nominations for Secretary
The 2008 College of Fellows Nominating Committee is soliciting nominations for Secretary for 2009-2011, to be presented for consideration at the annual COF business meeting during the AIA national convention in San Francisco in May 2009. Nominations should include:

• A cover letter (no longer than two standard pages) with name, address, telephone number, and a description of interest and understanding of the position
• An executive summary or résumé (not to exceed five pages) that includes a list of significant AIA activities and accomplishments
• A maximum of three letters of recommendation forwarded to the chair of the nominating committee.

Address letters to: Nominating Committee Chair, AIA College of Fellows, 1735 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006-5292, by February 6, 2009. For more information, contact Pauline Porter, 202-626-7521.

Taking Care of Business
Letters to the Editor
Last week, some readers expressed concern about the energy efficiency of Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower in Chicago, particularly considering its exposed slab edges. We bring you some typical letters and Gang’s response.

kiplinger connection
The Economy • World Business • Business Tech
The Economy: Although few, those buy-out bucks mean 2009 opportunities.
World Business: U.S. markets still look good to overseas investors.
Business Tech: Cell phone potential keeps on accelerating.