The AIA/WA testified in opposition to House Bill 2928 on Friday, Jan. 29. This bill was introduced because the Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARRC) submitted two petitions regarding the State Building Code Council (SBCC) processes regarding creation of new energy codes.
JARRC asserts that the SBCC didn't complete the requested small-business impact statement or a satisfactory cost benefit analysis, so they turned to the legislature. The SBCC stated that it did comply with the requests of the JARRC in the best manner possible and that such an analysis based on one code, not all codes as a whole, is nearly impossible.
The AIA/WA believes the intent of this bill is focused on slowing the institution of new energy code policy adopted in 2009. HB 2928, while focused on the process of how the SBCC carried out its duties, effectively blocks implementation of the new energy code. If passed, HB 2928 will obstruct the new energy code policy and put Washington behind on its energy efficiency goals.
You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director Stan Bowman below.
Angie Homola, County Commissioner for Island County and a licensed architect, testified at the hearing as well. Homola sits on the SBCC and was able to highlight the rigorous steps taken by the SBCC during rule creation for the new state energy code. Homola testified in opposition and stated her willingness to work with the sponsor, Rep. Hasegawa, to find a different approach regarding processes. You can see her testimony below.
Monday, February 01, 2010
AIA|WA Testifies in Support of Fire Sprinkler Bill
AIA/WA testified in support of Senate Bill 6451, concerning the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems, on Jan. 28, in Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. This legislation clarifies rules for fire sprinkler systems and confusing liability issues regarding their use.
Due to the hard work of the building code advisory group set up to examine his issue, all groups that testified on the bill were in support. Testimony was heard form the Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board of Puget sound, the Washington Public Utility Districts Association, the Olympia Fire Department, and the AIA Washington Council.
You can see the AIA/WA brief testimony in support below.
Due to the hard work of the building code advisory group set up to examine his issue, all groups that testified on the bill were in support. Testimony was heard form the Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board of Puget sound, the Washington Public Utility Districts Association, the Olympia Fire Department, and the AIA Washington Council.
You can see the AIA/WA brief testimony in support below.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
AIA Opposes SBCC Move to L&I in Companion Bill
The AIA/WA testified in the Senate Economic Development, Trade & Innovation Committee, yesterday, Jan. 27, regarding Senate Bill 6515. SB 6515 is the companion of HB 2658 which proposes to move the State Building Code Council (SBCC) to the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
As previously written the AIA/WA opposes the move because there is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities, whereas L&I is enforcement oriented.
And, the AIA/WA is in opposition because the move would be greatly disruptive, while having no fiscal impact on the Department of Commerce (Commerce). SBCC is self-funded through fees.
The AIA|WA recommended SBCC remain at Commerce, but if it must be moved, that it be transferred the Department of General Administration (GA). GA has division of Engineering and Architecture services that deals with, and understands, codes and development rules. The suggestion was well received by the Committee.
You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, below.
As previously written the AIA/WA opposes the move because there is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities, whereas L&I is enforcement oriented.
And, the AIA/WA is in opposition because the move would be greatly disruptive, while having no fiscal impact on the Department of Commerce (Commerce). SBCC is self-funded through fees.
The AIA|WA recommended SBCC remain at Commerce, but if it must be moved, that it be transferred the Department of General Administration (GA). GA has division of Engineering and Architecture services that deals with, and understands, codes and development rules. The suggestion was well received by the Committee.
You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, below.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
New Warranty Bill Doesn’t Offer Solutions
The AIA WA testified yesterday, Jan. 26, in Senate Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee. The testimony was regarding Senate Bill 6701. This bill is another in a line of attempts to create warranties on single family homes.
The bill was introduced by Senator Kline with the intention of mirroring the “Condominium Act” and protecting home owners from shoddy construction. However, this bill misses the mark. The goals of the “Condominium Act” were to prevent and solve problems in construction without costly lawsuits. SB 6701 does not have any prevention clauses and encourages litigation as the answer.
Further, as AIA/WA testified on similar legislation last year, provisions of this bill make projects uninsurable for architects. Since architects are covered by Errors and Omissions insurance, if this bill passes architects would not be able to gain coverage for these residential projects or have to work without insurance.
The AIA/WA encourages a different approach like the amendment that Senator Haugen added last year. An approach like Senator Haugen’s provides legitimate redress to consumers and models itself after the Condominium Act by decreasing the need for litigation.
You can see the AIA WA testimony on the bill below.
The bill was introduced by Senator Kline with the intention of mirroring the “Condominium Act” and protecting home owners from shoddy construction. However, this bill misses the mark. The goals of the “Condominium Act” were to prevent and solve problems in construction without costly lawsuits. SB 6701 does not have any prevention clauses and encourages litigation as the answer.
Further, as AIA/WA testified on similar legislation last year, provisions of this bill make projects uninsurable for architects. Since architects are covered by Errors and Omissions insurance, if this bill passes architects would not be able to gain coverage for these residential projects or have to work without insurance.
The AIA/WA encourages a different approach like the amendment that Senator Haugen added last year. An approach like Senator Haugen’s provides legitimate redress to consumers and models itself after the Condominium Act by decreasing the need for litigation.
You can see the AIA WA testimony on the bill below.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Another Bill Aims to Change the SBCC
The State Building Code Council (SBCC) continues to be under fire in the legislature. The AIA/WA testified on HB 2775, regarding membership on the state building code council, yesterday, Jan. 21 in the House Local Government & Housing Committee.
Portions of the bill seek to change the appointment process for members of the SBCC. HB 2775 would make appointments subject to Senate confirmation. Currently members are appointed by the Governor with no confirmation procedure. Subjecting volunteers to confirmation could deter qualified and necessary people from serving on the SBCC.
HB 2775 would also put restriction on board members appointed to represent a specific sector, if they are not longer employed in that sector. This element of the bill is supported by the AIA/WA as it will ensure that SBCC members are appropriately knowledgeable for their sector.
You can see the AIA/WA testimony below.
Portions of the bill seek to change the appointment process for members of the SBCC. HB 2775 would make appointments subject to Senate confirmation. Currently members are appointed by the Governor with no confirmation procedure. Subjecting volunteers to confirmation could deter qualified and necessary people from serving on the SBCC.
HB 2775 would also put restriction on board members appointed to represent a specific sector, if they are not longer employed in that sector. This element of the bill is supported by the AIA/WA as it will ensure that SBCC members are appropriately knowledgeable for their sector.
You can see the AIA/WA testimony below.
QBS Saves More Money than "Lowest Bid"
The AIAWA is continuously checking to ensure that Qualification Based Selection (QBS) is used when procuring architectural services in Washington State. QBS keeps requests for proposals focused on competency not cost. Many times groups or agencies try to circumvent these standards because they don’t allow rummaging for a “low bidder” and therefore projects cost more.
However, according to an article in BNi Building News, a recent study finds that QBS does in fact save Government agencies more money! Using QBS also, “consistently meant lower overall construction costs, reduced change orders, better project results and more highly satisfied owners.”
The study was conducted jointly by the University of Colorado and Georgia Institute of Technology. The article states, “Researchers drew from a database of approximately 200 public and private construction projects in 23 states. The sample included transportation, water, commercial, and industrial projects, ranging in size from relatively small projects to those costing hundreds of millions dollars. The study compared various procurement methods including: Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS); Best Value, Low- Bid, and Sole Source.”
You can read the entire article here.
However, according to an article in BNi Building News, a recent study finds that QBS does in fact save Government agencies more money! Using QBS also, “consistently meant lower overall construction costs, reduced change orders, better project results and more highly satisfied owners.”
The study was conducted jointly by the University of Colorado and Georgia Institute of Technology. The article states, “Researchers drew from a database of approximately 200 public and private construction projects in 23 states. The sample included transportation, water, commercial, and industrial projects, ranging in size from relatively small projects to those costing hundreds of millions dollars. The study compared various procurement methods including: Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS); Best Value, Low- Bid, and Sole Source.”
You can read the entire article here.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
AIA|WA Opposes Move of SBCC to Labor and Industries
The AIA/WA testified in the House Community, Economic Development, Trade Committee today, Jan. 20, regarding HB 2658. Section eight of HB 2658 proposes to move the State Building Code Council (SBCC) to the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
Primarily, the AIA/WA opposes the move because there is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities. Whereas, L&I is enforcement oriented. In order to be effective the SBCC must combine divergent views to create codes that are proper, safe and able to be implemented; this requires independence from enforcement.
The AIA/WA is also opposed because this transfer is unnecessary to save funds and could be greatly disruptive. The SBCC is self-funded through fees so this move has no fiscal impact. Currently, the SBCC is successful in the Department of Commerce, especially in regard to the synergy it has created with energy efficiency programs.
This was not a shift that was determined by a stakeholder process, unlike other changes suggested in the legislation. You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, below.
Primarily, the AIA/WA opposes the move because there is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities. Whereas, L&I is enforcement oriented. In order to be effective the SBCC must combine divergent views to create codes that are proper, safe and able to be implemented; this requires independence from enforcement.
The AIA/WA is also opposed because this transfer is unnecessary to save funds and could be greatly disruptive. The SBCC is self-funded through fees so this move has no fiscal impact. Currently, the SBCC is successful in the Department of Commerce, especially in regard to the synergy it has created with energy efficiency programs.
This was not a shift that was determined by a stakeholder process, unlike other changes suggested in the legislation. You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, below.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
AIA|WA Testifies on Architect's Licensing Bill
The architects licensing bill, HB 1634 - Modernization of Architecture Licensing, had a hearing on Friday, January 15, 2010, at 8 a.m. before the House Commerce & Labor Committee. The hearing was on the Substitute version that was passed out of the policy and fiscal committees in 2009.
Based on discussions with legislators over the interim, the AIA/WA asked that an additional amendment be made to the bill that deals with the alternative pathway. The amendment will mirror the one introduced at our request by Representative Scott White for consideration during floor action (Amendment 1634-S HELA 033). The current length of time for an applicant, to have met the prerequisites to take the exam, is 8 years. Last year, the bill changed that provision to 12 years. This year, after significant discussion in committee, the AIA/WA will propose a compromise at 9 years. Nine years mirrors the current traditional pathway, which is typically 6 years of school and a minimum of 3 years of experience.
You can see the AIA/WA testimony (by Stan Bowman, AIA/WA Executive Director; and Rep. Scott White, the bill’s prime sponsor) in support of the bill bellow.
Based on discussions with legislators over the interim, the AIA/WA asked that an additional amendment be made to the bill that deals with the alternative pathway. The amendment will mirror the one introduced at our request by Representative Scott White for consideration during floor action (Amendment 1634-S HELA 033). The current length of time for an applicant, to have met the prerequisites to take the exam, is 8 years. Last year, the bill changed that provision to 12 years. This year, after significant discussion in committee, the AIA/WA will propose a compromise at 9 years. Nine years mirrors the current traditional pathway, which is typically 6 years of school and a minimum of 3 years of experience.
You can see the AIA/WA testimony (by Stan Bowman, AIA/WA Executive Director; and Rep. Scott White, the bill’s prime sponsor) in support of the bill bellow.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Architects Can Help in Haiti Earthquake Relief
AIA National President, George H. Miller, FAIA, and Executive Vice President/CEO, Christine W. McEntee, have composed a letter regarding the crisis in Haiti. In this letter they give many ideas and contacts for how architects can be of assistance to those in need.
Please click here to read the letter.
Please click here to read the letter.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
No Design = No Construction, AIA|WA Testifies on the Capitol Budget
AIAWA testified in the House Capitol Budget committee yesterday regarding the broad based policy impacts of the 2010 Supplemental Capital Budget.
In this budget architects and design professionals took a disproportionally large loss, with some estimates saying that up to half of the construction/design budget was cut with the remaining dollars going toward “shovel ready” projects. The AIAWA testified to the mis-placement of design dollars noting that if buildings are not designed years in advance they can’t be built – so ultimately, if there are no design jobs there will be no construction jobs.
The AIAWA further noted our concern that the Governor is planning to transfer more money from the construction budget to put towards programs. Another cut would undeniably impact jobs in the construction/design sector. For every 10 million we spend on construction projects there are about 285 full-time jobs, with benefits, provided. New cuts could put hundreds of people out of work.
You can see the full hearing by clicking here. You can see testimony from AIAWA Director, Stan Bowman, below.
In this budget architects and design professionals took a disproportionally large loss, with some estimates saying that up to half of the construction/design budget was cut with the remaining dollars going toward “shovel ready” projects. The AIAWA testified to the mis-placement of design dollars noting that if buildings are not designed years in advance they can’t be built – so ultimately, if there are no design jobs there will be no construction jobs.
The AIAWA further noted our concern that the Governor is planning to transfer more money from the construction budget to put towards programs. Another cut would undeniably impact jobs in the construction/design sector. For every 10 million we spend on construction projects there are about 285 full-time jobs, with benefits, provided. New cuts could put hundreds of people out of work.
You can see the full hearing by clicking here. You can see testimony from AIAWA Director, Stan Bowman, below.
AIA|WA Testifies in Support of Design Funding in Capital Budget
The House Capital Budget Committee held its first hearing of 2010 on the Governor’s supplemental Capital Budget.
The news was not encouraging for architects, engineers and contractors who do public work. Because of lowered revenue the capital budget about $500 in the hole for the current biennium. More concerning is that the Governor is proposing to take another $157 million out of construction and put it into the state’s general fund programs.
Every $10 million dollars spent on building construction typically requires 160,000 labor hours and creates 285 full-time, family wage jobs. With private sector construction at a standstill, we need the state to protect its public construction dollars and invest them in design and construction jobs.
Also concerning is that the Governor is not proposing to rectify the inequities in the budget toward design projects. Design projects were disproportionately cut in the 2009-2011 Capital Budget. Depending on the numbers used, design was cut between 50% and 75% from the previous budget.
AIA|WA testified at the hearing to encourage lawmakers to consider the impacts of such low design funding. If design is not funded now, then construction projects will not be ready when the economy improves and there is money to be spent. Starting from scratch it takes three to four years to move a project through design to construction.
The design professions employ more than 37,000 workers with an average annual wage of $71,491 (in 2008). Total wages were $2.65 billion from 2,956 firms. However, 2008 was the height of design employment. Since August 2008, employment had dropped by more than 4,200 design workers.
This is just the direct employment of design professionals. Also affected are office support staff, consultants, interior designers, computer aided drawing (CAD) technicians, drafters, construction cost estimators and many more. Adding in these workers would multiply by many times the impact of the current recession on the industry.
AIA|WA will continue to advocate for restoration of design projects not funded in the current budget.
You can view the hearing at www.tvw.org.
The news was not encouraging for architects, engineers and contractors who do public work. Because of lowered revenue the capital budget about $500 in the hole for the current biennium. More concerning is that the Governor is proposing to take another $157 million out of construction and put it into the state’s general fund programs.
Every $10 million dollars spent on building construction typically requires 160,000 labor hours and creates 285 full-time, family wage jobs. With private sector construction at a standstill, we need the state to protect its public construction dollars and invest them in design and construction jobs.
Also concerning is that the Governor is not proposing to rectify the inequities in the budget toward design projects. Design projects were disproportionately cut in the 2009-2011 Capital Budget. Depending on the numbers used, design was cut between 50% and 75% from the previous budget.
AIA|WA testified at the hearing to encourage lawmakers to consider the impacts of such low design funding. If design is not funded now, then construction projects will not be ready when the economy improves and there is money to be spent. Starting from scratch it takes three to four years to move a project through design to construction.
The design professions employ more than 37,000 workers with an average annual wage of $71,491 (in 2008). Total wages were $2.65 billion from 2,956 firms. However, 2008 was the height of design employment. Since August 2008, employment had dropped by more than 4,200 design workers.
This is just the direct employment of design professionals. Also affected are office support staff, consultants, interior designers, computer aided drawing (CAD) technicians, drafters, construction cost estimators and many more. Adding in these workers would multiply by many times the impact of the current recession on the industry.
AIA|WA will continue to advocate for restoration of design projects not funded in the current budget.
You can view the hearing at www.tvw.org.
Friday, January 08, 2010
First Week of Session - Architect’s Bill Gets a Hearing
On Friday, January 15, at 8 a.m. the Architect’s Licensing bill and the interior design licensing bill are up for a hearing before the House Commerce & Labor Committee. A few AIA architects and the Executive Director of AIA/WA, Stan Bowman, will be testifying.
The hearing will be held in: House Hearing Room B, in the John L. O'Brien Building at the State Capitol in Olympia. To go to the Legislature sight and read the bill summary, and/or in their entirety, click on the links below.
- HB 1608 - Concerning the practice of interior design.
- SHB 1634 - Regarding architects. (If measure is referred to committee.)
Check back to see video coverage of the hearing.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
NCARB - New Rules Jan.1, 2010
NCARB sent an alert today. The alert states that the Intern Development Program (IDP) has several new rules that will go into effect on January 1, 2010 as part of the phased implementation of IDP 2.0.
However, while the changes will go into effect on January first - due to the holiday - NCARB's electronic Experience Verification Reporting (e-EVR) system will not reflect these changes until January 4, 2010. Also, the e-EVR will be unavailable for several hours on January 4 while the system is updated.
For more information about the upcoming changes to the IDP, please see FAQs on the NCARB web site, the latest issue of NCARB's Direct Connection, or the November IDP e-News.
However, while the changes will go into effect on January first - due to the holiday - NCARB's electronic Experience Verification Reporting (e-EVR) system will not reflect these changes until January 4, 2010. Also, the e-EVR will be unavailable for several hours on January 4 while the system is updated.
For more information about the upcoming changes to the IDP, please see FAQs on the NCARB web site, the latest issue of NCARB's Direct Connection, or the November IDP e-News.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Audit Report on Building Fees (Draft) Released
In the last legislative session a law (SB 5120) was passed requiring the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of building permit and inspection fees. The auditor has released his draft report.
The bill also required that permit fees not exceed the direct and indirect costs associated with reviewing permit applications, conducting inspections, and preparing specific environmental documents.
The auditor reviewed 8 counties for their permit fees and the reasonableness of those fees. The audit finds:
“Among the eight counties surveyed, there were varying approaches to the determination of building permit fees. Most of these approaches focused on setting the rates at a reasonable level in relation to an established benchmark. These new restrictions will require the counties to set permit fees at a level sufficient to recover only the costs of administering the program. Achieving this objective will require counties adopt a cost recovery methodology to fee setting.”
The report also notes some aspects of the bill, and implementation, which are difficult:
- Many counties do not have systems in place to track the indirect costs of building permit programs; the bill requires fees to be tied to costs, but provides incomplete guidance on how costs are to be determined.
- The bill does not address the need for a surplus to be built during good times to get departments through lean times. For instance, because permit revenue is down in the last year most departments would be eliminating staff or radically adjusting their fees to meet the basic permit needs.
As noted, this is a draft report. The final report should be issued in January. The draft gives the oversight committee a chance to review it and make comments prior to its final issuance. They are not seeking public comment on the draft.
Please review the report here and share any comments you may have.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Governor Gregoire Announces Boards/Commissions Cuts/Changes
Governor Gregoire recently issued recommendations for changes to the many boards and commissions in Washington state. (Follow the link for the Governor's press release and lists of affected agencies.)
She eliminated 17 boards via executive order and has proposed another 78 be eliminated by legislative action. She is also proposing the consolidation, movement and merger of some boards and sub-cabinet agencies.
For the most part there is very little impact on the architectural profession by these proposals. The licensing board, for instance, would be unaffected. And, many of those being eliminated likley will not be missed by the profession or the people of Washington. However, there are a few proposals that merit a closer look by the AIA|WA.
Architects serve on the following boards being proposed for elimination:
• The Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB)
• The Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee
In addition the AIA has had an interest in the following board being proposed to be eliminated:
• Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
CPARB is a board that the AIA|WA helped to create and has protected against elimination in the past. It serves a vital regulatory and oversight function regarding the use of alternative public works procurement processes by state and local government agencies. Norm Strong, FAIA, is the AIA’s current representative on CPARB. It is not clear if the Project Review Committee, which reports to CPARB, would also be eliminated.
The Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee, “Advises the State Capitol Committee and the director of General Administration to review programs, planning, design, and landscaping of state capitol facilities and grounds and to make recommendations that will contribute to the attainment of architectural, aesthetic, functional, and environmental excellence in design and maintenance of capitol facilities on campus and located in neighboring communities.” The law requires that the appointees be: two architects; one landscape architect; and an urban planner. The AIA members serving on the committee are Paul Blanton, FAIA, of Spokane and Alex Rolluda, AIA, of Seattle and Dennis Haskell, FAIA, of Seattle.
The Home Inspector board was created only recently to oversee the development and implementation of the home inspector licensing program. AIA|WA supported the creation of the licensing program.
The Governor is also proposing to create an environmental and land use hearings office by reducing and combining the Growth Management Hearings Boards and the Environmental Hearings Office
Finally, Gregoire proposes to reorganize the Department of Commerce (formerly CTED). Currently, the State Building Code Council is housed at Commerce. Gregoire is proposing to move it to the Department of Labor & Industries. John Cochran, AIA, of Seattle, serves as AIA's main representative on the board and we have several members serving on the Council and on technical advisory groups (too many to succinctly list).
There is some logic to this move. Related programs, such as elevator and electrical inspection, are housed at L&I. But, L&I is an agency that has a very political culture and has been problematic in a number of other areas. For instance, we’ve received complaints about the lack of responsiveness of the elevator inspectors.
What are your thoughts on the elimination proposals? Are they needed reforms. Or, are there problems with the proposals. Comment below.
She eliminated 17 boards via executive order and has proposed another 78 be eliminated by legislative action. She is also proposing the consolidation, movement and merger of some boards and sub-cabinet agencies.
For the most part there is very little impact on the architectural profession by these proposals. The licensing board, for instance, would be unaffected. And, many of those being eliminated likley will not be missed by the profession or the people of Washington. However, there are a few proposals that merit a closer look by the AIA|WA.
Architects serve on the following boards being proposed for elimination:
• The Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB)
• The Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee
In addition the AIA has had an interest in the following board being proposed to be eliminated:
• Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
CPARB is a board that the AIA|WA helped to create and has protected against elimination in the past. It serves a vital regulatory and oversight function regarding the use of alternative public works procurement processes by state and local government agencies. Norm Strong, FAIA, is the AIA’s current representative on CPARB. It is not clear if the Project Review Committee, which reports to CPARB, would also be eliminated.
The Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee, “Advises the State Capitol Committee and the director of General Administration to review programs, planning, design, and landscaping of state capitol facilities and grounds and to make recommendations that will contribute to the attainment of architectural, aesthetic, functional, and environmental excellence in design and maintenance of capitol facilities on campus and located in neighboring communities.” The law requires that the appointees be: two architects; one landscape architect; and an urban planner. The AIA members serving on the committee are Paul Blanton, FAIA, of Spokane and Alex Rolluda, AIA, of Seattle and Dennis Haskell, FAIA, of Seattle.
The Home Inspector board was created only recently to oversee the development and implementation of the home inspector licensing program. AIA|WA supported the creation of the licensing program.
The Governor is also proposing to create an environmental and land use hearings office by reducing and combining the Growth Management Hearings Boards and the Environmental Hearings Office
Finally, Gregoire proposes to reorganize the Department of Commerce (formerly CTED). Currently, the State Building Code Council is housed at Commerce. Gregoire is proposing to move it to the Department of Labor & Industries. John Cochran, AIA, of Seattle, serves as AIA's main representative on the board and we have several members serving on the Council and on technical advisory groups (too many to succinctly list).
There is some logic to this move. Related programs, such as elevator and electrical inspection, are housed at L&I. But, L&I is an agency that has a very political culture and has been problematic in a number of other areas. For instance, we’ve received complaints about the lack of responsiveness of the elevator inspectors.
What are your thoughts on the elimination proposals? Are they needed reforms. Or, are there problems with the proposals. Comment below.
Friday, December 04, 2009
2010 AIA Gold Medal Awarded to Peter Bohlin, FAIA
Profession’s highest honor goes to architect known for exceptional contextual use of materials.
The Board of Directors of The AIA voted today to award the 2010 AIA Gold Medal to Peter Bohlin, FAIA. Bohlin is the founder of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, which has offices in Seattle, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
The AIA Gold Medal, voted on annually, is considered to be the profession’s highest national honor. The Gold Medal honors an individual whose significant body of work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. Bohlin will be honored at the 2010 AIA National Convention in Miami.
AIA President Marvin Malecha, FAIA, notified Bohlin by telephone immediately after the Board made its decision. “I’m so pleased and I’m surprised,” said Bohlin. “We all believe in architecture. It is our life to a great extent. Like athletes, we all know that it’s hard work to make it look easy, and we’re all constantly striving to do that.”
Over the course of his long career, Bohlin has designed rural houses and nature centers as well as excellent urban buildings. The key to success for both building types is their contextual use of materials. Locals can see an example of Bohlin’s work: the Seattle City Hall.
“He moves from the log cabin to the glass box with the same unassailable ethic,” wrote Mack Scogin, FAIA, of Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, in a recommendation letter.
Bohlin’s projects have earned 14 national AIA Awards, including nine Institute Honor Awards, COTE Top Ten Green Project Awards, AIA Committee on Education and AIA Housing Awards. Bohlin is the 66th AIA Gold Medalist. In recognition of his legacy to architecture, his name will be chiseled into the granite Wall of Honor in the lobby of the AIA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The Board of Directors of The AIA voted today to award the 2010 AIA Gold Medal to Peter Bohlin, FAIA. Bohlin is the founder of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, which has offices in Seattle, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
The AIA Gold Medal, voted on annually, is considered to be the profession’s highest national honor. The Gold Medal honors an individual whose significant body of work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. Bohlin will be honored at the 2010 AIA National Convention in Miami.
AIA President Marvin Malecha, FAIA, notified Bohlin by telephone immediately after the Board made its decision. “I’m so pleased and I’m surprised,” said Bohlin. “We all believe in architecture. It is our life to a great extent. Like athletes, we all know that it’s hard work to make it look easy, and we’re all constantly striving to do that.”
Over the course of his long career, Bohlin has designed rural houses and nature centers as well as excellent urban buildings. The key to success for both building types is their contextual use of materials. Locals can see an example of Bohlin’s work: the Seattle City Hall.
“He moves from the log cabin to the glass box with the same unassailable ethic,” wrote Mack Scogin, FAIA, of Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, in a recommendation letter.
Bohlin’s projects have earned 14 national AIA Awards, including nine Institute Honor Awards, COTE Top Ten Green Project Awards, AIA Committee on Education and AIA Housing Awards. Bohlin is the 66th AIA Gold Medalist. In recognition of his legacy to architecture, his name will be chiseled into the granite Wall of Honor in the lobby of the AIA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Public Meeting on Climate Change
Public meeting to gather input on the development of the state’s integrated climate change response strategy will be held:
December 10th, 2009
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wenatchee Public Library
310 Douglas St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
In 2009, the Washington legislature passed Senate Bill 5560 directing the Department of Ecology to partner with the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Transportation “to develop an integrated climate change response strategy to better enable state and local agencies, public and private businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals to prepare for, address, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.” The strategy is due to the Legislature in December of 2011.
The agencies are requesting initial feedback from the public. These meetings will be used to provide an overview of the strategy framework, provide background on the need for such a strategy for Washington State. Check the DOE website for more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/adaptation.htm.
December 10th, 2009
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wenatchee Public Library
310 Douglas St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
In 2009, the Washington legislature passed Senate Bill 5560 directing the Department of Ecology to partner with the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Transportation “to develop an integrated climate change response strategy to better enable state and local agencies, public and private businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals to prepare for, address, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.” The strategy is due to the Legislature in December of 2011.
The agencies are requesting initial feedback from the public. These meetings will be used to provide an overview of the strategy framework, provide background on the need for such a strategy for Washington State. Check the DOE website for more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/adaptation.htm.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
New Rules for Harvesting Rainwater - Former President Publishes Article
Past AIA/WA President, Timothy Buckley, of Greenstone Architecture, recently published an article on rainwater harvesting in the Vancouver Business Journal. Although the collection and use of rainwater is beneficial to the environment, Washington architects have had a hard time getting rights to harvest it.
In his article Buckley notes, “for years, the region's green building community has been working with the DOE and the State Legislature to get the rules changed. Unlike our neighbors in Oregon, developers wishing to harvest rainwater in Washington were required to wade into a state water rights permit backlog - considered by many to be a futile effort.” However, as Buckley details further, some difficulties with water rights are changing.
You can read about all the new policies that are changing the rules on water harvesting and the entire article here.
In his article Buckley notes, “for years, the region's green building community has been working with the DOE and the State Legislature to get the rules changed. Unlike our neighbors in Oregon, developers wishing to harvest rainwater in Washington were required to wade into a state water rights permit backlog - considered by many to be a futile effort.” However, as Buckley details further, some difficulties with water rights are changing.
You can read about all the new policies that are changing the rules on water harvesting and the entire article here.
AIA|WA Annual Meeting Held - Resources Available
The AIA|WA held a successful Annual Business Meeting last Friday, November 13, at the award winning TOC Conference Center in Everett.
Presentations included the Tacoma Commuter Rail System, Architects and Disaster Assistance, and an overview of the 2010 Legislative Priorities for Washington Architects, and more.
Delegates voted in a new president, Jon Hopwood, AIA, (AIA Central Washington) and secretary/treasurer. The new secretary/treasurer is Lois Wardell, AIA, (AIA Central Washington) who also received the Jennie Sue Brown Award for her long dedication to the profession and AIA|WA.
For pictures, details about the meeting, and resources on all the above presentations, click here to visit our website.
Presentations included the Tacoma Commuter Rail System, Architects and Disaster Assistance, and an overview of the 2010 Legislative Priorities for Washington Architects, and more.
Delegates voted in a new president, Jon Hopwood, AIA, (AIA Central Washington) and secretary/treasurer. The new secretary/treasurer is Lois Wardell, AIA, (AIA Central Washington) who also received the Jennie Sue Brown Award for her long dedication to the profession and AIA|WA.
For pictures, details about the meeting, and resources on all the above presentations, click here to visit our website.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
AIA Architects Recommend Changes to Port Angeles
The Peninsula Daily News reported that the “city of Port Angeles is working its way through the 85 recommendations made by the American Institute of Architects to determine which ones are feasible to undertake now and which should be put into long-term plans”.
The article goes on to note that there are some dramatic suggestions from the AIA that include - to "decouple" First and Front streets and make them both two-lane roads which will reconfigure how bicycles and pedestrians navigate the city.
You can read all the AIA Architect's recommendations in their report here , or visit the city's Web site at http://tinyurl.com/ybzpbsm.
This report, based on a three-day visit from a six-member AIA design team in March, was funded by a $15,000 grant and $5,000 from the city. The city has selected 30 of the recommendations as feasible to do in the near future.
You can read the entire article here.
The article goes on to note that there are some dramatic suggestions from the AIA that include - to "decouple" First and Front streets and make them both two-lane roads which will reconfigure how bicycles and pedestrians navigate the city.
You can read all the AIA Architect's recommendations in their report here , or visit the city's Web site at http://tinyurl.com/ybzpbsm.
This report, based on a three-day visit from a six-member AIA design team in March, was funded by a $15,000 grant and $5,000 from the city. The city has selected 30 of the recommendations as feasible to do in the near future.
You can read the entire article here.
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