Emergency Stimulus Supports Schools, Mass Transit, Resource Conservation
Following weeks of AIA-member effort to include community-building elements into the legislation intended to revive the U.S. economy, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act negotiated during the House and Senate conference February 10-12 includes most of the elements for which the AIA fought in its Rebuild and Renew effort, including:

Accent on Architecture: Accent on Sustainability and Excellence
Glenn Murcutt receives 2009 AIA Gold Medal, holds a conversation about sustainability with his many admirers
A brilliant array of architects and architecture-loving friends joined the American Architectural Foundation, in partnership with the AIA, for the 20th annual Accent on Architecture gala on February 6 at historic Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. As has become tradition, the gala offered the opportunity to honor America’s architectural best and brightest. However, there were new twists to this year’s presentations: A theme—sustainability—and, to facilitate a greater engagement by the public in a conversation about design, a more informal venue through which Architectural Record Editor in Chief Robert A. Ivy, FAIA, engaged 2009 Gold Medal recipient Glenn Murcutt, Hon. FAIA, in a conversation using questions submitted by architects and the public via the AIA’s blog.

Chief Editor and Chief Economist Agree: Now Is the Time to Prepare for a More Prosperous Future
For this year’s Town Hall Meeting at the Grassroots Legislative and Leadership Conference on February 6, AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee invited Architectural Record Editor in Chief Robert A. Ivy, FAIA, and AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, to answer questions about the economy and how the profession of architecture should go forward. McEntee assembled questions from the participants and served as moderator for Ivy and Baker, both of whom agreed that architects should use this economic “down time” to design a better future for the profession and the clients it serves. A video will be available soon of the Town Hall meeting; watch AIArchitect for details. In the meantime, we bring you the top line of the discussion.

AIA Launches Redesigned, Member-Driven AIA.org Web Site
The AIA is pleased to announce the launch of the redesigned AIA.org Web site. The new Web site has been developed with the voices and insights of you, the AIA members, who spoke loud and clear about what you want and need from the AIA’s online resource. Part of a comprehensive Web strategy and field-tested design, the new Web site features easier navigation and an organization based on how architects said they used the Web site, plus a new, member-driven focus on content and resources that architects said they want to enhance their careers or practices. The new site presents spotlights of members’ careers and vast body of work, as well as the Architect's Knowledge Resource (AKR, formerly known as SOLOSO), a venue for members to share their knowledge and expertise. Watch a two-minute introduction to the Web site from AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee, then explore the new AIA.org and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

It’s the Economy, Architect! Don’t Miss the February 18 Web Seminar on Business Planning for Small Firms
The Best Laid Plans Webinar, presented by Management Consultant Rena M. Klein, FAIA, and moderated by Anne Laird-Blanton, AIA, principal and owner of ALB Designs, will present processes for business planning that will help small-firm owners manage slow times and prepare for success in the recovery. Participants will learn about the major components of a business plan—purpose, marketing, operations, and finance—and realistic procedures for plan development and implementation. The Webinar will be held on February 18, 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET. The cost is $95 AIA members/$145 nonmembers; 1.5 LUs may be earned. For more information, visit the Webinar’s Web site or register online.