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.
1.27.2010
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.
1.22.2010
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.
1.20.2010
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.
1.19.2010
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.
1.14.2010
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.
1.12.2010
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.
1.08.2010
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.
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