Three AIA Members Receive 2009 Jefferson Award
Philip Freelon, FAIA, LEED-AP, Durham, N.C.; Roger Boothe, AIA, Cambridge, Mass.; and Donald Stastny, FAIA, Portland, Ore., have been selected by jury to receive the AIA 2009 Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture. The biennial Thomas Jefferson Award recognizes excellence in architectural advocacy and achievement in three categories:

• Private-sector architects who have established a portfolio of accomplishment in the design of architecturally distinguished public facilities
• Public-sector architects who manage or produce quality design within their agencies
• Public officials or other individuals who by their role of advocacy have furthered the public’s awareness and/or appreciation of design excellence.

AIA Honors Six for Collaborative Achievement
Recognizing the collaborative contributions of two individuals, a photographer and an engineer; two publications, a textbook and a magazine; a preservation organization; and an essay competition, the AIA announced the 2009 Collaborative Achievement Awards on January 22. The AIA awards the Institute Honors for Collaborative Achievement to encourage distinguished achievements of allied professionals, clients, organizations, architect teams, knowledge communities, and others who have had a beneficial influence on or advanced the architectural profession.

President Marvin Malecha Talks About the Year Ahead
Charles Dickens’s classic A Tale of Two Cities opens with the memorable words: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times,” notes AIA President Marvin Malecha, FAIA, in his video broadcast to AIA members. And, Malecha says, it’s easy to see how the second half of the quotation applies to our time as we kick off a new year that doesn’t look very happy. Following the quotation through: “It was the age of wisdom; it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief; it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light; it was the season of darkness; it was the spring of hope; it was the winter of despair.” On our own, the odds of our getting through the winter aren’t great, Malecha notes. However, sticking together to work for the good of our communities and our profession is the best way he knows of hastening the spring. Watch Malecha’s video to learn more.

What Would You Ask Gold Medal Recipient Glenn Murcutt?
This year’s AIA 2009 Gold Medal recipient is Australian Glenn Marcus Murcutt, Hon. FAIA, known worldwide for his projects that touch the soul of sustainable design. Murcutt will be awarded the Gold Medal on February 6 at the annual Accent on Architecture gala in Washington, D.C., and also has graciously agreed to take part in a public question-and-answer forum at the gala, to be conducted by Architectural Record Editor-in-Chief Robert A. Ivy, FAIA. So, the question to you is: If you could ask Murcutt anything about sustainability, what would you ask him? Send your question to AIArchitect Managing Editor Stephanie Stubbs or post it on this week’s blog for member-to-member discussion.

Free January 27 Webcast: “Have We Hit Bottom?”
An economic forecast for the construction industry
Reed Construction Data and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America invite you to join them on January 27 for the “Have We Hit Bottom?” Webcast delivering information on current construction activity and a forecast of the construction industry in 2009 and beyond. The Webcast will focus on the impact of the recession as expert economists Jim Haughey, chief economist at Reed Construction Data; and Ken Simonson, chief economist at AGC of America lead an in-depth analysis of residential and nonresidential construction activity, including the institutional, commercial, industrial and heavy engineering sectors. The free Webcast will be broadcast live at 2 p.m. ET; pre-registration is required. Architects and AIA members can receive AIA CES credits for attending. For more information or to reserve your space, register online.

It’s the Economy, Architect! AIA’s Stimulus Plan Would Create an Estimated 14,000 Jobs for Architects
Recommendations call for funds for the planning and design of energy-efficient construction projects
Last week’s AIA Consensus Construction Forecast foresees an 11 percent decline in design and construction activity in 2009. To revitalize the building sector, which accounts for about one in every 10 dollars of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, the AIA has developed the Rebuild and Renew Plan, which details its recommendations for the allocation of funds in President Obama’s economic recovery plan. The AIA is calling on the new administration and Congress to create policies that ensure these monies are spent on the planning, design, and construction of energy-efficient, sustainable buildings and healthy communities that are advantageous for both the environment and economy. The AIA estimates that, if implemented correctly, the nearly $100 billion plan would create 1.6 million jobs throughout the design and construction industry, including 14,000 jobs for architects. Read about the plan.

Heads Up! Big Changes Coming to AIA.org
You spoke, we listened. Beginning January 30, the AIA Web site will offer more connectivity, with streamlined navigation, reliable search capability, and an integrated repository of tools and resources that AIA members need for practice and career development. Check it out next week!