AIA NE Update
Issue LXVII
Apr 27, 2007

Greetings !

In this issue, you'll read:
AIA Nebraska Receives Governor's Proclamation in Recognition of AIA150
AIA Lincoln Hosts Successful KEVA Planks Competition
AIA Lincoln Host Mayor's Forum
Good Design Lecture + Design for Aging Symposium
Bright Lights - Promote to 6-9 graders
Employment Opportunities - April 27
Home and Garden TV Seeking Homes to Feature
Legislative Review by Mary Campbell of Campbell & Associates - April 27
Fringe Benefits Bill (LB255) Gets Final Approval by Legislature + Governor
Nebraska State Historical Society / Volunteer Activity
Effort to Repeal Withholding on Gvt Contracts Gains Ground
Call for Presentations Sought
Calendar of Events - April 27
AIA National Convention Resolutions / Bylaw Amendments / Candidates
AIA National Convention Activities

AIA Nebraska Receives Governor's Proclamation in Recognition of AIA150

AIA Nebraska Chapter leaders gathered at the State Capitol on April 18 for the Governor's proclamation signing ceremony. Larry Jacobsen, AIA, provided comments on behalf of AIA, "It is an honor to represent the entire membership of AIA-Nebraska at this Proclamation Ceremony. Celebrating 150 years, the AIA is the premier professional organization for America's architects. Special events are occurring throughout the country celebrating the AIA members' commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and communities.

Allow me to share two initiatives for which Nebraska can be extremely proud.

First of all, a cornerstone of AIA150 is the Blueprint for America, that serves as a nationwide platform to unite architects and citizens to collaborate on their communities design priorities. AIA Nebraska's contribution to the Blueprint for America was huge. The scope was the 60-mile radius encompassing Omaha and Lincoln; an area projected to double in population in the next 50 years; we co-hosted a full-day charrette attended by over 150 concerned citizens of the region to explore smart growth and sustainable development potentials. The result was a powerful vision document for our area's future.

Secondly, it is entirely fitting that this proclamation ceremony take place in this building - Nebraska's State Capitol - because another AIA150 initiative will be the release of a list of America's Favorite Architecture, and our State Capitol happens to rank high on that list of 150 esteemed buildings in this country. This structure has served as an inspiration to all Nebraska architects to strive for an environments of quality in all that we do.

We all have much to celebrate. Celebrate what? Simply look around!"



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AIA Lincoln Hosts Successful KEVA Planks Competition

Members, Family& Friends participated in the Lincoln Children's Museum KEVA Plank Competition. Teams shared in the fun of creating their own architectural masterpiece. Each team received an award given by the participating judges: Pat Birch, AIA, James Walbridge, AIA and Roger Bruhn. Sinclair Hille received the "People's Choice" Award. The following participated: Sinclair Hille, Davis Design, Studio951, BVH,Clark Enersen Partners/John Badami/Affiliates.



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AIA Lincoln Host Mayor's Forum

The AIA Lincoln Chapter sponsored a Mayor's Forum this week at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The candidates, Chris Beutler and Ken Svoboda shared their perspectives on a variety of subjects including economic development, permitting process and sustainable decision. Review the candidates responses.
Chris Beutler, AIA Lincoln Chapter President John Badami, AIA, AIA Nebraska Executive Director, Sara Kay, Ken Svoboda



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Good Design Lecture + Design for Aging Symposium

Approximately 200 attended Dr. Richard Jackson's, "Why Good Design is Better Than an Apple A Day" held at UNMC. Stay tuned for Dr. Jackson's presentation to be available on-line. The following day architects from the region participated in the Design for Aging Symposium and gained valuable information on features relating to health care facilities. Power point presentations will soon be available.

Comments from participants: Dean Wayne Drummond, FAIA, stated, "Dr Jackson clearly defined the "connection" between the quality of the environment and public health. His work ranged from the global environmental crisis to the exploding epidemic of diabetes resulting from passive technologies, excessive consumption and the lack of quality environments to engage the public in our buildings and communities."

“Even though I do not design for health care projects, the information presented at the Design for Aging Symposium will be very valuable for the projects I am involved with. As was stated at the seminar, “If you design it to work will for the elderly, you have designed it well for almost everyone else, ” said Mike Kros, AIA, DLR Group.


Sponsors:
Avant Architects
DLR Group
HDR
Schemmer Associates
Studio 360 Architecture
TSP

Partners:



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Bright Lights - Promote to 6-9 graders

Imagine being on a dynamic team that designs how your world looks and works. In summer 2007, youth will design an animal complex for Pioneers Park Nature Center to be used by visitors, summer camps, and nature classes. Campwork will include: Pioneers Park Nature Center site selection, city
planning, topography planning and drawing, perspective architectural drawings, a scale model architectural design, and learning about your
personality while working on a dynamic peer team. In the final project, the teams will design a structure for animals and people that will blend into the
natural setting. Students will work with professionals in the field and have lunch with a professional from the field of Architecture, Interior Design, Community Planning, or Landscape Architecture. This camp has been presented nationally and other architecture professionals are inspired by the content.

Class fulfills part of the Scouting Landscape Architecture Merit badge.

Coordinated by UNL College of Architecture under the direction of Dean Drummond; Mark Hoistad, Chair of the Architecture College; and Richard
Sutton, chair of UNL's Landscape Architecture College. Taught by Lynette Fast, North Star High School Art Specialist; Joan Phelan, Everett Elementary Art Specialist; Micki Fowler, Dawes Middle School Art Specialist; and Amber Buhrman, certified teacher.
Grade(s): Post 6 - Post 9
July 9-13
Day Camps, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Limit: 30
Meet: UNL College of Architecture, 10th & R Sts.
Additional Information

Sponsored by: UNL College of Architecture and Sinclair Hille Architects
Barbara Hoppe
Bright Lights: Summer Learning Adventures
Co-Founder and Education Director
5561 S. 48th Street Suite 220, Lincoln, NE 68516

Phone 420-1115 Ext 42, Fax 420-5954 / Toll free number is 1-888-547-1076

Bright Lights is a non-profit organization that takes learning beyond the classroom by providing youth with unique, motivating, hands-on learning opportunity.

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Employment Opportunities - April 27

Project Designers: Target Corporation, the most dynamic retailer in America, is hiring Project Designers to lead store design and approvals for multiple projects. You will create the design for Target and retail centers across the country while working closely with Target real estate, community agencies and development partners. Be a part of our industry leading Store Design Team in creating a brand-right, 'Design For All' shopping experience. Exciting, creative, positive work environment and industry leader in compensation and benefits. Desired Requirements: Professional degree in Architecture, registration, 5-10 years project design experience, strong communication skills and work ethic. Call Eames Gilmore at 612-761-1585, Email: eames.gilmore@target.com or Scott Jordan-Denny at 612-761-7104, Email at scott.jordan-denny@target.com or forward application to: Eames Gilmore, New Store Design Manager, Suite 400, 50 South 10th Street, TP3-1165, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Industrial Architect/Utility Engineering Corporation: The position is responsible for architectural design tasks in the industrial area of assigned projects based on specific and detailed instructions received from the assigned supervisor as to the required tasks and results expected. The primary focus of the position is industrial architectural design for the industrial, utility, transportation and food processing sectors. Occasional periods of field/office work entailing travel may be required. Must have the following: BA with AIA, 5 to 7 years experience in industrial area.

Utility Engineering, a Zachry Group Company, maintains a drug free workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Please submit resume to jeanitas@precisionresources.net.

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Home and Garden TV Seeking Homes to Feature

Home and Garden Television is excited to announce this Brand NEW Show that will air in April of 2008: "Beyond the Box" As the producers of this new show, we need your help in casting for the right homes to feature. We're looking for innovative homes that were built with a passionate approach by both architect and homeowner. This is a free opportunity to get exposure on National TV! If you've designed any homes that have used unconventional materials and have managed to stick to a budget...Then this is your chance! Contact: Sarah Tinsley, STinsley@Highnoonentertainment.com, 303.712.3214.


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Legislative Review by Mary Campbell of Campbell & Associates - April 27

The big issues of the week consisted of the advancement of bills that would provide incentives for biodiesel fuel development, a bill that would provide for ESU funding, and a bill to allow apologies or statements of sympathy after an unanticipated medical outcome. The apology would not be seen as an admission of liability in a lawsuit. The Legislature also failed to advance a Constitutional Amendment to raise Senator's salaries. Some compromises were reached on worker compensation reform and that bill was advanced from General File. There are more elements to be worked out on the second stage of debate. The biennial budget as proposed by the Appropriations Committee was delivered to the Body on April 25th for debate beginning next week.


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Fringe Benefits Bill (LB255) Gets Final Approval by Legislature + Governor

The Legislature gave final-round approval to LB255. The legislation addresses two issues important to Nebraska employers: payment of employee fringe benefits, including sick leave, and payment of employee commissions. LB255 was introduced by Sen. Kent Rogert in response to the Nebraska Supreme Court’s 2006 ruling in Roseland v. Strategic Staff Management. In that case, the Court held that an employee’s accrued vacation time is payable upon termination of employment regardless of an employer’s policy. As signed into law, LB255 states that “paid leave, other than earned but unused vacation leave, provided as a fringe benefit by the employer shall not be included in the wages due and payable at the time of separation … unless the employer and the employee or the employer and the collective bargaining representative have specifically agreed otherwise.” The Governor signed this legislation into law.


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Nebraska State Historical Society / Volunteer Activity

Architectural Research Assistant

Description:Assist senior research architect in continuing research on architects who have practiced in Nebraska, lists of buildings they have designed, and years they practiced-a biographical career directory. There may be potential for focused work based on volunteer interest. Project is projected to be a website publication.

Qualifications: Ability to organize research materials. Computer and typing skills helpful, but not required.

Days Needed: Flexible, Monday through Friday.

Hours: Flexible, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Location: Nebraska State Historical Society, 1500 R Street, Lincoln.

Assignment Length: Anticipated start date, June or thereafter. Ongoing until completion; the project is compiled in stages, creating opportunity for meeting more immediate benchmarks on progress.

Training by senior research architect, 1500 R Street, Lincoln
_______________________________________________________________________
Contact: Deb McWilliams, Volunteer Coordinator
Nebraska State Historical Society
1500 R Street, P.O. Box 82554, Lincoln, NE 68501-2554
e-mail: dmcwilliams@nebraskahistory.org
phone: 402/471-4955 or 1-800-833-6747
fax: 402/471-3100
website: www.nebraskahistory.org



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Effort to Repeal Withholding on Gvt Contracts Gains Ground

Thousands of AIA members from across the country have urged their senators and House representatives to back legislation to repeal a costly new tax requirement on architects and other contractors. And the message is apparently getting through: 29 members of the House have now signed onto the bill, H.R. 1023, introduced by Reps. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) and Wally Herger (R-CA), including 12 representatives who agreed to cosponsor it after AIA members began their advocacy outreach. In addition, Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) has agreed to cosponsor the Senate version of the bill, S. 777, introduced by Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID).

This shows that when AIA members speak up with one voice about issues that affect their profession, our elected leaders will listen,” says Paul Mendelsohn, vice president of AIA Government and Community Relations.

The Meek-Herger and Craig-Hagel bills would repeal a provision that was passed by Congress in 2006 without any deliberation or debate. The provision requires federal, state, and many local governments to withhold 3 percent of payments from all government contractors. It is slated to go into effect in 2011.

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Call for Presentations Sought

The Call for Presentations for continuing education workshops and seminars for the AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition (Boston, May 15-17) is open. Review the full text of the Call and FAQs. We will accept proposals online until 11:59 p.m. PT, July 1, 2007.


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Calendar of Events - April 27

Link to New Calendar of Events

Women in Architecture
Friday, April 27th, 6 pm, Lori Krejci's home, 21506 Ridgewood Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022, RSVP’s to Marie & Lori, msedlacek@avant-architects.com or lkrejci@avant-architects.com


LEED in the Health Care Industry: Sponsored by USGBC Flat Water Chapter / LEED User Group
Thursday, May 24, 11 am - 1 pm, Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine Street. RSVP required by May 18 to tarna.kidder@kiewit.com.



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AIA National Convention Resolutions / Bylaw Amendments / Candidates

Bruce Carpenter, AIA, will be the delegate for AIA Nebraska at the AIA National Convention. This year, as far as the resolutions and bylaw amendments there is nothing controversial. The intent of measures are summarized. For further explanation review the delegate booklet on line.

BYLAWS
Bylaw Amendment 07-A
Enables any member of the Institute to nominate an individual for honorary fellowship. Replaces language allowing only fellows or international committee members to nominate.

Bylaws Amendment 07-B
Allows incapacitated members not yet 60 years an emeritus status.

Bylaw Amendment 07-C
Establishment of an associate emeritus category.

RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 07-1
Leading by Design: Elevating Collaboration as the Path to a Sustainable Future for Society
Intent: To support and expand national and regional level AIA collaboration with allied professional organizations with the goal of advancing mutual goals and developing integrated practice capable of addressing the challenge of sustainability.

Resolutions 07-2 through 07-8
Appreciation + recognizing of newly licensed architects, retiring component executives, retiring board members, host chapter, convention committees, exhibitors, RK Stewart, FAIA.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Treasurer, Uncontested
H al P. Munger, FAIA, AIA Toldeo

Vice President (Select two)
Peter Arsenault, AIA. LEED AP, AIA Central New York
David J. Brotman, FAIA, AIA LA
Clark D. Manus, FAIA, AIA San Francisco

First Vice President/President
Michael Broshar, FAIA, AIA Iowa
Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA, AIA North Carolina


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AIA National Convention Activities


AIA Central States Region Reception,
Thursday, May 3, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, Salon A, 711 E. Riverwalk, San Antonio. Complimentary Appetizers + Cash Bar.

Honor Award + New Fellows to be Honored, including: Randy Brown Architects, Better Business Bureau Heartland Office, Omaha, Owner: Heartland Better Business Bureau

2007 Institute Honor Awards for Interior Architecture
The crop of the 2007 Institute Honor Awards for Interior Architecture features a remarkable variety of project types. From small office spaces to college residences to an independent high school, these 11 projects showcase creativity and ingenuity, often on a small budget. Ten of the 11 projects are located in the U.S.; the eleventh is in Hong Kong. Jury members include: Chair Ann Beha, FAIA, Ann Beha Architects, Inc.; Hank Hildebrandt, AIA, University of Cincinnati; James Prendergast, AIA, Goettsch Partners; Ken Wilson, AIA, Envision Design; D.B. Kim, Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

“This was a highly competitive selection, and the chosen projects conveyed the clarity, innovation, and creativity which reflects our profession at its best,” said Jury Chair Ann Beha, FAIA. “Some of the winning projects seem deceptively simple, but they reflect a level of complexity in thought and care that the jury associated with the highest design standards. The quality of execution, and the commitment to the environment were held as high standards for this jury, and many of the projects selected excelled both in their craft and stewardship.”

Thursday, May 3, 6:30 pm Cocktails, 7:30 pm Dinner, UNL College of Architecture Alumni, Boudro's Texas Bistro, Firewheel Room, 205 Pressa @ Charles Ct. Questions: Doris, 402.472.9212.


Note from Mickey Jacob, AIA, ArchiPAC Chairman, AIA Board Member

The hours are ticking down to convention . . . The bags are packed . . . The Blackberry’s fully charged . . . But are you ready to take the ArchiPAC Alumni Challenge?

This year at convention, we're pitting schools of architecture in a head-to-head competition to see which schools’ alumni can raise the most for ArchiPAC. The stakes for our profession and the communities we design couldn’t be higher. Click here to participate.The top 10 schools in each category will be announced at the end of the Convention, in AIA publications this summer, and on the AIA website. Here are the current rankings which are based on actual contributions to ArchiPAC in 2006-2007– but remember, this is preseason. Anything can happen once the games begin!

Kansas State University
Howard University
Syracuse University
Texas A&M University
University of California - Berkeley
Yale University
University of Kentucky
Auburn University
University of Minnesota
Oklahoma State University
University of Nebraska

As an architect, your livelihood is affected by what happens in Congress. By pooling the resources of many architects, ArchiPAC allows the AIA and its members to support candidates who share architects’ concerns about issues facing the built environment and the architecture profession. Click here to donate. So don’t let that heated rival beat you on this field of competition. Give to ArchiPAC to support your alma mater’s performance in the Challenge. At the end of convention, the school that raises the most money and has the most donors will win the coveted ArchiPAC Alumni Challenge Cup and have those all important bragging rights until next year. Whether you’re a Wolverine, a Buckeye or a Badger, cheer for the ‘Horns, root for the Aggies or pull for the Jayhawks, you can donate to show your school spirit – and help the AIA advance our profession’s values in Washington! So when you show your Gator pride or display that Tiger spirit by giving to ArchiPAC , you give power to our voice in the political process. By giving, you effect REAL change. So I’m asking you to click on this link and show your support for the profession by making a donation today. But there is so much more to do!
We’ve set an ambitious goal of raising $60,000 by the end of this Convention. The only way to reach it is with your help! We need every AIA member to pitch in and do their part.

That includes you!

As I said, your contributions make a difference. And this year, they’re going to make even more of a difference. Here’s why: If we reach our fundraising goals between now and the convention, the AIA will offset in the name of those who contribute to ArchiPAC, all the greenhouse gas emissions from the convention hall by purchasing clean renewable energy - thirty thousand kilowatt hours of renewable energy in all. In other words, every dollar you give to ArchiPAC works twice as hard. It will make our voice stronger in Washington, DC, and will get us one step closer to making our convention greenhouse gas-free! So whether you are a Blue Devil a Terp or a Tarheel, your contribution helps architects engage in the political process. Not only that, you help show your school spirit – and you help green our convention. Not a bad deal, eh?

And remember – every dollar gets us closer to our goals. But as an added incentive, and to show off your team spirit, a special convention button will be yours at a $25 donation. At $50, you qualify for the ArchiPAC Annual Architect designed lapel pin. And, if you give $100 or more, you will also receive a Stop Global Warming leather wristband, designed by one of the world’s most exclusive fashion houses. Please help now , you help guarantee a better future – for you, for your profession, and your country. Give what you can today.

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