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1.  Message from AIAMI President Harry Terpstra, AIA

I recently went on a week-long fishing trip to Canada, which was a nice break. What made it unusual was that it was the week Katrina hit. The first we heard of the disaster was when our pilot said, “You heard about New Orleans, eh?” as he proceeded to give us the amazing details while we loaded the plane. The reality of it started to hit us when we paid $3.39/gal of gas in Mackinaw City on our way back and saw the first newspaper photos of the awful destruction.

Now, the rebuilding of the cities and the lives of the people of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana is beginning. I urge everyone to do whatever you can to help and remember these folks in your prayers as they rebuild their lives. Also, be sure to visit the AIA website for suggestions on how we might give assistance.

This has been a very busy year for our Government Affairs committee. The members, along with co-chairs Kevin Shultis, AIA and Fred Butters, AIA, as well as our Legislative Consultant Jim Cavanaugh have put in a tremendous amount of time on our behalf. They have worked to introduce legislation and have supported or opposed pending bills in coordination with our AELC partners. Your support is critical and greatly appreciated, especially in any e-mail or letter campaigns. I want to remind chapter leaders of the importance of developing relationships with local legislators and even hosting legislative events in your chapter areas.

We met with AGC of Michigan and AGC Detroit to review the Mid-Summer Conference. This effort fit in well with our theme of “Connections” and our goal was to provide opportunities for members of the construction team to get to know each other better. We received approximately 80 responses to the questionnaires that AGC and AIA sent to attendees. Most of the comments were favorable and response showed that the majority of attendees enjoyed having all three groups at the conference. There were also many good suggestions for some changes to make it even better. The committee recommended that we do this event again in 2006 with some revisions, then evaluate whether to continue from there. This recommendation was presented to all three boards and approved.

Finally, we are preparing for the upcoming AIA Grand States meeting to be held in Fort Worth, Texas at the end of September. The main purpose of the event is to exchange information on what did and did not work in our organizations over the past year. This meeting is always a great opportunity to learn from each other and to get ideas on improving our programs or operations. This includes learning how other states have dealt with tricky legislative issues that may affect us in Michigan.

2. AIA Michigan Design Retreat - Septermber 16-17, 2005

It doesn’t get any better than this -- A perfect fall weekend, temperature in the low 70's, post card perfect Torch Lake, a rustic lodge in the woods and design on the brain.  Over one hundred architects and students of architecture trekked Up North to Camp Hayo-Went-Ha to dissect, debate, challenge and commiserate with their peers about the state of architecture.

Fifteen firms were represented: Albert Kahn Associates, Arthur F. Smith Architects; Gensler; HarleyEllis, Integrated, Luckenbach/Ziegelman Architects, Neumann/Smith & Associates, PLY, Progressive, Quinn Evans Architects, Rossetti, Tower Pinkster & Titus, Wigen Tincknell & Meyer, Van Tine Guthrie Studio and Yamasaki Associates.  The project types included residential, office, school, historic preservation, recreation center, high rise, a memorial to Mies Van de Rohe and a recording studio for rap musicians.  Sustainability and urban design were on the menu along with the steak and corn on the cob.

Art Smith, FAIA and his band of brothers had a great time on the golf course on Friday.  The scores are top secret.

Saturday night featured Dominic Pangborn, Honorary Affiliate Member AIA Detroit, world famous graphic designer and artist who shared his secrets for marketing design products and protecting intellectual property.  As a bonus, everyone attending received a Pangborn Design T-shirt.  The shirts are bound to become collector’s item and are available at the AIA HQ for $20.00.

Under a full moon on the beach with a beverage in hand it was time for rehashing the day and joining the architect’s chorus.  See you next year!

3. AIA Katrina Initiative

As the rebuilding process begins, all of us at AIA Michigan share the sorrow over the loss of life and the massive devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. While the outpouring of support and aid has been remarkable – much more will be needed for many months to come. Our hearts go out to those whose lives have been forever changed, including the thousands of architects, firm staff members and their families living in the affected region.

Besides monetary donations to relief organizations, you can make a donation to the American Architectural Foundation Displaced Architects Fund; purchase and donate computer equipment for displaced colleagues; post an opportunity on the AIA Hurricane Response Exchange, a free site where architects can offer assistance and the displaced can find it; or register with the AIA Disaster Assistance Program to be considered to assist in disaster-assistance efforts. Visit the AIA website for more details as well as links to resources such as a checklist for wind storm-damaged structures, flood damage assessment procedures, and more.

4. Architects: Your Chance to Breakfast with Sen. Schauer

An upcoming breakfast fundraiser in Battle Creek honors Sen. Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek), who has steadfastly supported our profession. Sen. Schauer is currently the Democratic Floor Leader in the Senate, the second most powerful leadership position his caucus can bestow. The most effective way for us to continue to defend our licenses, protect the public safety and encourage political leaders to do the same is to contribute financial support. Make your political dollars count by attending this breakfast fundraiser on October 17, 8-9:30 a.m. at Architecture + Design in Battle Creek. Personal checks, please, for $75 to APAC.

5. Windows on Detroit

More than 21 firms plan to design window displays for storefronts along the lower Woodward corridor for Super Bowl XL next February. The AIA Windows project was included in a recent Detroit Free Press article, providing positive recognition for the Detroit Chapter and its members. Becoming part of the movement to enhance Detroit’s image for thousands of visitors and local residents expected to be in and around downtown early next year is a worthy cause and a significant opportunity for AIA members.

6.  Architectural Walking Guide in Time for Super Bowl

The AIAM Public Awareness Committee led by Susan Pultorak and Angela Jeruzal is finalizing plans for a Detroit Architecture walking guide brochure in time for the Super Bowl. Eric Hill and John Gallagher of the Detroit Free Press have selected and written descriptions for 45 architecturally significant buildings.

7. AIA Detroit Annual Meeting

A highlight of the Oct. 25 Detroit Chapter Annual meeting will be the recognition of 18 newly licensed architects within the chapter’s five counties. Ten of these young architects have already become members. The Annual Meeting will be held in Royal Oak, beginning with a rout of the “Lofts on Main” project followed by dinner at Katana (nu-Asian steakhouse). http://aiami.com/calendar/wc102005.htm

 8. Firm News

New Positions

Barton Malow: Doug Maibach, PE to vice president corporate affairs; vp Harvey Oliva assumes responsibility for the Facilities Group… Fanning/Howey Associates, Inc.: Nicholas Fraga, electrical designer, and Dwayne Henderson, RCDD, educational technology designer, to Associates … Gensler: Gail Bernard von Staden, AIA as senior project manager for the Detroit office … Hobbs + Black: Joseph Miller, AIA as vp and project manager and E. Randall Harder, RA as senior associate … Progressive AE: Robert Ferguson as intern architect … Ruby+Associates: Stefan Neuhaeuser and Robert Aeck earned PE registrations; Brian Volpe earned PE and Structural Engineer registration.

Mergers, etc…

HarleyEllis Corporation and Fields Devereaux Architects & Engineers
Announce Intent to Merge.  For press release: http://www.harleyellis.com/about/press/2005/HarleyEllis%20Corporation%20and%20Fields%20Devereaux%20Announce%20Intent%20to%20Merge.pdf

9. Grapevine

Progressive AE was named one of 60 “Cool Places to Work” in Michigan in a first-of-its-kind competition jointly held by Crain’s Detroit Business and the Grand Rapids Business Journal…JJR President Fred Klancnik has been appointed to serve on the American Society of Civil Engineers National Infrastructure and Research Policy Committee through 2007 …MIOSHA and the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) recently signed a strategic alliance to increase safety awareness and reduce jobsite injuries among CAM members … Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed Christman Company Safety Manager Donald Staley to the Construction Safety Standards Commission … SMACNA new Board of Trustees are Lee Arnold, Rene Vanassche & Sons, Secretary, Dan Casey, T.F. Beck Company, John Gabridge, CDP Environmental, Chairman, Todd Hill, Ventcon, Inc., Chris Kjolhede, Cooney Engineering, Jeffrey Laski, S& M Heating Sales Co., Nick Seraphinoff, Allied Ventilation….Glen S. LeRoy, FAIA joined Lawrence Technological University’s College of Architecture and Design as dean.  Joseph C. Veryser, AIA was named associate dean…Eric Hill, FAIA has moved and is a principal at Lord Aeck & Saragent in Ann Arbor…John Banicki, PE, founder of Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc., Troy, was presented with the prestigious Michigan Society of Professional Engineers 2005 Outstanding Engineer in Private Practice Award…Katherine Banicki, president of Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc., Troy has been named as on of the Top Ten Michigan Business Women by the Greater Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

9. Opportunity

Oklahoma City Bus Stop Design Competition – The American Institute of Architects Central Oklahoma Chapter, in partnership with Metro Transit, is sponsoring a bus          stop design competition for The City of Oklahoma City. The competition is open to all Students enrolled in NAAB Accredited Schools of Architecture, Intern Architects and AIA Associate members. Registration deadline is Oct. 14, late registration until Nov. 7. Visit the Chapter website for details.

11. Mark Your Calendar

Highlights of Upcoming AIA Michigan & Chapter Events

Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

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Call 313 965-4100 for information