Features
Architects – Property and Liability Insurance Coverage Issues
By Randy C. DeLopst, CPCU
This article addresses some of the key property and liability insurance coverage issues faced by architects when providing their services to clients. A detailed discussion of each and every special insurance coverage need that an architect might have is beyond the scope of this article. You may need to seek expert insurance advice in order to completely tailor your own insurance program to meet your own specific needs.
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Inspiration: Embrace Risk
By Marc Manack, AIA
"Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing." —Warren Buffett
"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is." —Will Rogers
Buffett's and Rogers' quotes are exemplars of the paradox that occurs when considering risk in architecture. Although risk may be inextricably linked to every aspect of the profession, it is valued positively in the realm of design while the demands of practice view it as a negative. What risk simultaneously provides is a source of consternation for practitioners and business owners as well as a source of opportunity for designers. In fact, risk's greatest significance in architecture may lie in reconciling these competing interests.
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Discovered Details: Modern and Traditional Details in Asia
By Jean Dufresne, AIA
Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City designed by Ngo Viet Thu, 1962-1966.
This is a gorgeous midcentury modern building. The shading device is elegant and simple, creating a lovely play of shadows on the floor while layering the building's exterior with a playful grid over glass. The detail is gorgeous when viewing the entire facade, yet scaled for up close view as well.
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Call for Volunteers
SPP Journal Editor
The Small Projects Practitioners (SPP) Advisory Group seeks a volunteer to edit the SPP Journal. The SPP Journal is a quarterly online publication that collects and disseminates knowledge on how to profitably run a small firm and carry out small projects. It is distributed over 9000 AIA SPP Knowledge Community members and is also posted to the AIA's website.
Responsibilities include:
Propose journal themes to Advisory Group members by conference call once per quarter
Create a Call for Submissions soliciting articles on the Journal theme, and disseminate the call through Knowledge Community blogs, by coordinating e-blasts with AIA staff, in the SPP Journal, and through your network
Select and edit submissions and pass them on to the Chair of the SPP Advisory Group; obtain copyright notices, format articles, upload content to the AIA's Architect's Knowledge Resource, and solicit a Letter from the Chair
Create a Journal summary page with links to Journal content, including the Call for Submissions for the next Journal issue
Coordinate final formatting and distribution with AIA staff
The time commitment is two years, with approximately 20 hours per issue (quarter) required. Three issues per year are on original topics. The fourth issue is the AIA Small Projects Awards issue where the content is provided but other responsibilities remain.
To Apply: Please email a letter of interest summarizing your qualifications SPP@AIA.org, with "SPP Journal" in the subject line. Position is open until filled, but preference will be given to responses received by September 19.
SPP Tips Editor
The Small Projects Practitioners (SPP) Advisory Group seeks a volunteer to edit the SPP Tips. The SPP Tips are typically 100-400 words, videos, or podcasts that share an experience, anecdote, failure, lessons learned, proven best practice or good advice. TIPS are distributed to the 9,000+ SPP members biweekly.
Responsibilities include:
Soliciting, selecting, and editing Tips from members and colleagues for distribution to the SPP community via biweekly email, the SPP Journal, SPP Twitter feed and SPP webpage.
Acquiring permission to use the Tips provided
Coordinating biweekly distribution with AIA staff
Reporting to the SPP Advisory Group monthly via conference call or email
The time commitment is one year and requires approximately 2-4 hours per month.
To read past Tips, click here. Current Tips editor Jean Dufresne can answer any questions: 312.829.6666 x101, jean@spacearchplan.com
To Apply: Please email a letter of interest summarizing your qualifications SPP@AIA.org, with "SPP Tips" in the subject line. Position is open until filled.
Rate and Review Your Favorite Content
You've got a unique perspective on how we continue building the profession and we'd love to hear what's on your mind. Can you please take a minute to rate and review the content on the AIA site? All users may comment on, rate, and save as "favorite" any blog post or library on AIA KnowledgeNet and AIA.org. Share your know-how with all our other members and rank the best resources.
Find out how »
Digital Library Repository for Peer-Reviewed Research
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) have developed the Building Research Information Knowledgebase (BRIK), an interactive portal offering free online access to peer-reviewed research projects and case studies in all facets of the built environment, from pre-design through occupancy and reuse.
Review contributions to Design Issues research »
For further information on BRIK and on how to become a Knowledge Contributor, visit the "Frequently Asked Questions" section on the website home page, www.brikbase.org.
