News

E-News April 5, 2006

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

With only two days remaining in the 2006 session of the Kentucky General Assembly, we can report that the proposal for stock school plans (SB231) that we objected strenuously to has not been heard.  AIA Kentucky President Martha Tarrant, Executive Vice President Janet Pike and lobbyists Greg Brotzge and Clyde Caudill met with the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Vernie McGaha, on March 22 to discuss the proposal and seek an opportunity to work with the Senator on alternative ways to address his concerns regarding school construction.  We accepted Sen. McGaha’s invitation to work with him during the interim to better understand the issues and to help develop solutions that are acceptable to all.

The Board of Architects bill (SB 62) was approved signed by the Governor on March 28. The

Historic Building Rehabilitation tax credits bill (HB 663) passed the House unanimously, was approved in Senate Committee, but was not voted on by the full Senate.  The engineers’ continuing education bill (SB 34) was not passed, after a series of amendments slowed it down in the Senate.

AIA Kentucky also continues to monitor key bills regarding small business health care (HB445) and tax reform (HB295), which were changing almost daily in the waning days of the session.  It appears that tax relief will happen, but final details are not yet known.

State Budget Director Brad Cowgill spoke to a group of AIA Kentucky members on Tuesday, March 28^th, just prior to our regular Board Meeting.  He outlined the Governor’s budget plan and discussed the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget as they stood at that point.  We appreciate this opportunity to meet with Mr. Cowgill and share our thoughts on various issues of concern to the architectural community.

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AIA KENTUCKY TO FORM COMMITTEE ON ARCHITECTURE FOR EDUCATION (CAE)

AIA Kentucky is in the beginning stages of forming a Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) here in Kentucky, for those who are involved in designing K-12 schools and/or postsecondary school facilities. AIA Kentucky President Martha Tarrant, AIA of Ross-Tarrant Architects and Mike Smith, AIA of Sherman Carter Barnhart are spearheading this effort, and they met on 3/3/02006 to begin discussions of how this group might be organized and what its goals should be.

So far the following steps have identified:

1)       invite all architects involved in school design to participate

2)       begin discussions about alternatives to address concerns of legislators who have proposed development of stock school plans (see Legislative Update above)

3)       begin discussions about how the architectural community can work with the Department of Education, Division of Facilities Management to evaluate and update Kentucky’s school facility design guidelines.

We need AIA members to participate in these initiatives.  If you would like to be involved in our new Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE), please send a reply email to jpike@aiaky.org no later than Friday, April 14, 2006.

Once we have a core group of people identified, we will host a meeting to organize our activities and get to work!  We intend to work as efficiently as possible, utilizing email, conference calls and other means to supplement periodic face-to-face work sessions.  We will try to keep the travel to a minimum while still accomplishing what we need to do.

Feel free to contact Martha Tarrant at mtarrant@rosstarrant.com or Mike Smith a msmith@scb.ky if you wish to discuss the CAE or have specific ideas on how to move this effort forward.

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NATIONAL AIA CAE CONFERENCE COMES TO CINCINNATI MAY 11—13

In keeping with their 2006 theme of planning and programming, the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) will explore the early planning stages of the design process at its May 11–13 conference, “Building a Language of Communication,” to be held at the University of Cincinnati. Specifically, the conference will examine what effect the university’s strategic plan for new buildings by “signature architects”—Morphosis, Gehry, Eisenman—has had on the learning environment. Other topics on the agenda include statewide comprehensive building programs and innovative learning environments, informing clients about sustainable building practices, and learning from the rebuilding efforts in the hurricane-wracked Gulf Coast. For more information and to register, visit the CAE Web site.

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AIA KY “BUILDING ENVELOPE” CE PROGRAM IS APRIL 26 IN LOUISVILLE

The next AIA Kentucky-sponsored continuing education program is Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the Louisville Marriott East in Louisville. Details below:

April 26 - Building Envelope Construction, Protection & Restoration
Louisville Marriott East, Louisville
5 AIA/CES LUS/HSW

This program features a series of four presentations on the following topics relative to the Building Envelope:

- Sealants & Adhesives for Construction

- Concrete Restoration and Protection

- Roof Restoration: Make Roofs Last Longer and Save Energy

- Specifying, Cleaning and Protecting Masonry Concrete

Fee is $80 for AIA members or $130 for non-AIA architects and others. Includes coffee/danish and lunch.

Click here for information and to register online
Click here for information and downloadable paper registration form

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AIA KY PARTNERS WITH SEAoK FOR PROGRAM ON SPECIAL INSPECTIONS

AIA Kentucky joins the Structural Engineers Association of Kentucky (SEAoK) in sponsoring a program on special inspections on May 11, 2006 in Louisville.  Special Inspections: Not Just for Engineers will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Galt House East. Architects attending will earn 5 AIA/CES HSW learning units.

The goal of this program is to get all design professionals (architects and engineers), code officials, contractors and owners on the same page when it comes to Special Inspections. The following will be discussed:
- What Special Inspections are.
- Why Special Inspections are necessary.
- Who is responsible for what and when.
- Who pays for what?
- How to budget for Special Inspections.

Participants will receive a document entitled SPECIAL INSPECTIONS: GUIDELINES FOR OWNERS, ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, CONSTRUCTORS, CODE OFFICIALS AND INSPECTORS, developed by SEAoK to help clarify and explain Special Inspections to the building design and trade industries. As the name implies, this document is directed toward the whole design and construction team, not just the structural engineers.

Click here for information and downloadable paper registration form.

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ENERGY CODE/ANSI A117 TO BE TOPICS OF JUNE AND AUGUST WORKSHOPS

AIA Kentucky will partner with the Code Administrators Association of Kentucky (CAAK) and the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction to provide two workshop programs offered in three locations each. Details have yet to be finalized, but the dates and expected cities are as follows:

Kentucky Energy Code

June 26 – Georgetown

June 27 – Northern Kentucky

June 28 – Louisville

ANSI A117

August 14 – Lexington/Georgetown

August 15 - Louisville

August 16 – Northern Kentucky

Mark your calendar now and watch the E-news for more details as we finalize them.

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UK SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY APRIL 19 IN LEXINGTON

The Annual UK College of Design Scholarship Awards Ceremony will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. at the State Theater, 214 East Main Street in Lexington.  The program features announcements of scholarships and awards for students in the architecture, interior design and historic preservation programs. Everyone is invited, especially those who have offered scholarship support this year.  For information on the College of Design scholarship program, contact Dana Cox at danacox@email.uky.edu or 859-257-5367.

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ARCHITECTS ADVISED TO CHECK FOR SPRINKLER CONTRACTOR LICENSE

Van Cook, executive director of the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, has advised that architects should check to make sure that sprinkler contractors’ licenses are up to date before awarding a contract. Apparently there are some subcontractors doing business in Kentucky without a Kentucky license, in some cases on major state jobs.  Mr. Cook expressed his appreciation for the architects taking a proactive role in helping address this issue.

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AIA MEMBER INPUT NEEDED FOR REVIEW OF 2007 CODE EDITION

David Carter, AIA, representative to the Board of Housing Buildings and Construction for AIA Kentucky, is seeking AIA members to work with him on an ad-hoc committee to review the 2006 International Building Code for adoption as the upcoming 2007 edition of the Kentucky Building Code.  David advises, “We will only be dealing with architectural provisions in the code; other committees will be looking at structural and administrative sections.  There will be a couple of group committee meetings, but most of the time required will be individual review.  Our review will need to be completed by the end of June.”

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NEW AIA/CKC WEB SITE

The AIA Central Kentucky Chapter announces a new and improved website.  There’s more color and many more photographs, but even more important, the site has been reorganized to make it easier to navigate.  Visit the site at http://www.aia-ckc.org/ and see for yourself.  A Local Job Board and a Classified Ads page are two new features on the site. Please feel free to use these features right away!  The Job Board Page has links to other "Architect" and "Design Professional" websites, including AIA National, Archinect, McGraw Hill Construction Career Center and Job-e-Job.com.

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BUILDERS EXCHANGE OPENS LEXINGTON OFFICE

The Builders Exchange has opened an office and plan room at 225 Walton Avenue, Suite 100 in Lexington (40502), staffed by Marti Nave, administrative assistant. The phone number is 859-288-0011 and the fax number is 859-288-0099.  Architects are encouraged to file sets of plan documents at both the Lexington office and the Louisville office (2300 Meadow Drive, Louisville, 40218-1372).

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FORE! AIA KY GOLF OUTING SET FOR MAY 23

The annual AIA Kentucky Golf Outing will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at the University Club of Kentucky in Lexington. Everyone is invited to participate in the low-key, scramble format that always proves to be a great networking opportunity for everyone on the construction and design team. Registration materials will be mailed to AIA Kentucky members and posted on the AIA Kentucky web calendar within a couple of weeks

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MORE UPCOMING CE OPPORTUNITIES

Information about all the following programs is available via the AIA Kentucky Calendar at www.aiaky.org/calendar/.  Click on the calendar item for details and links to registration forms, web sites and more.

April 18, 2006 – CKC Monthly Program – Restoration of Concrete Structures

11:45 a.m., location TBA, presented by Chella Subram with Cornerstone Engineering, Inc.

www.aia-ckc.org

April 20, 2006 – NAWIC Meeting

Robert Ogle, Associate Director, UK Center of Historic Architecture and Preservation, 5:30 p.m., Marriott Lexington, http://www.aiaky.org/calendar/event.php?event=116

April 21-23, 2006 - Campus-Community Partnerships for Sustainability Conference
Berea College, Berea, Kentucky

www.berea.edu/sens/ccp

May 3, 2006 – Kentucky Educational Facilities Planners (KEFP) First Statewide Conference

8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Hotel, Lexington

http://www.aiaky.org/calendar/event.php?event=111

May 16-17, 2006 - "High Performance Homes from the Ground Up"

7.5 HSW learning units. Sponsored by Southface.  These two full-day workshops will focus on the practical aspects of energy efficient construction that can increase the marketability of the homes you design and build. You will learn how the house works as a system, how to make a house efficient while maintaining healthy indoor air quality, and how to evaluate efficiency options from a common-sense, bottom-line standpoint.

http://www.aiaky.org/calendar/event.php?event=112

May 18, May 31, June 1, June 23 - "Increasing Profits through Tax Incentives

3.5 HSW learning units. Sponsored by Southface. These four half-day tax workshops will explain the new federal tax incentives that are part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. These incentives are active from 2006 through the end of 2007 and focus on improving residential and commercial construction. The presenters will explain the IRS standards to qualify for the incentives, as well as best practice strategies for how to accomplish them.

http://www.aiaky.org/calendar/event.php?event=113

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LEADERSHIP LOUISVILLE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS THRU APRIL 17

The Leadership Louisville Center is now accepting applications for the 2007 Leadership Louisville class, which will begin this August.  Applications will be accepted through April 17 for the program, which is designed to prepare new generations of leaders in all fields who are committed to making Louisville a better place. "Our job is to be a catalyst for those interested in learning more about important issues and connecting them with other engaged leaders so that they can truly make a difference," said Christine Johnson, president of the Leadership Louisville Center.

Those interested in applying can call 561-5229 or go to www.leadershiplouisville.org.

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AIA OFFERS INFORMATION ON NEW TAX BREAK FOR ARCHITECTS

On October 11, 2004, the U.S. Senate passed the "JOBS" tax bill, which includes a $358 million tax cut on architectural and engineering services performed in the U.S. for construction projects by sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, subchapter S corporations, and C corporations. Qualifying architects can deduct 3% of their net revenues from projects in the U.S. for tax years 2005 and 2006. The deduction increases to 6% for tax years 2007, 2006, and 2009, and then to 9% after 2009. Because the JOBS legislation was focused on creating incentives to increase employment, the deduction is limited to 50% of the amount of W-2 salaries paid out by the taxpayer. As with many tax matters, the provision is complex and has several limitations on its use. The AIA has made available a brief guide for architects and their tax consultants that may be viewed at: http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/files/finaltaxmemo.pdf

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A.R.E. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Due to the very generous gifts of members, friends and the AIA board, the AIA National Associates Committee (NAC) is able to award the Pettigrew ARE scholarship for the first time in 2006.  Scholarship recipients will receive a full set of Kaplan ARE Study Guides and $1,071 (current cost of the ARE).  The application deadline is April 14^th and complete information and materials can be found at: http://www.aia.org/br_cfe_nac_AREscholarship.

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2006 AIA FIRM SURVEY UNDERWAY – YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

The Economics and Market Research team is preparing to launch the 2006 AIA Firm Survey, which will help architecture firms better understand how the practice of architecture is changing. As with the 2003 Firm Survey, this year’s survey will be conducted entirely online. In mid-March, firm principals received a cover letter by e-mail that provided an overview of the survey and contained a link to the questionnaire. Participants will be eligible for a drawing for one of two $500 gift certificates as well as a substantial discount off of the member price of the survey report when it is available later this year.

For more information, contact Jennifer Riskus, jriskus@aia.org or 202-626-7532.

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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE HANDBOOK UPDATE AVAILABLE

Update 2006, The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, edited by Joseph A. Demkin, AIA (John Wiley and Sons) is the fourth companion volume to the 13th edition of The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice. It provides architects with new and expanded information on practice subjects including important issues affecting day-to-day operations, emerging business trends, and the latest AIA contract documents. To find out what’s in it and how to order it, go to

http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek06/0331/0331handbook.cfm

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CELEBRATE EARTH DAY – WHAT CAN YOU DO?

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget our environment.  We may find ourselves tossing an aluminum can into the trash instead of recycling or jumping in the car to drive – not walk – a short distance to the store.  But on Earth Day, April 22, people around the globe slow down to think about the environment. 

For the past two years, the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, with the help of partners, has spearheaded a statewide Earth Day campaign.  This year the campaign is about doing your part for the environment.  The campaign slogan – “What can you do?” – encourages people to consider their role in protecting the environment. 

We all have a role to play.  Solving environmental problems can seem daunting.  But even small, simple actions can change the world around us. As members of AIA Kentucky, doing your part may mean spreading the Earth Day message to those you serve.  It may mean increasing recycling efforts in your business, recognizing opportunities to become more energy efficient and learning more about sustainable design. 

Get involved this Earth Day by doing your part for Kentucky’s environment. You can also sign up to be an Earth Day partner by making a commitment to share the Earth Day message with others.  All Earth Day partners are recognized on the state Earth Day Web site.  To learn more about Earth Day visit www.eppc.ky.gov/educationoutreach/earthday/.  To become an Earth Day partner, contact Kate Shanks at kate.shanks@ky.gov or (502)564-5525.  Earth Day is about everyone. We welcome you to join the celebration of Kentucky’s environment and to consider: What can you do?

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EPA SMART GROWTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for the fifth annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, open to local or state governments and other public-sector entities that have used the principles of smart growth to create better places. Applications are due May 1. This year, applications will be accepted in five categories—Built Projects, Policies and Regulations, Small Communities, Equitable Development, and Overall Excellence in Smart Growth—for smart-growth efforts that have shown significant activity between May 1, 2001, and May 1, 2006. Successful applicants will have incorporated smart-growth principles to create places that respect community culture and the environment, foster economic development, and enhance quality of life and public health. Up to five winners will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November. For details, visit the EPA’s Web site at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm.

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AND FINALLY . . .

AIA Kentucky reached a milestone late last month, when our total number of members (architect, emeritus and associate) peaked at 504, the largest number ever!  Five years ago, at the beginning of 2001, we had 436 members, and just a few short years before that we were below 400. Growth is good!

THANK YOU to all of you whose support and participation are helping AIA Kentucky remain financially sound while continuing to provide great programs and serving as a strong voice for architects and the profession of architecture. With your help we will continue efforts on your behalf towards meeting our strategic initiatives in the areas of advocacy, community, knowledge and value.

Janet

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