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ArchiTypes An Official E-Newsletter of AIA Ohio |
Presidents Message
Terry Welker AIA
Big Ideas
“Terry – there’s a big package waiting for you down in shipping.” Hmmm…that’s odd. I didn’t order anything and it’s not my birthday. So like a kid on Christmas morning I drop everything to see what the gift gods have in mind for me. It’s turns out to be a package bigger than my desk from someone named Big Ideas. A few minutes later my desk is swimming in a sea of AIA Walk the Walk goodies. Cool posters, funky t-shirts, mouse pads, a floor mat and a gazillion little green footprint lapel pins. All courtesy of the AIA Marketing Campaign for 2008: “Walk the Walk – Architects leading the Sustainable Evolution!”
You’ll see these little treasures at the AIAOhio Convention if not sooner. Also included in my package were two disks, the 2008 Resource Guide and GREENSTEP, a series of 12 webisodes. The webisodes will unfold as a monthly public information on Water conservation, Smart Controls, Radiant Heating & Cooling, Vegetation for Sun Control, The Whole Building Approach, Green Tags, Energy Modeling, Green Roofs, Daylighting, Choosing Green Materials, Carbon Offsets and Deconstruction. All of this information can be found online at www.aia.org/walkthewalk.
“Coming soon to a government near you!” Trend-watchers know that things often begin at either coast and eventually work their way to the Midwest. As a building official I was intrigued to see that on July 17, 2008, California became first in the nation to adopt a statewide “green” building code. This is a sweeping change that applies to everything from single-family homes to institutions and commercial buildings. The AIA California Council and the USGBC have applauded this new code that contains exhaustive standards. A number of the standards are optional for now but will become mandatory in 2010. The International Code Council and ASHRAE will surely take some cues from this and the code enforcement community will continue to press for improved energy standards across the nation.
Energy costs, production and conservation are at the forefront of political debate today. As architects, I hope we continue to learn all we can, become experts in the topic, and lead the debate in rational terms. Trust me – in the face of Ohio’s poor economy, there will be a debate. The winners in the debate will be those with good knowledge, strong political will and resources. Sometimes virtuous knowledge is on the opposite side of political will and its money. So it’s not enough to just be intelligent good guys and wear a green footprint lapel pin. We also have to be willing to put our money where our mouth is and fight for those things that matter most to us as architects.
2009 Slate of Officers
Click here to view photos and biographical information about AIA Ohio’s proposed slate of officers for 2009, to be voted upon at the AIA Ohio annual meeting on Oct. 4, in Akron, Ohio.
Ohio Architects Board Update
By Amy M. Kobe, CAE
Executive Director
The “New” Titles: Who can use them?
New regulations are in effect which have changed the “use of title” by Ohio’s architects and interns. Two new titles have been created: “Emeritus Architect” and “Intern Architect or Architectural Intern.” The Ohio Architects Board has passed rules which allow for a narrow definition of these titles and who may use them. Prior to passage, the proposed rules were authorized by SB 225, which was signed into law by Governor Strickland on March 21, 2008 and the subject of a public hearing on July 11, 2008. The changes leading to these new definitions were also reviewed by the AIA Ohio Board on several occasions as far back as 2005.
First, the definition of an “Emeritus Architect” exempts architects from Ohio’s Mandatory Continuing Education requirement if all of the following criteria are met: over age 65; fully retired, and not engaged in any of the activities defined as the “practice of architecture” in Ohio Administrative Code section 4701-1-01, and having been a registered architect in the state of Ohio for at least ten years. An application must be filled out and biennial renewal fees must continue to be paid.
Second, the use of the title “Intern Architect or Architectural Intern” is limited to persons with an accredited, professional degree in architecture, who hold an active NCARB file, and have been approved by the Ohio Architects Board to take the Architect Registration Exam. These persons must also file an “Application for Registration by Examination” with the board office.
Applications are available on the board’s website at http://www.arc.ohio.gov/or by calling the board office at (614) 466-2316.
The Board staff is also available to answer any and all questions relating to the practice of architecture. Persons with questions are encouraged to contact the board office.
Reminder!! Is your license current? Is your firm properly licensed? Check online at http://www.arc.ohio.gov/or call the board office.
News from NCARB
IDP Changes from the 2008 Annual Meeting and Conference Resolution 2008-07 – Reporting Requirement for IDP Training Units (“Six-Month Rule”)
The new “six month rule” for IDP Training Units is effective July 1, 2009 or later for new Council Record holders. It will be effective July 1, 2010 or later for all Record holders, including those that establish an NCARB Record before July 1, 2009
The resolution is dependent on a “fully tested and operational” online reporting system. Should the online reporting system not be fully tested and operational by the end of 2008, each implementation date will be pushed back and will go into effect six months after the system has been deemed fully operational by an independent tester. Members from AIA, AIAS, and the National Associates Committee (NAC) will also have an opportunity to test the system. NCARB expects testing to begin on the system this fall with a release of the system by the end of December. Once the electronic system is released, paper submissions will be phased out.
Resolution 2008-8: Employment Duration Requirement
Part-time work now equals 15-31 hours per week for eight consecutive weeks.
Full-time work now equals at least 32 hours per week for eight consecutive weeks.
The resolution went into effect July 1, 2008 and is not retroactive. This change applies to IDP Training Units earned on or after July 1, 2008
Resolution 2008-9: Allowing Certain Minimum Training Units for Completion of Qualified Emerging Professional’s Companion Exercises
This Resolution will be effective July 1, 2009 or later. More details will be provided in the coming months. For now, interns can still complete EPC exercises for supplementary education.
Training Units for LEED AP Exam
As a way to support sustainable design, last March the Committee on the Intern Development Program determined that interns are eligible to earn five IDP Training Units (TU’s) in supplementary education for successful completion of the LEED AP Exam. To receive credit, “LEED AP Exam” should be indicated on line 17 of the training unit report and five TU’s should be indicated in the supplementary education column.
Interns must also submit a copy of the official score report from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) with their training unit report.
ARE 4.0 is here! ARE 4.0 Launch and Conversion
ARE 4.0 was launched successfully on July 1, 2008. Since the launch, eligible candidates have been able to sit for all ARE 4.0 divisions. As of early August, score reports for the ARE 4.0 examinations that have been delivered are being processed.
Additionally, the second round of conversions to ARE 4.0 has been completed. As of July 1, 2008, there were 38,934 ARE candidates with open eligibilities in Accelerator:
• 24,593 candidates are currently eligible for ARE 3.1 and were not converted in June 2008.
• 14,341 candidates were converted in June 2008 and are currently eligible for ARE 4.0.
Questions? Want more information?
Visit the NCARB website at http://www.ncarb.org/or the Ohio Architects Board website at http://www.arc.ohio.gov/, or call or email Amy Kobe at the Ohio Architects Board at (614) 466-2316or amy.kobe@arla.state.oh.us
AIA Ohio Bylaws Proposal
The AIA Ohio Board of Directors met on July 18 in Columbus, Ohio, and discussed the merits of allowing the organization to endorse candidates for political office. The discussion stemmed from AIA Ohio’s Strategic Planning session, conducted in March, during which endorsement of candidates emerged as a high priority for AIA Ohio if the organization is going to be able to serve as a credible voice in society and promote the value of AIA professionals.
The AIA Ohio board approved the following bylaws amendments, which the membership will vote upon at the Annual Meeting on October 4, 2008, in Akron, Ohio:
Chapter IX
Article 2. ENDORSEMENTS
Section 1. Neither the Society nor any of its subsidiary organizations shall make endorsements or recommendations, directly or indirectly, of a political party, or of a nominee for elective office, or of a commercial material or object.
Section 2. The Society, with a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, may make an endorsement of a political candidate where such endorsement is deemed in the best interests of AIA Ohio. The voting shall be in accordance with Chapter IV, Section 5 of the Bylaws, and such vote shall be taken after a minimum sixty day notification of all members of the board, alternate directors, and Component Presidents. The endorsement shall be valid only for a twelve month period and shall be limited to persons seeking elected positions in the state government of the State of Ohio.
Section 3. The Society, with a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, may retract an endorsement of a political candidate where such retraction is deemed in the best interests of AIA Ohio. The voting shall be in accordance with Chapter IV, Section 5 of the Bylaws.
If you have any questions or comments about the bylaws proposal, please contact AIA Ohio Secretary, Bruce Sekanick, AIA, at bruce@phillips-sekanick.com.
AIA Ohio Convention Explores the Myths and Realities of Architecture
Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States, wore many hats, one of which was “Master Builder”. In his pursuit of the perfect union, he tried to find an architecture that demonstrated the strength and dignity of this new country. Jefferson’s mastery of each of his roles makes him legendary. Are architects today meeting the challenge of the Master Builder? AIA Ohio is inviting you to come to the AIA Ohio 2008 Convention to explore this and other intriguing topics.
Your 2008 AIAOhio Convention Committee promises to deliver informative and relative educational programming, opportunities for networking with your peers, and tours and social events that will re-energize and inspire. Go to https://aiaohio.org/to register today and join us Oct. 2-4 in Akron, Ohio, for the AIA Ohio 2008 Annual Convention: Architect as Master Builder: Myth or Reality?
Why Akron?
The AIA Ohio Convention travels each year to a different local component, who hosts the convention. This year AIA Ohio members will enjoy generous hospitality from AIA Akron, who is also celebrating their 40th year of existence serving Architects in the Akron/Canton area.
AIA Akron members have worked hard to secure interesting venues for all of the AIA Ohio Convention events. Most of the convention events including speakers, keynote sessions and the exhibit hall will take place at the John S. Knight Center, in downtown Akron. This location offers a convenient location, state-of-the-art communications, and compact space in which the convention events will take place. For information on the Knight Center, go to http://www.visitakron-summit.org/.
The Thursday night Icebreaker Reception will be held at a downtown venue called Musica. This music hall regularly hosts bands and other entertainment, but on Oct. 2 it will play host to 150 Ohioarchitects and guests. There will be music to listen to, art to enjoy, and of course, plenty of outstanding food and spirited beverages. More information about Musica can be found at http://www.1akron.com/musica/index.html.
Friday evening’s Awards Banquet will take place in the stunning Akron Art Museum. This new facility, designed by Wolf Prix, is a notable mark on the Akron cityscape, and is definitely worth seeing from the inside. Attendees will dine under the stars in the glass atrium, before walking across the street to the Akron Public Library for the Awards Program. Information on the architecture of the Akron Art Museumcan be found at http://www.akronartmuseum.org/architecture/.
What’s to Tour in Akron?
Two very different tours have been set up for Saturday, Oct. 4, at the AIA Ohio Convention in Akron. The first is a downtown walking tour that will be led by local architects and will end with lunch at the Akron Art Museum, offering an insider’s look into the building. The second is a tour of the Akron Zoo. This interactive tour will include a behind the scenes look at the Akron Zoo, one of only 218 accredited world conservation zoos by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Komodo Kingdom Education Center, featuring Komodo dragons, Galapagos tortoises and Chinese alligators was built in 2005. Certification by Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is pending. The zoo utilized current green technology for heating and cooling and the building was built using many earth-friendly materials. During this tour, participants will travel to special areas of the zoo, which are not open to general visitors.
The Whole Point – Education!
In addition to focusing on event venues and tour sites, AIA Akron has spent much time planning a full educational program, offering sessions for everyone from students, emerging professionals, young architects and even the most seasoned veterans. There will be 7.5 learning units available on Thursday, Oct. 2, including a two-part series on Integrated Project Delivery and a four-hour long seminar called Pathway to Profits. Sessions on Thursday will start in the morning and run through the afternoon. For those who don’t wish to go out for lunch, boxed lunches may be purchased. Whether you choose Sustainable Strategies for Retail Renovation, or Welcome to the Dark Side: Inside Government Bureaucracy, or one of the ten other offerings, you’ll find something on Thursday to meet your educational needs.
Friday’s schedule is built around the AIA Ohio exhibit hall, and offers 4.5 learning units. Friday morning starts with breakfast in the exhibit hall. Attendees can grab a cup of coffee and a bit to eat, while scoping out the products and services that are on display. After breakfast, attendees will choose from three different breakout sessions before heading back to the exhibit hall for lunch and a visit with exhibitors. The AIA Ohio exhibit hall SOLD OUT the space we had booked, so additional space has been added to accommodate exhibitors who want to interact with Ohio architects. A list of exhibitors that have contracted to date is at aiaohio.org/convention, so come prepared to discuss needs and ask questions of these key AIA Ohio supporters. More breakout sessions will take place before convention attendees gather to hear two fabulous keynote speakers. The first is AIA’s own Christine McEntee, EVP/CEO of the American Institute of Architects. This is the first time in recent history that the EVP of AIA is coming to talk to the AIA Ohio convention. Ms. McEntee will be discussing Hot Topics of the AIA, and will be open to questions from the audience so come prepared! Following McEntee, the focus switches to design and the speaker is Charles Gwathmey, FAIA. Mr. Gwathmey is renowned for his architectural work, including the Akron Public Library. Mr. Gwathmey is also open to audience questions. More information on him, his firm and his mark on Architecture can be found at http://www.gwathmey-siegel.com/.
Attendees who stay for Saturday, Oct. 4, will pick up an additional four learning units during the morning breakout sessions. A full list of educational offerings can be viewed at aiaohio.org/convention. If you’re looking for session descriptions, go to https://aiaohio.org/, click on the convention banner and from there click on Agenda.
The AIA Ohio 2008 Convention has it all – and we want YOU to share it with us!
AIA Ohio Foundation
The AIA Ohio Foundation has, for the past four years, been able to offer a $4,000 annual scholarship to each of Ohio’s four schools of Architecture. Of this, $3,000 comes directly from the Foundation funds, and $1,000 comes from a grant from AIA National. There are several factors that could affect the future of these scholarships: 1.) the possible addition of Bowling Green as an accredited School of Architecture; and 2.) the future of the AIA National grants is unknown.
Because of these factors and the overall increase in the cost of doing business since 2002, the AIA Ohio Foundation is asking the AIA Ohio to consider the following motion at the AIA Ohio Annual Meeting in October:
To increase the current $10 AIA Ohio Foundation dues assessment paid annually by every AIA Ohio member (architect and associate) from $10 to $15, and to add a cost of living increase (identical to the percentage that AIA Ohio dues increase each year) to this assessment, starting in 2010.
This motion was approved unanimously by the AIA Ohio board of directors at their meeting on July 18, in Columbus, Ohio.