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News Headline - Connection

AIA Wisconsin e-News 2007

 

December 13, 2007

Golden Award

Joseph H. Flad, FAIA, (1922-2004) has been selected by the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors to receive the 2008 Golden Award. His significant contributions to the profession will be honored posthumously during a special Awards Luncheon on April 30 at the AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo in Madison. Flad will be the 21st recipient of the Golden Award, which is the highest honor that AIA Wisconsin can bestow on a member architect. The award recognizes an individual architect who has performed most distinguished leadership and service to AIA Wisconsin over an extended period of time and by such leadership advanced the cause of the profession and provided inspiration to his/her fellow practitioners.

Design Awards

The Design Awards Committee invites your participation in the 2008 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards program. The deadline for entering your projects is January 18 . Entry binders are due by no later than February 13. The 2008 Design Awards will be announced and presented at a special awards celebration on April 30 at Monona Terrace in Madison . For details on the 2008 Design Awards program, including eligibility and submission requirements, go to: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/documents/designawardcall.shtml


2008 Chapter Officers

Wisconsin is fortunate to have AIA members who volunteer to lead the four local AIA Chapters and coordinate programs and events of value to members in each quadrant of the state. Chapter officers for 2008 are: AIA Milwaukee — Karen Plunkett Muenster, AIA, Milwaukee, President ; Daniel Kabara, AIA, New Berlin, Vice President ; Randy Morrison, AIA, Milwaukee, Secretary ; and Norman Barrientos, AIA , Bayside, Treasurer . AIA Southwest Wisconsin — Richard Lundeen, AIA, Madison, President ; Ronald Mastalski, AIA, Waterloo, Vice President ; and Rob Wheat, AIA, Monroe, Secretary/Treasurer . AIA Northeast Wisconsin — Trevor Frank, AIA, Menasha, President ; James Putman, AIA, Neenah, V ice President ; and Jody Andres, AIA, Appleton, Secretary/Treasurer . AIA Northwest Wisconsin — David Peterson, AIA, Eau Claire, President , Chris LaShorne, AIA, La Crosse, Vice President ; and Mark Piquette, AIA, Weston, Secretary/Treasurer . You are encouraged to participate in local AIA programs and offer suggestions for future initiatives.


WAF

The Wisconsin Architect s Foundation was founded in 1953 to build a better Wisconsin through architectural education. WAF officers for 2007-08 are: Lawrence Schnuck, AIA, Whitefish Bay, President; Allyson Nemec, AIA, Milwaukee, Vice President; and A. James Gersich, AIA, Fitchburg, Secretary/Treasurer. The WAF Board of Directors has approved a scholarship and grant budget of $40,100 for the current fiscal year. Tax-deductible contributions to the WAF by members like you make these valuable WAF scholarship and grant programs possible.


Continuing Education Legislation—AB 181

Following a public hearing last week, the Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee voted to recommend passage of the 2007 Assembly Bill 181. This simple enabling legislation would allow the Joint Examining Board to establish minimum continuing education requirements for architects to renew their license in Wisconsin. The proposed legislation was approved by the Wisconsin Assembly in October. The next step is scheduling a vote by the Wisconsin Senate. Currently, 37 states require continuing education for architects to renew their license to practice, including Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. Continuing education has been required for AIA membership since 1995. Please encourage your State Senator to support AB 181.

AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo

Reserve April 30 & May 1 for the 2008 AIA Wisconsin Convention, Transformation, at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison. The Convention Committee, chaired by Barry Swedeen, AIA, Madison, is assembling an outstanding program of keynote presentations, professional development seminars, product and service information and other special events for next spring. Keynote speakers are Jane Weinzapfel, FAIA, and Eric Owen Moss, FAIA. Watch your inbox and mailbox for further details.

2008 AIA Wisconsin Building Products Expo
Information on the 2008 AIA Wisconsin Building Products Expo is available at http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/expoinfo.shtml . You're encouraged to visit the new interactive Expo floor plan at http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiawisc08/index.htm . Convention & Expo dates: April 30-May1, 2008. Please also share this information with potential exhibitors. Thank you!

WAF Silent Auction

The Wisconsin Architect s Foundation will host the second annual “Art by Architects” silent auction as a fund-raising event at the 2008 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo on April 30 at Monona Terrace. Your donated art and architectural books will help the WAF invest in the future of Wisconsin 's architectural profession. To donate one or more pieces, please contact WAF Board members Ralph Jackson, AIA, Cross Plains, at (608) 232-1272 or Pat Conway, AIA, Mt. Horeb, at (800) 464-0988. Thank you for your support!

2007 AIA Contract Documents Available

AIA Wisconsin is the state's only full-service distributor of AIA contract documents. This month, the AIA launched the 2007 update to AIA Contract Documents. The update includes revisions to A201-1997 and nearly 50 owner/architect, architect/consultant and contractor/subcontractor agreements. Visit www.aiacontractdocuments.org for complete details on the new documents. For paper copies of the 2007 documents, as well as the still-valid previous edition of the updated documents, please go to: http://www.aiaw.org/members/index.cfm .

ARE Lending Library
AIA Wisconsin has established a lending library of the latest Architect Registration Examination (ARE) study materials from Kaplan AEC Education that cover all sections of the ARE exam. The materials are available to AIA Associate members only and can be checked out of the office for a period of 14 days. For details, read the ARE Lending Library Policies . Contact AIA Wisconsin to confirm availability.

Firm & Residential Directories
If you have not completed and returned your application to be listed in the Firm Directory and/or Residential Directory, please send it to the AIA Wisconsin office by December 15 . Information about participation in the two directories of AIA Wisconsin member-owned firms was emailed to firm principals' inboxes on 10/25/07 . Please check your email for your firm's application. The Directories will be published as part of the Wisconsin Architect magazine . . . the annual "Construction Industry Handbook." The Handbook is made available throughout the year to public owners, individuals and companies that contact the AIA Wisconsin office looking for an architect. Approximately 2,900 copies are distributed. As an added benefit, firms listed in these 2008 AIA Wisconsin directories also will be eligible to be included on “Architect Finder” through the national AIA consumer access Web site. Contact Brenda Taylor at Brenda@aiaw.org if you have any questions.


Get Published
Have you authored an informative article lately? Is the subject something other Wisconsin architects can benefit from? Please forward articles by AIA members (in MSWord format) to Brenda Taylor for publishing consideration in Wisconsin Architect , the official publication of AIA Wisconsin distributed to 2,900 architects and allied design and construction professionals. For your reference: How to Become Published and Project Article Specifications.

Terrace Town
Coordinated by Monona Terrace, “ Terrace Town ” is a program that introduces architecture and community planning to elementary and middle school students in Dane County . As a mentor, you'll work with one classroom to design a neighborhood or city. You'll bring a professional "real life" perspective to discussions about how communities are planned, what makes a quality community and how people can participate in the improvement of the built environment. (A grant from the WAF is helping Monona Terrace support an educational program for the teachers on community design and urban planning.) For further information about being a volunteer mentor, contact Heather Sabin at (608) 261-4015.

People & Places

Loren A. Anderson, AIA, La Crosse, has joined TCI Architects/ Engineers/ Contractors, Inc. Jim L. Fryk, AIA, Waukesha, has joined LaMacchia Group LLC. Paul Raisleger, AIA, Middleton, has joined Eppstein Uhen Architects in Madison. Todd Hoffmaster, Assoc. AIA, Oregon, has joined Mortenson Construction as a design phase coordinator. Debra L. Zins, AIA, Milwaukee, has upgraded to AIA Architect member. Engberg Anderson Design Partnership has changed their name to Engberg Anderson Inc., and moved to 320 E Buffalo St , in Milwaukee, phone (414) 944-9000. Kahler Slater Architects Inc., Madison, has moved to 44 E Mifflin St Ste 700, phone (608) 283-6300.


Member Action
Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between November 17 and December 12, 2007: Ortal Abergel Ohad, Assoc. AIA, Brookfield (SE); Mark Braithwaite, Assoc. AIA, Madison (SW); Jason D. Hale, AIA, Appleton (NE); Eric Kuban, Student, Madison (SW); Anne M. Morgan, Assoc. AIA, Shorewood (SE) and Bret D. Tushans, Assoc. AIA, Brookfield (SE).


Season Greetings

The AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors and staff extend their best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!



November 20, 2007

Diane Trevarrow Evans Memorial

It is very sad to report that Diane Trevarrow Evans, AIA, River Hills, died unexpectedly last month. She was an energetic and visionary leader of AIA Milwaukee and a passionate advocate for the profession and diversity. AIA Milwaukee plans to honor her contributions and distinguished service by hosting an annual program in her name that will promote dialogue and inspire the community, design professionals and future architects by showcasing the work of innovative, culturally diverse architects. A memorial fund has been established by the Wisconsin Architects Foundation to accept contributions in support of this initiative. For additional information about the Diane Trevarrow Evans Memorial, please go to: http://www.aiaw.org/about/documents/DTEMemorial.pdf .


Legislative Update

Earlier this month the Wisconsin Assembly passed Assembly Bill 181 on a voice vote and sent it to the Wisconsin Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Labor, Elections & Urban Affairs Committee chaired by Sen. Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee). This simple enabling legislation would allow the Architects Section of the Joint Examining Board to establish minimum continuing education requirements to renew your license in Wisconsin. Also earlier this month, the Legislature's Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules approved modifications to the proposed fire sprinkler requirements for multi-family dwellings that enabled the adoption of the state commercial building code update package by the Department of Commerce. At its most recent meeting, the Architects Section of the Joint Examining Board voted to support draft legislation that would require an accredited architecture degree to become licensed in Wisconsin. The Joint Examining Board also voted to support draft legislation that would convert Wisconsin's current “title” law for landscape architects into a “practice” law. And that's not all, as Rep. Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington) introduced proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 553 , that would require local governments in Wisconsin to use a qualifications-based selection (QBS) process to hire architects, engineers and other consultants for projects of $250,000 or more with state financial assistance.

AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo

Reserve April 30 & May 1 for the 2008 AIA Wisconsin Convention, Transformation, at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison. The Convention Committee, chaired by Barry Swedeen, AIA, Madison, is assembling an outstanding program of keynote presentations, professional development seminars, product and service information and other special events for next spring. Watch your inbox and mailbox for further details.

2008 AIA Wisconsin Building Products Expo
Information on the 2008 AIA Wisconsin Building Products Expo is available at http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/expoinfo.shtml . You're encouraged to visit the new interactive Expo floor plan at http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiawisc08/index.htm . Convention & Expo dates: April 30-May1, 2008. Please also share this information with potential exhibitors. Thank you!


State Awards Program

The Division of State Facilities (DSF) is accepting nominations for its 17 th annual Awards Program, which recognizes excellence in the design and construction of state buildings. The deadline for nominations is 12/17/07. For information about the DSF Awards Program, contact Godwin Amegashie at (608) 267-7806 or godwin.amegashie@wisconsin.gov or visit: www.doa.state.wi.us/category_print.asp?linkcatid=662&linkid=60&locid=4

Directors-At-Large
AIA Wisconsin President Martin Sell, AIA, recently announced the results of the Director-At-Large election. Congratulations are in order for Thomas Hirsch, AIA, Madison; Daniel J. Sisel, AIA, Milwaukee; and Len Witke, AIA, Columbus. Their two-year term begins in January 2008.


Committee Appointments

At its most recent meeting, the AIA Wisconsin Executive Committee approved the following committee appointments in accordance with established policy: Mark Herr, AIA, Waukesha, and Len Witke, AIA, Columbus, to the QBS Committee; Richard Dannhaussen, AIA, Egg Harbor, and Eric Lawson, AIA, Madison, to the AIA/DSF Liaison Committee; and Frank Dropsho, AIA, Madison, and Dennis Olson, AIA, Appleton, to the Golden Award Committee.


Citizen Architect -- Jack L. Fischer, AIA

Governor Jim Doyle has appointed architect Jack L. Fischer, AIA, Appleton , as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. As the new Commerce Secretary, Fischer will play a key role in continuing the implementation of the Governor's plans to grow businesses in Wisconsin, create the jobs of tomorrow and help Wisconsin companies compete in the global marketplace. The Safety & Buildings Division also happens to be part of the Department of Commerce. Fischer currently is president/CEO of the Fischer Group Companies. He starts as Secretary of Commerce on November 26.


Get Published
Have you authored an informative article lately? Is the subject something other Wisconsin architects can benefit from? Please forward articles by AIA members (in MSWord format) to Brenda Taylor for publishing consideration in Wisconsin Architect , the official publication of AIA Wisconsin distributed to 2,900 architects and allied design and construction professionals. For your reference: How to Become Published and Project Article Specifications.


Tools for Members to Use
Wisconsin Architect compiles an annual directory of consultants, contractors and manufacturers for easy reference by members. The directory is available in print format inside Wisconsin Architect 's annual issue and online at www.aiaw.org in the magazine section. Funds raised by the sale of listings allow Wisconsin Architect to publish projects and articles submitted by members. You can help by sending the following paragraph to vendors you think should participate in the directory:

 

A directory to aid architecture firms, clients and the public will be published as part of Wisconsin Architect magazine . . . the seventh annual Consultants, Contractors & Manufacturers Directory. Approximately 2,900 paper copies will be distributed. An online Directory also will be available. To be listed, a company must offer services to design and construction professionals in Wisconsin . The charge for being included in the 2008 Consultants, Contractors & Manufacturers Directory is $ 125.00 per listing, $ 50.00 per additional address and $50.00 per additional category listing. Wisconsin Architect magazine is the official publication of AIA Wisconsin, a Society of The American Institute of Architects. Click on the following link to visit the online registration for this Directory.

http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,M3,6f444e03-d68d-4266-a8a1-b448ce8e8e5a

Design Awards

The Design Awards Committee invites your participation in the 2008 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards program. The deadline for entering your projects is January 18 . Entry binders are due by no later than February 13. The 2008 Design Awards will be announced and presented at a special awards celebration on April 30 at Monona Terrace in Madison. For details on the 2008 Design Awards program, including eligibility and submission requirements, go to: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/documents/designawardcall.shtml

Firm & Residential Directories
If you have not completed and returned your application to be listed in the Firm Directory and/or Residential Directory, please send it to the AIA Wisconsin office by December 15 . Information about participation in the two directories of AIA Wisconsin member-owned firms was emailed to firm principals' inboxes on 10/25/07. Please check your email for your firm's application. The Directories will be published as part of the Wisconsin Architect magazine . . . the annual “Construction Industry Handbook.” The Handbook is made available throughout the year to public owners, individuals and companies that contact the AIA Wisconsin office looking for an architect. Approximately 2,900 copies are distributed. As an added benefit, firms listed in these 2008 AIA Wisconsin directories also will be eligible to be included on “Architect Finder” through the national AIA consumer access Web site. Contact Brenda Taylor at Brenda@aiaw.org if you have any questions.

Terrace Town
Coordinated by Monona Terrace, “ Terrace Town ” is a program that introduces architecture and community planning to elementary and middle school students in Dane County. As a mentor, you'll work with one classroom to design a neighborhood or city. You'll bring a professional "real life" perspective to discussions about how communities are planned, what makes a quality community and how people can participate in the improvement of the built environment. (A grant from the WAF is helping Monona Terrace support an educational program for the teachers on community design and urban planning.) For further information about being a volunteer mentor, contact Heather Sabin at (608) 261-4015 .

2007 AIA Contract Documents Available

AIA Wisconsin is the state's only full-service distributor of AIA contract documents. This month, the AIA launched the 2007 update to AIA Contract Documents. The update includes revisions to A201-1997 and nearly 50 owner/architect, architect/consultant and contractor/subcontractor agreements. Visit www.aiacontractdocuments.org for complete details on the new documents. For paper copies of the 2007 documents, as well as the still-valid previous edition of the updated documents, please go to: http://www.aiaw.org/members/index.cfm .

Taliesin Bookstore
The Taliesin Bookstore offers a wide variety of high-quality gifts, clothing, home furnishings and art objects designed or inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as assistance in choosing the "Wright" corporate gifts for your firm or clients. All of your purchases directly support the preservation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin home. For further details, call 877-588-7900 or visit www.taliesinbookstore.com .

AIA Renewal Dues
2008 AIA membership renewal invoices have been sent.  If you'd like to pay your 2008 AIA membership dues, you can do it the easy way—online. You can review your invoice, update your membership profile and submit credit card payment for 2008 renewal dues— Click here .


ARE Lending Library
AIA Wisconsin has established a lending library of the latest Architect Registration Examination (ARE) study materials from Kaplan AEC Education that cover all sections of the ARE exam. The materials are available to AIA Associate members only and can be checked out of the office for a period of 14 days. For details, read the ARE Lending Library Policies . Contact AIA Wisconsin to confirm availability.

People & Places

Paul E. Dalberg, AIA, Monroe, and Ted R. Haag, AIA, Crivitz, have been approved for Emeritus membership in The American Institute of Architects. Congratulations! Henry K. Kosarzycki, AIA, Greendale, has been appointed to the International Building Code Council (IBCC) His term will begin January 2008 through December 2010.  Joseph Schultz, AIA, has joined Kahler Slater, Milwaukee, as a senior construction administrator. Thomas G. Lemkuil, AIA, Oneida has upgraded to AIA architect and opened his own firm Lemkuil Architectural Designs, LLC, at 4361 Touchstone Dr, Oneida, WI, phone (920) 405-9919 .


Member Action

Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between October 16 and November 16, 2007: Peter Bannon, Student, Milwaukee (SE); Victoria Bartling, Student, Milwaukee (SE); Zachary Brewster, Student, Milwaukee (SE); Sarah Christensen, Student, Milwaukee (SE); Lacey Engelke, Student, Milwaukee (SE); John W. Fotsch Jr., AIA, Salem (SE); Katherine S. Hitch, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee(SE); Thomas A. Houlihan, AIA, La Crosse (NW); Dan Huebner, Student, Milwaukee (SE); Ulian S. Kissiov, AIA, Madison (SW); Andrew Manto, Student, Milwaukee (SE); Mitch Ptacek, Student, Milwaukee (SE); Ashraf Sadek, Int'l Assoc. AIA, Madison (SW); Rustin Schwandt, Student, Milwaukee (SE) and Steven M. Wenzel, Assoc. AIA, Prairie du Sac (SW).

The Last Word
Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. [Steve Jobs]

 

October 22, 2007

AIA Practice Seminar

Sustainability, technology, integrated project delivery and new contract documents are issues transforming the design and construction industry. Join Frank Musica, Assoc. AIA, Esq. in Madison on November 7 and in Milwaukee on November 8 for a special two-hour guided tour of the opportunities, challenges and risks these trends create for the profession and practice of architecture. Musica is a senior risk management attorney with Victor O. Schinnerer & Company and the program manager for the AIA's commended program of professional liability insurance. AIA members will earn 2.0 AIA/CES learning unit hours. The seminar sessions are sponsored by Victor O. Schinnerer & Company and Cobb, Strecker Dunphy and Zimmermann, Inc. Watch your inbox for program and registration details or visit: http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?1Q,M3,837bf469-f690-4ca3-9e31-c58954f0a225

 

Architecture Firm Award

You are invited to participate in the AIA Wisconsin “Architecture Firm Award” program by submitting a nomination or encouraging others to do so. This award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member-owned firm, will be presented at the AIA Wisconsin Convention next spring. The Architecture Firm Award recognizes a Wisconsin firm for outstanding achievement in the advancement of the architectural profession. The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2007. Here is link to the Call for Nominations: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/documents/firmawardcall.shtml.

 

Golden Award

The deadline for 2008 AIA Wisconsin Golden Award nominations is November 1. The Golden Award is the highest honor that AIA Wisconsin can bestow upon a member architect. It recognizes distinguished leadership and service to the profession and the AIA. Twenty AIA Wisconsin members have been recognized since 1986. Contact AIA Wisconsin to request nomination materials.

2007 Planning Initiatives

This year's AIA Wisconsin long-range planning retreat focused on initiatives related to community outreach, leadership and technology, emerging professionals, licensure, sustainability and firm practice. Here is link to a draft of the “2007 Long-Range Planning Report ” for your reference, review and feedback. The AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors will be considering the report at its next meeting on November 29 in Milwaukee. Your questions, comments and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Citizen Architect

The AIA is gathering information from members to learn more about your community and political involvement and to identify tools and resources that would assist you in these positions. Please help this “Citizen Architect” initiative by taking a few minutes to complete the Citizen Architect Census.

 

QBS & Green

For a building project to be successful, it is important for it to get off to the right start, which begins with the selection of the architect. AIA Wisconsin has been helping owners set up a qualifications-based selection (QBS) process since 1986. QBS Wisconsin is a public service program offered by AIA Wisconsin and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Wisconsin. A step-by-step guide is available online at www.qbswi.org or by calling 1-800-ARCHITECT. The following is an example of a QBS success story: Early in 2003, representatives of the Aldo Leopold Foundation contacted AIA Wisconsin for assistance in setting up a QBS process for selecting an architect for a new educational center near Baraboo. Sustainable design and the ability to create a building with the least impact on the land obviously were going to be important criteria incorporated into the selection process. In presenting the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center with a LEED Platinum Certification last week, USGBC founder and chairman Rick Fedrizzi noted that it was the “greenest building in the world.” Congratulations to the Aldo Leopold Foundation, which recognized the contributions of The Kubala Washatko Architects, The Boldt Company and others to this award-winning project. (Note: The QBS Committee is looking for an AIA Northeast Wisconsin member to help guide this unique and innovative program. Please contact the AIA Wisconsin office if you're interested in being appointed to fill this committee vacancy.)

 

Consultants, Contractors & Manufacturers Directory

Collaborating with experts helps architects provide their clients with successful projects. The Consultants, Contractors & Manufacturers Directory was developed to aid architecture firms, clients and the public. Encourage one of your consultants to list. Applications are available online at: http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?1Q,M3,6f444e03-d68d-4266-a8a1-b448ce8e8e5a

View the current Directory: http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiaw05/list.asp

New AIA Contract Documents
The AIA Contract Documents program provides proven, consistent and effective standard form contract documents for the building design and construction industry. This fall, the AIA will be releasing close to 50 new or revised contract documents. The last major release of the AIA's flagship documents occurred in 1997. Watch your inbox for more details. AIA Wisconsin is the state's only full-service distributor of AIA contract documents.

ARE Lending Library
AIA Wisconsin has established a lending library of the latest Architect Registration Examination (ARE) study materials from Kaplan AEC Education that cover all sections of the ARE exam. The materials are available to AIA Associate members only and can be checked out of the office for a period of 14 days. For details, read the ARE Lending Library Policies. Contact AIA Wisconsin to confirm availability.

Taliesin Bookstore

The Taliesin Bookstore offers a wide variety of high-quality gifts, clothing, home furnishings and art objects designed or inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as assistance in choosing the "Wright" corporate gifts for your firm or clients. All of your purchases directly support the preservation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin home. For further details, call 877-588-7900 or visit www.taliesinbookstore.com .

People & Places

Troy D. Parr, AIA, Oneida, has upgraded to AIA Architect member. Congratulations! Michael A. Martin, Assoc. AIA, Berlin , has joined Consolidated Construction Co. , Inc. John A. Schmied, Assoc. AIA, Sun Prairie, has joined Bouril Design Studio. Daniel Becker, AIA, Milwaukee, is the lone candidate from Wisconsin to be nominated for the 2008 USGB Board of Directors. Development Collaborative Ltd. has moved to 10033 N Port Washington Rd Ste 250, Mequon, phone: (262) 240-2961. Woods Associates, Inc., has moved to 757 N Broadway Ste 700, Milwaukee , phone: (414) 291-0772. Richard S. Blum, AIA, Germantown, has opened his own firm, The Architectural Workshop, LLC, located at W161N11110 Meadow Dr, Germantown, phone (262) 437-0343. Mark H. Jenssen, AIA, Madison, has opened his own firm, Jenssen Design, LLC, located at 2117 E Mifflin St , Madison , phone (608) 441-5424. Rod Cox's firm, Cox & Associates, has moved to 316 Scott St in Wausau, phone (715) 355-8260. The office of Tom W. Meiklejohn III, AIA, Architect, has moved to 113 N Main St, Fond du Lac, phone: (920) 923-3163.


Member Action
Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between September 18 and October 15, 2007:  Michael G. Abnet, Student, La Crescent, MN (NW); Paul J. DeLeeuw, Assoc. AIA, DePere (NE); Andrew Greene, Student, West Salem (NW); Amy Happel-Green, Student, Onalaska (NW); John E. Kieckhafer, AIA, Oshkosh (NE); Ryan Kyser, Student, LaCrosse (NW); Kevin Miller, Student, LaCrosse (NW); Kyle Peth, Student, Tomah (NW); Katie Przybylski, Student, Pulaski (NE); Lisa Richards, Student, LaCrosse (NW); Rebecca Smolcich, Student, Appleton (NE); Brandon Spoehr, Student, Lake Mills (SE); Daniel H. St. Louis, Assoc. AIA, Fond Du Lac (NE); Troy Sugden, Student, LaCrosse (NW); Casey Thompson, Student, Tomah (NW) and Nathaniel R. Turner, Student, Onalaska (NW).

 

The Last Word

“That land is a community is the basic concept of ecology, but that land is to be loved and respected is an extension of ethics” [Aldo Leopold]

SEPTEMBER 26, 2007

AIA Trust Seminar
Architect and attorney Charles Heuer, FAIA, Esq., will present a special firm practice seminar that will focus on the proper processes for shop drawing review, change order execution and claims review. Heuer will explain the risks involved and how to manage them while performing in a timely and appropriate manner. The AIA General Conditions (A201) will serve as the point of reference. Sponsored by the AIA Trust, the seminar will be presented on October 10 in Milwaukee and on October 11 in
Madison. Register by 10/4/07 for early-bird discount. AIA members can earn 1.5 AIA/CES learning unit hours related to health, safety and welfare (HSW). For details and to register online, go to: http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=122a19f9-bed3-44c9-b3c0-1aa76b8a6d21

ARE Lending Library
AIA Wisconsin has established a lending library of the latest Architect Registration Examination (ARE) study materials from Kaplan AEC Education that cover all sections of the ARE exam. The materials are available to AIA Associate members only and can be checked out of the office for a period of 14 days. For details, read the ARE Lending Library Policies. Contact AIA Wisconsin to confirm availability.

 

Legislative Update

The state budget remains stalled in conference committee, with funding implications for the state building program, State Arts Board, local comprehensive planning and much more. Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities and Rail has scheduled a hearing for September 27 on Senate Bill 266, which would prohibit local municipalities from enacting and enforcing ordinances with requirements different than those in state building code. Review of fire sprinkler requirements for multi-family dwellings in proposed Wisconsin Commercial Building Code update package has been referred to the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR). Landscape Architects Section of the Joint Examining Board has voted to support draft legislation that would expand Wisconsin's “title” law to regulate the “practice” of landscape architecture, as well. Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held hearing on Senate Bill 81, the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act for managing greenhouse gases. Assembly Bill 181, which would enable the Architects Section to establish continuing education requirements for license renewal, has been recommended unanimously for passage by the Assembly Committee on Labor and Industry and is waiting to be placed on the Wisconsin Assembly calendar for a vote.

 

AIA Knowledge Leadership Assembly

AIA members from around the country will converge in Milwaukee on October 3-5 for the AIA Knowledge Leadership Assembly (KLA). This annual conference for the leaders of the AIA's 20 “Knowledge Communities” is designed to provide an opportunity to share ideas and discuss how best to address the knowledge needs of members in the future. Knowledge Communities (formerly known as Professional Interest Areas) are groups of members who have an interest in a common topic and collaborate to increase their understanding of the topic through ongoing learning and knowledge sharing. Members of the AIA can participate in Knowledge Communities of their choice, with many members joining more than one. AIA Wisconsin and AIA Milwaukee are pleased to host this year's KLA. For information about AIA Knowledge Communities, go to: http://www.aia.org/nav_kc.

 

BIM Lecture Series

UWM SARUP will be hosting a lunchtime lecture series and forum, “Computation and Craft,” this fall that will address the impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on professional practice. The first session, scheduled for 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, in AUP 110, features a panel discussion by members of the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community. SARUP and Eppstein Uhen Architects are sponsoring the lecture series

 

DSF Consultants Conference

If you work with the Division of State Facilities (DSF) on state building projects, or would like to, then reserve Tuesday, October 23, for this year's annual “DSF Consultants Conference” sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Wisconsin. The full-day conference will be held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Conference topics include: BIM, sustainability, recycling and commissioning. The conference also features orientation sessions for firms interested in small and large state building projects. AIA members benefit from a reduced registration fee and can earn up to 5.5 AIA/CES learning unit hours. To register online, go to: www.acecwi.org/displayconvention.cfm .

 

Architecture Awareness Week—AIA Milwaukee

Last week, AIA Milwaukee coordinated a variety of successful Architecture Awareness week events that helped to celebrate the diversity of the profession. A reception, sponsored by Gilbane Construction, kicked off a week-long exhibition of Latino architecture and art in the atrium of Milwaukee City Hall. Award-winning architect Bernardo Gomez-Pimienta of Mexico City presented a “scintillating” public lecture at the UWM Union on his work, scaled from the design of an espresso cup to a 28-story residential building. This lecture was sponsored by AI Milwaukee, AIA Wisconsin and the UWM School of Architecture and Urban Design. As a bonus, Gomez-Pimienta presented a passionate talk in Spanish to students at the MPS Advanced Language and Academic Studies High School about his work and the profession of architecture. AIA Milwaukee Past President Diane Trevarrow Evans, AIA, River Hills, coordinated this year's Architecture Awareness Week activities, with the help of numerous members and other volunteers.

Award-winning architect Bernardo Gomez-Pimienta talks to students.
Exhibition of Latino architecture and art in the atrium of Milwaukee City Hall reception

Fall Workshop
Over 700 people, including over 100 AIA members, participated in the “Greening the Heartland | SE² Conference” earlier this month in Madison. AIA Wisconsin partnered with the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance and Energy Center of Wisconsin on this regional USGBC conference. From the opening session featuring presentations by AIA Vice President Norman Strong, FAIA, and USGBC Chair Sandy Wiggins, as well as Wisconsin Lt. Governor Lawton and Madison Mayor Cieslewicz, through the closing session by Jon Foley, Tia Nelson and Eric Lloyd Wright, participants gained a wealth of information on the sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings. WGBA President Tom Cox, AIA, Appleton, did a masterful job coordinating this valuable continuing education program. A number of AIA Wisconsin members presented seminar sessions, including: Tom Kubala, AIA, Cedarburg; Tate Walker, AIA, Madison; Bill Rattunde, AIA, Madison, Eric Truelove, Assoc. AIA, Madison; and Professional Affiliate Representative Abby Vogen Horn, Oconomowoc.
Tom Cox, AIA, and presenters Eric Lloyd Wright and Norman Strong, FAIA.

 

SE² Leadership Awards

The fourth annual Sustainability Energy Efficiency (SE²) Leadership Awards were presented during a special luncheon at the “Greening the Heartland” conference. Eight Wisconsin building projects were recognized for leadership in energy efficient and sustainable design, construction and operation. An “Award for Excellence” was presented to the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center in Baraboo, designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects, Cedarburg, and to the HGA office in Milwaukee, designed by HGA. An “Award of Merit” was presented to Tri-North Builders Corporate Headquarters in Madison, designed by Plunkett Raysich Architects, Milwaukee, and to Northland Pines High School in Eagle River, designed by Hoffman, Appleton . “Special Citations” were received by the Rosemary Garfoot Library in Cross Plains, designed by Berners-Schober Associates, Green Bay, and the 245 Plaza in Brookfield, designed by Stephen Perry Smith Architects, Menomonee Falls. The SE² Leadership Awards program was created by AIA Wisconsin, Energy Center of Wisconsin, ASHRAE – Wisconsin Section, Focus on Energy, IES – Milwaukee , IFMA – Wisconsin Section, and Wisconsin Green Building Alliance.

Architecture Firm Award
You are invited to participate in the AIA Wisconsin “Architecture Firm Award” program by submitting a nomination or encouraging others to do so. This award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member-owned firm, will be presented at the AIA Wisconsin Convention next spring. The Architecture Firm Award recognizes a
Wisconsin firm for outstanding achievement in the advancement of the architectural profession. Five firms have received the award: Kahler Slater (1998), Flad & Associates (1999), the Zimmerman Design Group (2000), Potter Lawson (2002) and The Kubala Washatko Architects (2006). The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2007. Here is link to the Call for Nominations: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/documents/firmawardcall.shtml .

 

Golden Award
The deadline for 2008 AIA Wisconsin Golden Award nominations is November 1. The Golden Award is the highest honor that AIA Wisconsin can bestow upon a member architect. It recognizes distinguished leadership and service to the profession and the AIA. Twenty AIA Wisconsin members have been recognized since 1986, with Cherie Claussen, AIA,
Wauwatosa, selected to receive this year's Golden Award. Contact AIA Wisconsin to request nomination materials.

 

Director-At-Large Candidates
Thomas Hirsch, AIA, Madison; Daniel Sisel, AIA, Milwaukee; and Len Witke, AIA, Columbus, have agreed to toss their hats into the ring as a candidate for Director-At-Large. AIA Architect members . . . watch your mailbox for the Director-At-Large “official ballot.”

 

Consultants, Contractors & Manufacturers Directory

Collaborating with experts helps architects provide their clients with successful projects. The Consultants, Contractors & Manufacturers Directory was developed to aid architecture firms, clients and the public. Encourage one of your consultants to list. Applications are available online at: http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?1Q,M3,6f444e03-d68d-4266-a8a1-b448ce8e8e5a

View the current Directory: http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiaw05/list.asp

New AIA Contract Documents
The AIA Contract Documents program provides proven, consistent and effective standard form contract documents for the building design and construction industry. This fall, the AIA will be releasing close to 50 new or revised contract documents. The last major release of the AIA's flagship documents occurred in 1997. Watch your inbox for more details. AIA Wisconsin is the state's only full-service distributor of AIA contract documents.

People & Places

Dirk von Below, AIA, Madison, and Clinton J. Selle, AIA, Milwaukee , have upgraded to AIA Architect members. Congratulations! Arthur C. Chadek, AIA, Wauwatosa , has joined Welman Architects Inc. Steven M. Connor, Assoc. AIA, Cottage Grove , has joined Bouril Design Studio as a project manager. Barry C. Yang, AIA, Whitefish Bay , has joined AG Architecture, Inc. Steven E. Wille, AIA, Menasha, has joined Performa Architects & Engineers as vice president. Karen A. Wolfert-Georgeson, AIA, Milwaukee, has joined Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc. Long-time member Russell R. Sprengle Jr., AIA, Madison, recently passed away. Vetter Denk Architecture has moved to 161 S. First Street , Milwaukee. Schroeder & Holt Architects Ltd. has moved to 311 E Chicago St. Ste 410 , Milwaukee. Timothy G. Carlson, AIA, Appleton , has established his own firm, True North Design LLC, 1632 W. Cloverdale Dr. , Appleton, phone: (920) 560-3171.


Member Action
Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between August 16 and September 17, 2007: Nathan Currier-Groh, Student, Milwaukee (SE); David R. DeVos, AIA, Prairie View (SE); Michael A. Hacker, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee (SE); Eric J. Koffler, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee (SE); Kenneth J. Koziczkowski, AIA, Sherwood (NE); Seth P. Morrison, AIA, Madison (SW) and Brandon Spoehr, Student, Lake Mills (SE).

 

The Last Word
“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” [Dr. Linus Pauling]

AUGUST 23, 2007

AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop
The 2007 AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop will focus on green buildings and sustainable design. AIA Wisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance and the Energy Center of Wisconsin on the “Greening The Heartland | SE² Conference” scheduled for September 12 & 13 at Monona Terrace in
Madison . Two dozen breakout sessions will feature innovative projects and ideas for a sustainable future, with five of the sessions recommended for the AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop. The conference will open with a keynote address by USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi and AIA Vice President Norman Strong , FAIA, who will outline the Institute's commitment to sustainable design and the 2030 Challenge. Plus, the GTH2007 Trade Show will showcase products specified in LEED certified buildings and the consulting services needed to design and build them. The 4th annual Sustainability & Energy Efficiency (SE²) Leadership Awards will be presented at the luncheon on September 13. AIA members can earn up to 9 AIA/CES learning unit hours related to health, safety and welfare (HSW). The early bird registration discount has been extending to September 1. AIA Wisconsin members can benefit from reduced registration fees by registering online and using the following discount code: AIAW. For additional information on the conference and to register online, please visit: www.greeningtheheartland.org .

 

GTH2007 Building Tours & LEED Workshop

And that's not all . . . as several extra continuing education opportunities are available following the GTH2007 conference on September 14. There will be three separate all-day building tours for which AIA member can earn up to 6 AIA/CES HSW hours, including a Frank Lloyd Wright tour as well as tours of sustainable projects in Madison and Milwaukee. You can sign up for one of these building tours at: www.greeningtheheartland.org . In addition, the USGBC will present a full-day LEED CI Workshop for which AIA members can earn 7 AIA/CES learning unit HSW hours. This workshop requires a separate registration and fee through: www.usgbc.org/workshops/register .

 

Bernardo Gomez-Pimienta Lecture

A lecture by acclaimed architect, industrial designer and teacher Bernardo Gomez-Pemienta is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, in the Fireside Lounge at the UW-Milwaukee Union. A 6:00 p.m. reception will precede the lecture. Currently the Dean of the Architecture School of the Universidad Anahuac, his design creativity has been widely recognized in Mexico as well as internationally. This special “Architectural Awareness Week” program is sponsored by AIA Milwaukee, AIA Wisconsin and the UWM School of Architecture & Urban Planning. During his visit to Milwaukee , Gomez-Pimienta also will be speaking to MPS students at the Advanced Language and Academic Studies High School . An exhibit at City Hall also is planned during the week to increase the public's awareness of architecture.

 

Building Code Update

The Assembly Housing Committee held a public hearing this week on the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code update package proposed by the Department of Commerce. Testimony at the hearing focused on the fire sprinkler requirements for multi-family dwellings. The proposed code would adopt IBC requirements that call for fire sprinklers in new multi-family dwellings of three units or more, with townhouses excluded from these new sprinkler requirements. Following the hearing, the Housing Committee objected to the proposed sprinkler requirements and sent this portion of the state building code package to the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR), co-chaired by State Representative Daniel LeMahieu (R-Cascade) and State Senator Robert Jauch (D-Poplar). JCRAR has 30 days to review the proposed code provisions, with an option to extend the review period for an additional 30 days. For information on the proposed building code package, go to: http://commerce.wi.gov/SB.

 

BIM Lecture Series

UWM SARUP will be hosting a lunchtime lecture series and forum, “Computation and Craft,” this fall that will address the impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on professional practice. The first session, scheduled for 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, in AUP 110, features a panel discussion by members of the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community. SARUP and Eppstein Uhen Architects are sponsoring the lecture series.

 

Shop Drawings, Change Orders & Claims Seminar

Architect and attorney Charles Heuer, Esq., FAIA, will present a special AIA Trust seminar on October 10 in Milwaukee for AIA Milwaukee and on October 11 in Madison for AIA Southwest Wisconsin that will focus on the proper processes for shop drawing review, change order execution and claims review. He will explain the risks involved and how to manage them while performing in a timely and appropriate manner. The AIA General Conditions (A201) will serve as the point of reference. Heuer presented popular sessions at the 2003 Fall Workshop on the essential legal principles for architectural practice, including a primer on intellectual property law for design professionals. Watch your inbox for further details about these seminars made possible by the AIA Trust.

 

State Budget & Building Program

Wisconsin now has the distinction of being the only state in the country that has started its fiscal year without an adopted budget. The state building program is caught up in this budget impasse. A Conference Committee of legislative leaders from both houses as been appointed to develop a compromise. Last spring, the State Building Commission recommended a $1.3 billion capital budget for the 2007-09 biennium. The budget bill approved by the Assembly would reduce the recommended state building program by about $500 million by eliminating funding authority for a number of university projects, particularly residence halls, and cutting funding for the general maintenance, repair and remodeling of state facilities. AIA Wisconsin believes it is important to adequately fund the state building program and address the growing backlog of necessary maintenance projects, estimated at over $1.2 billion. With over 6,200 state buildings, taxpayers have made a considerable investment in these facilities that deserves to be protected and maintained. In addition, many of the new buildings recommended by the Building Commission would replace aging and inefficient facilities. Restoring the $500 million in funding would generate over $1 billion in additional economic activity thanks to the positive multiplier effect of investing in design and construction projects. AIA Wisconsin members are encouraged to contact your state legislators and encourage them to support a 2007-09 state budget that contains adequate funding for necessary capital improvements.

 

DSF Consultants Conference

If you work with the Division of State Facilities (DSF) on state building projects, or would like to, then reserve Tuesday, October 23, for this year's annual “DSF Consultants Conference” sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Wisconsin . The full-day conference will be held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison . Conference topics include: BIM, sustainability, recycling and commissioning. The conference also features orientation sessions for firms interested in small and large state building projects. AIA members benefit from a reduced registration fee and can earn up to 5.5 AIA/CES learning unit hours. You also can save some bucks by registering for the conference by September 24. To register online, go to: www.acecwi.org/displayconvention.cfm .

 

AIA Regional Director
AIA Wisconsin member Kevin J. Connolly, AIA, Wauwatosa, has been selected serve as the AIA Director for the North Central States region on the national Board of Directors of The American Institute of Architects. The AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors approved the appointment at its meeting earlier this month. When his three-year term begins in December, Connolly will join Donald Barsness, AIA, Bismarck, in representing over 3,700 members in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. Connolly established his own firm, Connolly Architects, Inc., in Milwaukee in 1983. He served as the President of AIA Southeast Wisconsin in 1990 and as the President of AIA Wisconsin in 1995. Most recently, he helped to plan and coordinate last year's Fall Workshop on “Integrated Practice” and participated on the BIM roundtable at this spring's AIA Wisconsin Convention. AIA Wisconsin also will have the opportunity to appoint the next AIA Regional Director for the term beginning in December 2009.

 

Director-At-Large Candidates
If you are interested in helping to shape AIA Wisconsin policies and programs, please consider tossing your hat in the ring as a candidate for Director-At-Large. Three Directors-At-Large will be elected by the membership this fall to a two-year term beginning January 2008. There also are many valuable leadership opportunities with your local AIA Chapter. For further information, contact the AIA Wisconsin office.

 

Golden Award
The deadline for 2008 AIA Wisconsin Golden Award nominations is November 1. The Golden Award is the highest honor that AIA Wisconsin can bestow upon a member architect. It recognizes distinguished leadership and service to the profession and the AIA. Twenty AIA Wisconsin members have been recognized since 1986, with Cherie Claussen, AIA,
Wauwatosa, selected to receive this year's Golden Award. Contact AIA Wisconsin to request nomination materials.

 

Architecture Firm Award
You are invited to participate in the AIA Wisconsin “Architecture Firm Award” program by submitting a nomination or encouraging others to do so. This award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member-owned firm, will be presented at the AIA Wisconsin Convention next spring. The Architecture Firm Award recognizes a
Wisconsin firm for outstanding achievement in the advancement of the architectural profession. Five firms have received the award: Kahler Slater (1998), Flad & Associates (1999), the Zimmerman Design Group (2000), Potter Lawson (2002) and The Kubala Washatko Architects (2006). The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2007. Here is link to the Call for Nominations that provides details on eligibility, award criteria and nomination guidelines: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/documents/firmawardcall.shtml .

 

2007 AIA Wisconsin Leadership Team
At its meeting in August, the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors approved the appointment of Josh Johnson , AIA, Middleton, as 2008 Vice President/President-Elect and James Otto, AIA, Hubertus, as 2008 Secretary/Treasurer. Johnson and Otto will join 2008 President Wm. Lee Connellee, AIA, Appleton, and Immediate Past President Martin Sell , AIA,
Juneau, on the 2008 Executive Committee for AIA Wisconsin.


2008 Membership Dues
For 2008, national dues will be $238 for AIA Architect members and $102 for Associate AIA members. (The three-year $50 AIA dues assessment for national advertising campaign expires this year.) The AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors has approved the following state membership dues for 2008: AIA Architect – Firm Principal $290, AIA Architect – Employee $210, Associate AIA $76 ($57 for first three years of membership), Professional Affiliate $275, and Student Affiliate $15. AIA Emeritus members have no state dues responsibility. The four local AIA Chapters in
Wisconsin do not have membership dues.

 

LegaLine
AIA Wisconsin has an agreement with Charles Heuer, FAIA, Esq., and LegaLine. This unique service offered through the AIA Trust allows members a one-time opportunity to talk with an attorney for “free” about issues related to contracts, intellectual property law and other practice issues. One AIA Wisconsin member who recently took advantage of the LegaLine service reported that he “found it to be a tremendous help!” Contact the AIA Wisconsin office for more information.

Long-Range Planning Retreat
For over 20 years, AIA Wisconsin leaders have gathered in an old log lodge on
Mirror Lake to participate in a long-range planning session. This year, 29 members participated in the two-day retreat chaired by AIA Wisconsin Vice President/ President-Elect Wm. Lee Connellee , AIA, Appleton. Participants included Student Affiliate members to AIA Emeritus members and everything in between. The first day of the retreat focused on “AIA150 + Beyond” by discussing ideas for engaging members through community leadership and outreach initiatives. The second day focused on “Redefining the Role of the Architect” by reviewing the recent AIA environmental scan of trends affecting the future of the profession and discussing strategic initiatives related to collaboration, emerging professionals and firm practice.

ARE Lending Library
AIA Wisconsin has established a lending library of Architect Registration Examination (ARE) study materials from Kaplan AEC Education that cover all sections of the ARE exam. The materials are available to AIA Associate members only and can be checked out of the office for a period of 14 days. For details, read the ARE Lending Library Policies. Contact AIA Wisconsin to confirm availability.

 

AIA Custom Residential Architects Network
The AIA Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) is hosting a national one-day symposium, “Full Spectrum Practice,” on October 20 in Chicago . The program will focus on the essential techniques of business planning and marketing for custom residential design firms. For further details, go to: http://www.aia.org/br_hs_cran07 .

 

AIA/CES Transcript & Self-Report Form

This is a good time to check your AIA/CES transcript to make sure it includes all of your learning activities by visiting: http://www.aia.org/ces_m_default . There are now 36 states with continuing education requirements for renewing your license, with Utah the most recent state to approve such a requirement. If you participate in a continuing education program that is not offered by an AIA/CES Registered Provider, you have the option of self reporting this learning activity. Here's a link to a quick refresher on the AIA/CES Self-Report Form: http://www.aia.org/ces_selfreport .

 

Intern Title
According to state administrative rule A-E 3.03(5), which became effective on June 1, 2003, individuals acquiring supervised experience in architectural work to become licensed as an architect in Wisconsin may use the title "architectural intern." Firms and interns are encouraged to make sure that titles used on business cards and in other marketing materials comply with state statutes and related administrative rules. Only registered architects may use the title "architect." Titles for interns other than "architectural intern" that include "architect" or "architectural," such as "intern architect," "architectural designer" or "architectural technician," are prohibited by state law.

 

Connection – Back Issues

If you think you may have missed something important in a previous AIA Wisconsin e-newsletter, you can scroll through back issues of Connection by clicking on “member news” in the “members area” of the AIA Wisconsin website. Try it and you may be pleasantly surprised by what else you discover. Here's a direct link to previous Connection e-newsletters: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/connectionprevious.shtml .

 

People & Places

Juan C. Cebollero, AIA, Madison, Glendali Rodriguez, AIA, Menomonie, and Jeffrey D. Weber, AIA, Grafton, have upgraded their membership to AIA Architect. Congratulations! Thomas R. Cox, AIA, Appleton , has joined Durrant as a principal. Jody D. Andres, AIA, Appleton, also has joined Durrant. Scott F. Georgeson, AIA, Milwaukee, has joined HGA Architects and Engineers (HGA) as a senior associate. Zohar Harari, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee , also has joined HGA. Terry L. McLaughlin, AIA, Hortonville, has joined Community Living Solutions, LLC. Kelly A. Thompson-Frater, AIA, Madison, has been appointed to the City of Madison Community Development Authority (CDA). The profession recently lost three distinguished and prominent members: Thomas “Mac” Slater, AIA, Milwaukee, Robert P. Torkelson, AIA, Middleton, and Robert R. Yarbro, AIA, Oshkosh. Workshop Architects has moved to 1736 N 2nd St in Milwaukee; phone (414) 272-8822. LaMacchia Group, LLC, has moved to 309 N Water St Ste 650 in Milwaukee; phone (414) 223-4400.


Member Action
Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between July 17 and August 15, 2007: Derrick J. Capra, Assoc. AIA, Hayward (NW); Cheryl M. Doerfer, Assoc. AIA, Verona (SW); Hiroshi Fujisawa, AIA, Janesville (SW); Janine M. Glaeser, AIA, Monona (SW); Aaron J. Gobel, Assoc. AIA, Brooklyn (SW);  Corey LaSarge, Professional Affiliate, Waunakee (SW); Travis J. Schroeder, AIA, Eau Claire (NW);  Megan Spindler, Assoc. AIA, Brookfield (SE); Karen Swank, Professional Affiliate, Seal Beach, CA (SE); Erik D. Wasilewski, Assoc. AIA, Janesville (SW) and Nathan H. Zywicki, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee (SE).


The Last Word

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” [William Plomer]

 

July 12, 2007

AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop
The 2007 AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop will focus on green buildings and sustainable design. This year, in order to offer the widest array of top-notch workshop sessions possible, AIA Wisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance and the Energy Center of Wisconsin on the “Greening The Heartland | SE² Conference” scheduled for September 12 & 13 at Monona Terrace in Madison. Two dozen breakout sessions will feature innovative projects and ideas for a sustainable future, with five of the sessions recommended for the AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop. The conference will open with keynotes by USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi and by AIA Vice President Norman Strong, FAIA, on the Institute's commitment to sustainable design and the 2030 Challenge. Plus, the GTH2007 Trade Show will showcase products specified in LEED certified buildings and services needed to design and build them. The 4th annual Sustainability & Energy Efficiency (SE²) Leadership Awards will be presented at the luncheon on September 13. AIA Wisconsin members can benefit from reduced registration fees by registering online and using the following discount code: AIAW. For additional information on the conference and to register online, please visit: www.greeningtheheartland.org .

 

Continuing Education – AB 181

Proposed legislation, 2007 Assembly Bill 181, was introduced earlier this year to enable the Architects Section and other sections of the Joint Examining Board to promulgate administrative rules establishing minimum continuing education requirements for renewing Wisconsin licenses. AIA Wisconsin supports this simple enabling legislation. Following a public hearing in May, the Assembly Committee on Labor & Industry voted unanimously to recommend passage of AB 181. State Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) is the lead sponsor of the proposed legislation. AB 181 is now in the Assembly Rules Committee, waiting to be placed on the Assembly calendar. Before it can go into effect, the legislation needs to be approved by both the Assembly and the Senate and signed into law by the Governor. To review the proposed continuing education enabling legislation, go to: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2007/data/AB181hst.html .

 

ARE Timing

Member boards of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) approved a resolution at their annual meeting last month that allows individual state licensing boards to determine when a candidate is eligible to begin taking the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE). The AIA supports allowing interns to begin taking the ARE following graduation from a NAAB-accredited degree program and concurrent with enrollment in the Intern Development Program (IDP). In Wisconsin, candidates may apply to start taking the ARE when they have completed all but the final year of their education and experience requirements. An accredited degree is not required to become credentialed as an architect in Wisconsin. For information on the AIA position on ARE timing, go to: http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/files/adv_are_practice.pdf .

 

Wisconsin Architects

According to NCARB's 2007 survey of state architectural registration boards, there are 4,807 architects registered in Wisconsin.. Of these, only 1,622 are residents of the state. NCARB reports that more than 3,800 initial architectural licenses were granted nationwide in the past year, which is a 34.5% increase over the previous year.

 

Building Code Update

The Department of Commerce's proposed Wisconsin Commercial Building Code update package has been referred to the Assembly Housing Committee, chaired by Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton), and the Senate Commerce, Utilities and Rail Committee, chaired by Senator Jeffrey Plale (D-South Milwaukee). It is anybody's guess when this building code update package may emerge from the legislative review process. Fire sprinkler requirements for multi-family dwellings appear to be the most controversial component of the proposed code update. For information on the proposed building code package, go to: http://commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-CodeDevelopment.html#Comm616514 .

 

DSF Consultants Conference

If you work with the Division of State Facilities (DSF) on state building projects, or would like to, then reserve Tuesday, October 23, for the “DSF Consultants Conference” sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Wisconsin. The full-day conference will be held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Conference topics include: BIM, sustainability, recycling, commissioning and orientation sessions for small and large state building projects.

Director-At-Large Candidates
If you are interested in helping to shape AIA Wisconsin policies and programs, please consider tossing your hat in the ring as a candidate for Director-At-Large. Three Directors-At-Large will be elected by the membership this fall to a two-year term beginning January 2008. There also are many valuable leadership opportunities with your local AIA Chapter. For further information, contact the AIA Wisconsin office.

Architecture Firm Award
You are invited to participate in the 2008 AIA Wisconsin “Architecture Firm Award” program by submitting a nomination or encouraging others to do so. This award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member-owned firm, will be presented at the AIA Wisconsin Convention next spring. The Architecture Firm Award recognizes a Wisconsin firm for outstanding achievement in the advancement of the architectural profession. The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2007. Here is link to the Call for Nominations that provides details on eligibility, award criteria and nomination guidelines: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/documents/firmawardcall.shtml .

 

On the Map

The AIA seems to have discovered Wisconsin . Later this month, the Board of Directors of the Texas Society of Architects will hold its summer meeting in Milwaukee, including a networking breakfast forum with AIA Wisconsin and AIA Milwaukee leaders. On October 3-5, the leaders of the 26 AIA Knowledge Communities will be meeting in Milwaukee for the annual Knowledge Leadership Assembly, with plans in the works for joint building tours and networking opportunities. And that's not all . . . because the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is holding FORUM 2007, “Architecture in Motion,” in Milwaukee on December 29, 2007 January 1, 2008 . The AIAS Chapter at UWM SARUP is hosting this year's global gathering of architecture and design students, with Joseph Lawton, Assoc. AIA, Shorewood, chairing the conference. For information on the AIAS conference, go to: http://www.aias.org/forum/ .

 

Expo Booth Awards

Congratulations to the following exhibitors recognized for their significant contributions to the success of the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Building Products Expo! 1st Place: County Materials Corporation, 2nd Place: Andersen Window Corporation, 3rd Place: MasterGraphics, Inc., Honorable Mentions: Brick Distributors of Wisconsin, Carved Stone Creations Entrance Technologies, Inc., The Renschler Company, Inc., The Samuels Group, Stetson Building Products, Wisconsin Concrete Masonry Association.

 

People & Places
Dennis Barger, AIA, Madison, has joined Strang as a project architect. David M. Hoffman, AIA, Madison, has joined Marshall Erdman & Associates as a project design manager. Todd M. Johnson, AIA, Germantown, has joined ESI Design Services, Inc. as a senior project architect. David J. "Koz" Koscielniak, AIA, Greenfield, has joined Briohn Building Corporation as the director of business development. Kahler Slater has been named one of the “25 Best Small Companies to Work For in America ” for the forth year in a row by the Great Place to Work® Institute. Miron Construction has moved their Madison office to 8401 Greenway Blvd, Ste 880, Middleton, WI 53562, (608)203-2700.

 

The Last Word
In every work of genius, we see our own cast off thoughts [Ralph Waldo Emerson]

June 20, 2007

Building Code Update

The Department of Commerce has sent its package of proposed Wisconsin Commercial Building Code updates over to the State Capitol to begin the required legislative review process. Nobody can predict with certainty when the new code provisions will be approved and become effective. The most controversial component of the code update involves the proposed adoption of the IBC fire sprinkler requirements for multi-family dwellings. Please be aware that the fire department access requirements are not eliminated in the proposed update, but rather moved from the building to the fire prevention code. You can find information on the proposed building code package at: Code Link

 

Protecting Digital Assets

In today's digital world, the ease of disseminating project correspondence and other documents, with the potential for these documents to be easily modified, has lead to concerns about protection of intellectual property rights and liability for the subsequent misuse of transmitted data. AIA Wisconsin even established a task force earlier this year to discuss similar concerns and to develop a recommended position statement. The AIA recently published two new contract documents to address these concerns: C106™ —2007, Digital Data Licensing Agreement, and E201™ —2007, Digital Data Protocol Exhibit. These documents address ownership rights and allow project participants to establish protocols for the transmission of digital data. For more information on these new AIA contract documents and their key terms and features, please visit: www.aia.org/docs_default . AIA Wisconsin is a full-service distributor of AIA contract documents; and you can purchase these new documents by going to: http://www.aiaw.org/members/index.cfm

 

AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop
The 2007 AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop will focus on green buildings and sustainable design. This year, in order to offer the widest array of top-notch workshop sessions possible, AIA Wisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance and the Energy Center of Wisconsin on the “Greening The Heartland | SE² Conference” scheduled for September 12 & 13 at Monona Terrace in Madison. Two dozen breakout sessions will feature innovative projects and ideas for a sustainable future, with five of the sessions recommended for the AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop. The conference will open with keynotes by USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi and by AIA Vice President Norman Strong, FAIA, on the Institute's commitment to sustainable design and the 2030 Challenge. Plus, the GTH2007 Trade Show will showcase products specified in LEED certified buildings and services needed to design and build them. The 4th annual Sustainability & Energy Efficiency (SE²) Leadership Awards will be presented at the luncheon on September 13. AIA Wisconsin members can benefit from reduced registration fees by registering online and using the following discount code: AIAW. For additional information on the conference and to register online, please visit: www.greeningtheheartland.org .

 

Sustainability Strategies

The AIA Sustainability Discussion Group has identified 50 “principals” to help architects move projects toward the AIA's immediate goal of 50% reduction of project fossil fuel consumption. The group is asking members to help identify the “strategies” underneath these principals. For information on this “50to50” initiative, please go to: http://www.aia.org/fiftytofifty.

 

Convention Sponsors

AIA Wisconsin is fortunate that a number of companies and organizations step forward to underwrite speakers and sponsor other special events at the annual Convention. The sponsors of the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo were formally recognized at the Awards Luncheon last month at Monona Terrace. Their generous support contributed significantly to the success of this year's conference. A list of sponsors is included with this newsletter. Please join the Convention Committee in thanking them, once again, for their sponsorship.

Director-At-Large Candidates
If you are interested in helping to shape AIA Wisconsin policies and programs, please consider tossing your hat in the ring as a candidate for Director-At-Large. Three Directors-At-Large will be elected by the membership this fall to a two-year term beginning January 2008. There also are many valuable leadership opportunities with your local AIA Chapter. For further information, contact the AIA Wisconsin office.


Architecture Firm Award
You are invited to participate in the 2008 AIA Wisconsin “Architecture Firm Award” program by submitting a nomination or encouraging others to do so. This award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member-owned firm, will be presented at the AIA Wisconsin Convention next spring. The Architecture Firm Award recognizes a Wisconsin firm for outstanding achievement in the advancement of the architectural profession. The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2007. Here is link to the Call for Nominations that provides details on eligibility, award criteria and nomination guidelines: Call For Entries

 

AIA Career Center
The AIA is offering architecture firms the opportunity to post their temporary summer positions on the AIA Career Center free of charge, until July 31.  The online Career Center is a great source for finding highly qualified professionals. It also allows firms to quickly post job openings, search résumés from a database of more than 4,000 potential applicants and manage candidates. For more information or to post a position, please go to: http://careercenter.aia.org/post.cfm .

Award-Winning Wisconsin Architecture

In case you missed it, last week's AIArchitect newsletter featured an article on the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards. To check it out, go to: www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek07/0615/0615d_component.cfm

 

Recognized in San Antonio

A number of AIA Wisconsin members contributed to the success of this year's national AIA Convention . . . and several others were recognized in San Antonio for their contributions to the AIA and the profession. Kelly Thompson-Frater, AIA, Madison , John Holz, AIA, Bayside, Martin Sell, AIA, Juneau, and Tate Walker, AIA, Madison , were invited to present featured continuing education seminars. Barry Swedeen , AIA, Madison , was recognized by an official convention resolution for his service on the Credentials Committee. As part of the AIA Honors & Awards program, Michael Eberle, AIA, Middleton, received the Young Architects Award and the Engberg Anderson Design Partnership, Milwaukee , received an Institute Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design for the Historic Third Ward Riverwalk in Milwaukee . Gary Zimmerman, FAIA, Hartland, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the AIA College of Fellows for his years of service in organizing the Annual Chancellor's Cup.

 

People & Places
Martin Sell, AIA, Juneau , has joined Durrant as senior vice president and managing principal of the firm's offices in Madison, Milwaukee , Dubuque, Des Moines and St. Louis. Randall Page, AIA, Madison, has been appointed chair of the City of Madison Landmarks Commission. Keith A. Spruce, AIA, Two Rivers, has joined the City of Milwaukee, Department of Neighborhood Services, Construction Inspection Division, as building construction inspector.

Member Action

Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between May 23 and June 19, 2007:  Jason R. Ahrens, Assoc. AIA, Janesville (SW); Gregory A. Granlund, AIA, Eau Claire (NW); Matthew B. Honold, Assoc. AIA, Elkhorn (SW); Maria C. Javornik, Assoc. AIA, Madison (SW); Craig Schaefer, Assoc. AIA, Janesville (SW) and Yifei Wang, Assoc. AIA, Janesville (SW).  


The Last Word
The members of the American Institute of Architects create a community to share knowledge and advocate a shared vision to have a positive impact on the direction of the profession, the shape of our neighborhoods and our world. [AIA Covenant]

May 29, 2007

AIA Director Appointment

AIA Wisconsin has the opportunity to appoint the next AIA Director for the North Central States region on the national AIA Board of Directors. The new AIA Director for our region, which includes Minnesota , South Dakota and North Dakota in addition to Wisconsin , will be appointed to a three-year term that begins in December 2007. AIA members interested in being considered for this important position are encouraged to submit a letter of interest with a statement of qualifications by no later than June 15 . AIA Wisconsin Vice President/President-Elect Lee Connellee, AIA, Appleton, is heading up a special Review Committee for this appointment. The AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors will consider the committee's recommendation at its meeting on August 2. For information on the AIA Director position and selection process, please review the “Request for Statements of Qualifications” available on the AIA Wisconsin website at http://www.aiaw.org/about/RD.shtml .

Architecture Firm Award
You are invited to participate in the 2008 AIA Wisconsin “Architecture Firm Award” program by submitting a nomination or encouraging others to do so. This award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member-owned firm, will be presented at the AIA Wisconsin Convention next spring. The Architecture Firm Award recognizes a Wisconsin firm for outstanding achievement in the advancement of the architectural profession. The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2007 . Here is link to the Call for Nominations that provides details on eligibility, award criteria and nomination guidelines: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/documents/firmawardcall.shtml .

AIA Northeast Wisconsin AIA150 — Flag Day Parade
In celebration of the AIA's 150 th anniversary and Appleton's sesquicentennial, AIA Northeast Wisconsin will have a float in t he 57th Annual Appleton Flag Day Parade, Celebrating 150 Years of Old Glory. The fun begins at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 9. AIA Northeast Wisconsin officers are looking for volunteers to help build the chapter's AIA150 float. AIA Wisconsin members are encouraged to contact Kevin Shumann, AIA, at (920) 882-2547 for further information.

Convention Kudos!

Kudos to volunteers on the Convention Committee chaired by Rob Wheat, AIA, Monroe, as well as the speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and hundreds of members like you who made the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo a great success! If you attended and haven't already done so, please complete and return your AIA/CES report form and feedback sheet as soon as possible. The AIA Wisconsin fax number is (608) 257-0242. Contact AIA Wisconsin if you're interested in volunteering for the fun, excitement and glamour of planning next year's Convention & Expo program, which is scheduled for April 30 & May 1, 2008.

2007 Design Awards

Earlier this month at Monona Terrace, the architects, owners and contractors involved in eleven building projects selected to receive 2007 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards were recognized for excellence in architectural design. The award winners reflect a diverse mix of projects. The common thread is that they were all designed by AIA Architect members of AIA Wisconsin. For more information on the award-winning projects and architects, please go to: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/index.shtml .

AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop
Based on member feedback and suggestions, the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop will focus on green buildings and sustainable design. This year, in order to offer the widest array of top-notch workshop sessions possible, AIA Wisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance and the Energy Center of Wisconsin on the “Greening The Heartland | SE² Conference” scheduled for September 12 & 13 at Monona Terrace in Madison. Two dozen breakout sessions will feature innovative projects and ideas for a sustainable future, with five of the sessions recommended for the AIA Wisconsin Fall Workshop. In addition, the conference will open with keynotes by USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi and by AIA Vice President Norman Strong, FAIA, on the Institute's commitment to sustainable design and the 2030 challenge. Plus, the GTH2007 Trade Show will showcase products specified in LEED certified buildings and services needed to design and build them. And that's not all . . . . as the 4 th annual Sustainability & Energy Efficiency (SE²) Leadership Awards will be presented at the luncheon on September 13. AIA Wisconsin members can register for the conference at the reduced rates for WGBA/USGBC members. Additional information on the conference is available at www.greeningtheheartland.org .

Distinguished Service

At last week's Annual Meeting, AIA Wisconsin President Marty Sell, AIA, Juneau , presented a Citation for Distinguished Service to fourteen individuals in recognition of their significant contributions to the profession of architecture. Citation recipients included: Ronald Buchholz, Fitchburg, for coordinating the administration, development and enforcement of state building codes; Kevin Connolly, AIA, Wauwatosa, and Thomas Cox, Appleton, for coordinating a very successful 2006 Fall Workshop on “Integrated Practice;” Michael Eberle, Middleton, for his contribution as chair of the 2006 Fall Workshop and for his dedicated service as the co-chair of Wisconsin's Young Architects Forum and as the YAF Regional Liaison for the North Central states; David Ewanowski, AIA, Madison, for chairing the successful 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo; Michael Gordon, AIA, Madison, for chairing the AIA Wisconsin QBS Committee since 1996; Mark Kraft, AIA, Madison, for his leadership of the AIA/DSF Liaison Committee; Karen Plunkett Muenster, AIA, Milwaukee, and Diane Trevarrow Evans, AIA, Milwaukee, for their efforts in coordinating special programs and events for the AIA Board of Directors meeting in Milwaukee; Kelly Thompson-Frater, AIA, Madison, Melissa Destree, AIA, Oregon, Richard Lundeen, AIA, Madison, Thomas Hirsch, AIA, Madison, and Gregory Fischer, AIA, Madison, for their leadership of the AIA Southwest Wisconsin AIA150 “Blueprint for America” initiative.

Expo Online

Information on the companies and organizations exhibiting at the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Building Products Expo is available online at http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiawisc07/exhibitlist.asp .

WAF Annual Meeting

The Wisconsin Architects Foundation (WAF) held its Annual Meeting in conjunction with the AIA Wisconsin Convention. WAF President Lawrence Schnuck, AIA, Whitefish Bay, presented a report on WAF scholarship and grant programs, encouraged architects and allied professionals to contribute generously, announced the election of Patrick Conway, AIA, Mount Horeb, Gary Gust, Menomonie, and Ralph Jackson, AIA, Cross Plains, to the WAF Board of Directors, accepted a $1,000 contribution from County Materials Corporation and recognized WAF scholarship recipients attending UWM SARUP. Since 1954, the WAF has been building a better Wisconsin through architectural education and public awareness. Plus, a successful Art by Architects Silent Auction and Book Sale was held on May 16, generating over $2,100 for WAF scholarships and grants.

AIA Documents on Demand
The AIA Documents on Demand eShop is now open for business. It is a website that provides 24-hour access to ten of the most popular AIA Contract Documents, including the A101, A201 and several G-series documents. Customers are asked to provide limited project-specific information. To take advantage of this new option, go to: https://aiadocsondemand.ihs.com . AIA Wisconsin is a full-service distributor of AIA Contact Documents.


People & Places
John J. Bieno, AIA, Oregon , has been promoted to vice president at TJK Design Build. Arthur C. Chadek, AIA, Wauwatosa , has joined Pfaller Architectural Associates. Paul M. Klein, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee , has joined Milwaukee County Department of Public Works. Amy M. Doyle, Assoc. AIA, Madison , has joined Marshall Erdman & Associates Inc., as the resource librarian. Julie King Gruebel, Assoc. AIA, Mukwonago, has joined HGA Inc. Jason P. Korb, AIA, Milwaukee , and Jeffrey S. Tredo, Assoc. AIA, Fox Point, have opened their own firm, Korb Tredo Architects (KTA) in Milwaukee , (414) 273-8650.

AIA Now on Google Earth

To view the AIA's layers on Google Earth:
1. Download Google Earth.
2. Open the Google Earth software.
3. Go to the "Layers" pull-down menu on the left.
4. In the View box on top, choose "Core."
5. Under "Primary database," click open "Featured Content" (with the blue star).
6. Click on American Institute of Architects (with the Big Red A).
7. Go to the globe on the right and play!

Member Action

Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between April 17 and May 22, 2007:  John Burgan, Professional Affiliate, Brookfield (SE); Jacob Bolda, Student, Milwaukee (SE); Erick Esse, Assoc. AIA, Madison (SW); Tyler Jorgensen, Student, Pulaski (NE); Darlene A. Gluck, Assoc. AIA, Mt Horeb (SW); Elliot R. Goettelman, Assoc. AIA, Sturgeon Bay (NE); Karen S.M. Beck, Assoc. AIA, Middleton (SW); Katharine E. Kuether, Assoc. AIA, Sheboygan (NE); James W. Duncan, AIA, Plymouth (NE); George Bastien Jr., Student, Green Bay (NE); Amy H. Molepske, AIA, Kohler (NE); Alison Marlin, Student, Madison (SW); Matthew C. Lepper, Student, Menasha (SE); Jennifer A. Cihasky, Assoc. AIA, Jim Falls (NW); Brianna Occhino, Student, Green Bay (NE); Jordan O'Connor, Student, Fond du Lac (NE); Shannon L. Miller, Assoc. AIA, Verona (SW); Peter Panzer, Professional Affiliate, Fredonia (SE); Blake J. Hebert, Assoc. AIA, Madison (SW) and Misty Wildey, Student, Milwaukee (SE).


The Last Word
No sensible decision can be made without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be. [Isaac Asimov]

April 19, 2007

AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo
Reserve the dates and plan to attend the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo, Palimpsest, on May 16 & 17 at Monona Terrace in Madison . Rob Wheat, AIA, Monroe, and his Convention Committee have assembled another outstanding program of speakers, seminars and special events. For Convention agenda and to register online, go to “convention” on the AIA Wisconsin website and click on “attend.” Register by May 8 for early-bird discount.

Annual Meetings
The Annual Meetings of the Wisconsin Architects Foundation and AIA Wisconsin are scheduled for 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. on May 16 in the Ballroom at Monona Terrace. In addition to updates by WAF and AIA leaders, the agenda includes a special presentation by James Warfield, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , of amazing architectural images gathered from around the world.

Awards Luncheon
This year's Awards Luncheon on May 16 features the presentation of the 2007 Golden Award to Cherie Claussen, AIA, Wauwatosa , and special remarks on the importance of innovative architecture and modern design by Lara Hedberg Deam, the owner and founder of Dwell magazine.

Building Products Expo

This year's Expo will be packed with displays featuring the latest products and services available to Wisconsin's design and construction industry. It features an excellent mix of exhibitors with information you can put to good use on all of your projects. The Building Products Expo is free and will be open 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on May 16 and 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on May 17. For a “virtual tour” of the Expo, please visit: http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiawisc07/exhibitlist.asp .

Keynote Addresses
The 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention features two outstanding keynote speakers. On May 16, award-winning architect Tod Williams, FAIA, with Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects in New York , will present The Boldt Company Keynote Address. James Timberlake, FAIA, with Kieran Timberlake Associates in Philadelphia, will present the MasterGraphics Keynote Address on May 17.

Design Seminars
This year's track of “design” seminars features presentations by award-winning architects Lawrence Scarpa , AIA, Santa Monica; Raymond Kappe, FAIA, Pacific Palisades; and Val Schute, AIA, and Michael Swinghamer, AIA, with River Architects, La Crosse. In addition, IIDA Wisconsin Chapter is sponsoring a seminar session by Ken Kirk on modular interiors and the environment.

Practice Seminars

Convention “practice” seminars feature presentations by Jozef Kneppers and Juergen Fuss, AIA, on building forensics, and Michael Hricak, FAIA, on managing a successful design-focused firm. In addition, AIA, ACEC and AGC have joined forces to present an “A/E/C Summit Technology Roundtable” session on May 17 to discuss BIM and other emerging technology tools.

Sustainability Seminars
This year's “environmental” or “sustainability” track of seminars includes presentations on greening existing buildings by Stu Carron with JohnsonDiversey; integrated design by James Weiner, AIA, Los Angeles; and a panel discussion on sustainable design with an architect, engineer and contractor.

Spotlight Seminars

Exhibitors will be presenting free “spotlight” seminars in conjunction with the Expo. These sessions include presentations on understanding the risks of condominium projects by Holmes Murphy & Associates, using BIM to win contracts by MasterGraphics, timber framing by TimberPeg©, and harnessing the momentum of BIM by IMAGINiT Technologies.

Special Events
Special events on May 16, in addition to the Annual Meetings and Awards Luncheon, include the Construction Industry Reception in the Expo, an Art by Architects Silent Auction and Book Sale to support the Wisconsin Architects Foundation, a Future Fellows of Wisconsin workshop to help demystify the Fellowship nomination process, an Emerging Professionals Workshop by the director of the Intern Development Program (IDP) at NCARB, and the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards reception and celebration. On May 17, get your day off to a great start at the WCMA Excellence in Masonry Awards Breakfast, renew your energy with a walking lunch in the Expo, and select from two behind-the scenes tours to wrap up your day — the new Dane County Courthouse designed by The Durrant Group or the successful downtown Block 89 development by Urban Land Interests.

Continuing Education Legislation

While the Legislature's attention is focused on the proposed state budget for the 2007-09 biennium, over 400 other bills also have been introduced in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate so for this session. One of them is 2007 Assembly Bill 181, introduced by State Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) at the request of the Joint Examining Board. AB 181 would allow the Architects Section, as well as the other sections of the Joint Examining Board, to establish continuing education requirements for renewing your license. AIA Wisconsin supports this enabling legislation.

DSF AE Data Record

If your firm works with the Division of State Facilities (DSF) on state building projects, you may want to double check your AE Data Record to make sure that the information is current. The DSF contacted AIA Wisconsin to report it has noticed that more than few AE Data Records contain out-of-date insurance and staff contact information.

On Wisconsin!

Wisconsin AIA150 “champions” Marty Sell, AIA, Juneau , Kelly Thompson-Frater, AIA, Madison, and John Holz, Bayside, are presenting a featured seminar next month at the AIA Convention in San Antonio on the successful “Blueprint for America ” initiatives by AIA Southwest Wisconsin and AIA Milwaukee. In early October, the Knowledge Leadership Assembly will attract AIA officials and Knowledge Community leaders from across the county to Milwaukee . To help cap off a banner year, the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is holding its national convention, FORUM 2007, in Milwaukee in December. AIA Wisconsin is pleased to be a “Presenting Partner” with UWM SARUP for this AIAS conference. For information on how you can get involved, please visit: http://www.aias.org/forum .

Happy 150th Birthday!
The AIA celebrated its 150 th anniversary last week. Local AIA chapters in Wisconsin hosted receptions, exhibits, lectures and other special AIA150 events. Representing the future of the profession, the Student Representatives on the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors blew out the candles on the birthday cake at the Board meeting on Friday at UW-Milwaukee.


AIA Documents on Demand

The AIA Documents on Demand eShop is now open for business. It is a website that provides 24-hour access to ten of the most popular AIA Contract Documents, including the A101, A201 and several G-series documents. Customers are asked to provide limited project-specific information. To take advantage of this new option, go to: https://aiadocsondemand.ihs.com . AIA Wisconsin is a full-service distributor of AIA Contact Documents.

People & Places
Bobby B. Nixon, Jr., AIA, Plymouth, has upgraded his membership to AIA Architect. Congratulations! The national AIA Executive Committee and Board of Directors confirmed the appointment of Barry Swedeen, AIA, Madison, to serve on the AIA 2007 Credentials Committee. Dennis M. Barger, AIA, Verona, has opened his own firm, ASC Architecture, LLC, 275 Bruce St Ste 100, Verona, WI 53593, (608) 848-8536.

Member Action

Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between March 17 and April 17, 2007:  Andrew Albright, Professional Affiliate, Sun Prairie (SW); Jo Brinkley-Chaudoir, Student, Brussels (NE); Jennifer A. Eschner, AIA, Fort Atkinson (SW); Thomas W. Goode, Assoc. AIA, Wausau (NW); Benjamin A. Granstrom, Assoc. AIA, Madison (SW); Mark A. Habeck, Assoc. AIA, Wausau (NW); Andrew R. Laufenberg, Assoc. AIA, Madison (SW); Joshua Lueders, Student, Green Bay (NE); John Maternoski, Student, DePere (NE); Andy J. Reed, Assoc. AIA, Sun Prairie (SW); Brian N. Scheibel, AIA, New Berlin (SE) and Zhigang Shen, Assoc. AIA, Menomonie (NW).

The Last Word
“Founded in 1857 by 13 architects, the American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for its members in service to society. Today the Institute is made up of 80,000 design professionals – each working to create healthy, sustainable, and livable communities.” [AIA Firm Survey, 2006]

March 16, 2007

Wisconsin Architecture Week – April 9 – 14
Earlier this week, Governor Jim Doyle proclaimed April 9-14, 2007, as “Wisconsin Architecture Week.” This corresponds to the National Architecture Week celebration honoring the 150 th Anniversary of The American Institute of Architects. The Governor's proclamation congratulates the AIA and its 80,000 members for their contributions. It also recognizes the architecture profession in Wisconsin for its vigilant “stewardship of our great architectural and historic treasures” and “commitment to building healthy, safe, livable and sustainable communities that enrich the lives of people in every walk of life.” Since the proclamation calls “upon the people of Wisconsin and all government agencies” to observe Wisconsin Architecture Week “with appropriate ceremonies and activities paying tribute to the Architects of Wisconsin,” you may want to ask your mayor, village president or town board how you could help them coordinate an appropriate celebration in your community!

AIA150 Exhibit & Keynote Address
As part of the celebration of the AIA's 150 th Anniversary, an AIA150 exhibit “Celebrating the Past Designing the Future:150 Years of Innovative Housing in Southeastern Wisconsin and Three New Prototypes Under Construction” is on display at UWM SARUP through April 14. AIA Milwaukee also is sponsoring a special keynote address by award-winning architect Michael Rotundi, FAIA. This public lecture is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School of Architecture & Urban Planning. A reception will follow the lecture in the SARUP Commons.

AIA150 – Blueprint for America
As part of the AIA150 celebration, AIA members across the country are involved in “Blueprint for America” initiatives that are empowering citizens to improve their communities by creating a better future by design. Last fall, AIA Southwest Wisconsin members collaborated with residents and city officials on a successful four-day design charrette that produced three concepts for revitalizing the Allied Drive neighborhood: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/allied.shtml . AIA Milwaukee members are working with a graduate student studio at UWM SARUP and community leaders in Milwaukee and Racine on plans for attractive and affordable modular in-fill housing as a model for reweaving the fabric of local communities: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/150SE.shtml . These two AIA150 “Blueprint” projects in Wisconsin will be included as part of a special feature on Google Earth to be launched on April 24 and discussed during a national AIA Convention seminar on May 5 in San Antonio. In addition to these initiatives, AIA Northeast Wisconsin members are contributing to the City of Appleton's 150 th Anniversary celebration by showcasing the historic architecture of the area. Later this month, members of AIA Northwest Wisconsin will be working with teachers and students in Eau Claire to explore the art of architecture.

AIA Scholarship Grant
For the second year, AIA Wisconsin has been selected to receive a $4,000 Component Scholarship Matching Grant from The American Institute of Architects. This AIA grant will be combined with $6,000 in scholarship funs from the Wisconsin Architects Foundation to provide four $2,500 tuition scholarships for graduate students attending UWM SARUP.

AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo

Reserve May 16 & 17 for the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo, Palimpsest , at Monona Terrace in Madison. Watch your mailbox for a promotional postcard and your inbox for a special invitation to this year's AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo with online registration.

AIA Wisconsin Convention Hotel

If you are planning to stay at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace during the AIA Wisconsin Convention, you need to make your reservation by April 15 to benefit from a reduced Convention room rate of $143 per night (excluding taxes). Call the Hilton at 1-866-403-8838 or (608) 255-5100 to make your reservation.

WAF Silent Auction

The Wisconsin Architects Foundation will host an “Art by Architects & Friends” silent auction between 3:00 – 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo. Your donated art and architectural books will help support the WAF in building a better Wisconsin through architectural education. To donate one or more pieces, please contact WAF Board members Ralph Jackson, AIA, Cross Plains, at (608) 232-1272 or Pat Conway, AIA, Mt. Horeb, at (800) 464-0988. For more information, please go to: http://www.aiaw.org/about/Auction.shtml .

AIA Convention Delegates
If you're going to San Antonio for the AIA Convention on May 3-5, please contact AIA Wisconsin about being an official delegate for your local Chapter.

Affordable Good Design
If you were listening to “Lake Effect” on WUWM earlier this week, you may have heard the featured interview with AIA Milwaukee President John Holz, AIA, and UWM SARUP graduate students Erik Hancock and Sarah Rogers about the AIA150 “Reweaving the Neighborhood Fabric” projects for Milwaukee and Racine. UWM recently was honored for this initiative by the NCARB Prize jury.

People & Places

Marisa E. Sender, AIA, Whitefish Bay , and Erik Jansson, AIA, Madison , have joined Engberg Anderson Design Partnership. AG Architecture sadly announced the passing last month of Armin Bischoff, AIA, Milwaukee. Professional Affiliate member Abby Vogen Horn, Oconomowoc, was featured as one of “40 under 40” in Building Design + Construction . Zimmerman Architectural Studios, formerly the Zimmerman Design Group, has officially announced its name change.

Member Action

Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between January 18 and March 16, 2007 : Jeremiah Barnard, Student, Pleasant Prairie (SE); Stephen R. Bruns, AIA, Milwaukee (SE); Nicholas L. Burris, AIA, Wauwatosa (SE); Zachary J. Duesler, Assoc. AIA. Milwaukee (SE); Elizabeth A. Easter, Assoc. AIA, Menomonee Falls (SE); Sally Gartmann, Professional Affiliate, Wausau (NW); Kristan Grygiel, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee (SE); Mathew K. Hildebrandt, Assoc. AIA, Madison (SW); Thomas Humes, AIA, Chicago (SE); Robert J. Kartes, Professional Affiliate, Wauwatosa (SE); Dennis W. LaFrance, AIA, Minneapolis (NW); Michelle Laumann, Professional Affiliate, Madison (SW); Joseph Lawton, Assoc. AIA, Shorewood (SE); Adam B. Leonhard, Assoc. AIA, Baraboo (SW); Mark J. McClintock, AIA, Menomonee Falls (SE); Travis Meyers, Professional Affiliate, Madison (SW); John T. Mills, AIA, Fitchburg (SW); Chimei Mu, AIA, Kohler (NE); Robert A. Rowe, AIA, Whitefish Bay (SE); Kenneth R. Turba, Assoc. AIA, Sun Prairie (SW); Kevin D. Van Kirk, AIA, Waukesha (SE); Philip A. Weightman, AIA, Rockford (SW); Alan C. Wilson, AIA, Chicago (SE); Brittany Wingstedt-Ludwig, Student, Kaukana (NE); and Jennifer Worden, Student, Green Bay (NE).

The Last Word
“Education and training are the key to the future, but a key can be turned in two directions. Turn it one way and you lock resources away, even from those they belong to. Turn it the other way and you release resources and give people back to themselves.” [Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D, Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative ]

March 1, 2007

WAF Scholarships & Grants

Last month, the Wisconsin Architects Foundation provided $16,350 in scholarships and grants for the School of Architecture & Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. These WAF funds will be used for general tuition scholarships, Elmer Johnson Memorial Scholarship, Richard Hunzinger Memorial Scholarship, AIA Southwest Wisconsin Scholarship, Milwaukee Chapter CSI Scholarship, Dean's Fund and UWM Architecture Summer Camp. In addition, the WAF Board of Directors approved a $500 grant for a City of Madison accessible housing conference for developers and a $2,000 grant for a teacher workshop on the relationship between the built and natural environments in preparation for “Terrace Town 2008.”

WAF Silent Auction

The Wisconsin Architects Foundation will host an “Art by Architects & Friends” silent auction as a fund-raising event at the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo in May. Your donated art and architectural books will help support the WAF in building a better Wisconsin through architectural education. To donate one or more pieces, please contact WAF Board members Ralph Jackson, AIA, Cross Plains, at (608) 232-1272 or Pat Conway, AIA, Mt. Horeb , at (800) 464-0988. The WAF silent auction will be held between 3:00 – 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at Monona Terrace. Thank you for your support! For more information, please go to: http://www.aiaw.org/events/Auction07s.pdf .

Distinguished Service

At its most recent meeting in Madison, the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors unanimously approved presenting a Citation for Distinguished Service to the profession of architecture to the following AIA leaders for an assortment of significant contributions: David J. Ewanowski, AIA, Madison; Mark Alan Kraft, AIA, Madison; Michael P. Eberle, AIA, Middleton; Michael D. Gordon, AIA, Madison; Karen Plunkett Muenster, AIA, Milwaukee; Diane Trevarrow Evans , AIA, Milwaukee; Kevin J. Connolly, AIA, Wauwatosa; and Thomas R. Cox. AIA, Appleton. To find out why these and other members are being recognized, plan to participate in the AIA Wisconsin Annual Meeting scheduled for 8:00 – 9:30a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at Monona Terrace.

Division of State Facilities Update

The State of Wisconsin has several initiatives underway in which the design community will play a major role. Many of these fall under the category of sustainable design, construction and operation. The A/E Policy and Procedures Manual has been updated to include Act 141 requirements for the consideration of renewables and geothermal energy, Executive Order 145 requirements for new buildings to be 30% more energy efficient than code, the development of an integrated design process, and better definition of building energy modeling requirements. The A/E manual also includes new erosion control and DNR/Commerce requirements for stormwater management and several general process revisions. Master specification sections for several of the mechanical and electrical sections have been updated with new equipment efficiency standards required by Act 141. The standards are based, where possible, on EPA Energy Star, Federal FEMP program standards and ASHRAE 90.1. Work is underway on implementation of the Sustainable Facilities Guidelines and Commissioning Program, with new commissioning specifications anticipated this spring. The state also is looking at renewable energy demonstration projects and agreements for purchasing 10% of their electrical energy needs from renewable energy by the end of 2007. The DSF values the support it receives from Wisconsin design firms and is looking forward to collaborating with you on these initiatives.

AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo

Reserve May 16 & 17 for the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo, Palimpsest, at Monona Terrace in Madison. An outstanding program of keynote presentations, seminar sessions, product and service displays and other special events has been assembled by this year's Convention Committee. Keynote speakers include: Tod Williams, FAIA, and James Timberlake, FAIA. Lara Hedberg Deam, founder of Dwell magazine, is the featured Awards Luncheon speaker. Seminar sessions will address emerging design, practice and environmental issues. Watch your inbox and mailbox for Convention & Expo program details and registration materials. For information on the companies and organizations that already have signed up for the 2007 Building Products Expo, go to: http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiawisc07/exhibitlist.asp .

UWM SARUP Lecture Series & Exhibitions

The 2007 Spring Lecture Series sponsored by the UWM Department of Architecture features a broad array of presentations. Several of the lectures are being co-sponsored by AIA Milwaukee, including the special Architecture Week presentation by Michael Rotundi, FAIA, on Thursday, April 12. An exhibition on the collaborative AIA150 initiative by SARUP and AIA Milwaukee runs through April 5. For additional information, contact Gil Snyder at 414-229-3817 or visit the UWM SARUP website at: http://www.uwm.edu/SARUP/events/lectures/index.html .

AIA Photo Competition
AIA St. Louis is coordinating the 2007 AIA Photography Competition. The top 15 entries will be exhibited at the 2007 AIA National Convention in San Antonio . Images for the 2009 Engagement Calendar (approximately 52 images) will be selected from all submitted entries and will include the 15 award winners.  Entries must be postmarked by March 15. For further details, please go to: http://www.aia-stlouis.org/ .

Sustainability | Energy Efficiency Leadership Award
May 25 is the application deadline for the 2007 Wisconsin Sustainability | Energy Efficiency (SE²) Leadership Award program. Entry materials are due by 7/13/07. AIA Wisconsin is partnering with other organizations to support this award that recognizes leadership in energy efficient and sustainable design, construction and operation of Wisconsin commercial and larger multifamily buildings and related systems. For further information, contact AIA Wisconsin or visit the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance website at http://www.wgba.org/artman/publish/cat_index_21.shtml .

AIA eClassroom – 50% Off
The AIA eClassroom is a customized e-learning site offering continuing education courses for architects and related professionals. In March, you can benefit from a 50% discount on all classes (enter coupon code AIA0307). This exciting distance education program gives you the power to fulfill your continuing education requirements 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Courses feature the most popular sessions from recent national AIA Conventions and seminars. You can choose from courses on design, presentation skills, strategic business planning, and others by some of the leading professionals in the field. For details on the 160 eClassroom courses, go to: http://eclassroom.aia.org/MaestroC/index.cfm?room=welcome&roomaction=about

The Last Word

“Ninety-six percent of architecture firms carry some form of professional liability insurance . . . Claims against professional liability insurance are rare, with only 11 percent of firms reporting that a professional liability claim was filed against them in 2005. However, the frequencies vary by firm size.” [AIA Firm Survey, 2006]

February 6, 2007

2007 AIA Young Architects Award
Each year, the AIA presents the Young Architects Awards to professionals licensed 10 years or fewer who show exceptional leadership and make significant contributions to the profession early in their careers. Michael P. Eberle, AIA, Middleton, is one of six recipients of the 2007 Young Architects Award. An architect/senior associate with Flad Associates, Madison, Eberle was recognized for his “lead by example” approach that has spurred him to serve the Institute as president of both AIA Southwest Wisconsin and AIA Wisconsin and the AIA North Central States Young Architects Forum regional liaison. “Mike has been a stellar example of a person always willing to mentor less experienced intern architects in our profession,” said former AIA Regional Director, North Central Region, A. James Gersich, AIA. “Over these years, his commitment was significant and the students and their parents always appreciated the architectural experience and design work.”

AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo

Reserve May 16 & 17 for the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo, Palimpsest , at Monona Terrace in Madison. An outstanding program of keynote presentations, seminar sessions, product and service displays and other special events is being assembled by this year's Convention Committee, which is chaired by Rob Wheat, AIA, Monroe. Keynote speakers include: Tod Williams, FAIA, and James Timberlake, FAIA. Seminar speakers include Lawrence Scarpa, AIA; Jozef Kneppers and Juergen Fuss, AIA; Stu Carron; Ray Kappe, FAIA; James Weiner, AIA; Val Schute, AIA; and Michael Hricak Jr., FAIA. Additional seminar topics include a Sustainable Design panel and a session on Building Information Modeling (BIM). Watch your inbox and mailbox for Convention & Expo program details and registration materials. For information on the companies and organizations that already have signed up for the 2007 Building Products Expo, go to: http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiawisc07/exhibitlist.asp .


Capitol Hill Visits

AIA Wisconsin leaders from all four corners of the state will be heading to Capitol Hill in Washington , DC , on February 8 for meetings with members of Wisconsin 's congressional delegation. Government “Advocacy Day” is part of the AIA Grassroots Leadership & Legislative Conference for state and local AIA component leaders from around the country. Issues that will be discussed focus on energy efficiency in federal buildings, sustainable design and water quality, and tax deductions for energy efficient commercial buildings. For background on these and other AIA advocacy issues, visit http://www.aia.org/ev_grassroots_2007 .


Plugged In

In addition to state and local component officers, a number of other AIA Wisconsin members will be participating in national AIA meetings held in conjunction with Grassroots Conference in DC. Curt Hoffmann, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee , will be representing the North Central Region at the National Associates Committee meeting; Michael Eberle, AIA, Middleton, is the liaison for the North Central States on the Young Architects Forum; and Karen Plunkett Muenster, AIA, Milwaukee, is a member of the national AIA strategic planning team.

AIA Photo Competition
AIA St. Louis is coordinating the 2007 AIA Photography Competition. The top 15 entries will be exhibited at the 2007 AIA National Convention in San Antonio.  Images for the 2009 Engagement Calendar (approximately 52 images) will be selected from all submitted entries and will include the 15 award winners.  Entries must be postmarked by March 15 . For further details, please go to: http://www.aia-stlouis.org/ .

Professional Affiliate & Student Representatives

At its most recent meeting in Madison, the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors approved the appointments of Barbara Reeves, Menomonee Falls, to a two-year term as a Professional Affiliate Representative and Jason Goike, Eau Claire, as the At-Large Student Representative. Reeves is an account executive with Cobb Strecker Dunphy & Zimmermann, Inc. Goike is a student in the architectural engineering program at MSOE.

AIA eClassroom
The American Institute of Architects eClassroom is a customized e-learning site offering continuing education courses for architects and related professionals. AIA eClassroom provides an exciting distance education program that gives you the power to fulfill your continuing education requirements 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Courses feature the most popular sessions from recent AIA National Conventions and Seminars. You can choose from courses on design, presentation skills, strategic business planning, and others by some of the leading professionals in the field. For details on the 160 eClassroom courses, go to: http://eclassroom.aia.org/MaestroC/index.cfm?room=welcome&roomaction=about

Everything You Wanted to Know

The online Knowledge Base for AIA Contract Documents has been expanded to include information about the documents' content as well as how to use AIA Contract Documents software. Available on the AIA Contract Documents page, ( http://www.aia.org/knowledgebase/ ) the Knowledge Base now provides you with concise answers to nearly 250 of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about selecting and using the documents. To order AIA documents from AIA Wisconsin, go to http://www.aiaw.org/members/aiadocs.cfm . To purchase the AIA electronic document software, go to http://www.aia.org/docs_default .

Governor's Award for Outstanding Design and Construction Services

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle recently presented AIA Wisconsin Executive Director Bill Babcock, Hon. AIA, with the 2006 Design and Construction “Excellence in Service Award.” The award recognizes Babcock's efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation among Wisconsin architects and the state's Building Commission staff, thereby improving the state building program. The award is particularly notable as all previous recipients of the governor's Excellence in Service Award have been state employees. Carol Godiksen, executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin , shared this honor with Babcock. Also, Eppstein Uhen Architects, Milwaukee , was recognized for “Excellence in Architectural Design” for its work on the Reuter Residence Hall at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

People and Places
Ross T. Potter, AIA, Madison has been approved for Emeritus membership in The American Institute of Architects. Congratulations! The Durrant Group Inc. announced the promotion of Gerald T. Olson, AIA, Hartland, to director of architecture. HGA Architects and Engineers (HGA) announced the promotion of Scott Lindvall, AIA, Milwaukee , to vice president and Paul Widlarz, AIA, Greendale , to associate vice president. Ben Marshall, Assoc. AIA, McFarland, has joined Knothe & Bruce Architects LLC. Sheila G. Semrou, Assoc. AIA, Milwaukee has joined Engberg Anderson Design Partnership in Milwaukee. David W. Braucht, AIA, Middleton, has joined HDR-Madison. Kahler Slater, with offices in Milwaukee and Madison , has acquired Performa Higher Education, which will maintain its office in Green Bay . HDR Architecture Inc. now has a Madison location:  525 Junction Rd Ste 8500 , Madison , 53717; Phone: (608) 662-1800. HDR Architecture Inc., Milwaukee, has moved to 1233 N Mayfair Rd, Ste 200 ; Phone: (414) 777-3700. Professional Affiliate member Lisa Geer announced that L.J. Geer Design is now at PO Box 14608, Madison, WI, 53708, phone (608) 862-3564. Elliot Architects has moved to 86 Coulee Rd, Ste 200, in Hudson.

Member Action
Please welcome the following new members who joined AIA Wisconsin between December 20, 2006 and January 17, 2007: Brian Cason, Professional Affiliate, Verona (SW); Stephen G. Conrath, Professional Affiliate, Des Moines, IA (SW); Nicholas J. Migan, AIA, Milwaukee (SE); Paula T. Mitchell, AIA, Whitefish Bay (SE); Gerard A. Rewolinski, Professional Affiliate, Brookfield (SE); Vincent L. Steininger, Assoc. AIA, New Berlin (SE) and Brian Tobiczyk, AIA, Milwaukee (SE).

The Last Word
“About 16 percent of firms have acquired building information modeling (BIM) software and about 10 percent are actually using it for billable work. Among the firms that have BIM software, nearly two-thirds are using it for billable work, ranging from 60 percent among sole practitioners to 86 percent among 100-plus-employee firms” [AIA Firm Survey, 2006]

January 5, 2007

 

2007 Legislative Agenda
The AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors has approved a State Legislative Agenda that outlines positions on various issues that may be addressed during this legislative session. Issues include proposals to expand the sales tax to help balance the state budget (oppose), adequate funding for the state building program and preservation of the State Capitol (support), architect involvement in state building code development process (support), sales tax exemption for materials used in construction of public projects (support), continuing education for license renewal (support) and more. To find out who your state legislators are, request information on legislative proposals, review Wisconsin law and more, visit http://www.legis.state.wi.us .

Design Awards

The Design Awards Committee invites your participation in the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards program. The deadline for entering your projects is January 19. Entry binders are due by no later than February 15. The 2007 Design Awards will be announced and presented at a special awards celebration on May 16 at Monona Terrace in Madison . For details on the 2007 Design Awards program, including eligibility and submission requirements, go to: http://www.aiaw.org/members/news/documents/designawardcall.shtml

Internet Plan Rooms
Several members have expressed concerns about “Internet Plan Rooms” and similar approaches for electronically distributing project documents and other instruments of professional service. Issues include intellectual property rights and professional liability. The AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors discussed these issues at its December meeting in Milwaukee . A special task force was established to develop recommendations. Task force members include: Martin Sell, AIA, Juneau, Len Witke, AIA, Columbus , David Raysich, AIA, Brookfield, and Daniel Sisel, AIA, Milwaukee . For resources on “Using the Internet in Practice,” go to Chapter 13 of the AIA Best Practices online at: http://www.aia.org/bp_chap13 .

Emerging Professionals Companion (EPC)
Attention interns and students! All you have to do is enter your NCARB record number and last name at the EPC home page and you have access to 225 exercises and 225 IDP Training Units . . . that's one-third of your Intern Development Program requirements. The EPC is a complete set of self-paced internship tools updated for current practice models. Because the EPC is directly aligned with the 16 IDP training areas, you can earn up to one year of IDP credit from NCARB by completing the EPC exercises and scenarios. Take control of your internship and career advancement at http://www.epcompanion.org .

New IDP Mentor Training Program
In 2007, the AIA will rollout a comprehensive training program for IDP Mentors.  The program will include an orientation to mentoring and how to include mentoring in every IDP experience. Training will be offered in various formats, including in-person seminars, self-study workbooks and webinars hosted by AIA national.  This program, in support of improving the IDP Mentor role for interns across the country, is a direct result of the work done by the IDP Coordinating Committee in its comprehensive evaluation of the IDP Program.

AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo

Reserve May 16 & 17 for the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo, Palimpsest , at Monona Terrace in Madison. An outstanding program of keynote presentations, seminar sessions, product and service displays and other special events is being assembled by this year's Convention Committee, which is chaired by Rob Wheat, AIA, Monroe. Keynote speakers include Tod Williams, FAIA, and James Timberlake, FAIA. Watch your inbox and mailbox for Convention & Expo program details and registration materials. For information on the companies and organizations that already have signed up for the 2007 Building Products Expo, go to: http://www.onlinefloorplan.com/aiawisc07/exhibitlist.asp.

2007 Leadership Directory

AIA Wisconsin is fortunate to have members willing to volunteer their time and talents to guide the AIA at the local, state and national levels. Please contact AIA Wisconsin if you are interested in receiving the 2007 leadership directory of the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors, local AIA Chapter officers, AIA Regional Directors and state committee contacts.

AIA Contract Documents
The AIA has released an update to the AIA Contract Documents software. The revised software features a redesigned look to make it even more intuitive and simple to use. The updated software is available to new and existing customers at http://www.aia.org/docs_default . The update is provided at no additional cost to existing customers.

The Last Word
“By forging a good-faith partnership among members, the AIA accomplishes things no single architect can do alone!” [AIA Member Covenant, December 2006]

 


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