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"AIA Grand Valley, We Have A Problem"
"Houston, we have a problem", casually spoke Tom Hanks, one of our great baby boomers, playing Astronaut Tom Stafford, one of the greats from the Silent Generation, showing our Gen Xers what he and his crew lived to tell. Our Millennial Generation turned 13 when Apollo 13 came out in 1995. Their core values are being formed between 1982 and the present. Maybe the story could be made into a cool video game. This is the first point in human history that 4 generations are interacting together. And within this phenomenon of generational interests lies one of the real struggles that most organizations and businesses and many industries, in particular the design & construction industry is having, trouble replacing their aging Silent's and now the beginnings of the retiring Baby Boomers.
It is this reality that has shaped a real determination in this industry and certainly at the AIA and AGC level that has focused us on the emerging professionals. Interest in organizations, but also in construction in general dropped off radically for Gen Xers. We are approaching one of the largest building boom eras ever to be witnessed, brought on by the world economies of the Far East, and the replacement of aging infrastructure in the West, coupled with the cost of energy and of global warming driving innovation for building design and development. And there is a shortage of interested people.
We are approaching the halfway point in our professional year, and the signs of interest in many things professional seem to speak to only a few, and the same few at that. Locally, we (the AIAGV Board) continue to witness minor interest in our chapter, even with our connections to the state and national Institution. Very few local AIAMI mentors sign up anymore, 20, compared to 70 just 5 years ago. Attendance at programs for Associates and regular members is at an all time low, even below the past 2 very low years. Our state government affairs committee at AIA Michigan has had real success with your legislators stopping and turning around stupid legislation that affect your very office's costs and future success. And this year there are a number of bills that could sway for or against, depending on the case made by AIA Michigan architects. We have positions on the GrandValley board that need help right now, Membership Services, Sponsor Chair and a new Administrative Assistant. Come October, we have elections again for a VP/President elect, Treasurer, a Michigan Director (replacing me) and maybe some others. To stay viable and relevant, you professionals must look inside yourself and say, " if my profession is experiencing what I am hearing, how can I help".
Our AIA Michigan Gold Medalist for this year, Gary Skog, FAIA, Marketing VP of Harley Ellis Devereaux, reflected at his acceptance of the honor a week ago in Plymouth. He told how he was a 20-something at a design lecture given by Glen Paulson, FAIA, founding principal at Tarapata, McMahon and Paulson, now TMP. At one point Glen spoke about the act of giving back to your profession, kind of an ethical obligation because professions are greater than the job or the project or the office. The profession is an institution, a foundation of society that helps civilizations succeed because of their overarching introspection and ability to serve mankind by mustering forces. Gary said it was like the proverbial light bulb going off, and he never turned back on his service to AIA. I had the enjoyment of working with Gary last year as co-chair of the Mid-summer Conference at Mackinac Island, our largest fundraiser. This year I am chair. Firm leaders, you can easily sponsor it for $250. You have my letter.
My experience with AIA is like a long conversation about design and architecture. It never really quits. And yet, as I consider what's next, do I want to represent West Michigan architects by getting on ExCom at the State? It would mean a lot more time, and maybe AIA Michigan president in 2012. But I tell you, it is hard for me to consider the jump with the peculiar trend of apathy or something we are witnessing. But, keep in mind, the phenomena isn't just you architects. There is generational twists and tangles to it, that if you begin to understand it, you realize there are core values each generation has that makes them operate and perceive differently, but also helps or complements the other generations weaknesses, making the whole (whatever; individual, project, organization, firm, industry) succeed at a higher level of creativity. So maybe the jump will be ok.
We, the AIAGrandValley and AIA Michigan Boards want you to engage more with your institution, and help your profession through the coming transition for the emerging professionals of architecture and design.
GrandValley, we have a problem. Think about it. Call us. Show up. Be.
Thank you.
Robert Daverman, AIA, LEED-AP, Michigan Director, Progressive AE
The Generational Imperative, by Chuck Underwood is the source of my points on the generations.
Hugh Newell Jacobsen Gold Medal Nomination
The Gold Medal is the highest honor that The American Institute of Architects can bestow on an individual. The award is given to individuals whose impact and contribution to architecture are long lasting. Since the first award was bestowed upon Sir Aston Webb in 1907 it has been awarded a total of 64 times, ten of those posthumously. After Hugh Newell Jacobsen spoke in Grand Rapids in September and after visiting with Hugh in February the AIAGV Board decided that it would like to nominate Hugh for the Gold Medal. The nomination can only be submitted by a chapter or component and the board felt that since Hugh is a Grand Rapids native, it is only fitting that we submit the nomination. We are also talking to the state chapter for a co-sponsor of the nomination and they are considering it. Hugh has graciously accepted our offer of nomination and will be working with us to compile the submission (his office will actually be doing most of the work).
Hugh was born in Grand Rapids 1929 and lived here until 1943. He has many fond memories of his 14 years here and tells endless stories and antidotes about that time in his life. After graduating from Yale he worked for Phillip Johnson and in 1958 started his firm in the basement of his house, in Georgetown. Since he started his firm he has been awarded over 110 awards for excellence in design. Among those are 6 national honor awards from the American Institute of Architects and 20 awards for excellence in house design from the professional journal Architectural Record.
While known for his excellent residential designs he has also designed many commercial structures such as The Libraries for the American Colleges of Greece (Athens), GettysburgCollege (Penn), two museums for the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and an addition to the U.S. Capitol. He also designed the Alumni Center for the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan and two museums: the Southern Vermont Arts Center (Manchester), and the Lester Wing of the Fred C. Jones Art Center (Norman, Oklahoma).
There is much more than can be written about his accolades since he started his firm in 1958. He embraces the modern as well as the historic which allows his projects to transcend the two. Many of his projects blend the two ideals into a modern aesthetic that is delightful to many.
The nomination is due July 11 and shortly after the awards committee will create a short list of three. In December a presentation is given to the AIA Board by representatives of the short listed nominees and at the time they will select a winner. Between now and July 11 we will be working closely with the office of Hugh Newell Jacobsen to craft the story, to explain the impact that he has had on America and abroad. This will be a lot of work, but it is not every city that can lay claim to an accomplished architect, president, or astronaut and if he were to win it would be another positive exposure for our chapter and Grand Rapids.
AIA Grand Valley Golf Outing
2008 AIA GRAND VALLEY GOLF OUTING
Benefiting Habitat for Humanity in KentCounty, MuskegonCounty, and Holland
1:30 Scramble
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe
(Proceeds to be split equitably between the three Habitat chapters and AIA Grand Valley (to be used for
future programs)
Contests before the scramble, prizes in several categories, dinner and raffle to follow at 6pm.
BE A SPONSOR:
$500 / hole - includes your company's sign at a tee and our profound thanks! Acknowledgement at event and on AIA Grand Valley web site. Also includes golf for 2. We'd also appreciate it if you can provide raffle "give-a-ways" (towels, balls, hats, logo wear, a new car, tickets to an event - anything you think we could use and you want to advertise!)
BE A GOLFER:
AIA Members $65. pp
Non AIA Members $85. pp
Questions? - contact Kalani DeHaan at tel. 616-452-9421 or e-mail kalanidehaan@att.net)
Reservation Form
2008 AIA GRAND VALLEY GOLF OUTING
Monday, June 2, 2008 The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe
Yes - We'd like to be a sponsor! (Please email me your logo to be used on the hole markers)
$500 / hole
Organization and address: _________________________________________
Contact name, tel. and e-mail: _________________________________________
Players ( 2 FREE - included in $500):
1)_________________________________________
2) ________________________________________
Additional Players Please Circle One:
3) _________________________________________ AIA ($65) Non-AIA($85)
4) ________________________________________________AIA ($65) Non-AIA ($85)
Please note if playing in a group or request to be paired with a particular group or player. AIA Grand Valley will make every attempt possible to pair sponsors and vendors with architects not already committed to other pairings.
*TOTAL ENCLOSED: $
*Make checks payable to AIA Grand Valley, and return with this form to: Attn.: Kalani DeHaan, 128 Coolidge St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49548
AIA Continuing Education Credits
CES Sustainability Requirement - New in 2009
During the March 2008 AIA National Board of Directors meeting, it was approved that beginning January 1, 2009 the AIA would require all members to complete four (4) hours of sustainable design. These 4 Sustainable Design (SD) hours would be included as part of the current 8 hour / HSW requirement. They are not additional hours to the 18/8 LU hours that the AIA already requires. This requirement would run until 2012, at which time it will be evaluated.
The AIA is currently finalizing the rules of Sustainable Design (SD) Learning Units. During the course of this summer the AIA/CES will be establishing the infrastructure for CES providers to determine, register, and report their future continuing education courses to qualify for Sustainable Design (SD) learning units. These rules will be based upon the following definition.
Sustainable Design (SD) Learning Units
Sustainable design is achieved through an integrated design and delivery process that enhances the natural and built environment by using energy sensibly with a goal toward carbon neutrality, improves air and water quality, protects and preserves water and other resources, and creates environments, communities and buildings that are livable, comfortable, productive, diverse, safe, and provide enduring value to our community and society as a whole.
To qualify as Sustainable Design learning units, the content must meet 4 thresholds:
It must address the AIA definition of sustainability.
It must be a structured (third-party) program (i.e. no self-study).
At least 75% of program content must qualify as HSW.
Its primary purpose must address at least one of the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Measures of Sustainable Design and Performance Metrics
Examples: Design & Innovation; Regional/Community Design; Land Use & Site Ecology; Bioclimatic Design; Light & Air; Water Cycle; Energy Flows & Energy Future; and Materials & Construction to reduce product-cycle environmental impacts and optimize occupant health and comfort.
GVSU Allendale Campus Construction Project Tours
On June 26, spend the afternoon on a walking tour of the current construction projects at Grand Valley State University's Allendale campus. GVSU project managers will conduct tours of the Mackinac Hall Addition 2008, Kirkhof Center Addition 2008, Housing 2008/Honors College, and the Movement Science & Indoor Rec Facility. All projects are being designed and built to LEED standards. Participants should plan to meet at the ServiceBuilding at 12:45 pm. Parking will be available at the Alumni House Lot located behind the building. Please bring a hard hat with your company's logo. RSVP to Mary Ann Holcomb, GVSU Facilities Planning Assistant at 616.331.3853
Educational Opportunities
Main
Street Oakland County
3-One Day Workshops
These three one-day workshops are for anyone involved in adaptive use and building rehabilitation - Owners, Architects, City Officials, Financial etc.
This series is designed to provide a simple, low cost, convenient way to learn from nationally recognized and very knowledgeable speakers. For example:
Workshop #1- The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency team of Mike Jackson, FAIA; Carol Dyson, AIA; Anna Margaret Borntrager, Associate AIA; serving 70 Main Street Communities and Dan Carmody, Planner and President of Eastern Market of Detroit will be presenting the AIA/Illinois and National Trust award winning program Upstairs Downtown. This is a great overview touching all aspects of mix-use planning and rehabilitation.
Workshop #2- Will take an in-depth look at funding methods and techniques with experts from the various topic fields.
Workshop #3 - Will take an in-depth look at the Historic Building Code Section presented by Michelle Trombley, AIA and the Michigan Rehabilitation Code and the Michigan Barrier Free code both presented by Larry Leman, Chief Michigan Building Division.
For More Information please call JoAnn Browning at (248) 452-2166
or go to www.MainStreetOaklandCounty.com
Self Reporting AIA Learning Units
Self Reporting AIA Learning Units
To self report learning units: Go to the website
www.aia.org/ces_m_default
Insert your Member Number. You are then on the AIA/CES Member Menu
Select the Self Report Form and follow instructions
AIAGV Job Opportunities
AIA Grand Valley Administrative Assistant Position
Services Required:
Perform and be responsible to the Chapter President/Board for any and all administrative duties as deemed necessary to assist with the on-going Board and chapter activities.
Attend Board meetings
Coordinate with Membership Services Director.
Perform program, conference, and event planning as required, handle all related inquiries, prepare materials, handouts and other relevant material as directed.
Assist with sponsorship relations.
Record registration for all monthly programs, activities and events.
Attend events and register membership, collect fees when required.
Assist with AV setup etc.
Forward all incoming invoices (including taxes) and receivables to Treasurer.
Assist with Database management. Update and distribute to the board as necessary.
Assist with PR communications as directed by PR Director.
Assist with chapter committee work as authorized by President or VP.
Responsible for weekly newsletter and assisting with website updating.
Compensation: $12 / hr
Please contact Kalani DeHaan at kalanidehaan@att.net for any inquiries regarding this position.
Job Opportunities at BETA Design
Currently, BETA has a staff of nearly 40 creative professionals who work as a team and are committed to the success of our company. We are seeking applicants for the following positions:
Project Leader - (Architect) To coordinate project efforts and provide excellent service to BETA team members, clients and contractors.
Mechanical Engineer - To provide engineering and design services by the creation of construction drawings and specifications for mechanical HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems.
Qualified individuals should submit resume to:
BETA Design
70 Ionia SW Suite 400
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Attn: Human Resources
or
HR@betadesign.com
616 235-6220 phone
616 235-6393 fax
BETA Design Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Opportunities at Integrated Architecture
Electrical Engineer
Integrated Architecture of Grand Rapids, Michigan with an excellent working environment, exciting projects, with a sustainable focus and an excellent compensation package seeks an Electrical Engineer licensed in the State of Michigan with experience in the design of commercial building lighting and power and auxiliary systems. EOE
Please reply to: Perii Hutchings, Integrated Architecture, 4090 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546 or phutchings@intarch.com.
Job Opportunities at Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber
Project Architect - Challenging opportunity available for a Project Architect with 5+ years of experience in architectural practice. Please see our www.ftch.com
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