2008 Ends Up Weak for Architectural Firms
With the industry in a downturn, many firms examining staffing levels for 2009
Business conditions at architecture firms ended the year on another sour note, with steep billings declines and ongoing weakness in inquiries for new projects, reports AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. Business levels at commercial/industrial firms have turned down dramatically in recent months, while conditions at institutional firms are just beginning to soften. Residential firms have been mired in a downturn for several years.

Given the magnitude of the national economic downturn, firms in all regions are reporting very weak conditions, Baker says. Most firms are expecting conditions to remain weak throughout the year, as almost a third of firms are expecting further downsizing before the end of 2009.

College of Fellows Calls for Nominations for Secretary
Submissions due by February 9, 2009
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.

kiplinger connection
Stimulus Plan • Credit Rescue • Financial Services
Stimulus Plan: Money for schools, hospitals, energy, and smalls.
Credit Rescue: Easing short-term financing is a big goal.
Financial Services: Bank choices dwindle; locals increase service.

Taking Care of Business
Letters to the Editor
This week, readers sound off on both sides of the AIA’s proposed stimulus plan, the Honor Awards for Interior Architecture, our last week’s Doer’s Profile and why women don’t stay in architecture, and the weekly poll.

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.