Architypes – Summer 2014

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Frederick Douglas.

It is always good to note the origin of a robust quote.  This one, for example, could be taken as a bash on bad mothering.  Instead, in context, it is another strong man encouraging all of us to continue our mentoring; and perhaps a salute to those who assisted him.

Since our last newsletter, our country celebrated Independence Day. Each year on the National Mall, NPR records the voices of Americans reciting pieces of the Declaration of Independence.  The parts are strung together to make more than the whole.   It always gives me chills.  With the freedom that we celebrate, however, comes responsibility.  Leadership is a responsibility.

***

I have rug burns on my knees.  I received this badge of honor while I was attending the AIA national convention in Chicago.  I tripped on the stairs in the Auditorium.  I always learn new things in this giant confab of my peers.   This time I was reminded that I am not perfect.  It is important to be open to learning, and it is important to be open to leading…perfect or not.

In her recent book “Lean In”, Sheryl Sandberg pointed to studies that indicate women, much more so than men, will wait until they are “perfect” for the job before they seek it… Whether it is employment or leadership. Men will act if they meet 6 out of 10 of the qualifications.  From this, I suppose that we could say that we have quite a few imperfect men, but perhaps we should realize that we need to encourage the very nearly perfect women to lean in to leadership roles.

So today, as I again encourage mentorship and leadership, I would like you to help me put to flight the missing 32% and introduce yourself to a young woman at your next professional function.  Please do not stop introducing yourselves to young men, just also include the young women.

***

Our dynamics and demographics have changed.  Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, reminds us that the baby boomers are getting older.  We must remember that demographic places us in a smaller pool of unique and talented young men and women from which to choose.  Our approach to recruiting from high schools and colleges will necessarily change  …and we all so love change. 

In the interest of changing the way that we do things and encouraging leadership, I am introducing the new AIA Ohio President’s Leadership Development Committee.

The AIA Ohio President’s Leadership Development Committee will act as a steering committee to identify and maintain a list of individuals who may be qualified for or interested in leadership positions at AIA Ohio.  The list will be available to the President at any time, but especially when positions are to be filled.  These positions may include board leaders (President, President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer), committee chairs (COTE, Design Awards, convention committee), sub-committee or task force members (honor awards), and others.  With leadership development in mind, this steering committee will help AIA Ohio improve the process of identifying and recruiting new leaders.

Led by former Presidents of AIA Ohio, the Leadership Development Committee will serve at the pleasure of the President.  Each member will have a two year term with half of the members appointed in each year.  No member may serve more than two terms.  The committee must accommodate at least one new member in each year.  The lists maintained by this committee will not be exclusive.  Interest in any position may be expressed by any individual AIA member at any time. 

***

In the interest of encouraging leadership, I encourage all Ohio and Ohio Valley components currently engaged in block voting to abolish the practice. 

By way of explanation, each chapter has a designated number of votes depending upon the number of registered architects.  So if a chapter has 12 votes, the board may assign any number of delegates to divide those votes, or in block voting, the board only allows one delegate.  At the AIA National Annual Business Meeting, only those members who are accredited delegates are allowed to vote and only those members who are accredited delegates are allowed to participate.  If your chapter uses the block vote, then only one person from your chapter may speak on matters of tremendous importance like by-laws changes for Repositioning.

As I stated earlier, I learned a lot in Chicago, and not all of it was in the organized venues.  Participating in conversations with other members, I learned that several members had decided not to bother going to the AIA Business Meeting because their chapters would not allow them to vote.  These individuals expressed dismay that the Chapter did not trust them to vote properly.  In the minds of these members whose chapters cast a block vote, their attendance was moot.

Block voting does not encourage leadership.  Block voting does not encourage participation.  Block voting is simply a control mechanism that is counter to AIA Repositioning.  To be bold (as NCARB says “BE BOLD”) block voting is a tool for political bargaining and is counter to our representative governance.  If your Chapter engages in block voting because that is the way that is has always been done, please know that it is not the way it has always been done…and it is time to change.

“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”

Enjoy your summer.  Lead on… 

Government Affairs Report

David W. Field, CAE, Hon. AIA,

Executive Vice President

The Ohio General Assembly has recessed for the summer and legislators are back home campaigning for the November election.  Here’s how bills of interest to architects stood at the beginning of the summer recess:

House Hearings On Anti-LEED v4 Measure Delayed Till Fall (SCR25)

Prior to the legislature’s summer recess, the sponsor of a resolution, SCR25, which would prevent the use of the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) v4 in Ohio, asked a House panel to delay consideration of the measure until fall in order to reduce confusion among members about what it does.  Sponsoring Sen. Joe Uecker (R-Loveland) said he didn’t believe that there would be enough time to get through the entire hearing process before the General Assembly broke for spring campaigns and its summer recess.

Good Samaritan Bill (HB 379) Awaits Fall Senate Action

On March 12 the House Commerce, Labor and Technology Committee approved HB 379 and on April 2 it passed the House and was sent to the Senate for further action in the Senate Civil Justice Committee. Due to Chairman Coley’s participation in the Mid Biennium Review tax bill (HB 483), he couldn’t find time to include HB 379 on his Committee’s hearing agendas prior to summer recess.  Action has been promised for later this year.

HB 379 would provide civil immunity for architects, engineers, and surveyors who provide services during a declared emergency.

Bills Approved by the General Assembly Prior to Summer Recess Include:

Capital Bill  (HB 497)     

The Capital Bill was a nearly $2.4 billion bricks-and-mortar package contained in HB 497.  Governor Kasich signed it on April 1.

Tax Bill  (HB492)

On the heels of an across-the-board, ten percent reduction in the personal income tax (PIT) rates and an innovative small business tax cut that were part of the state’s two-year biennial budget passed a year ago, legislators passed HB 483 which accelerated into tax year 2014 the last 1.5 percent of the ten percent PIT cut enacted in last year’s budget as a three year phase-in. They also increased the small business tax cut enacted in last year’s budget by allowing pass-through entity owners, such as sole proprietors, partners and S corporation shareholders, to exempt from personal income tax 75 percent (instead of the current 50 percent) of the first $250,000 of their pass-through income. However, this higher exemption is only available in tax year 2014.

HB 483 also increased the current PIT exemption amount to $2,200 for taxpayers with less than $40,000 in income and to $1,950 for taxpayers with income between $40,000 and $80,000. The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature.

Appropriations Bill (HB 483)

Vetoed by Governor Kasich in the Mid Biennium Review Bill (HB483) was language that would have changed funding priorities under School Facilities Commission programs for districts that had a large reliance on tangible personal property taxes, which were eliminated in 2005.

The impact on some districts has been that they have less local revenue to pay their share of the cost of new building construction and they’re also kept low on the priority funding list. The bill language would have moved five districts up on the list in fiscal year 2015 and required a total of $97.5 million more in state share for their projects, according to the fiscal analysis.

Rep. Tim Derickson (R-Oxford) had sought the language in past budget bills only to see it vetoed by both Gov. Kasich and Gov. Ted Strickland before him.

“Under this item, schools would be able to unilaterally change the project agreements they reached with the state in order to reduce their costs,” Gov. Kasich wrote.

Architect Representative to Residential Code Committee:

AIA Ohio is looking for an architect representative for the Ohio Commerce Department’s Residential Construction Committee.  The current representative is Cincinnati’s John Senhauser, FAIA.  His term ended June 30^th and he’s decided not to seek reappointment.  AIA Ohio’s voice on this Committee adds important perspective at the table. The Committee doesn’t meet again until August and John will continue to represent architects until his position is filled.  The Committee is involved in the issues that shape residential practice.

The Committee meets usually 10 times a year (monthly except June & July, sometimes December).  It reviews the International Residential Code for each code cycle (3 years).  Currently committee members are reviewing 2012 revisions but will not enact a new code until it reviews the 2015 code in 2016.  It will probably go into effect in 2017 or maybe 2018 based on the rule making process.  The committee also reviews the certifications for building department personnel but that is beginning to wane since most are now certified.  It sometimes reviews local building ordinances for conflicts with the Ohio code and receives and reviews proposed revisions to the Ohio code. 

Between meetings there’s often reading that may be 4-5 hours, depending on the complexity, generally only during the review cycles.  Meetings are at the Ohio Department of Commerce on Tussing Road in Reynoldsburg at 9:00 am and usually are over by noon unless followed by a special subcommittee meeting.  Committee members are compensated about $68.00 after taxes per meeting and are reimbursed for mileage.  On rare occasion, there have been overnight stays (3 in 9 years).

AIA Ohio Foundation Provides Student Scholarships

The AIA Ohio Foundation has once again continued its effort to help students in architectural programs from across the state by providing AIA Ohio Foundation grants to each of Ohio’s four accredited schools of architecture. Through the Foundation’s work, the schools have been able to award scholarships to students who have either shown a need or demonstrated excellence in their studio work.

The Foundation works each year to grow its funds and develop a financial foundation that will continue to fund these grants for years to come.  With the assistance of AIA Ohio, the Foundation has over the last few years been able to expand its financial standing, but only to a limited degree.  In order to maintain the ability to help each school’s students, the AIA Ohio Foundation needs your help.  The Foundation is happy to accept donations from members or non-members alike and as a 501(c)3, it is a charitable organization.  Direct contributions are not the only way you can help.  The AIA Ohio Foundation has for nearly 25 years, offered the Charles Marr Award to both members and non-members who donate at least $1,000 to the Foundation.  This is an excellent way for members to help students and soon to be emerging professionals while at the same time recognizing an employee for their service or a client for their dedication.  Each contribution makes a difference and we encourage you to help the Foundation in their efforts.  You can contact AIA Ohio for more information. 

Below is a letter from one of this past year’s recipients detailing what the scholarship means to them.

At this year’s AIA Ohio Convention, you will have another opportunity to help the Foundation.  The Foundation will hold a Napkin Sketch competition and will be selling napkins as part of a fund raising effort.  By participating, you can not only help the Foundation and students, but also be eligible to win some great prizes and recognition from peers.  

Robert P. Madison, FAIA and Richard J. Fleischman, FAIA marked the fortieth (40) anniversary of their elevation to the College of Fellows in 2014.  In addition, this year also celebrated the sixtieth (60) anniversary of the founding of Robert’s firm.  The Northeast Ohio (NEO) Fellows committee made up of the Fellows representing Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown AIA Components saw these milestones as an opportunity to recognize and honor the achievements and contributions to the community, the profession and the institute of these two local professionals who embody the values and character Fellows represent.

On July 17, 2014, the “Celebration of Fellows” was held at the recently completed CedarGlen Loft of Richard J. Fleischman, FAIA.  The gathering was not only for the purpose of recognizing and congratulating Robert and Richard, it was also to promote the role Fellows play in shaping and mentoring professionals, the Institute and community we all want to build.  In an effort to bring some perspective and provide an appropriate introduction for the evening, Ronnette Riley, FAIA, who has been a colleague of Richard J. Fleischman, FAIA, was invited to Cleveland to offer opening remarks. Her focus was on the importance of Fellows in building the future of AIA and the values and role Fellows need to demonstrate in furthering this endeavor. She spoke about the process and the commitment to the effort and the outcome.

Judson A. Kline, FAIA and Chairman of the NEO Fellows Committee introduced the honorees and offered personal commentary on their achievements, contributions to the advancement of the profession, the institute and quality of life in Northeast Ohio.

Richard J. Fleischman, FAIA’s mentorship of many young architects in the area and beyond has resulted in the emergence of many young firms with immense design skills stemming from their experience with Mr. Fleischman.  His commitment to design and the important work of architects set an example worthy of recognition.  We thank him for his leadership in the community.

Robert P. Madison, FAIA’s contribution to the profession, institute and community has been and continues to be overwhelming.  As an African American architect, he began his career at a time when opportunities were almost unavailable. He found a way to make his career a reality. He truly has cut a trail where others could follow in his footsteps. We take pride in the example he has set for perseverance and commitment sweeping young architects along with him on his journey.  

The event was made possible with the support and assistance of Mary Helen Hammer, AIA Cleveland Executive Director and Kim Fleischman, Director of Marketing in Richard Fleischman’s office. With 40 members and guests present, the attendants enjoyed great views of the city from the CedarGlen balcony and stories about the honorees shared by their colleagues and friends. 

Pictured from left to right are: Ronnette Riley, FAIA (Keynote); Robert Maschke, FAIA; Norman Pertulla; FAIA, James Gibans, FAIA; Piet Van Dijk, FAIA; Richard J. Fleischman, FAIA; Robert P. Madison, FAIA; Monica Green, FAIA; Robert Barclay, FAIA; Carole Olshavsky, FAIA; Ronald Reed, FAIA; James Dalton, FAIA and Judson Kline, FAIA

by Bruce Sekanick, AIA

If I had to venture a guess, I am pretty sure that most members know what ArchiPAC or AIA Ohio’s PAC is about.  Most would simply say it is about giving money.  Some would say it’s about getting involved in politics.  Others might even suggest that it’s something we don’t do.  Whether you believe one answer to be more true than the others is based upon your experience and involvement in the political arena.   And we don’t all have to agree.  But whether we agree or not, our involvement in PAC and the political process is key to our advocacy efforts and in our ability in securing support for legislative issues.

First let’s look at ArchiPAC vs. Ohio PAC.  In general terms, they are the same thing.  Each is established to provide support for the architectural profession.  They are also similar in that contributions can only come from members, and that corporate contributions are not permitted.  But each has its own function and limitation that makes it significantly different from the other.

The AIA Ohio PAC is limited to those persons running for state office or the State Assembly.  Yes we can give to a candidate for governor.  No, we cannot give to someone running for the US Senate.  Yes we can give to an Ohio Senator.  No we cannot give to your local mayor.  In short, the AIA Ohio PAC has been created to permit AIA Ohio to help those who have supported or have indicated they support issues that we believe necessary to advance design, protect residents of the state of Ohio, or advance the efforts of the profession here in Ohio.  As you can imagine, ArchiPAC, the only national political action committee of the AIA, in a very similar way, helps support those individuals who are running for federal office. 

Because these entities are governed by either state or federal law, or both, our PACs must follow strict laws to avoid violations of election laws.  While we might like to have corporate donations, or maybe accept money from non-members, we simply can’t in order to remain compliant.  This means that we do rely completely on the contributions from our members, not only for the AIA Ohio PAC, but also the national ArchiPAC.  Without your support, our advocacy efforts become more difficult because we simply do not have the right tools for the job. 

We ask that each member consider contributions to the AIA Ohio PAC and ArchiPAC each year to help our government relations and legislative advocates do their jobs.   Every dollar counts and we hope you can commit to supporting this effort annually.   Without your help, our efforts may go unnoticed and worse, our voices may not be heard.

Are You at the Table?

Update from Ohio Architects Board

by Amy Kobe, CAE

Monica Green, FAIA, appointed to Ohio Architects Board: Monica Green, FAIA, has been appointed by Governor John Kasich to the Ohio Architects Board to a term ending on October 2, 2018.

Ms. Green, a resident of Moreland Hills, Ohio, is a Principal with the Cleveland architecture firm, Westlake Reed Leskosky. She is a graduate of Kent State University and has over 30 years of experience in new construction and renovation projects for a variety of clients, including government agencies, non-profit organizations and education institutions.

Green is well versed in the application of green building techniques, sustainable resources and energy conservation and she works closely with the Lead Designer, as well as with the firm’s other architects and engineers, to ensure that best practices in energy conservation and green building practices are employed to the benefit of the environment and future occupants of the facility.

She consults internationally for LEED and has consulted to the U.S. General Services Administration on green rating programs. She has led the firm’s efforts to achieve recognition in the area of sustainability on a number of projects, including the Idea Center™ at PlayhouseSquare and the Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse, a project that has received national recognition for sustainability. Monica was also the chief specifications writer and sustainability consultant for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (on site of 1969 Woodstock Festival) and has served in that capacity for the Kohl Building at Oberlin College.

Monica Green was recently elevated to Fellow in the American Institute of Architects, one of the Institute’s highest honors bestowed on an individual. She has also presented widely on the topic of green design process at conferences for such organizations as AIA Ohio, the U.S. Green Building Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Kobe receives NCARB Distinguished Service Award: The highest honor bestowed upon architectural professionals by the NCARB-the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service-was awarded by 2013-2014 President Blakely C. Dunn to Ohio Architects Board Executive Director, Amy Kobe, and five other individuals at the organization’s 2014 Annual Business Meeting in Philadelphia.

Title task force created: A Title Task Force has been created by the NCARB Board. The task force will review the terminology used for those who are architect candidates and those who are licensed architects. The task force includes newly licensed architects, interns, representatives from the AIA and NCARB member boards. It is expected to make its recommendations in about a year.

Currently, Ohio exam candidates are allowed to use the titles “Intern Architect” or “Architectural Intern.” No other title containing the word architect or any of its derivatives may be used by unlicensed individuals.

The Ohio Architects Board will consider any recommendations made by the Title Task Force for use in the state of Ohio. A change in Ohio law will also be necessary. 

IDP credit for hours completed beyond six months: Effective July 1, 2014, the “six-month rule” reporting requirement for credit in the Intern Development Program (IDP) has been modified.

The new policy allows credit for intern experience which occurred up to five years previous to the current reporting requirements of six months. Credit for experience older than eight months will be valued at 50 percent for up to five years, after which any experience would be ineligible for credit.

ARE retake policy to be shortened to allow three retakes a Year: Effective October 1, the wait time for retesting for the ARE divisions will decrease from six months to 60 days. This will allow candidates who have failed a division to retake the division as soon as 60 days after the previous attempt, up to three times in a running year for any one division.