By Edmond G. Gauvreau, AIA

First, I apologize to the entire Public Architects Knowledge Community for the lateness of this issue. From both a personal and professional aspect, it has been a very challenging year for me. I hope that with the coming of 2013, all aspects of life will improve as we all move forward. FULL STORY

Inside this issue:

• Design Excellence Article by Paula Loomis, FAIA
• Proposed Public Architects Workshop Schedule for 2013
• Biography of Dorothy Robyn, new GSA Commissioner of Public Buildings Service
• Looking Back-Looking Forward

Design Excellence in the Public Sector – A Primer
By Paula Loomis, FAIA

Fellow Public Architects. We, as federal, state and local government architects, often get asked about design excellence with questions/comments such as "it doesn't matter what the building looks like", "why is design important" or "just put something up quickly that meets the budget". Also in this time of cutbacks, many federal, state and local government design awards programs are being cut falsely believing that projects recognized in such programs cost more than "regular design" and not realizing the benefit of excellently design projects.  FULL STORY

Proposed Public Architects Workshop Schedule for 2013
By Public Architects Knowledge Community

View the proposed schedule for the Public Architects Workshop at the 2013 AIA National Convention to be held in Denver, Colorado next June. FULL STORY

Biography of Dorothy Robyn, new GSA Commissioner of Public Buildings Service
By Mark Mitsunaga

Dorothy Robyn serves as the Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service (PBS) for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). As PBS Commissioner, Dr. Robyn leads one of the largest and most diversified public real estate organizations in the world.  The Public Buildings Service is responsible for providing superior workplaces for federal customer agencies at good value for the American taxpayer. She was appointed this past summer, coming to GSA from the Department of Defense, where she was the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Installations and Environment. FULL STORY

Looking Back-Looking Forward: 2012 Public Architects Workshop, Washington, D. C.
By Rona G. Rothenberg, FAIA, Vice Chair and Workshop Chair, Public Architects Advisory Group, 2012 Incoming Chair, Public Architects Advisory Group, 2013

In a long tradition spanning almost two decades, the Public Architects Advisory Group (PAAG) planned and hosted a widely attended and highly successful pre-convention workshop on May 15 in Washington, D.C. 

The Workshop, entitled, "Excellence in Public Architecture:  Federal; State; Regional; Local-International and Beyond," included an opening keynote address by Stephen Ayers, FAIA, Architect of the U.S. Capital. The workshop conducted six sessions and panel discussions led by many accomplished practitioners and public sector architects. FULL STORY

Did you know anyone can join AIA Public Architects Committee for FREE? Sign-up on AIA KnowledgeNet and view AIA webinars on-demand on YouTube. Get involved! Start a discussion in the PA Discussion Forum.

Call for Entries: 2013 Justice Facilities Review Submission Deadline: February 4, 2013 at 4:59:59 PM EST For full eligibility rules, judging criteria, and submission fees or to submit your project materials, visit the 2013 AIA Justice Facilities Review page. 2012 JFR Print and Digital Publication Available The Justice Facilities Review 2012 publication is now available. Download the JFR12 (PDF) for FREE on the AIA.org website. Purchase a printed copy of the JFR12 for $23.99* plus shipping. Learn more about the Justice Facilities Review program and view the archive.