Author: Emily Nemens

In addition to the President and President-elect’s State of the Chapter speeches, the 2012 slate was approved. Click here to see the 2012 Board and new members of AIANY’s Elective Committees. A number of awards were conferred, including the Medal of Honor to Daniel Libeskind, AIA.

The complete list of awards is below:
Medal of Honor: Daniel Libeskind, AIA
Award of Merit: Frank J. Sciame, Jr., Hon. AIANY
Honorary Membership: Charles McKinney, Hon. AIANY, ASLA
Andrew J. Thomas Award: Carol Lamberg
Harry B. Rutkins Award: Frederic Schwartz, FAIA
Public Architect Award: Laurie D. Kerr, AIA
George S. Lewis Award: WNYC
Stephen A. Kliment Oculus Award: John Morris Dixon, FAIA

Special Citations
· Lisa Phillips and the New Museum
· Battery Park City Authority, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, Albanese Organization, Inc.
· Solar One Green Energy, Arts, and Education Center
· Kirsten Sibilia, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

Vice Presidential Citations
· Mark Behm, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, for Professional Development
· Committee on Architecture for Education for Design Excellence
· Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Design for Aging Committee for Public Outreach

Click here to see full text citations.

In this issue:
· Annual Meeting — 06.21.11
· Passing: Anna M. Halpin, FAIA
· e-Calendar

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Annual Meeting — 06.21.11
The 144th AIANY Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, 06.21.11, 6-8pm at the Center for Architecture. We will be voting on the 2012 slate, which includes Chapter President Joseph Aliotta, AIA, LEED AP, and Jill Lerner, FAIA, as president-elect. The Chapter will also be bestowing a number of awards, including the Medal of Honor to Daniel Libeskind, AIA. RSVP here .

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Passing: Anna M. Halpin, FAIA
Anna M. Halpin, FAIA, of Oklahoma City, formerly of NYC, died 05.09.11 after a brief illness. She joined the AIA in 1963 and became a member of the College of Fellows in 1976. Her obituary can be read in full here, and her life is honored in this personal remembrance by colleague, Sarelle T. Weisberg, FAIA:

Anna’s introduction of the “Resolution on the Status of Women in the Profession” at the 1973 AIA National Convention was remembered, at a farewell event we held at the Chapter when she moved away from the city. I know she was very proud of that historic contribution, but on a more personal note:

Anna was an irreplaceable, exceptional role model and mentor for all of us during her many years in New York. Having worked in the design aspect of our profession, as well as very successfully in the corporate world, she was always a leader and a special friend to so many women and minority members.

She enthusiastically showed us how to use the Chapter in the best way for career advancement and development. She encouraged us to apply to become Fellows of the AIA, as well as to serve as local and state officers and committee leaders.

When she was an executive at McGraw-Hill, she served annually as its host for the spectacular Opening Party at each of the National AIA Conventions; I have very special memories of her in these unique National AIA settings!

I was very fortunate to have visited Anna in Oklahoma City a few years ago, where she and her niece introduced me to the range of architectural sights, architects, and the diverse ethnic origins characteristic of Oklahoma! As a New Yorker, I was not at all aware of all the history, cultural aspirations, and accomplishments of Oklahomans!

I did feel that her special warmth, helpful professionalism, and the enduring nature of her friendship to me and many others in the Chapter deserve a special acknowledgment.

— Sarelle T. Weisberg, FAIA

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eCALENDAR
eCalendar includes an interactive listing of architectural events around NYC. Click the link to go to to eCalendar on the Web.

In this issue:
· 05.03.2011 — Lobby Day Report
· 2011 AIANY Slate Announced
· Passing: Peter Nolasco daSilva
· e-Calendar

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05.03.2011 — Lobby Day Report
By Jay Bond, AIANY Policy Director

On 05.03.11, AIANY sent representatives to AIA New York State’s Architects in Albany Lobby Day. AIANY’s Policy Director Jay Bond organized a group of Chapter leadership and NYC-based practitioners, including: 2011 President Margaret O’Donoghue Castillo, AIA, LEED AP; 2010 President Anthony Schirripa, FAIA, IIDA; President-elect Joseph J. Aliotta, AIA, LEED AP; Vice President for Public Outreach Mary A. Burke, AIA, IIDA; Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA; and Terrence O’Neal, AIA.

Appointments began with NYS Assembly Majority Leader Ronald Canestrari, the prime sponsor of many of the pieces of legislation important to architects. AIANY also met with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver; NYS Assembly Member Deborah Glick, who, as Chair of the Higher Education Committee, oversees licensing of the professions; NYS Senator Liz Krueger; Assembly Member Richard Gottfried; and Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh. This was our first meeting with a number of Manhattan legislators, and they were very receptive to our concerns. As a group, we pushed for important issues: statute of repose, and interdisciplinary firm ownership. The lack of both puts NY architects and designers at a competitive disadvantage with colleagues in other states.

The Chapter emphasized its concerns over New York State’s lack of a statute of repose. Currently, 48 states and D.C. have some sort of statute of repose for design professionals, while architects in NY must maintain their insurance into retirement. (Although there is a three-year statute of limitations on actions brought by an owner or client, architects are answerable to third party claims for an indefinite period after project completion). AIANY advocates a 10-year limitation on third-party claims, recognizing that the design professional has no control over a property after construction is complete. We wanted elected officials to understand that there is a point when a building goes from being well-designed to well-maintained, and that is the point when the architect should no longer be liable.

We also addressed interdisciplinary firm ownership — again, not allowing it puts us at a competitive disadvantage — and the Good Samaritan Act, which would allow engineers and architects to provide services in times of emergency without fear of legal action. All of these legislations are in various stages of progress in the Senate and the Assembly, and it’s unclear how far they will get before the session ends in June. Moving forward, the Chapter will keep you up-to-date on our progress and potentially call upon you for help in the effort. If there are particular pieces of legislation of interest to you either before the state legislature or the New York City Council, please feel free to bring them to the attention of Jay Bond at jbond@aiany.org. We encourage you to meet with your State Assembly members and/or Senators and ask them to co-sponsor these important laws. More details on these three bills, along with information on bills we oppose, appear here.

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2011 AIANY Slate Announced
The AIA New York Chapter has officially announced the slate of candidates to be voted on at the AIA New York Chapter 144th Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, 06.21.11, 6:00-8:00 pm (RSVP). Independent nominations may be submitted to the secretary in accordance with Chapter by-laws. Please click here for the full slate, to RSVP, and to review Chapter by-laws.

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Passing: Peter Nolasco daSILVA
Peter Nolasco da Silva, architect and health facility planner, passed away on 04.18.11 at the age of 73. Though afflicted for the last 10 years with Parkinson’s disease, da Silva maintained an active schedule.

He was born in 1938 in Manila and came to the U.S. at the age of 18 to attend Notre Dame University where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree. After college, he moved to NYC, working for Rogers Butler Architects and Charles deBarry. He attended graduate school at Columbia to earn a Master in Health Facility Planning in 1962, after which he worked with Westerman Miller Associates, specializing in Health Facility Design. In 1977, he founded Mason and daSILVA Associates with Larry Mason. When Larry Mason left in 1987, da Silva continued the firm as daSILVA + Associates, where he remained until his retirement. The firm still carries on his name as daSILVA Architects PC, led by Jaques Black, AIA, Charles Calcagni, AIA, and Anton Martinez, AIA.

As a Health Facility architect and planner, da Silva designed many structures at most of the major medical centers in the tri-state area. North Central Bronx Hospital, for the Health and Hospital Corporation, was the first “fast track” hospital built in NYC. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, da Silva was responsible for many new and renovated centers for the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York. His dedication to proper planning for patient care assured that each of these facilities worked both for staff and patients. His insistence on bringing light and air and color into each building was based on his belief that patient care environments should be life affirming and pleasant for all patients and family members.

He is survived by Beth, his wife of 47 years, three daughters, four grandchildren, a brother Noel of Canada, and a sister Rosalie of Australia.

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eCALENDAR
eCalendar includes an interactive listing of architectural events around NYC. Click the link to go to to eCalendar on the Web.

Synopsis:
As a follow up to the 04.11.11 Oculus Book Talk with Witold Rybczynski about his book Makeshift Metropolis, AIANY Oculus Committee Member Miguel Baltierra, LEED AP, sat down with Rybczynski to continue the conversation.

Witold Rybczynski
20110425 – Witold Rybczynsky MP3 by Center for Architecture

In this issue:
· 2011 AIA Convention Preview
· NYC Holds After-Hours Project Reviews
· NBAU: Networking as Business Development Strategy
· e-Calendar

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2011 AIA Convention Preview

The AIA 2011 National Convention and Design Exposition is just around the corner, 05.12-14.11, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The theme of the conference is “Regional Design Revolution: Ecology Matters.”

Here is a list of events that may be of interest to AIANY members:

Wed 05.11.11

WE103, 8:00am-12:00pm. Business Development Today: Using Modern Tools to Get More Work!
Speakers: Michael Ayles, AlA, NCARB, Carolyn Bligh, David Koren, Assoc. AIA

WE104, 8:00am-12:00pm. Health & Design = Active Living and Sustainable Urbanism.
Speakers: Fredric Bell, FAIA, Skye Duncan, Sarah Gluck, Robyne S. Kassen, Assoc. AlA, Karen Lee, Assoc. AlA

Thurs 05.12.11

TH201, 7:00-8:00am. Placemaking on Capitol Hill.
Speakers: Harold L. Adams, FAIA, RIBA, JIA, Alan M. Hantman, FAIA

GS001 Keynote Presentation, 8:15-9:45am. Mega-regions: The World of the Future.
Speaker: Thomas Friedman

TH229, 12:00-3:30pm. Interior Excellence: Learning from the 2011 AlA Interior Architecture Honor Awards.
Speakers: Brian M. Malarkey, AlA, Susan S. Szenasy

TH230, 12:00-3:30pm. Design Salon: Next Generation Green: Sustainable Communities and Infrastructure.
Speakers: Hillary A. Brown, FAIA, LEED AP, James S. Russell, FAIA

EV205, 4:00-5:30pm. Honors & Awards Ceremony.

7:30-10:00pm. AIA New York State Party.

EV224, 8:00-9:30pm. NAC/YAG Emerging Professionals Reception.

Fri 05.13.11

GS002 Keynote Presentation, 8:15-10:00am. To the Urban Revolution: How Cities are Changing the World.
Speaker: Jeb Brugman

FR321, 12:00-3:30pm. AIA Twenty-Five Year Award.
Speakers: Steven K. Alspaugh, AlA, LEED AP, Henry N. Cobb, FAIA

FR322, 12:00-3:30pm. Sustainable Justice: An Evolving System.
Speakers: Frank J. Greene, FAIA, Susan K. Oldroyd, FAIA, Kent W. Peterson, PE, LEED AP, AHSRAE, Beverly Prior, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Kenneth Ricci, FAIA

12:00-4:30pm. WIA/ New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative Volunteer Event.

FR325, 2:00-3:30pm. The CAE Design Awards.
Speakers: Peter C. Lippman, Assoc. AIA, REFP

FR326, 2:00-3:30pm. Integrated Design to Fabrication for Urban Housing Solutions.
Speakers: Phillip G. Bernstein, FAIA, LEED AP, RIBA, David C. Hovey, Jr., AIA, Calvin Kam

FR334, 2:00-3:30pm. IDP Outstanding Firm Awards.
Speakers: Kevin A. Fitzgerald, AIA, PMI

FR349, 4:00-5:30pm. AIA Committee on Design Ideas Competition.
Speakers: Gene Kaufman, AIA, Mike A. Mense, FAIA, Barton C. Phelps, FAIA

FR351, 4:00-5:30pm. Bringing Health and Design Together: Active and Sustainable Urban Living.
Speakers: Fredric Bell, FAIA, Skye Duncan, Robyne S. Kassen, Assoc. AlA

FR353, 4:00-5:30pm. AIA Associates Awards 2011.
Speakers: Kevin A. Fitzgerald, AIA, PMI

EV311, 4:00-6:00pm. Investiture Ceremony.

FR364, 6:00-7:00pm. How to Leverage Social Technologies for a Sustainable Practice.
Speakers: Jennifer Lucente, Anna Lira V. Luis, AIA, RIBA, NCARB, UAP, LEED AP, Megan Morris

6:00-7:00pm Gold Medal Reception.

EV314, 7:00-10:00pm. Host Chapter Party.

Sat 05.14.11

SA402, 7:00-8:00am. BIM BIM for Residential Architecture? A Small Firm Primer.
Speakers: Stuart M. Narofsky, AIA, LEED AP, James A. Walbridge, AIA

SA425, 8:30-10:00am. Institute Honors for Collaborative Achievement.
Speakers: David J. Burney, FAIA, Edward A. Feiner, FAIA, Walter Hood, Mike A. Mense, FAIA, Peter Lindsay Schaudt, FASLA, FAAR

SA420, 8:30-10:00am. Focus Your Network of Mentors.
Speakers: Venesa Alicea, AlA, LEED AP BD+C, Lori Apfel Cardeli, Assoc. AlA

SA421, 8:30-10:00am. Determining Your Footprint on the Profession.
Speakers: Kevin A. Fitzgerald, AIA, PMI, Rachel A. Kros, AIA, NCARB, Jenny Pelc, AIA, LEED AP

SA426, 8:30-10:00am. Off the Grid: Small Projects Awards and Discussion of Local Context.
Speakers: James B. Cline, AIA, Leonard S. Kady, AIA, Deborah A. Pierce, AIA

9:30am-2:00pm. Fit Nation New Orleans.

11:00am-1:30pm. NAC Central City Walking Tour.

GS003 Keynote Presentation, 2:00-3:00pm. Transitioning Iconic Urban Centers through Political, Community, and Design Leadership.
Speakers: Mayor Jeremy Harris, Ret., Hon. AIA; Mayor Mitch Landrieu (invited); Mayor Dave Bing (invited); and Jessica Zimbabwe (moderator)

SA440, 3:45-5:15pm. 21st Century Embassies: Secure, Sustainable Civic Architecture.
Speakers: Patrick W. Collins, Jay Hicks, Barbara A. Nadel, FAIA, James H. Timberlake, FAIA, LEED AP

SA443, 3:45-5:15pm. Affordably Green.
Speakers: Elizabeth A. Debs, Kathleen Dorgan, LEED AP, Deane M. Evans, FAIA, LEED AP, Casius Pealer, Esq., LEED AP

SA445, 3:45-5:15pm. Organic Settlements: Housing Typologies for a Billion People.
Speakers: Katherine A. Austin, AIA, Adib Cure, Gene Kaufman, AIA, Tara D. Lamont, AIA, LEED AP

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NYC Holds After-Hours Project Reviews
For the month of May, the NYC Department of Buildings and other city agencies will be holding special evening hours with development teams to review projects and offer on-the-spot approvals (see e-mail here). This new city initiative is aimed at streamlining the building review process. AIANY, through its policy board, identified this as an important issue for its members, and has been advocating for an improved review process. Click here for more information on qualifications and how to set up these appointments. AIANY Policy Director Jay Bond is also available to answer any questions and welcomes comments and feedback.

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NBAU: Networking as Business Development Strategy
By Suzanne Mecs, Hon. AIANYS, Director, Member Services

“You have to Network.” “Tap who you know.” “Get out and About.” These are mantras for business development, and they are on everyone’s mind since the downturn in the economy. Architects and marketing staff have been focusing more time and energy on networking. The question is: what does networking really mean? Michael Brathwaite, executive director of BNI Manhattan, recently spoke at the Center for Architecture at April’s Not Business as Usual luncheon. Below is a summary of his main points:

What is a network event? It is everything from a lecture or a professional cocktail party, as well as most conversations. If you are interacting with a friend, family, or colleague make sure they understand what you do and what type of connections you want to make. This will allow them to think of you if an opportunity arises.

What are you trying to achieve with networking? Networking provides opportunities to present your skills through a referral. As a service professional, you don’t necessarily want to ask everyone you meet for a project; but help them to remember something specific about your skill set and they could be willing to suggest you when they hear of an opportunity. Once you get that foot in the door; it will be up to you to sell your specific services.

What else are you looking for? A two-way street! As you speak to people listen for ways you might help them. You want others to meet their goals, because when you “work hard for others; they’ll work hard for you.” It stands to reason, that we remember the people who have smoothed the way for us or have helped friends, family, or organizations we support.

How do you know who can do that? At an event, it often times it means finding the busiest person in the room. You can start a conversation in that instance with an effort to get to know them, ask about the founding of their business or most recent success story. Even before leaving your office you can develop the idea of a “Power Team” — co-workers who may be referral sources for you or vice versa. For architects, that team might include landscape architects, engineers, expeditors, suppliers, manufacturers, or other service professionals including accountants, lawyers, or investment managers.

How do you stand out? Beyond being helpful, you need to develop your professional story and, in the words of event attendee Alan Marlis, “Mine yourself for something that you are not competing on.” Brathwaite reported on an instance where a personal interest and skill for singing helped to develop rapport with a client and seal the deal. Discovering a shared experience, such as living abroad, also helps to take a conversation to a more personal level and cement the conversation in everyone’s mind.

What is success? If you leave an event having had a memorable conversation or with an invitation to follow up, well done. Remember that a large stack of cards — with no recollection of who the individuals were, is not much better than a phone book.

While this topic is too large to cover in one sitting, members can further develop these skills through the AIANY Marketing and Public Relations Committee. The upcoming event on 05.23.11, “Firm Identity in the Age of Mergers and Acquisitions,” will look at some particular challenges to telling your business story.

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eCALENDAR
eCalendar includes an interactive listing of architectural events around NYC. Click the link to go to to eCalendar on the Web.

In this issue:
· 2011 Convention — Make Your Plans Today!
· AIA Adds New On-Demand Documents
· NCARB Talks
· e-Calendar

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2011 Convention — Make Your Plans Today!
The AIA 2011 National Convention and Design Exposition is just around the corner, 05.12-14.11 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The theme of the conference is “Regional Design Revolution: Ecology Matters.” Advance registration is available here and housing can be reserved through the convention website. AIA’s new publishing partner Hanley Wood organized the conference. More than 800 exhibitors and 200 programs are planned for the three-day convention. Concurrently, AIANY and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, with AIA New Orleans, and Tulane University Prevention Research Center, will be hosting “Fit Nation NOLA — Healthy communities through design.” More information and registration can be found here.

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AIA Adds New On-Demand Documents
With 13 new contract documents, AIA.org has expanded its suite of on-demand contract documents to 48. The additions are:
· B201–2007 (formerly B141–1997 Part 2), Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Design and Construction Contract Administration;
· B202–2009, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Programming;
· B203–2007, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Site Evaluation and Planning;
· B204–2007, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Value Analysis, for use where the Owner employs a Value Analysis Consultant;
· B205–2007, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Historic Preservation;
· B206–2007, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Security Evaluation and Planning;
· B207–2008 (formerly B352–2000), Standard Form of Architect’s Services: On-Site Project Representation;
· B209–2007, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Construction Contract Administration, for use where the Owner has retained another Architect for Design Services;
· B210–2007, Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Facility Support;
· Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Commissioning;
· Standard Form of Architect’s Services: LEED Certification;
· Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Architectural Interior Design;
· Standard Form of Architect’s Services: Furniture, Furnishings and Equipment Design.

For more information, or to download, visit http://documentsondemand.aia.org/. As always, contract documents are on sale at the AIANY office Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Contact info@aiany.org with any questions.

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NCARB Talks
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has launched a new video series entitled “NCARB Talks,” featuring short, informal conversations with architects on staff. These videos give viewers a glimpse of individual triumphs and challenges on the path to licensure. They discuss their experiences with the Intern Development Program (IDP), the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), and the importance of getting licensed and ultimately NCARB certified. Videos are available at http://www.ncarb.org or http://www.youtube.com/user/NCARBorg.

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eCALENDAR
eCalendar includes an interactive listing of architectural events around NYC. Click the link to go to to eCalendar on the Web.

In this issue:
· AIANY & Colleagues in Lima Sign Cooperation Agreement
· AIA National Makes Energy a Priority
· AIANY Comments on Local Energy Laws
· e-Calendar

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AIANY & Colleagues in Lima Sign Cooperation Agreement
By Rick Bell, FAIA, AIANY Executive Director

José Enrique Arispe Chavez, architect and regional dean of the Lima Regional Component of the College of Architects of Peru (CAP-RL), greeted AIANY Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA, in Lima on 03.11.11. The meeting resulted in an Institutional Cooperation Agreement approved by the AIANY Board of Directors, which agrees to an exchange of ideas, journals, and information on major projects in Lima and New York. The promotion of the views of architects in professional, academic, and cultural capacities is meant to mutually enhance the importance of architecture. The accord was noted by CAP-RL on its website:
http://www.caplima.pe/ and the Spring 2011 issue of Oculus, “Design for a Change: Buildings, People, Energy” is on the way to Peru.

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AIA National Makes Energy a Priority
Last week, AIA National announced its top five legislative proposals to increase energy efficiency. These agenda items include: strengthening the commercial building energy efficiency tax deduction; passing a long-term transportation bill that empowers communities to plan to reduce energy-wasting congestion and promote livable, walkable neighborhoods; passing the bipartisan America’s Clean Energy Leadership Act (ACELA) approved in 2009 by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which promotes stronger energy building codes and building retrofits; restoring funding for government building energy retrofits that was cut in the most recent continuing resolution; and passing legislation to allow states and localities to use PACE bonds, whose proceeds are lent to commercial or residential property owners to finance energy efficiency measures and small renewable energy systems. Read the entire AIA release here.

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AIANY Comments on Local Energy Laws
On 03.21.11, 2011 AIANY President Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, delivered comments on the NYC Department of Building’s proposed rule pursuant to Local Law 84. The rule requires owners to benchmark their buildings by 05.01.11. Benchmarking involves gathering information on a number of fuel types: natural gas, electricity, and renewables, and combines them into one measure called energy use intensity (EUI). At the 03.21.11 hearing and in other venues, including NY1 (see Names in the News 03.08.11), Castillo has made a strong case for benchmarking. “It is our goal to see reporting lead to upgrades and retrofits that will not only improve energy performance, but make better buildings which will garner benefits through decreased operating costs for the owner, the user, and the city of New York. Better efficiency and decreased fuel loads and costs mean decreased build out of city-wide infrastructure, less pollution, and, ultimately, a healthier and sustainable NYC,” she said. Read the statement here.

Castillo also believes that architects can and should be employed to take these measurements and propose energy-saving solutions to building owners. Visit the AIANY NBAU website for more information on benchmarking. The proposed rule goes into effect 05.01.11, but last week an “effective extension” to 08.01.11 for compliance has been put into effect.

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eCALENDAR
eCalendar includes an interactive listing of architectural events around NYC. Click the link to go to to eCalendar on the Web.