Thursday, October 21, 2010

AIA National - Call for Issues

Please review the attached memo from Jeff Potter, FAIA and Mickey Jacob, FAIA about the annual call for issues.  In addition to this memo, we have set up a Call for Issues sub-site for members to visit and provide feedback on.  The site is can be found here.  (Or here http://www.aia.org/advocacy/getinvolved/AIAB086337).

Thank you,

Adam

_________________________________________________

Adam M. Melis

Director, Advocacy Outreach

The American Institute of Architects

1735 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20006

amelis@aia.org

p / 202.626.7383

f / 202.626.7583

www.aia.org

 


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

INVITE - The AIA|LA BREAKFAST RECEPTION at CITY HALL - October 22 (8am)

AIA|LA invites you to join us for scrumptious bagels, delectable pastries, fresh fruit, juice and coffee at THE DESIGN ADVOCATES BREAKFAST RECEPTION as part of the annual AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall on the morning of Friday, October 22nd.

Stop by Executive Conference Room #333 between 8:00am and 9:30am and network with fellow architects, urban designers, city planners, legislative deputies, council members, general managers, commissioners and City Hall leadership.

AIA|LA LEGISLATIVE DAY at CITY HALL
THE DESIGN ADVOCATES BREAKFAST RECEPTION
Friday, October 22 (8:00 - 9:30am)
Executive Conference Room #333
Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Limited Capacity || RSVP to WILL WRIGHT at will@aialosangeles.org

Each year AIA|LA presents an advocacy agenda of key environmental design issue briefs to City leaders as part of our annual AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall.

For more details, please CLICK HERE.

During the breakfast reception, leadership from the AIA|LA Political Outreach Committee will present the 2010 Issue Briefs and engage a discussion about effective ways to implement ideas that will help make the City of Los Angeles a more environmentally and economically sustainable place to live, work and recreate.

This is your chance to meet decision makers and help influence our City's future.

Please note:
Executive Conference Room #333 is immediately behind Council Chambers, on the south edge of City Hall.

For the uninitiated, finding Room #333 in City Hall can be quite a challenge. Either ask security to guide the way or access the room via the double doors to the right of the stairs that lead out onto the plaza at First Street (the southern stairs).

For more details, contact:
Will Wright
Director, Government & Public Affairs
AIA Los Angeles
3780 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tel: (213)639-0777
Email: will@aialosangeles.org

AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall - The Slate of 2010 Issue Briefs

Friday, October 15, 2010

Westside Subway Extension - Monday, October 18th!

Westside Subway Extension - The deadline for public comment on the Westside Subway extension is next Monday, October 18th! To submit your support, ask questions, or voice a concern, you can email, call, send a letter, or complete an online questionnaire. Full contact information is available on the Extension webpage.

News from The AIA California Council


RelevanceOctober 2010
Dear Will ,
 
October is upon us.  The sun is setting earlier each day marking the transition from summer to winter and signaling the arrival of fall - and the second installment of the mid-term elections.  This year's General Election (which by the way is Tuesday, November 2, 2010) contains a statewide ballot measure of great interest to the profession (Proposition 23). 

 In summary, Proposition 23 suspends the implementation of California's greenhouse gas reduction law (AB 32), requiring major sources of emissions to report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent or less for full year.  The profession has been supportive of the goals of AB 32 so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the AIACC Board of Directors would take an oppose position on Proposition 23.  Proponents of Prop 23 argue that is saves jobs - more than a million to be specific. I'm not sure if that's true, or even which jobs would be saved, but I can tell you that on both a national and statewide level, through efforts like the 2030 Challenge and the new CALGreen building code, the profession has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by the built environment.  Finally, I suspect that just as we received comments questioning the AIACC's efforts to promote CALGreen, we'll hear from those questioning its opposition to Proposition 23.  Dialog is good and I want to hear from those who are concerned.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 

Best Regards,

Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIACC, LEED GA
Interim, AIACC Executive Vice President
Practice Advisory

Governor Signs Legislation on Duty to Defend
With his signature on SB 972, Governor Schwarzenegger changed the statutory obligation for design professionals to defend their local government clients.  SB 972 was introduced in response to the recent Crawford and UDC California court decisions.  David Barker, Esq, with Collins Collins Muir + Stewart LLP, has written an article on SB 972 and how it will affect design professionals.  Click here to read his article. Click here to continue reading

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against USGBC
A class action law suit has been filed against the USGBC and its founders personally on behalf of "consumers, taxpayers, building design and construction professionals." The suit alleges fraud, false advertising, an anti-trust claim and RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violations.  In short, the lawsuit is based on a theory that the USGBC has falsely claimed that its rating system makes buildings more energy efficient, and that building owners have needlessly wasted money having their buildings LEED Certified, that professionals have gotten worthless professional credentials and people in general have been deceive into thinking LEED has meaning.  To view the complaint click here

Legislative Update

AIA Member-Initiated Program Recognized as "Bright Idea" 
The StepUp2Green (SU2G) program, created by Michael Waxer, AIA, in partnership with the Monterey County Business Council, was recently named a "Bright Idea" by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School. Bright Ideas recognizes creative and promising government programs and partnerships with public sector, nonprofit, and academic communities. Click here to continue reading

Proposition 22 - The AIACC Urban Design Committee's Opinion
The AIACC Urban Design Committee has long held the opinion that the state's money raid on local governments, redevelopment agencies, and transportation agencies during times of state financial difficulties has harmed the ability of local jurisdictions to fund programs and development that improves the livability of our communities.  That is why the Urban Design Committee believes Proposition 22, on this November's ballot, is a measure that should be supported by California architects.  Proposition 22 prohibits the state from delaying the tax funds for transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects.  It protects their funding, allowing them to better plan their projects that improve our communities, and to carry out those projects.  For more information on Proposition 22, click here.

AIACC Sponsored Bill Signed Into Law
AB 1746, The AIACC sponsored and California Architects Board (CAB) supported bill to change how architects report compliance with the disability access continuing education requirement, was signed into law by the governor.  Beginning with the 2013 renewal cycle, architects will no longer have to submit the "coursework provider documentation" forms to the CAB along with their renewal application. Click here to continue reading

Qualifications Based Selection (QBS)

Whose Doing What
The Council's QBS enforcement efforts greatly depend on the assistance of members. Each month, the AIACC receives a number of RFP's/RFQ's that violate Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) law by illegally using fee as part of the selection process in hiring an architect for a public project. These RFP's/RFQ's are issued mostly by local agencies and school districts that are either unaware of QBS law, or simply choose to ignore it.  Click here here to continue reading
Benefits of Membership

Why Choose State Fund Over Other Workers Compensation Providers?
State Fund provides coverage at minimum cost, and is open to all companies regardless of size or history. Emphasis is placed on customized loss control services, medical cost management, and providing benefits quickly. Local offices, round-the-clock reporting centers, free educational support, no-cancel policies, and interest- free payments, all add up to providing California employers maximum value for their dollar. Join The AIACC/State Fund Group #707 today. If you qualify, apply the 6% annual premium discount, and your savings are assured, thus freeing up dollars to be spent elsewhere.  Click here to continue reading

Important changes in employee notification requirements
The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) recently revised employer notification requirements which go into effect on October 8, 2010. The DWC's objectives for the amended regulations are to streamline the employee Medical Provider Network (MPN) notices and procedures, update the employee information provided to workers, and reduce the administrative burden and costs in California's workers' compensation system. Click here to continue reading

AIACC Video Library

Visit www.aiacc.org "State Fund" to access videos designed to provide you, as an employer, information on conducting safety in and around the office and the impact of workers compensation fraud on California businesses.
Council News

2010 Design Awards/2011 Council Awards
AIACC will celebrate the 2010 Design Award recipients at The Annual Awards & Installation Celebration on November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Solage Calistoga.  39 awards will be presented for Architecture, Interior Architecture, Urban Design and Small Projects.  The 2011 Firm Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Distinguished Practice Awards will also be presented. 

 2010 Achievement Awards
The 2010 Achievement Awards jury met on October 6th to review 14 entries in the following categories: Allied Professions Honor award, Excellence in Education Honor Award, Client Achievement Honor Award, Community Housing & Assistance Honor Award, and Research & Technology Honor Award.  Jurors for this awards program include members of AIACC's Executive Committee. Award recipients will be honored at the Annual Awards & Installation Celebration on November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Solage Calistoga.

 Professional Practice/Practice Series Report
AIACC's inaugural Practice Series Report will be released in October.  The Report is a progression of discussion papers designed to address priority issues and concerns as identified by a survey of California architects.  The Practice Series offers varying perspectives and mitigation responses suggested by experts, consultants, architects, and other allied professionals who, through their own experiences and observations, add value to the conversations.  AIACC encourages you to share your opinions.  Simply email practice@aiacc.org or Find us on Facebook to respond to The Professional Practice Series Report member question.  Responses may be published in the upcoming issue.

 Continuing Education Program
Effective January 1, 2011, all newly constructed residential, commercial, school and hospital buildings must comply with new California Green Building Codes. The AIACC and aecKnowledge have partnered to offer online continuing education programming, making it easier and more convenient than ever to earn AIA/CES learning units. The Accessibility courses fulfill the required 5 AIA/CES units for California licensure and the new CALGreen courses allow you to earn up to 5 AIA/CES HSW/SD learning units. It's simple - go online, select your course, participate at your convenience, and answer a ten question quiz. Prices range from $25-$60 for AIA members. 
All courses will be available at aiacc.org or aecKnowledge.com beginning October 18, 2010.

Accessibility
Disabilities Access for Dwellings
Presented by Kerwin Lee, AIA, CASp, Senior Consulting Architect
Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.; 1.5 AIA/CES HSW LUs

 Accessible Public Accommodations
Presented by Kerwin Lee, AIA, CASp, Senior Consulting Architect
Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.; 1.5 AIA/CES HSW LUs

 Stepping thru Vertical Heights
Presented by Janice Kent, AIA, CASp, Certified Access Specialist
Stepping Through Accessibility; 2 AIA/CES HSW LUs

 CALGreen
CALGreen 101
Presented by Dave Walls, Executive Director,
California Building Standards Commission; 1 AIA/CES HSW/SD LU

 CALGreen 2010 Non-Residential Measures: An Overview for Architects and Other California Building Industry Professionals Presented by Lynn Simon, FAIA, LEED AP, President & Bill Worthen, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President, Simon & Associates, Inc.; 1.5  AIA/CES HSW/SD LUs

 CALGreen for Residential Buildings: Mandatory Measures and Recommended Strategies
Presented by Lynn Simon, FAIA, LEED AP, President & Bill Worthen, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President; 1.5  AIA/CES HSW/SD LUs

In This Issue
Practice Advisory
Legislative Update
Benefits of Membershp
Benefits of Membershp
Council News


Proposition 23 - Why You Should Just Vote No

Proposition 23 is a dangerous measure on the November ballot that would have a direct and negative impact on the health of our state's economy, its environment, and citizens.  If passed, Proposition 23 would effectively repeal California's landmark clean energy and air pollution control law, AB 32, which reduces air pollution that threatens human health and has helped make California a leader in clean energy and technology investments and jobs.  Click here to read more.

Message from the the State Architect
Chip Smith, AIA

With the end of the year rapidly approaching, the Division of the State Architect (DSA) is preparing for the implementation of California's 2010 Building Code. As of January 1, 2011,
new Title 24 building standards including California's Green Building Code and DSA's new
streamlined community college code option will be in effect.
 Click here to continue reading

        

SAVE THE DATE!
2011 MONTEREY DESIGN CONFERENCE

The conference is scheduled for October 7-9, 2011.  For additional information find us on Find us on FacebookFacebook, visit us at www.aiacc.org  or contact us at  events@aiacc.org.

Passings
Joseph Ehrlich, FAIA

Long regarded as one of the pioneering "Silicon Valley" architects, passed away on September 21, 2010 at age 90.  Born and raised in Manhattan, New York City, he spent his formative years during the Great Depression which, by his own admission, challenged him to never experience anything like it again.  He graduated from City College of New York in 1941.  He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in World War II.  In 1946 he attended the Architecture School at IIT.  In 1968 he created a firm with Jack R Ominger and Rod Heft which became the design force for the emerging electronic companies in the area now known as "Silicon Valley."  Throughout his career, Joe was always involved with the community and his fellow architects. His involvement with the American Institute of Architects, his leadership for the Museum of American Heritage, and his generous charitable givings were ever-present.  .

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AIA Chapter Events


AIA East Bay
 
10/18/10
Revit User Group: Mission Critical - Navisworks for Architects
 
10/20/10
Member Appreciation Party and Annual Business Meeting

10/22/10
Committee on the Environment Forum: Life Cycle Tower
 
10/28/10
Pleasanton Program: Construction Phase Risk Management
 
AIA San Diego
 
10/15/10
AIASD's Committee on the Environment (COTE-SD) Meeting
 
10/21/10
AIASD's DesignD.I.V.A. Committee Meeting
 
10/22/10
Emerging Professionals Commission presents...
IDP/CIDP Workshop
 
10/28/10
October BARchitecture
 
AIA San Francisco
 
10/15/10
CALGreen Workshop (4 SDs)
 
10/19/10
An Evening with Ray Kappe, FAIA
 
AIA Redwood Empire
 
10/21/10
CALGreen Code Seminar
 
AIA Santa Clara Valley
 
11/4/10
Disability Access Seminar: Comparison of the 2010 Accessibility Code to the New ADA Standards
 
AIA Sierra Valley
 
10/21/10
2010 Modesto International Architecture Festival
 
10/22/10
The Impact of Architecture on The Livability of a City
 
10/22/10
Analyzing Our Community Through Design
 
10/23/10
Livable Communities and Sustainable Landscape Design
 
10/23/10
Enhancing Design Through Photography
 
Self-Guided Walking Tour
10/22/10
Religious Architecture
 
10/23/10
Downtown Modesto  
 
For information on these upcoming
click here

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

AIA|LA Breakfast Reception w/ Cindy Miscikowski - October 29 (8am)

AIA Los Angeles presents...
"A Greener City Through Better Land-Use - Part 6"
A Breakfast Reception with Cindy Miscikowski
President, Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners - Port of Los Angeles
Friday, October 29 (8:00-9:30am)
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
515 South Flower Street
25th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Hosted by Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP

AIA Members - $15.00
non-members - $30.00

ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIRED. To register, please CLICK HERE.

As part six of our 2010 AIA|LA Breakfast Series entitled "A Greener City Through Better Land-Use", the breakfast reception with Cindy Miscikowski will continue our seven part series of discussions with civic officials about how we can build and operate a more environmentally and economically sustainable City by making better land-use decisions.

For more details, please  CLICK HERE.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

USC: Master Planning for the University Park Campus - AIA|LA Urban Design Committee - October 13 (7pm)

AIA|LA Urban Design Committee presents...
USC: Master Planning for the University Park Campus
Wednesday, October 13 (7pm)
AIA Los Angeles
3780 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90010

Limited Capacity. RSVP to Will Wright.

Master Planning for the University Park Campus

Presenters:
Kristina E. Raspe - Associate Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Asset Management
Brian League - Director of Entitlements, Real Estate and Asset Management

Established in 1880, USC is one of the most enduring institutions in the city of Los Angeles. While others have forsaken the city, USC has recommitted itself to Los Angeles, stirring civic pride with the success of its academic accomplishments, its sports teams and the contributions of its alumni.

The university also serves as an economic engine, responsible for $4 billion annually in economic activity in Los Angeles County alone, according to an economic impact analysis released in December 2006. (For a PDF of the full report, click here.)

Working closely with its neighbors in respectful partnership, USC is helping create better schools, safer streets and a greener, more beautiful environment. Since 1995, USC faculty and staff have voluntarily contributed nearly $10 million of their own money toward these goals through the USC Good Neighbors Campaign.

USC’s University Park campus master planning process was launched in 2006 with the goal of providing a visionary framework for the physical development of the campus and the prosperity of its surrounding community in the coming years, driven by ideals expressed in the Role and Mission of the University of Southern Californiaand in support of USC’s Plan for Increasing Academic Excellence.

FOR MORE DETAILS, Please CLICK HERE.

Will Wright | Director of Government & Public Affairs

AIA / los angeles
A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects

3780 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90010
213.639.0777 phone | 213.639.0767 fax
 | www.aialosangeles.org

Will Wright Reads...Monday, October 25 (9pm) at THE GORBALS

Please make plans to attend the next WILL WRIGHT READS..., which will be on October 25th (9pm) at The Gorbals in Downtown Los Angeles.

WILL WRIGHT READS...
- local writers reading their latest works -
Monday, October 25 (9pm)
THE GORBALS
501 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 488-3408
http://thegorbalsla.com/

Limited Capacity.

Featured Writers/ Performers include (click to see):

Past readings have included critical theory, fiction, drama, poetry, performance, erotica, excerpts from plays, poorly written ad copy promoting consumables, letters to your math teacher, etc.

To access the FACEBOOK event page, CLICK HERE.