The AIA Washington Council had an exciting lobby day on Feb. 19. Each year the AIA/WA holds Capitol Connections, the lobby day for state architects. Over 35 active and involved members attended and participated in: presentations on the state of government; meetings with their legislators and state leadership; and hearings where they testified or signed-in supporting architect issues.
Capitol Connections is a key time when legislators can put a face on issues. A great example of how members make a difference during Capitol Connections was in evidence during the hearing for the architect licensing law bill, HB 1634. Washington is one of seventeen states that allow those who have held internships for a period of years to be grandfathered-in and allowed to take the licensing exam. Below you can hear testimony on HB 1634 from AIA/WA members Sue Lani Madsen, Madsen, Mitchell, Evenson & Conrad of Eastern Washington; and Dave Huotari, ALSC of Spokane.
2.16.2009
AIA WA Member Testifies in Support of Efficiency First Legislation
AIAWA members Marc Jenefsky, of JensenFey, testified in support if SB 5854 which aims to reduce climate pollution in the built environment.
Jenefsky testified about how this bill and its goals are good for creating quality jobs and the environment. Jenefsky also detailed how the goals of the bill are achievable, affordable and desirable. See his testimony below. For the entire hearing on this bill visit TVW here.
Jenefsky testified about how this bill and its goals are good for creating quality jobs and the environment. Jenefsky also detailed how the goals of the bill are achievable, affordable and desirable. See his testimony below. For the entire hearing on this bill visit TVW here.
2.13.2009
AIA/WA Testifies Against Removing Art Funding in Public Buildings
The AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, testified against House Bill 1376 Feb. 9 before the House Capitol Budget Committee. HB 1376 would have removed the requirement, during the 2009-11 biennium, that .5 percent of the total capital project cost of public buildings be used for artwork.
The AIA/WA made the point that art in public buildings is not just an amenity to building design but an integral part of the building that enhances the space for the employees and public who use the building.
You can see Executive Director Bowman’s testimony below.
The AIA/WA made the point that art in public buildings is not just an amenity to building design but an integral part of the building that enhances the space for the employees and public who use the building.
You can see Executive Director Bowman’s testimony below.
AIA Grassroots Conference a Success
Each year AIA National holds a Grassroots Advocacy Day in Washington D.C. so that state and region members can meet with U.S. legislators and communicate the importance of architect’s issues at a National level. Grassroots also helps to strengthen relationships between members of Congress and the architectural profession year after year.This year’s Grassroots conference was a great success. In a recent email to the AIA Board the EVP/CEO, Chris McEntee, noted the following, “that the level of energy, commitment and excitement among attendees was as high as I have ever seen. Despite the economic challenges our members face – or perhaps because of them – AIA leaders are ready to stand up for the profession and ensure that economic recovery empowers architects to rebuild and renew the country.”AIA members from Washington State and the NW & Pacific Region meet with members of congress and spoke about ensuring economic recovery of funds for the best designed projects, an energy efficient tax deduction, promoting healthy communities through transportation funding, and making health care more affordable.
Above is a picture of AIA Washington Council members meeting with US Representative for Washington’s fifth district, Cathy McMorris. Picture (from left to right) - Stan Bowman, AIA\WA Executive Director; Linda Hooten, Executive Director of Spokane Washington Component; Rep. Cathy McMorris; and Austin Dickey, AIA, Copeland Architects – Spokane.
2.07.2009
Architects Testify Against Increased Liability
On Wed, Feb 5, the AIA\WA President Jeffrey Hamlett, Callison-Seattle; and AIA\WA immediate Past President Timothy Buckley, Greenstone Architecture-Vancouver; testified against House Bills 1045 and 1393.
Timothy Buckley testified on behalf of the AIA Washington Council and our members. Jeffrey Hamlett is also the current President of the Architects & Engineers Legislative Council (AELC) and testified on their behalf.
House Bills 1045 and 1393 are strongly opposed by the AIA\WA. As they are currently written these bills include design professionals as liable for construction flaws and product flaws in residential construction– damages found by the original owner of the home and ALL subsequent owners. Most erroneous, with passage of these bills architects would lose the ability to be covered by professional liability insurance when doing residential construction; thus making architects open to frivolous lawsuits.
Both Jeffrey and Timothy testified that these bills will encourage architects to stop all residential construction rather than be the victims of expensive and unfounded legal action. You can view this testimony below.
To see the full hearing please click here to visit TVW.
Timothy Buckley testified on behalf of the AIA Washington Council and our members. Jeffrey Hamlett is also the current President of the Architects & Engineers Legislative Council (AELC) and testified on their behalf.
House Bills 1045 and 1393 are strongly opposed by the AIA\WA. As they are currently written these bills include design professionals as liable for construction flaws and product flaws in residential construction– damages found by the original owner of the home and ALL subsequent owners. Most erroneous, with passage of these bills architects would lose the ability to be covered by professional liability insurance when doing residential construction; thus making architects open to frivolous lawsuits.
Both Jeffrey and Timothy testified that these bills will encourage architects to stop all residential construction rather than be the victims of expensive and unfounded legal action. You can view this testimony below.
To see the full hearing please click here to visit TVW.
2.01.2009
Architecture Licensing Bill Recieves a Hearing
HB 1634, to modernize the architecture licensing law, had a hearing Friday before the House Commerce & Labor Committee. Two of the AIA\WA Board were present to testify, current President, Jeffrey Hamlett, AIA, Callison - Seattle; and Past-President Timothy Buckley, Greenstone Architecture - Vancouver, along with AIA\WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman.
The bill updates the architecture law qualification standards, streamlines the corporate registration requirements and clarifies the exemptions. The bill enjoyed broad support from architects, building designers, building officials, engineers and landscape architects. The bill needs to pass the committee before February 20. The Chair of the House Commerce & Labor Committee, Steve Conway, stated that with "no opposition" they would "move the bill along."
The AIA\WA is optimistic that this bill will pass this year.
The bill updates the architecture law qualification standards, streamlines the corporate registration requirements and clarifies the exemptions. The bill enjoyed broad support from architects, building designers, building officials, engineers and landscape architects. The bill needs to pass the committee before February 20. The Chair of the House Commerce & Labor Committee, Steve Conway, stated that with "no opposition" they would "move the bill along."
The AIA\WA is optimistic that this bill will pass this year.
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