Business Conditions at Critical Levels at Architecture Firms
As economy continues to cycle down, majority of firms expect substantial revenue falloff in 2009
Architecture firms reported yet another record decline in November in billings for ongoing projects and inquiries for new projects, according to AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. Both of these indexes declined about 1.5 points from October, indicating that the slowdown in business conditions at firms is still accelerating. All major regions of the country shared in the weakness, as did all the major construction sectors. Firms specializing in institutional buildings have reported the least decline to date, although conditions continue to deteriorate in this sector also.

Eight Architects Declare Candidacy for Three Offices
Elections for the Institute’s next first vice president/president-elect, vice presidents, and treasurer will be held in April at the AIA 2009 National Convention and Expo in San Francisco.

kiplinger connection
Global Economy • The Economy • The Deficit
Global Economy: Even China and India will be hurting in 2009.
The Economy: 2009—bad for commercial space, good for lawyers.
The Deficit: Expect a $500B stimulus for infrastructure and energy.

AIA 2009 National Convention Web Site Is Up and Ready for Registration
Register for the convention—April 30-May 2 in San Francisco—before February 17 for early-bird rates
You can now register online for the AIA 2009 National Convention and Design Expo to take place April 30–May 2 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The Web site has some cool new features this year, including an interactive convention guide that allows AIA members to design their convention curriculum using new keyword and drilldown search options. Themed “Diversity: Practice in a Complex World,” the convention offers more than 500 continuing-education seminars and some 70 fabulous tours. Visit the AIA Convention Web site for more information and register now. Register on or before February 17 to take advantage of early-bird rates and get your first choice of programs and hotels. (And this year, we’re offering an additional 5 percent discount to all AIA members who register using the promo code, “MEMBER.”) See you in the City on the Bay. (Photo courtesy of the Only in San Francisco visitors’ bureau.)