Architecture Firms Report a Solid Jump in Business in October
2006 business projected to increase modestly, despite concerns about pricing and construction materials availability
Billings at architecture firms jumped in September, generating a reading of 60.5 on the AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI), according to Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings at U.S. architecture firms, and the September reading is the highest recorded monthly gain since the summer of 1998 for this survey of business conditions. Research conducted by the AIA has found that changes in design activity precede changes in construction activity by almost two quarters, Baker says, and recent increases in design activity can be expected to produce similar changes in construction in early 2006.

Richard Upjohn:
The Foundation of the Institute
The history of The American Institute of Architects begins with an invitation from Richard Upjohn, architect of Trinity Church in New York City and one of the most famous church architects of his time. He asked his colleagues from the city to gather in his office on February 23, 1857. In response, 12 architects joined Upjohn in the Trinity Building to form the organization that would bring prominence to and profoundly change the profession of architecture in the United States.

Colorado Wins Solar Decathlon
University of Colorado Project Captain Jeff Lyng expresses his thanks and thoughts as UC garners its second first place in the Solar Decathlon, held on the National Mall, with their BioS(h)IP (inset). Holding the trophy is the 2005 UC faculty adviser, Julee Herdt, Assoc. AIA, flanked on her right by 2002 winning faculty adviser Michael Brandemuehl. Following 10 straight days of rain and drizzle, the sun appeared just in time for the Friday afternoon awards ceremony, October 14. U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman announced the top three winners. Cornell took second and Cal Poly third. “If it can work this week, it can work anywhere in the world right now,” Lyng said of how solar power has truly come of age. For details, visit the Solar Decathlon Web site.

Creating Green Interiors
Greening concerns more than just the building
As sustainable building becomes increasingly popular and necessary, indoor air quality likewise takes on new importance. And, although architects are now routinely specifying low-VOC paints, adhesives, casework, carpeting, and other materials, one area that still is often overlooked is the environmental benefits provided by indoor plants. According to Plants at Work, an organization committed to raising awareness of the benefits of interior plants, research consistently shows that indoor plants increase worker productivity and workplace satisfaction. Interior plants also have been shown to reduce air-quality-related absenteeism by 14 percent.

Iconic Kettle Turns 20
Michael Graves’ quintessential tea kettle, designed for Alessi, celebrates its 20th birthday this year with the issue of a special limited edition “Jubilee Kettle.” The special edition features a stamp of the 1985–2005 anniversary and dark red handle (matching the bird whistle) instead of the classic blue. The special anniversary set also features red-handled sugar bowl, creamer, and round tray. Since its release, more than 1.3 million of the stainless steel kettles have been sold. For more information, visit the architect’s Web site.

project watch
High-Tech High Successfully Integrates Technology and Design
As a school board veteran of 14 years, Roberta Weintraub was keenly aware of a lack of technology and technological training in Los Angeles schools. She saw the need for a dedicated school for kids interested in science and technology and subsequently founded the High Tech High-LA Foundation to create the first charter school in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to train students for high-tech careers. Berliner and Associates Architecture worked with Weintraub, LAUSD, and several nonprofits and high-tech firms to develop an open, flexible, user-friendly facility specifically tailored to the school’s curriculum.

Your Kiplinger Connection (members only, AIA.org login required)
The economy: The housing market is cooling. Politics: “Guest worker” status for undocumented immigrants has support from the construction industry. Energy: Steel makers will feel the natural-gas price pinch.
AIArchitect offers AIA members exclusive access to three stories a week to help them manage their practices and plan for the coming year. Nonmembers may subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.

Need to catch up on recent editions of AIArchitect This Week?
September 26 | October 3 | October 10 | October 17

BEST PRACTICES
Start Your MF’04 Conversion Plan Now
Everybody should be aware by now that the Construction Specifications Institute has launched its new expanded version of the industry-wide system for organizing data, MasterFormat 2004 (MF’04). Although the contents of divisions 3 through 14, the “architectural divisions, remain basically unchanged, there are fundamental revisions to the numbering structure to allow, for instance, for more space within the divisions, explains specifications consultant Susan B. McClymonds, AIA. This new system is not something anyone can ignore, she says. It may be a bitter pill to swallow, but, approached with planning and resolve, converting to MF’04 will result in a fresh and necessary start to a new and promising integrated practice where everybody on the building team is—literally—on the same page.

YAF Calls for Regional Reps Applications
Young Architects Forum regional liaisons work with their counterparts—the College of Fellows regional representatives and the National Associates Committee regional associate directors—and serve as a link between young architects within their geographical areas and the national component of the AIA. Positions now are available for the Florida/Caribbean, The Virginias, and Western Mountain regions. Positions will be available in 2006 for the California (co-liaisons, north and south), North Central States, Northwest Pacific, Ohio Valley, South Atlantic, and Texas regions. Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. EST, on November 30. For details, visit the YAF Web site.

AIA Philadelphia Regional Conference Addresses Smart Growth
AIA Philadelphia is sponsoring its third annual “Design on the Delaware” conference, November 4–5 at the Wyndham Hotel, Franklin Plaza. Featured speakers for the regional conference are former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening, now the president of the Smart Growth Leadership Institute of Washington, D.C.; and Hon. Richard Swett, FAIA, senior fellow, Design Futures Council, and former New Hampshire congressman and U.S. ambassador to Denmark. This interdisciplinary regional conference examines issues and opportunities of the built environment in the Delaware Valley and offers some 30 seminars and an exhibition/trade show. For details and registration information, visit the conference Web site or contact Michael Ashworth, AIA Philadelphia communications director, 215-569-3186, ext. 104.

Nominations for COF Bursar Due February 3
The 2005 College of Fellows Nominating Committee is soliciting members for 2006–2008 bursar. Interested members should include a letter providing a statement of interest (no longer than two standard pages) with name, address, and telephone number. The applicant also should provide a brief biography, list of significant AIA activities and accomplishments, and letters of reference from three fellows forwarded to the chair of the nominating committee.

AIA CAREER CENTER
Here Are This Week’s Featured Opportunities

Water, water everywhere: H2O Architects by Stephen Crafti, (Images Publishing Group Pty Ltd, 2005), features 50 residences of myriad types, all of which incorporate water as an integral component of their designs. H2O Architects is available now to AIA members for the special price of $48 ($60 retail). To learn more or purchase, visit the AIA Store or call 800-242-3837, opt. #4.

CAE to Examine Local Education Policy Ramifications:
The Committee on Architecture for Education’s fall conference, “Implement the Dream: Collaboration Is Required,” October 26–28 in Hartford, focuses on the importance of state and local policy regarding education and architecture for education. Register on-site. For more information, visit the CAE conference Web site.

Free Postings Through Year-end: You can post your project, firm, award, and other news free on the AIA’s online news service through the end of 2005.

Check out the new Learning Management System: The site offers 140 courses; 20 of them brand new, fresh from the AIA 2005 National Convention in Las Vegas.

AIA Members Save with United Parcel Service (UPS): Save up to 20 percent on U.S. and international overnight air shipping with UPS, the world’s largest package-distribution company.
Call 800-325-7000, ext. 7600. Reference No. C-000-070-0037

Free Continuing Education: After reading the standards and other information on environmental issues and products, references, and more in each MASTERSPEC topic, licensed users can access online tests to earn AIA/CES learning-unit hours.

Save Time! AIA.org now features a trouble-shooting Knowledge Base to address your AIA Contract Documents software questions quickly and efficiently.

Gain protection for your architecture office and property with Business Owners Protection insurance. Ensure general liability protection with options to add business auto, workers comp, umbrella, and employment practices liability. Click here for specific information about this program. For information about all AIA Trust programs, visit their Web site.