A Society of the American Institute of Architects

1. Message from AIAMI President Celeste Novak

AIA President Celeste Novak shares her unforgettable experience of walking in the shoes of a contractor for one day … a big bid day.

I am not sure which piece of this experiment was better, walking in Doug Maibach's shoes or watching him walk in mine. I discovered that we both love complexity and love what we do. Our jobs are intense, complex and there is no “typical day.” We had to adjust our meeting date at least three times because of the unpredictable nature of our jobs. Although a daughter of an architect with brothers in construction management, I was not prepared for my day at Barton–Malow. On July 10, as I drove up to the company my eyes widened. Cruising by wetlands, I approached a winged glass box, grounded with interlocking planes of concrete with inlaid patterns of brick. Any preconceived notion of the conservative nature of contracting toppled … Click here for the full story

2. State Consolidates: Construction Codes and Fire Safety Combined

The Bureau of Construction Codes and the Office of Fire Safety have been consolidated into the Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety to improve efficiency and eliminate duplicative functions. This consolidation is of particular interest in light of the recent amendments to the School Construction Law. School buildings will now be reviewed and inspected under a single set of construction regulations in a unified process. The new bureau plans to update Michigan construction codes to achieve consistency and compatibility in the construction and operational standards for all occupancy types. Visit the new bureau Website at www.Michigan.gov/bccfs.

3. Senator Schedules Drain Code Meetings

Senator Van Woerkom has slated a series of meetings to address a variety of drain code issues. Recommendations from these workgroup meetings will be utilized in drafting a new substitute bill. Three meetings have already been held. Additional meetings are slated for August 7 (topics are assessment of benefits, role of developers and inner-county drain districts); and August 21 (topics not covered earlier). If you are interested in participating, please e-mail Rae Dumke.

4. Report Highlights Weaknesses in Michigan’s Campaign Finance Disclosure System

Michigan’s 2002 state elections featured a record $76 million in campaign spending, according to A Citizen’s Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance – 2002, a report released in June by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network (MCFN). In 93 percent of last year’s state elections, the candidate with the greatest financial backing won. In the closest elections, most of the money came from the political parties and PACs. Contributions to political parties and PACS are not subject to limits. According to the report, undisclosed “issue advertising” (outlawed in federal elections) was a major factor in the gubernatorial election, the attorney general race and the Supreme Court campaign. Plus, the report indicates that nearly $12 million was spend by political parties and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce on candidate-focused advertising that doesn’t appear on any campaign finance report. For more information, the Citizens Guide is available online at www.mcfn.org.

5. Senator Warner Leads Charge for Preservation in Transportation Bill

Preservation advocates are encouraged to write Senator John Warner to let him know that his work on behalf of historic preservation is greatly appreciated. Federal transportation law (TEA-21) is coming up for reauthorization, and existing protections for historic places from poorly planned transportation projects are threatened. Special interests and the Administration are vigorously advocating the evisceration of these protections, especially section 4(f), which is the strongest protection for historic places anywhere in federal law. At a May 20 Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, he expressed his strong opposition to efforts to kill historic preservation protections in federal transportation law. Consider writing a letter to Warner, and to your state senator as well. Visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation Website to compose a letter or e-mail to Warner. Select Save 4(f) Protections. For more details, review the attached letter from NTHP.

6. Steidl Wins AIA National Runoff

Douglas Steidl, FAIA won a runoff election for 2004 AIA first vice president / president-elect in a race with Stephan Castellanos, FAIA during the AIA National Convention in San Diego. A runoff election is necessary when no one candidate receives a majority of the delegate votes and is held between the two candidates with the highest number of votes. Steidl is from Ohio. Michigan’s Tim Casai, FAIA served as chair of the Credentials Committee, which is charged with overseeing accreditation of delegates and balloting for the election of officers.

7. Historic Preservation Efforts Honored

The Michigan Historic Preservation Network recognized building projects and individuals at its annual conference in Kalamazoo. Honorees included Sen. John “Joe” Schwartz, sponsor of Michigan’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit and founding member of the Michigan Lighthouse Project; and Mike Mort of Equity Studios, producer of documentary films highlighting the history and preservation of Michigan resources.

Awards also went to the City of Ann Arbor, Historical Street Exhibit program; the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission, publication of Kalamazoo: Lost & Found; Cranbrook , restoration of its Jonah and the Whale sculpture; the Automobile National Heritage Area Partnership and Detroit’s Southwest Nonprofit Housing Corp. for comprehensive planning for historic preservation projects The Boardwalk Building in Grand Rapids (Winkelmann Architects, Grand Rapids) and Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Motherhouse in Monroe (Kessler/Francis/Cardoza, Detroit, and Susan Maxman and Partners, Philadelphia).

8. Huron Valley “Moves” for Money to Support Livable Communities

Members, family and friends of Huron Valley AIA moved enough – walking, biking or rollerblading – to raise $515 to benefit the local Habitat for Humanity. Similar to a charity walk or run, the “movers” each garnered sponsors to raise money in support of creating livable communities. About 30 people participated, including several students from the U of M College of Architecture. They enjoyed the President’s Picnic afterward. The event was held at Hudson Mils Metropark.

9. NCARB Introduces New Board

The National Council of Registration Boards recently announced its Board of Directors for 2003-2004. The newly elected president is Robert Boynton, FAIA, of Richmond, VA. For a complete list of new board members, visit www.ncarb.org/newsclips/jul03bod.htm.

10. Libeskind Convention Presentation Free from eClassroom

“Design of the Century,” Daniel Libeskind’s presentation at the AIA national convention on his design for the World Trade Center site is available via streaming video free as an AIA eClassroom session. His presentation is followed by a panel discussion. Find the hour-and-a-half course (2 AIA LUs) at http://eclassrom.aia.org. AIA members must sign in using their AIA member number. The cost for non-members is $49.95.

11. In Memoriam: CAM President Curt Hacias

Construction Association of Michigan President Curtis Hacias passed away unexpectedly on May 31. He was 61. Hacias’ 42-year career with CAM was marked by the development of some of CAM’s most well known services including Design & Construction Expo, CAM Expo West and the Construction Federal Credit Union. He held offices in numerous construction-related organizations including International Builders Exchange Executives, Michigan Construction Safety and Health Institute, Carpenter Contractors Association, Detroit Ceramic Tile Contractors Association, the Glazing Contractors Association and others. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and two sons.

12. Firm News

New Positions…

The Design Group Architects: Christine Kennedy to project manager … Skanska USA Building Inc.: Lee Andrea, AIA as business development manager … Smith Group Inc.: Frank Roski, PE to senior mechanical engineer … URS Corp.: Frederick Wesolowski, AIA to vice president of Michigan operations; and Kenneth Ruszkowski, AIA as branch manager of Farmington Hills office.

Awards, Recognitions…

Ford & Earl Assoc., Inc.: two awards in American Institute of Graphic Arts Detroit’s “Design: Re:View.02” for 9/11 memorial poster (Best in Show) and holiday card (professional design) … Progressive AE: Michael Perry, AIA and Stephanie Pearson certified as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals.

New Firms, Names, Addresses, Mergers…

Fanning/Howey Assoc., Inc.: relocated to 28001 Cabot Dr., Ste. 110, Novi, MI 48377; ph: 248-848-0123; www.fhai.com … Yamasaki Assoc., Inc.: opens new corporate headquarters at 900 Tower Dr., Troy, MI 48098; ph: 248-267-5300; www.yamasakiinc.com.

Anniversaries…

Arconcepts, Inc. commemorates 10-year anniversary.

13. Grapevine

Associated General Contractors, Greater Detroit Chapter named Douglas Maibach, PE as 2003 chairman of the board … Construction Association of Michigan Vice President of Marketing Kevin Koehler succeeds Curt Hacias as CAM President. Hacias passed away in May … Van Tine|Guthrie Studio of Northville celebrates being one of the second phase finalists in the Grand Egyptian Museum Competition, which attracted more than 1550 entries, including 400 from the U.S. They are the only North American team of 20 finalists … After being named AIA Huron Valley’s Young Architect of the Year, Canton architect Dawn Zuber enjoyed the limelight in feature stories in both the Observer & Eccentric and the Sandusky Register (her home town) … Rainy Hamilton, AIA has completed his term on the Michigan Board of Architects. Dan Redstone, FAIA has been reappointed to the Board …

14. Mark Your Calendar

Highlights of Upcoming AIA Michigan & Chapter Events
Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

More Events...

Other Events of Interest ...

15. Opportunities

Students are invited to compete in a zero energy design competition. Entries are due by July 30, 2004 for the Zero Energy Home design competition, sponsored by the State of Michigan and AIA Michigan. Individual or teams of students can compete for monetary scholarship prizes. For further information, contact John Sarver at (517) 241-6280, or email at  jhsarve@Michigan.gov.

Classified Advertising:

Architect needed for growing, innovative medium-sized firm in Grand Rapids, MI. Minimum 5 years experience required. Excellent career opportunities and benefit package. Send resume to Concept Design Group, 89 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Ph: 616-771-0909, Fax: 616-771-0912.

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