ArchiTypes Fall 2010

www.aia.org

AIA Ohio Board Member List    

Ameristar Fence Products
Automated Entrance Technologies/Horton Automatics
Avatech Solutions
BHP Energy
Bowser-Morner inc.
Capitol Aluminum & Glass
Columbia Gas of Ohio
Dave York Sports, Inc.
Durapox, LLC
FiberTite Roofing Systems
Firestone Building & Metal
Foodservice Solution Group
HIREarchi & BIMpact
Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc
Johns Manville
Kardex Remstar
Kerkstra Precast, Inc
Marvin Windows and Doors
Miami University
Mosser Construction
Musco Sports Lighting
Nalette & Associates, Inc.
National Frame Building Association
Ohio State University
Oldcastle Building Envelope
Selvaggio, Teske & Assoc.
Smart Vent Inc.
The Belden Brick Company
THORSON BAKER & Associates, Inc.
Turner

Well, once again it’s time for me to submit my article for the newsletter and once again, I am down to the bewitching hour completely re-writing the article because of something I’ve experienced or attended.  This month, I am not going to promote what we are doing and I’m not going to proclaim the great progress we made so far this year.  I’m also not going to tell of the successes of a program we just completed, or a meeting that has occurred. This month, I wanted to take a look at who we are and what we do (yes, maybe, just maybe, there is a reason for philosophy) as members of the AIA.

Most of us spend our time as professionals, emerging professionals, or students, trying to get done today what needs to be done today, so we can move on to tomorrow’s already overwhelming list.  We are not by any means unique, and maybe this is just typical by today’s standards.  But beyond the efforts we put into our work, in whatever area of architecture we practice, I believe that we can all benefit from reflecting on what efforts WE put into AIA.  For some of us, AIA means placing the initials behind our name.  For others, it means participating on our chapter’s board, or maybe the state board.  For still others, it’s about chairing an event or a committee.  But I think most of us forget to reflect on what privileges and responsibilities we have as members of the AIA, and, from time to time, a self evaluation of what we do as members not only helps us get more out of the AIA, but it also helps us better serve our clients, communities and fellow members.

As an organization, whether at the national, regional, state or local level, we set our goals and establish our plans to address ongoing concerns or to meet new challenges to the profession and in our common interest.  But as individuals, we seldom discuss what responsibilities we all share as members.  As an example, when have most of us considered our responsibilities in the following areas:

Responsibility to other members.

Responsibility to serve our local chapter.

Responsibility to the Profession.

Do we as members, participate in our local chapter events?  As principals, do we support the involvement of our staff and emerging professionals in chapter events?  Do we lead by example?  If we are members of the state board, executive committee, or regional council, do we still participate and contribute through participation and involvement as members of our local board and committees?  How do we help our fellow members succeed and prosper?  What have we done that raises not only one individual, or one firm, but the reputation of the entire profession? 

When we use the initials AIA, each of us reaffirms our commitment to the AIA and to each other as members.  Hopefully through involvement in the programs and events of our chapters, in concert with the state and regional components and the Institute, we can individually contribute to the overall health and strength of the organization. I hope that together, we can continue to evaluate and reflect on our successes, and if necessary our failures, to make AIA better for all members.  I have discovered over the past year, that AIA is not some big building in the  heart of Washington DC, but rather it is the efforts of individual members in Dayton, or Cleveland or Cincinnati, or any of the other cities in our area, that drive and define who we are.  For the many that are active and involved, thank you.  For the other members who lately may not have been an active participant, we look forward to hearing your thoughts, discussing your concerns, and in the end, building a better community representing our profession.

Although I noted I was not going to shamelessly promote a program or event, I can’t really pass up the opportunity to remind everyone of the great opportunity available at the upcoming AIA Ohio Convention in Toledo.  The committee has been working very hard to make this a great event and the AIA approved CEs, some of which have also been approved by USGBC, will allow you as members to meet a majority of your educational requirements at one location.  If you haven’t attended a convention recently, please take a look at the programs assembled for this year’s event, and plan on joining us in Toledo.

Members of the 128^th Ohio General Assembly are back in their Districts now campaigning for re-election (or, in the case of term-limited legislators, planning what they’ll be doing when they leave office at the end of December)!

Though it’s to early to make reliable predictions, in the current economic climate with all state offices up for grabs along with the entire House of Representatives and half the Senate, increasingly pundits are predicting a likely shift away from one party rule in Ohio.  Though most believe the Ohio Senate will remain in Republican hands, some national pollsters believe the Ohio House of Representatives may well change hands in November (from Democrat to Republican) and the Governor’s race is simply too close to call.  

When successful legislative candidates take office next January, they’ll face a chaotic process that eventually must bring balance to a $7-8 billion budget hole. Everything will be on the table:  expanding the sales tax to architectural services, reducing (or eliminating) the number of Boards and Commissions (like the Ohio Architect’s Board) along with a myriad of possible tax hikes and spending cuts. 

If the past is any guide, legislators will protect those they know.  How many of the 99 State Representatives and 33 State Senators will know architects?  If all of them… or at the least a majority of them… know an architect, then the voice of architecture will be heard.

Fortunately there’s a no-cost way for architects to get to know these decision makers!  It’s called AIA-Ohio’s “Triple Play” program….

Time for the “Triple Play”

Ever since legislative term limits increased the importance of the architect-legislator relationship, AIA-Ohio has offered the “Triple Play” program to its members.  The “Triple Play” encourages member architects to make a “no cost” contribution to the campaigns of candidates for the Ohio House, Senate and statewide offices.

AIA-Ohio’s “Triple Play” program leverages Ohio’s campaign finance law that allows individuals to take up to a $50 tax credit (or $100 on joint returns) for personal contributions made to the campaigns of state office holders.  Our AIA-Ohio PAC matches the member’s contribution and sends a letter to the candidate asking him/her to use the contributing architect as a sounding board for design/construction legislation. 

Your separate personal contribution to the AIA-Ohio PAC will assure the continuation of this important program.

You may send your personal check for any amount to AIA-Ohio PAC at the AIA-Ohio office.

AIA Ohio 2010 Convention Update

 
The AIA Ohio Convention is less than a month away, and we want to remind you of some important deadlines:   September 8, 2010 – Hotel Cut-off date

The Park Inn Toledo is the host hotel for the AIA Ohio Convention this year. Hotel reservations should be made directly with the Park Inn by calling 419.241.3000 or 800.670.7275.  Make sure to mention that you are with the AIA Ohio Convention in order to receive the special group rate of $103/King or Double, plus tax per night. Our room block is being held until September 8, 2010, so please make your reservations by this date.

 Sept. 24, 2010 – Date Online Registration will close. After this date, you will have to register on-site.     Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2010 – Dates of the AIA Ohio Convention in Toledo, OH!   

Sept. 30, 2010 – Date that participants will attend informative sessions followed by the AIA Ohio Icebreaker at the Maumee Bay Brewing Co. in Toledo.     Sessions will start at 9 a.m. this year, in order to accommodate those who want a full day of learning on Thursday.  Thursday’s schedule will allow attendees to choose sessions earning over seven hours of continuing education from the total offered which includes 20 AIA learning units, 9.5 of which qualify for AIA HSW/SD and GBCI CE (through USGBC).  In addition, keynote speaker Angela Brooks, AIA, of the 2010 Gold Medal winning firm Pugh & Scarpa Architects will speak about the firm’s commitment to sustainable design and construction.  Click here to see a graphic schedule of events for Thursday, Sept. 30.     The economic environment in which we’ve all been working has been tough this year…and yet we still have a LOT to celebrate!  Join colleagues at the Maumee Bay Brewing Company located inside Toledo’s historic Oliver House (www.theoliverhousetoledo.com).  There will be plenty of food, spirited beverages, camaraderie and plenty of time for networking.  This event is sponsored by Turner Construction, and it promises to be THE party everyone will be talking about for years to come…make sure you don’t miss it!  Transportation will be provided from the Park Inn.   

Oct. 1, 2010 – Focus on Education
On this day, the AIA Ohio Convention will host two keynote speakers, starting with Randy Deutsch in the morning and including breakfast.  Randy (www.architects2zebras.com) writes a popular blog, “for and about architects of all stripes.”  Randy’s session, The Well-Informed Architect – Reasons to be Optimistic, will inform and inspire.  Breakfast is sponsored by Capitol Aluminum and Glass Corporation.   On Friday afternoon, attendees will hear from Craig Dykers, AIA, of Snohetta.  Craig was born in Frankfurt, Germany and has lived extensively in both Europe and North America.  He has worked in Texas and California and co-founded the architecture, landscape and interior design company Snøhetta in Oslo, Norway in 1989 and in New York City in 2004.  Dykers has worked on the design of several prominent cultural projects including the Alexandria Library in Egypt, the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet in Oslo, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site in New York City. Other projects include the Lillehammer Winter Olympics Art Museum and the Norwegian Embassy in Berlin. Snøhetta has been the recipient of the Aga Khan, Mies Van der Rohe and World Architecture Prizes.  Mr. Dykers comes to the AIA Ohio Convention courtesy of our sponsor, The Belden Brick Co.   Friday is also the date that attendees will hear educational sessions on a variety of relevant topics.  Over five learning units can be earned by choosing from the 11.5 hours offered (six of these qualify for HSW/SD and GBCI CE).   The AIA Ohio Exhibit Hall will be open for three hours on Friday, during which time attendees can learn about the latest in products and services.  Of course, lunch will be served and dessert will be offered, courtesy of BHP Energy.  Make sure to thank our sponsors!     In the evening, attendees will attend the AIA Ohio Awards Banquet honoring the 2010 Design Award and Honor Award Winners, at the Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art (http://www.toledomuseum.org/glass-pavilion).     
Oct. 2, 2010 – Date that attendees will further their education by attending seminars and tours.  Over 11 learning units are being offered (one qualifies for HSW/SD and GBCI CE) to attendees, who will be able to earn up to four and a half on this day.  Also, this is the date of the AIA Ohio Annual Meeting, taking place at the Park Inn.   

Registration for the convention is different this year than in years past, so we hope you’ll bear with us as we navigate the changes.  AIA Ohio Convention online registration is set up this year through the National AIA database.   Click here to access the registration site.  Remember, if you are an AIA member, YOU ALREADY HAVE A RECORD SET UP.  You do not need to register as a new user.  Instead, use your email address and your password on file with National AIA.  If you don’t know what this password is, chances are it is your last name, with the first letter capitalized.  If you have any problems with the online registration, we can help!  There is a downloadable printable form on the AIA Ohio web site.    Or, you can contact Melinda Vance, at melinda@assnoffices.com or 614.221.0338, and she can help you through the registration process.  Don’t forget…register by September 24, 2010!

Amy Kobe, Executive Director  

The Ohio Architects Board is constantly reviewing and updating the rules affecting the practice of architecture. The Board feels it is important to be responsive to the changes in the profession. It recently adopted two rules which relate to Intern Development Program (IDP) Supervisors and to architecture firms.

Supervisors Must Respond to the e-EVR

The Board has added new language to the Code of Conduct (Ohio Administrative Code section 4703-3-07 (E) (6). The new language requires Intern Development Program (IDP) Supervisors to respond to notices sent by interns through the NCARB electronic Experience Verification Reporting System (e-EVR). The e-EVR is the tool interns use to submit experience reports to NCARB for the IDP.

The rule was adopted following a request made by the AIA Ohio Valley Region Associates, which expressed their concerns that there are supervisors who, for punitive reasons, fail or refuse to response to an intern’s request for approval of IDP training hours.

The new Ohio rule requires supervisors to respond to the notification from the e-EVR. Obviously, the supervisor does not have to approve the training experience report. The experience report can be rejected or sent back for revision, if appropriate. However, if a former or current supervisor outright refuses to respond, an intern can contact the Ohio Board for assistance. The Board staff will then contact the supervisor. In extreme cases, the Board could issue discipline.

Supervisors should make every effort to stay current with recent changes in the IDP program. New IDP Guidelines and Supervisor Guidelines, issued by NCARB in July 2010, are available as free PDF downloads on the NCARB website.

If you haven’t read the Board’s Laws and Rules recently, PDF copies can be downloaded from the Board’s website at www.arc.ohio.gov.

Grandfathered Firm Exemption Eliminated

A handful of Ohio architecture firms were exempted from the Board’s Firm Certificate of Authorization requirement when the law was adopted in 1982. These were firms that were granted charters by the state of Ohio prior to August 7, 1943 or otherwise lawfully providing architectural services in Ohio prior to November 15, 1982.

Ohio Senate Bill 183 goes into effect on September 10, 2010. Now all firms, except unincorporated sole proprietors, will be required to obtain a Firm Certificate of Authorization. The ownership exemption remains in place for the previously grandfathered firms.

All Ohio architecture firms are required to have an Ohio registered architect in responsible control of the firms’ architectural decisions and activities. In addition, the architect in responsible control must be a full-time employee, which is defined by the Board as working a minimum of 30 hours per week at the firm.

Firms needing to obtain a Certificate can download the application from the Board’s website at www.arc.ohio.gov.

Continuing Education Reminder

Board audits of the Continuing Education records of Ohio architects have revealed inadequate record keeping by many architects. Unfortunately, this has resulted in $1,000 fines for several individuals who renewed their licenses without first checking to ensure they had completed the requirements.

Other professions and architecture boards take similar measures. For example, the Ohio Supreme Court automatically revokes the license of any attorney who has not completed the Continuing Education requirement. The state of Illinois indefinitely suspended an architect’s license in addition to imposing a $5,000 fine and the state of Florida suspended a license while imposing a $1,000 fine. In other words, architects need to take the Continuing Education requirement seriously!

Members of the AIA can satisfy the record keeping requirement by submitting a copy of their AIA transcript. For credits that do not appear on the AIA transcript, the board will accept a certificate of completion.

The Board has a list of Continuing Education Resources on its website at www.arc.ohio.gov.

Questions?

The Board staff is happy to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact Amy Kobe, Executive Director, or Chad Holland, Investigator, at the Ohio Architects Board, 614-466-2316 or send an email to amy.kobe@arla.state.oh.us or chad.holland@arla.state.oh.us.

AIA Ohio Handbook of Architects Update

You may have realized by now that the AIA Ohio Handbook of Architects has not yet been produced for 2010.  This annual listing of all AIA Ohio members, plus the additional listings of firm profiles, is typically distributed in April or May each year.  However, our publisher of many years unexpectedly went out of business.  AIA Ohio has started a new relationship with a publisher who already works with several AIA components, and we expect this to be ongoing and mutually beneficial.  You should expect to see your 2010 Handbook of Architects before the end of the year!

Our new publisher is currently sending out information encouraging firms and companies to advertise in the Handbook.  Please note, if you receive this, do not confuse it with your Firm Profile.  If you completed the Firm Profile form and sent in your payment for it at the end of the year last year, it will be included in this Handbook!  The information being sent out at this time by our publisher is part of the general advertising that is sold for the Handbook.  As always, if you have any questions, you can send them to aiaohio@assnoffices.com, or call 614.221.0338.