Vol 6 Issue 3

Summer 2006 - Are you thinking it is time to relax and enjoy the nice weather? I want to propose that there are three reasons why 2006 is a different kind of year, and relaxing should not be on our agenda just yet. First, the Tigers have a winning record for the first time in 13 years that should tell you something. Second, this is an election year and third 2007 is less than 6 months away and that will begin the AIA's next 150 years. So, before you relax I have three subjects that need your attention and for you to take actions on.

First - Has your chapter been as proactive as Grand Valley, Huron Valley and Southwest to secure a planning grant to assist in the development of your Chapter's gift to your community? As part of "AIA150 - Blue Print for America: A Gift to the Nation", AIA National is making planning grants available to chapters to assist in the development of your gift. There is still time to apply for the second round of grants. The applications are due no later than September 1, 2006. Go to http://www.aia150.org for the application.

Second - Have you contacted your legislators to let them know that there are three pieces of legislation that will affect the way we practice Architecture in Michigan? First is Certificate of Merit legislation that was introduced this spring by Representative John Pastor. House Bill 5948 was initially referred to the House Judiciary Committee, but will likely be referred to the House Tort Reform Committee. If this bill becomes law, it would limit the number of frivolous actions filed against design professionals due to the up front requirement to engage an expert. Second is a bill which provides for increased penalties against those who practice Architecture without a license. Specifically, a third offense would become a felony. House Bill 5874, sponsored by Representative Chris Ward, passed the House and is pending committee assignment in the Senate. If this bill becomes law, interest on the part of local prosecutors in enforcement activities should increase. Third are a series of bills that would provide for the licensure of Interior Designers. House Bill 4262 sponsored by Representative Bill Huizenga, and House Bills 4311 and 4312, sponsored by Representative Andrew Meisner have passed the house and have been referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Small business and Regulatory Reform. These bills in their current form license Interior Designers to the exclusion of Architects. For that and a host of other reasons, we believe they are bad legislation and should be stopped. Please write and call your Senator and Representative to register your support of HB 5948 and HB 5874, and your opposition to HB 4262, 4311 and 4312. You can find a link to your Senator and Representative through the Michigan.gov website - for the Senate go to http://senate.michigan.gov/index.htm and for the House of Representatives http://house.michigan.gov/findarep.asp. In order for us to be successful in these important initiatives, your voice is needed. You have the opportunity to make a difference.

Third - Have you made your plans for the 63 Annual AIA Michigan Mid-Summer Conference at Mackinac Island? The deadline has passed but there are still rooms available. We are again working with AGC Michigan and AGC Detroit on this conference. At the request of the contractors we have added more opportunities to earn continuing education. You will also have the opportunity to meet the new Executive Director Christine McEntee of the AIA National Component. The conference is also a great place to renew old friendships and create new ones with fellow architects and contractors. And finally, there will be a chance to bid on a four pack of Tiger Baseball Tickets plus many other great items for the Michigan Architectural Foundation - silent auction fund raiser. So if the Tigers keep winning that might be a great way to top off the summer and take some time to relax. Go to: http://www.aiami.com/home.htm for more information.

I have had the pleasure of serving AIA Michigan as the Regional Director for the term of 2005 to 2007. It is now time for AIA Michigan to consider the selection of the next director for the term of 2008 to 2010. I will call a regional convocation to request candidates for the next regional director from Michigan at the 2007 Traverse City Leadership Retreat. I hope that you will consider running for this three year position. I can tell you that it has been a privilege to serve in this position and I want to thank you for electing me as Regional Director for these past few years.

"The AIA is the voice of the architectural profession and the resource for its members in service to society."

The AIA National board is concerned with keeping the green line above the red line, while continuing to expand and improve services to its members. The next class of directors, 2008 to 2010, may be involved in the continuation these issues: the legacy of AIA150, integrated practice, outsourcing, contracts, sustainability, international practice and monitoring the continued management of the institute under our new leader, Chris McEntee.

Regional Directors are expected to attend five 2-3 day national board meetings and to attend the convention. In addition, directors are asked to participate on one major Board committee such as: Knowledge, Advocacy, and Community. As a director, you may be asked to serve on subcommittees which range in topics from sustainability to contracts, dependant upon your passions. You can request a limit to your committee involvement.

Committees require your participation in one phone call meeting a month. All of the major committees require travel to one annual 2 -3 day summit meeting. Meetings are usually held close to the weekend, minimizing the loss of time at work. There is a lot of reading and great discussions.

Regional Directors are also a member of the AIA Michigan Board of Directors and Excom. AIA Michigan has six meetings and a leadership retreat throughout the year.

The Regional Director is expected to visit all of the State chapters throughout each year.

Regional Directors are reimbursed for all travel expenses including hotel fees. They are allotted an allowance for travel in their Region and given a small sum for Xeroxing expenses. Your time is not reimbursed.

The reward of service to the AIA is the opportunities to shape the profession. A regional director is involved in decision making and discussion of ideas which range from the running of the institute to the changing of the global architectural community.

In case you don't have your Rules of the Board and By -Laws handy, I have copied this information for you to review.

By-Laws AIA Michigan REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Section 1 - Functions of the Regional Director
In accordance with the Institute Bylaws, a director shall be elected from the Michigan Region and shall represent the Members of the Michigan Region on the Board of Directors of the Institute. In addition to the duties prescribed in the Institute Bylaws, the Regional Director shall be an Executive Committee member of the Board of Directors of the Society and shall perform all duties required of this position by these Bylaws. In addition, the Regional Director shall meet with the President of the Society and the Presidents of the Chapters at least twice a year, in a formal meeting chaired by the President of the Society.

Section 2 - Nomination and Election of Regional Director
The Regional Director shall call a regional convocation of delegates to nominate a successor. The Delegates shall consist of the President of the Society and the Presidents of all Chapters. The President of the Society shall preside at the convocation.

The Delegates shall nominate one or more members of the Society as Regional Director candidates. These names shall be placed in nomination by announcement in a Society publication. The publication shall be presented to membership a minimum of 30 days prior to the first of June to allow for nominations to be made by petition containing the signatures of ten members, or by resolution of any Chapter or its Executive Committee.

The election of the Regional Director shall take place by direct mail ballot. The nominee(s) for Regional Director, their qualifications and platform, shall be presented to membership in a Society publication prior to the end of June. The direct mail ballot shall be returned to the Society on or before July 31. A plurality of votes cast is required for election. The election result shall be announced at the Annual Meeting of the Society.

Section 3 - Term of Office of Regional Director
The Regional Director shall take office upon the adjournment of the annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Institute next following the election. The term of office shall be for three years, except as otherwise prescribed by the Institute Bylaws.

Section 4 - Vacancy in the Office of Regional Director
Should a vacancy occur in the office of Regional Director for any reason other than the term of office is expired, the Board shall, within 60 days of the date of vacancy, elect a member of the Society to fill the unexpired term. The Secretary shall promptly send the name of the newly elected Regional Director to the Institute.

AIA Michigan Rules of the Board:

6.4 NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF AIA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
6.4.1 Nominations and Election for AIA Regional Director. Nominations for and election of AIA Regional Director is located in the Society's Bylaws article 9, section 2.

6.4.1.1 Materials Provided to Confirmed Candidates. Upon nomination, each candidate may request to receive one set of mailing labels for Society members. These labels may be used by the candidates subject to the provisions of these Rules. Each confirmed candidate shall also receive meeting materials sent to current members of the Board.

6.4.1.2 Information for Publication. Each candidate shall provide a photograph, biography and a statement of philosophy (not to exceed a combined total of 300 words) to the Society for publication in the Bulletin. Statements and biographies that exceed this limitation will be returned to the candidate for editing to meet these requirements.

6.4.2 Campaign Violations. Violations of the campaign rules and procedures shall be brought to the attention of the President. The President shall notify candidates in writing when violations are reported. Upon notification, failure to abide by the rules will result in automatic disqualification of a candidate.

AIA Grand Valley Chapter confers nine awards for excellence in design and professional

Achievement by members of chapter. As part of its mission to support its members and promote the public’s understanding of architecture through the advocacy of quality design, the AIA Grand Valley Chapter (AIAGV) celebrates chapter architects and their work and promotes the profession as well as honoring clients and acknowledging their contributions to the construction industry. With its annual awards program, AIAGV is creating the foundation for building recognition of the profession through stronger promotion of architecture to the public and better alignment with state and national component award programs. For full details and jury comments visit www.gvaia.org or www.aiami.com

Patrick J. Patrello has joined the architectural firm of Stephen Auger + Associates as a Project Manager . . . Lorri D. Sipes, FAIA has been appointed to serve as the chair of the 2007 Jury of Fellows for National AIA . . . The State of Michigan has selected Hobb+Black Associates to perform professional architectural and engineering services for the renovation of Baker-olin West for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs . . . SmithGroup announces the addition of Susan Arneson, CPSM as a principal to their Detroit office as corporate marketing director . . . Odell Jones, III president and CEO of Jomar Building Company, Inc. in Detroit has been inducted a sthe 2006 Chairman of the Board for the Associated General Contractors of America, Greater Detroit Chapter...French Associates, Inc. announced that David G. French, AIA has assumed the role of Chairman. Dale C. Jerome, AIA assumes the role of president, Craig Westrick, AIA and John Waldrop, AIA have been promoted to associates . . . DSA Architects announced that Eric Murrell joined the firm as a senior project architect and Andrew Sturm, AIA joined the firm as a project designer . . . June 2006 - JJR welcomes new employees - Clare Jagenow joined JJR as an entry level site designer; Ashley Rivera joined JJR as Human Resources Coordinator; Brad Burton joined JJR as an entry level site designer and Kyle Trulen joined JJR after graduating in May 2006 cum laude with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana

Detroit area architect passed away July 11th, 2006 after suffering from a pulmonary embolism at age 44. Doug was a dedicated preservationist and worked tirelessly on a number of projects aimed at the revitalization of Detroit. His firm McIntosh Poris Associates, is also responsible for a number of award winning places in the city. For more information on Doug please read the article in the Sunday Free Press by John Gallagher. Preservationist worked to save Detroit.

Looking for a position or need to hire. Post your ad on the AIA Michigan job board.

Construction Association of Michigan Golf outing August 15th at Fieldstone Golf Club in Auburn Hills and September 19th at Greystone Golf Club in Romeo. For more information visit www.cam-online.com or call Diana Brown at 248-972-1102.

Highlights of Upcoming AIA Michigan & Chapter Events

10. QUICK CALENDAR LINKS