ArchiTypes – Fall 2012

Saturday, Sept. 15, 7:30-9 a.m.

Wyndham Playhouse Sq. Hotel

AIA Ohio Annual Meeting and Breakfast

Attend the AIA Ohio Annual Meeting and get updated on what YOUR association is doing for YOU!

Click Here to view the slate of Candidates

“First gear, it’s alright; second gear, lean right; third gear, hang on tight….faster”*: Architecture IS an Economic Engine
 Judson A. Kline, FAIA, LEED AP 
 AIA Ohio President

As my year as the AIA Ohio President heads into the fall, I would like to continue to remain focused on the theme of the year and to push the envelope even further in encouraging a year of transformation for AIA Ohio. As you may recall from each of the previous newsletter articles, I highlighted twelve strategies to help us reinforce the theme and by now, we should have them down. In this article, I want to focus on the next three strategies.

In identifying the 12 strategies, I have previously discussed the first three focused upon our desire for identity, value, integrity and the character of the profession. I subsequently addressed collaboration, community service, and expanding the domains of practice. In this quarter’s article, I will highlight: building the next generation, leadership development and legislative engagement. 

1.  Building the next generation is among the most important endeavors we need to pursue. The “Great One”, Wayne Gretsky, once answered a reporter’s question regarding how he was able to be so successful at creating scoring opportunities by stating, “I skate to where the puck is going to be”. His insight has great value to our future and where our puck is going to be. Over the last four years we have been focused on survival, and rightfully so. We had to focus our attention on surviving into the future, let alone envisioning the future. Now it’s time to consider the future we want and design the plan to achieve it. The future demands, I believe, we will need to address include: redesign of failing infrastructures to make better use of resources, providing functional facilities for communities to be more economically successful, providing environments where people can thrive and reach for new solutions to existing challenges and answers to problems we have yet to discover.

I may be a bit of an optimist here; however, we can and must be prepared for this future. To get ready for the future, we need to develop our skills and build those of the next generation. In this second area, we also need to expand the voices of tomorrow through being more inclusive and diverse. A more diverse profession will offer up solutions we have not previously considered. Therefore, we need to reach down into the collegiate community and create stronger bonds and access to connect the profession and the academy.

In the area of building the foundation for a closer link to the academy, AIA Ohio is pursuing three avenues of activity. The first, already underway, is a research grant created for the teaching staff of the Ohio schools of architecture to allow for the creation of original research to be developed and made available to the profession in advancing our knowledge band width. The second and third are initiatives being developed to roll out in 2013. These focus on the students of the Ohio schools of architecture. One program is being designed to develop mentorships and internships; the other is to develop an inter-scholastic design event. Both of these programs are being considered by study groups appointed by the board and will report at the state convention in September.

2. Leadership development is critical to the future of our communities, as well as our profession. The goal for making the effort to become the leaders we need to be is to rediscover our role as the client’s trusted advisor and to become the STAR (Strategic Trusted Advisor Resource) architect. There is no better way to achieve this recognition than being seen as a community leader with dynamic and visionary ideas capable of providing the tools for their implementation. In nurturing the skills and competencies to lead, we need to build the platform required to become leaders. Creating the plan to teach and grow leadership skills is the first step to reach the desired outcome. The next step is to identify the opportunities to invest our leadership capabilities into the communities where we practice and live. To this end, the AIA Ohio planning retreat held last fall emerged with a focus to pursue a strategy to develop such a program.

In the effort to create a Leadership Development Program, AIA Ohio has reached out to the Cincinnati Chapter, who has created the “Vision Cincinnati Program”. The program being delivered by AIA Cincinnati brings together young architects in a twelve month learning experience to challenge and expand their perceptions and capabilities to provide greater community engagement. With this existing program in place, AIA Ohio is promoting the shared knowledge and working with the Cincinnati chapter members to make their program available statewide. “It’s not the inventor of the wheel who is the genius, rather the one who figures out how to put the other three on the cart and make it roll. That is true genius”. Therefore, AIA Ohio is looking to enlist collaborators in the chapters to put the rest of the wheels on the cart and make it roll.

3. Legislative engagement is a critical role of AIA Ohio. An often heard quote raised in the discussion of political involvement is “you’re either at the table or on the menu”. AIA Ohio has made an effort to be at the table. This year has been no exception. Two programs have been initiated to provide ongoing connection to the Ohio government and legislative process.

At the beginning of the year, AIA Ohio launched the GoReLA (Government Relations and Legislation Advocacy) committee to play a pro-active role in getting ahead of the legislative agenda and to address concerns of the profession. The committee is charged to provide resources for AIA Ohio where we need to respond to legislative action in a more timely and thoughtful manner. The GoReLA committee also provides a forum to consider actions AIA Ohio should consider in the interest of its members.

The introduction of the merger of Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) and the State Architect’s Office (SAO) into the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) has led to the development of a second avenue of government engagement in two programs. Through connection with the OFCC’s Rick Hickman, AIA Ohio has sought to shape the organization of the OFCC to include AIA architects at the highest level of leadership in the new entity. Along with the contribution to the organizational discussion, AIA Ohio has championed the creation of an OFCC Resource Committee to work with the OFCC in the development of language, policies and protocols benefitting the people of Ohio and the interests of AIA Ohio in making the best use of the resources at the disposal of the OFCC. The advisory committee is set to meet in the fall and begin work with the new commission.

With the help of members’ contributions to the PAC fund, AIA Ohio will continue to play the role of political advocate and maintain access to political leaders making a difference on behalf of our members and the best interest of the community. The need to continue to build the PAC is important. Therefore, through the Advocacy and Opportunity Grants programs, AIA Ohio has challenged members, through the chapters to contribute to the PAC and get bonus funding for chapter programs. With Ohio having a place at the center of the political whirlpool this year, AIA Ohio is encouraging the chapters to take advantage of the opportunity to raise awareness of architects as political leaders. In promoting “Meet and Greet” or “Meet the Candidates” events, AIA member chapters can raise awareness of the value and importance of design as a political resource for the good of the community. We can contribute to the decisions being made and be an influence for good in the community.

AIA Ohio will continue to be a catalyst for civic initiatives and economic resurgence. We are making a difference and adding value for members. Be a part of the steamroller, not a part of the pavement and look for opportunities to get involved in these endeavors. The results will be astounding.

In the next issue, I will conclude the discussion on the themes of celebrating success, honoring the past and envisioning the future. As we have progressed through the year, I plan on continuing to reinforce these themes through proactive activities or programs as noted. These endeavors will point the way to being the “Architects of our own future”. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the value of AIA Ohio in making a difference in the future of our communities and profession.

* Beach Boys “Little Honda” Lyrics, songwriters Brian Wilson and Mike Love

Architects Board Announces Revisions to Sealing Process

The Ohio Architects Board announces that sealing procedures for Architects have been modified effective July 1, 2012.

Beginning in July, architects must include their printed name, license number and license expiration date below the seal when stamping drawings or other documents.

It is not required or necessary to purchase a new seal. The new information can be incorporated into the title block.

The Board anticipates that architects will be less likely to practice on a lapsed license when they are required to include the license expiration date on the title page. In addition, requiring a printed name below the seal will eliminate problems with legibility and identification of the licensee.

Example:
 

  John Doe, License #00000

  Expiration Date 12/31/2013

As a reminder:

• All documents prepared by the licensed architect shall be sealed.  
• Only the title sheet of a set of plans must be signed and sealed.  
• Corporate or firm seals are not permitted in Ohio. 
• Only one name may appear on a seal. 
• The signature appearing over the tips of the seal may be “wet” or electronic. 
• Seals may be electronic, metal embossed or rubber stamp.

A copy of the seal rule and Frequently Asked Questions about seals and sealing can be found on the Ohio Architects Board website at http://arc.ohio.gov/SealsSealings.aspx

Green Education?

Stephanie Aurora Lewis

Frustrated, a prominent mechanical engineer told me his version of a story about a project for which he designed cutting edge HVAC equipment. The client did not know how to program the technology to harvest any energy-saving benefits until this engineer personally drove to the site, personally fixed some of the equipment, and then set up a new computer monitoring program for them so that they could run their mechanical systems efficiently and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in operating costs.

Money Magazine recently published an article about the wobbling confidence investors have in green technologies because oil is “cheap” again. Not to be the bearer of bad news, but major green technology companies suffer from a depressed economy. Abound Solar filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy last month while First Solar downsized 30% of its staff earlier this year. So, how can design professionals help to turn around the tide and make green construction the indelible new norm?

While the USGBC has certainly trudged a cleared, rocky path ahead for green design, the work is not complete without the added efforts of each design professional. New sustainable technologies have to work well or they are useless. Maintenance managers need to know how to operate the systems. Third-party commissioners need to have precise discernment so that the systems operate as designed.

Green education was one of the USGBC’s main objectives. It’s creators realize that if the design professional can educate the public, their clients, and their coworkers effectively, green design will continue to grow. Let’s go over the current state of the building industry:

• Developers are focused on the short-term investment. So, how can we change their focus to the long-term? After all, how many times has a building sold for more money because it can offer the new owner a greener future with lowered operating costs? How can the developer rethink the process such that they have some incentive to build green rather than to simply pass savings onto the end users?
• Architect and engineers can be powerful if working together with a solid communications base. Unions between the professions need to augment so we can together be more influential for the client and ultimately for our own successful futures.
• Owners are more likely to incorporate green technologies if they plan to be one of the building’s end users. Owners are a golden target for green educational efforts. If owners can see how a green building reduces stress in the future due to better construction and more devoted end-users, owners may be more likely to make the extra investment.
• End users are the most likely group to benefit from green design, yet they are not always as committed as the owners and potentially the developers. End users sometimes need financial incentives to keep up the green design objectives weaved into the designs of the building they inhabit.

Is it an “impossible” reality that green design could phase away into the background again like it has in the past? Unfortunately investors are already considering the possibility. Be smart and be creative; don’t let it happen again.

A Company’s General Health and Safety Rules are put in place to protect all workers and visitors.  These workers may be contractors entering your facility or job site or they may be your own employees.  The rules are to be reviewed and followed by everyone to ensure their safety.

General Safety Rules will ensure that all Company personnel understand and follow the basic safety guidelines.  They will apply to associates as well as visitors, contractors, and vendors.  The General Safety Rules are to be followed at all times.  For the associates of the company, the rules are a condition of their employment.  They are not an option but a requirement.

All safety signs must be obeyed.  They may be used to designate areas as HEARING PROTECTION REQUIRED or HARD HAT REQUIRED.  Safety signs will be used to convey important information to anyone entering an area.  Notify management if safety signs are missing, damaged, or illegible so they may be replaced.

When working with equipment, it is always important to know the hazard.  Know what it is that you are working with and the proper way to operate.  Read the operator manual before using a new piece of equipment or get the proper training for its use. 

Some general rules that must be followed while on a jobsite are:

·         Associates must learn and follow the specific safety rules for their department or area.

·         All personnel working alone in an area must notify their supervisor or security so they may be checked on periodically.

·         Horseplay is not permitted on jobsites due to the possibility of resulting in accidents or injuries.

·         Every associate must participate in good housekeeping

Visitors, vendors, and customers are an integral part of business.  They may want to see the facility they are servicing or just see how your facility operates.  In any case, they need to be kept safe from any hazards that may be encountered throughout the facility.  An associate from your facility should always accompany these people and are responsible for informing and ensuring visitors follow all of the appropriate safety rules.  In the event that there is an emergency or evacuation of any kind, the company policy will be followed and the visitors, vendors, and customers should be escorted to safety following the rules put in place.

All general safety rules are put into place to protect everyone entering a facility or work site.  It is very important to know what these rules are and to follow them.  If you are escorted by an associate, you should stay with that associate.  They will ensure your experience is a safe and healthy one.

Connect, share, and learn from like-minded design professionals on KnowledgeNet. KnowledgeNet is your place to connect with architects and allied professionals, discuss topics that interest you and share your expertise. Much of your participation with a Knowledge Community occurs on AIA KnowledgeNet-a Web site rich in networking opportunities, resource sharing, and discussion forums. The same log-in you use to access member content on AIA.org provides entry to AIA KnowledgeNet. Check it out today!

New BWC Premium Payment Discounts

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has added two premium discounts that a private employer may take advantage of beginning with the premium that is due to the BWC in August of 2012. Public employers can begin to take advantage of the discounts beginning with their July 1, 2013, payroll reports.

The ‘Go-Green Discount’ will allow employers to receive a 1% Premium Discount (up to $1,000 every six months) if they agree to receive and pay their payroll report electronically, in full, on the BWC website ohiobwc.com.

The ‘Lapse-Free Discount’ will provide an employer with an additional 1% Premium Discount (up to $1,000 every six months) if they have had no lapses in coverage during the past 60 months.

BWC Safety Requirement for Grouped Public Employers

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) requires that all entities in the January 1, 2012 Group Rating Program or Group Retrospective Rating Program, who had a claim within the two preceding calendar years, to attend two hours of safety training by December 31, 2012.
 

The Frank Gates Service Company is notifying all of their impacted clients. If your entity had one or more claims during calendar years 2010 or 2011, and your company participates in one of the January 1, 2012 Programs, the BWC has indicated that you must meet the safety training requirement. Therefore, impacted entities must attend two hours of safety training to meet the requirement by December 31, 2012. The topics must be workplace safety-related and can consist of multiple classes totaling a minimum of two hours of training. There are options available for your entity to meet the 2-Hour Safety Training Requirement:

• Remaining 2012 Frank Gates ‘2 Hour Safety Training’ sessions:
  • Massillon – Sept 18: Jackson Township Safety Center
  • Cincinnati – Oct 16: Colerain Senior Center
  • Zanesville – November 13 & 14: Holiday Inn Express
  • Dublin – Dec 13: BMI Federal Credit Union

• BWC On Demand Courses 
• BWC Online Courses 
• Safety Council Classes (other than the routine monthly safety council meetings)

BWC Transitional Workplace Grants

Grant money is now available from the Ohio BWC! Beginning July 1, 2012, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has re-introduced the Transitional Workplace Grant Program (TWP) for all Ohio employers.

The BWC has enhanced the Program this year to include an employer incentive of a 10% rebate on your annual workers’ compensation premium for employers who have a future transitional work claim that utilizes this certified program. This incentive will only be available to employers who have and utilize a certified BWC Transitional Work Program. By formalizing your Transitional Work Program in accordance with the BWC rules and regulation, it will assure your ability to participate in the 10% incentive.