ArchiTypes Summer 2010

www.aia.org
AIA Ohio Board Member List    

A short six months ago, the cold winter months of midwinter seemed to be a never-ending and the uncertainties of the year seemed to consume our thoughts. Now, faced with endless graduation parties, coach pitch baseball, recreation league soccer and long course swim meets, we can maybe better understand that nothing lasts for ever.  Hopefully, we too can see maybe a glimmer of better times ahead in our practices as financing has slowly become available and inquiries have started to be more than just a distant hope.

Returning this past weekend from the AIA National Convention in Miami, FL, I felt both encouraged and re-charged.  Encouraged, at not only the efforts of the AIA, but those of AIA Ohio and our chapters.  While we continue to face challenges in our practices from both the economy and from a variety of practices and technologies that continue to creep into and around the profession of architecture, I found the convention provided new perspectives, networking opportunities, and an opportunity for reflection on where we have been and the progress we’ve made as an organization.  This is also true at our state and local levels where many of us have re-evaluated our programs and efforts to improve service to the membership.  At AIA Ohio, this year’s efforts have included a new focus on communication through both the continuation of our chapter visits along with our new quarterly presidents conference calls to better connect the state and local components with each other.  We have also added new committees on Communication as well as Advocacy to explore opportunities in both areas.  The AIA Ohio Board has approved position statements that provide guidance in our legislative efforts.  A new legislative program developed to promote and educate candidates running for state positions will be unveiled in more detail for a new fall legislative initiative.  Finally, AIA Ohio is continuing to work on improving the visibility and image of AIA through a new grant program established to help fund projects of the local chapters.  These proposals will be reviewed with grants provided over the next few weeks.

While most activities at the national conference were positive, I was personally disappointed to see the failure of the proposed bylaws amendment to permit associate members to hold the position of regional director.  First introduced last year, and altered to address membership concerns, this change would have permitted associate members to serve their region, when determined by their region, as a director to the national board.  As I looked around the room and saw the presence of AIA Ohio leadership who have gone on to serve as not only regional directors, but also as members of the Institute’s executive committee, I realized that we have been extremely blessed to have such a large number of individuals willing to dedicate time and effort to advancing the AIA.  Many areas of the country are not as fortunate as Ohio.  By permitting associates to become directors, we would not only improve diversity, but improve representation of the fastest growing segment of AIA.  I believe that you can never have enough tools in your toolbox.

For many of our members who participated in our spring program, I would like to convey my sincere “Thank You” to President-Elect Steve Shinn, AIA and Director of Services Kate Brunswick, CAE for the excellent program provided to our membership.  Their efforts, as well as all of those who contributed to the program as either presenters or participants made this year’s program a great opportunity to learn, network and explore new trends in the industry.  The spring program, initiated as a CE program last year, has continued to see expanded programming and attendance as we try to meet the needs of the entire membership.

For the remainder of this year, AIA Ohio will continue to work just as hard during the next six months as we have over the first half.  While we have made strides on a number of fronts, we have many challenges ahead of us.  We ask that you join us by participating in our programs and events and by working within your local chapter.  We also ask that you mark you calendars to attend this year’s AIA Ohio Convention in Toledo.  The Toledo Planning Committer has been working hard over the past year in preparation for this year’s convention, scheduled for September 30, 2010 through October 2, 2010.  

The 128^th Ohio General Assembly has recessed for the summer.  Legislators have turned their attention from making laws to their political campaigns and the fall election. Most of those not campaigning are term-limited and seeking jobs outside the legislative arena.

Just before leaving the Capitol city, legislators approved a renewable energy bill (SB 232) and a bill sought by the Ohio Architect’s Board (SB 183).

Renewable Energy Bill

Concluding months of negotiation, architect/Senator Chris Widener, FAIA achieved passage of his SB 232, which aims to make Ohio more competitive with surrounding states in attracting renewable energy projects that create “green-collar” jobs. During the past four years, Ohio has built no wind farms while neighboring states have been hard at work with these totals: Michigan, three; Indiana, six; Pennsylvania, 11 and West Virginia, two.  One reason: Ohio’s current effective tax rate for renewable energy technologies is up to eight times higher than neighboring states competing for the same projects, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

Widener’s plan would bring Ohio tax rates for such projects in line with other states. It would provide tax advantages to alternative energy projects including wind, solar, advanced nuclear technology and cogeneration that submit an application to the Department of Development before 2012. Clean coal projects that apply before 2014 are also eligible.

Those projects would be exempt from tangible personal property taxes and instead would be responsible for payments in lieu of taxes to local schools and governments. The bill calls for solar facilities to pay $7,000 per megawatt of nameplate capacity. All other alternative energy projects pay between $6,000 and $8,000 per megawatt depending on the percentage of full-time employed workers for construction and equipment installation.

During the nine hearings the bill underwent in the Senate, many witnesses expressed concern about a lack of local control, which prompted a provision to require counties to approve tax projects and tax treatments. The substitute bill extended that to allow counties to impose additional service payments for use as the county deems appropriate, up to $9,000 per megawatt of nameplate capacity.

The substitute bill also allows projects producing fewer than 5 megawatts to be exempt from certain conditions relating to road restoration and fire and EMT training. Projects that exceed 2 megawatts, however, are required to establish a relationship with an Ohio college, technical college or apprenticeship program for the purposes of education.

Opponents included the Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio Association of School Business Officials, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, Ohio Education Association, Ohio Federation of Teachers and the Ohio Township Association which feared loss of tax revenue as well as numerous private citizens who objected to the noise associated with wind turbines.  The legislative Black Caucus failed in an attempt to add minority-hiring quotas into the legislation.

Ohio Architects Board’s Licensing Bill

The Ohio Architects Board’s bill would move a grandfather exemption within the requirements of the Architects Law granted to certain corporations.  The provision allows firms operating for many years to be passed to relatives of original founders without having to meet the strict ownership requirements.

SB183 will move the grandfathering provision to the section dealing specifically with ownership requirements.  This will narrow the grandfathering provision to make sure that an architectural firm can be passed from parents to children. However, the new location of the grandfathering provision will ensure that a company uses licensed architects to provide architecture services.

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 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

AIA Toledo will be hosting this year’s AIA Ohio Convention, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2010, at the Park Inn and the Toledo Seagate Centre.  Exciting changes in 2010 include the invitation of AIA Fort Wayne, AIA Detroit and AIA Huron Valley

Your Convention Planning Committee is thrilled to announce our 2010 Design Speaker, Craig Dykers, AIA, of Snøhetta.    

Craig Dykers (Senior Partner/Director, Snøhetta, Oslo/New York) was born in Frankfurt, Germany and has lived extensively in both Europe and North America. Dykers received a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin after initial studies in medicine and art. 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.

Another exciting guest at the AIA Ohio Valley Region Convention will be Angela Brooks, AIA, of the 2010 Gold Medal firm Pugh + Scarpa Architects.  A recognized leader in sustainable design and construction, firm principal Angela Brooks places Pugh + Scarpa at the forefront of the field which promises to dominate future design, construction, and urban planning. Her expertise in the area provides clients financial benefits through long term savings.

Brooks heads the firm’s Sustainable Development Department and is responsible for management of the technical staff. She has served as Project Architect and consultant on buildings which range in scope from public and institutional projects, to mixed-use projects, single- and multifamily housing. She joined Pugh + Scarpa as a Principal in 1999.

The AIA Ohio 2010 Convention Planning Committee is putting finishing touches on programs, venues and arrangements for the Convention.  We are committed to providing an enjoyable learning experience that is gentle on our environment.

The Convention events will take place at the Park Inn in Toledo (http://www.parkinn.com/toledooh).  Situated in downtown Toledo and adjacent to the Seagate Centre (where the Exhibits will take place), this impressive facility is the perfect location for AIA Ohio 2010 Convention. 

We’ve arranged for other fun and impressive venues as part of this event as well.  The Icebreaker Reception on Thursday, Sept. 30, will be at the Maumee Bay Brew Pub at the Oliver House (www.oh-maumeebaybrewpub.com).  There will be wonderful food, plenty of beer and fun entertainment.  This is the one party of the year that you won’t want to miss! 

AIA Ohio will celebrate its 2010 Awards program at the AIA Ohio Awards Banquet, taking place on Friday, Oct. 1, at the Toledo Museum of Art (http://www.toledomuseum.org/).  We’ll start with a sumptuous dinner in the Museum’s Glass Pavilion (http://www.toledomuseum.org/glass-pavilion).  The Glass Pavilion is-in itself-a work of art. All exterior and nearly all interior walls consist of large panels of curved glass, resulting in a transparent structure that blurs the boundaries between interior

and exterior spaces. Designed by Tokyo-based SANAA, Ltd., the Glass Pavilion received Travel + Leisure‘s 2007 Design Award for “Best Museum” and received other accolades for its innovative architecture.  Following dinner, attendees will head over to the Museum’s Peristyle for the awards program, where we will recognize Ohio’s best and brightest talents. 

Visit the AIA Ohio Convention web site for a full listing of the convention schedule.  Registration is scheduled to open in July.  An online invitation will be sent to all AIA members from Ohio.  We’ll see you in Toledo!

Toledo Fun Fact:  The awe-inspiring beauty of the Peristyle Theatre at the Toledo Museum of Art was mirrored after the ancient Greek theatres.

Amy Kobe, Executive Director  

Board and Staff Appointed to NCARB Committees

Ohio Architects Board members and staff have been appointed to several National Council of Architectural Registration Boards committees. August Fluker, Jr., Cleveland, has been appointed to the ARE Subcommittee: Site Planning & Design. Stephen L. Sharp, Springfield, has been appointed to the National Architectural Accrediting Boards Visiting Team. Sharp was also elected 2010-11 Vice-Chair of NCARB’s Region IV. Jeffrey Skapin, Stow, has been reappointed to the ARE Subcommittee: Building Design and Construction Systems. Executive Director Amy Kobe was reappointed to the NCARB Member Boards Executives Committee.

New Rule Affects ARE Candidate’s Eligibility

Attention ARE Candidates: Beginning 1/1/2011, all Ohio candidates who do not test (pass or fail) within a five-year period will have previous exam scores voided and be required to reestablish their exam eligibility. Such candidates will be required to meet the current requirements of the Ohio Architects Board in order to resume testing, including the professional degree. Completion of IDP will also be required for licensure for these candidates.

Non-Compliance with Continuing Education Requirements Yields Fines

Ohio requires completion of continuing education as a condition for registration renewal. Compliance with the requirement is verified by audits. Yet, in the audits that have taken place based upon the 2008-09 renewal period (ending 12/31/09), a surprising number of architects have been found to have falsely claimed to have completed the requirements on their renewal applications. The Board finds these fraudulent statements to be very disturbing, especially since the architect’s signature on the application indicated completion of the requirement. In these cases, fines of $1,000 have been issued because the registrant has violated nine Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code provisions. Like all discipline, CE violations are a matter of public record and are reported in the Board’s newsletter and on the state of Ohio E-license verification website. However, CE violations are not reported to NCARB.

AIA members who meet the AIA’s annual 18 hour requirement do not have any problems meeting the Board’s requirement. The overall hours Continuing Education hours required by the Ohio Architects Board are 24 clock hours, 16 which must be Health, Safety and Welfare hours. No Sustainable Design or ADA hours are required by the board, but those hours are accepted as part of the HSW requirement.

AIA Emeritus Status Does Not Exempt Architects from the Board’s CE Requirements

Many AIA Emeritus members are confused about the AIA Emeritus status, which exempts AIA members from the AIA’s Continuing Education (CE) requirements. AIA Emeritus status does not exempt members from the Board’s CE requirements. To be exempted from the Ohio Architects Board’s CE requirement, an Emeritus application must be submitted to the Board. To qualify for Emeritus status with the Board, the registrant must be fully retired from the profession, over age 65 and registered in Ohio for at least 10 years. Emeritus applications can be downloaded from the Board’s website at http://www.arc.ohio.gov/forms.stm In addition, the Board recently eliminated the renewal fee for Emeritus architects.

IDP Supervisor Must Respond to Request to Verify Training Hours

Based upon a request from the AIA Ohio Associates, the Board recently voted to add a rule that will require Intern Development Program (IDP) supervisors to respond to a request to verifyexperience hours reported to NCARB’s IDP program. The Board is aware of situations where former supervisors have refused to respond to verification requests by current or former employees because of personality conflicts, or because the intern has moved on to other employment. The Board’s intent is to eliminate these situations. Failure to respond will be a Code of Conduct violation.

SB 183 Passes

Senate Bill 183, 128^th General Assembly, has passed both the House and Senate and has been signed by the Governor. The bill corrects a loophole in the statutes governing the practice of architecture in Ohio that exempted grandfathered firms from the Board’s jurisdiction. In 1982, when the Firm registration requirement was enacted, the intention of the General Assembly was only to exempt the grandfathered firms from the paperwork requirement and nominal fee. Unfortunately, wording in the original statute went further. The correction will require all firms, including grandfathered firms, to obtain a Firm Certificate of Authorization and to have an architect in responsible control of the firm’s professional activities and decisions. An already existing rule requires that the architect in responsible control must be a full time employee of the firm, which is defined as working at least 30 hours per week for the firm.

Questions?

If you have questions about these or any other issue, please contact the Board office by telephone at (614) 466-2316 or by sending an email via http://www.arc.ohio.gov/contact.stm

21st Century School Design Symposium 

Designs for the Creative Age (School 2.0)

Capitol Theater at the Riffe Center

Thursday, July 1, 2010

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Join the Ohio School Facilities Commission for a day of learning and inspiration. Two 21st Century learning and school design enthusiasts and experts — Randy Fielding, award winning international architect and coauthor of “The Language of School Design: Design Patterns for 21^st Century Schools,” and Christian Long, educator, school planner, and passionate advocate for innovative learning communities — will be your guides as you answer the questions, “What is a 21st Century Learning Environment, and What Does it Look Like?”

In the morning Christian will focus on 21st Century learning, learning ideas and models.  This serves as a set-up to the afternoon session, where Randy will focus on tying those ideas and models to design principles, strategies and outcomes of 21st Century school designs in the creative age.

Register today and save your place!  

http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=865764

This day-long symposium will bring together school districts, design professionals, graduate students in education and architecture, construction managers, state agencies and many others.

Confirmed speakers are two 21st Century learning and school design enthusiasts and experts – Randy Fielding, award winning international architect and coauthor of “The Language of School Design: Design Patterns for 21^st Century Schools” and Christian Long, educator, school planner, and passionate advocate for innovative learning communities.

Designs for the Creative Age (School 2.0) – Conference Syllabus

School 2.0 means a shift from students as passive consumers of content to active creators and collaborators. The new basics are Independent learning, creative collaboration, and mastery of emerging technologies.

In addition to the old basics of literacy and numeracy, students today require fluency in the new basics, including independent learning, creative collaboration, and mastery of emerging technologies. Campus and facility design for School 2.0 includes a wide variety of spaces supporting at least 20 different learning modalities-spanning a continuum from the individual learner to the global citizen.

The presentation will introduce global best practices in teaching and learning, and then connect them to design patterns, real-world case studies, floor plans, and curriculum maps. Attendees will come away an awareness of the essential tools for an integrated design, staff development, curriculum development, and change management process, all wrapped together into a sustainable whole.

KEY IDEAS:

1. Creative Age: School 2.0 means a shift for student from passive consumers of information to active creators and collaborators.

2. Personalization in a Global Community:

Success in the global economy requires learners to develop uniquely personal passions and skills, whileconnecting to global and local networks.

3. Old and New Basics: In addition to the old basics of literacy and numeracy, learners require fluency in the new basics, including independent learning, creative collaboration, and mastery of emerging technologies.

4. Sustainability in a Global Network: Fluidly interdependent networks are a key to global sustainability. Students that have an agile range from independent learning to global citizens can navigate and nurture a complex global ecosystem.

5. Building for the Future: We don’t need to start from scratch with each new building–we can leverage universal patterns to jump-start the design process.

Here is the blog.
http://cincinnatihabitat.org/greenbuildingblog