The Second Decade, 1867–1876
The Community of Architects moves to educate itself and the public
The AIA’s first decade was a heady one, as architects, first from New York City and then from further afield, came together to look at their obligations—as architects, to clients—and then at how they might make the public (and each other) aware of those obligations. Join architectural historian Tony Wrenn, Hon. AIA, accompanied by Richard Upjohn, as he continues his journey through the AIA’s second decade, during which the AIA brought in members from Illinois and Ohio in the Midwest, and from as far south as South Carolina.

Architect of the Capitol, RTKL “Doing It Right” at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
While convening in Washington, D.C., members of the AIA Executive Committee toured the construction site of the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on October 19 with the best of all possible tour guides: Architect of the Capitol Alan Hantman, FAIA. Construction of the visitor center began in July 2002 for the purpose of making the Capitol “more accessible, comfortable, secure, and informative for all visitors.” Architecture firm RTKL Associates Inc. placed the facility underground below the East Capitol grounds, so as not to detract from the venerable appearance of the Capitol and its historic Frederick Law Olmsted landscape.

Membership Renewals, Census Forms Mailed to Members
This year, to enable the AIA to have a more complete picture of the membership, a brief but very important census form accompanies the membership renewal form that you should receive very shortly in the mail. Please take a minute (it literally only takes a minute!) to complete the census and return the form. It is printed in two versions: one for licensed architect members and the other for associate members. If you so choose, you can complete the census—and also pay your dues—online. Visit www.aia.org/memberservices and type in your eight-digit AIA membership number and password (your last name in lowercase letters). Questions? Send an e-mail to AIA Information Central (infocentral@aia.org) or call 800-242-3837.

AIA East Bay Honors a Lucky 13
AIA East Bay, California, announced October 18 the 13 recipients of the 2005 AIA East Bay Design Awards. The chapter recognized projects ranging from a unique pre-fab residence, to historic preservation projects, to an Episcopalian parish hall. The distinguished 2005 jurors, who hail from the western part of the state, were Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA, San Diego; Mark Horton, AIA, San Francisco; and Lucia Howard, AIA, Oakland.

Koonce Testifies Before Congressional Committee
AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Norman L. Koonce, FAIA, (right) testified before the Government Reform Subcommittee on Federalism on November 1 regarding the AIA and National Trust for Historic Preservation’s proposal to enact a package of grants and tax incentives to repair and rebuild historic structures affected by the hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Joined by Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chair John Nau; National Park Services Associate Director of Cultural Resources Dr. Janet Matthews; and President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Richard Moe, Hon. AIA, (left) Koonce urged Congress to make historic preservation a top priority of congressional action and, specifically, to “extend the historic rehabilitation tax credit program—which has a long and successful record in preserving commercial property—to residential property.” For more information, read the AIA Angle. Photo by Matt Hyde.

Spotlight
Vivian Loftness Gives Sustainability a Green Light
Is it easy being green? Yes, believes Vivian Loftness, FAIA, chair of the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE). Green design is beautiful design for Loftness, professor of architecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She leads 45 COTE chapters and 7,000 members who advocate the principles of green design, sustainability, and the built environment. In this interview, she explains why sustainable design means “cherishability.”

Green Design Is Real Treat for Dogs
A “green” doghouse that features a vegetated roof, a photovoltaic solar panel, daylighting, and recycled building materials, fetched $525 during “Animal House 2005,” a fundraiser for the Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina, held in September in Durham, N.C. The pooch palace, dubbed the “Dog Box” by its creators at Frank Harmon Architect, Raleigh, demonstrates that the principles of green, or sustainable, architecture can be applied to any built structure–even if the inhabitant is of the four-footed variety.

project watch
Birch Trees—and a Moss Garden—Grow in Manhattan
Piano’s New York Times Building brings the garden into the workplace
Pritzker Prize recipient Renzo Piano’s new headquarters for the New York Times is still under construction, but already plans are set for the creation of a birch and moss garden at the heart of the building. Surrounded by glass walls 70 feet high, the enclosure will contain the first moss garden in Manhattan and include nine 40-foot-tall Paper Birch trees. “The garden is the space that allows people who use the building to connect with nature,” says landscape architect Hank White.

Your Kiplinger Connection (members only, AIA.org login required)
The economy: New-home construction is flagging while remodeling continues strong. Business costs: Your business clients will get up to 30 percent increases in electricity bills next year. Money: Fed Chairman-designate Ben Bernanke, an anti-inflationist, won’t lower interest rates despite housing and energy trends.
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?
October 10 | October 17 | October 24 | October 31

BEST PRACTICEs in risk management
Master and Commander: The Architect’s Authority
Like Captain “Lucky” Jack Aubrey in Master and Commander, some architects seek complete control of project activities, Grant Simpson, FAIA, and James Atkins, FAIA, note as they examine primary areas of the architect’s authority. Learn when it is appropriate to act as master and commander and take control, when it is appropriate to act as consultant and when to allow the duties of other parties to rule. They explore the decision-making duties required of the design professional for meeting the professional standard of care and how the perception of others can influence required actions.

Pass It On: AIA Minnesota Is Hosting a Great Conference November 15–18
Architects are in a unique position to affect our environment today so that generations to come will benefit. “Pass It On,” the theme of this year’s convention, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, addresses environmentally friendly, “green” solutions to building challenges and shows how architects can become leaders in sustainable design. Over the four-day convention, architects and the public alike can be engaged by thought-provoking leaders—including AIA President-elect Kate Schwennsen, FAIA—during programs and surrounded by stimulating concepts to create a better environment while experiencing the exhibit hall. For more information, visit AIA Minnesota’s Web site.

October Bestsellers in the AIA Store
Need some insight into what your colleagues are thinking? Here are the latest bestsellers from the AIA Store for the month of October. The AIA 2005 Compensation Report, which covers salaries and benefits within the profession from 2002-2004, topped the list in print and PDF formats, while Mediterranean Villages: An Architectural Journey, by Steve and Cathi House, was third.

AIA CAREER CENTER
Here Are This Week’s Featured Opportunities

Fab Finnish Fabric! Marimekko: Fabric Fashion Architecture (edited by Marianne Aav, Yale University Press, 2003) traces the history and influence of the Finnish fabric company that has sparked a fashion revolution for the well-dressed home and office. Marimekko: Fabric Fashion Architecture 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.

Design by building, virtually. Collaborate, early, to leverage collective knowledge. Share information openly, freely. Make decisions based on outcomes rather than first cost. Expand services. Learn more about Integrated Practice at www.aia.org/ip.

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.

Class of the Week: “Get the Mold Out! Preventing Mold Growth in Your Architecture,” earned a five-star rating from eClassroom participants. From November 4–10, eClassroom is offering “Get the Mold Out” for a 10 percent discount: $89.05 AIA members/$121.95 non-members (the regular price is $98.95/$134.95.) Sign up now.

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.

Know How and When You’re Going to Retire?
The AIA Trust sponsors the AIA Members Retirement Program with plans offered by The Equitable, one of the largest and most experienced firms in the world. You’ll get 18 different investment options, ranging from conservative to more aggressive funds, and 24/7 online account access. Learn more about this program. For information about all AIA Trust programs, visit their Web site.