The City of Santa Barbara is seeking Statements of Qualifications from interested professionals for services leading to construction of a new Police Station. View RFQ Here
RFP: Architectural Services
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Grossmont Union High School District of San Diego County, California, acting by and through its Governing Board, hereinafter referred to as the “the District” will receive up to, but not later than 2:00 pm, March 13, 2018, sealed proposals for: Architectural Services (CN-1177)
Proposals shall be received by the Grossmont Union High School District, Purchasing Department, at 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020.
All interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFQ online at: http://www.guhsd.net/Departments/Business-Services/Purchasing/Solicitations/RFPRFQ/index.html or by contacting the Grossmont Union High School District, Purchasing Department, 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020-5664.
Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person or mailed, shall be disqualified.
The evaluation criteria specified herein will be used to determine which of the proposals provide the best quality for Grossmont Union High School District. The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive all technicalities, and to accept the proposal(s) that is determined to be the most favorable to the District. Recognizing that there are important considerations other than price, the District may not necessarily award to the lowest proposer. District has the right to ask for any clarifications on any or all proposals.
Proposals must be effective for sixty (60) days following deadline for the receipt of proposals.
Clerk of the Governing Board Grossmont Union High School District, of San Diego County, California
Publication: Daily Transcript February 13 and February 20, 2018
RFP: Architectural Services for Bus Maintenance Facility
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Grossmont Union High School District of San Diego County, California, acting by and through its Governing Board, hereinafter referred to as the “the District” will receive up to, but not later than 2:00 pm, March 15, 2018, sealed proposals for:
Architectural Services for Bus Maintenance Facility (CN-1187)
Proposals shall be received by the Grossmont Union High School District, Purchasing Department, at 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020.
All interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFQ online at: http://www.guhsd.net/Departments/Business-Services/Purchasing/Solicitations/RFPRFQ/index.html or by contacting the Grossmont Union High School District, Purchasing Department, 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020-5664.
Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person or mailed, shall be disqualified.
The evaluation criteria specified herein will be used to determine which of the proposals provide the best quality for Grossmont Union High School District. The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive all technicalities, and to accept the proposal(s) that is determined to be the most favorable to the District. Recognizing that there are important considerations other than price, the District may not necessarily award to the lowest proposer. District has the right to ask for any clarifications on any or all proposals.
Proposals must be effective for sixty (60) days following deadline for the receipt of proposals.
Clerk of the Governing Board Grossmont Union High School District, of San Diego County, California
Publication: The Daily Transcript February 16 and 23, 2018
Judicial Council of California Solicitation: A&E Consultation Services
The Judicial Council of California (“JCC”) has posted solicitation no. FS-2017-01-BD for ID/IQ Architectural & Engineering consultation services. The JCC is a division of our California Judiciary responsible for the management and development of over 500 courthouse buildings statewide. The JCC seeks proposals from firms to provide the services of qualified, properly licensed architectural and engineering Consultants with expertise in all phases of the design, construction and renovation of public buildings. Because the scope and number of Projects and tasks are unknown at the time of contract execution, the contracts that may be awarded as a result of this RFP, are known as Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (“ID/IQ”) contracts.
The Judicial Council expects to initiate various projects between May 2018 and May 2021 with possible extensions to May 2023.
All solicitation documents are available at the following link: http://www.courts.ca.gov/38250.htm
Member News: BWE, Inc. Names New Director of Civil Engineering
DATE: February 15, 2018 CONTACT: Hansol An, Associate, BWE, Inc. (619) 299-5550 han@bwesd.com
BWE, Inc. Names New Director of Civil Engineering
San Diego, CA — Local industry veteran Michael Slawson has joined BWE, Inc. as the new Director of Civil Engineering. Mr. Slawson will immediately make an impact at BWE with his leadership and project management experience. He brings over 27 years of diverse experience having owned his own firm and served as a Principal, Vice President or Project Manager for several civil and environmental engineering firms. His management experience encompasses firms ranging in size from an 8(a) design-build federal contractor to an ENR top 100 firm. BWE’s President, Tom Newsom, was excited about the announcement saying, “Adding Mike Slawson to our team will facilitate the growth of our Civil Engineering Department – not only because his experience opens doors to new markets but because he will provide mentorship and guidance for our current team members.”
Prior to joining BWE, Mr. Slawson was contracted to provide Project Management at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority working on various infrastructure improvement projects. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona at Tucson with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, a licensed Professional Engineer in California and Arizona and a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in California. In 2009, Mr. Slawson became a LEED Accredited Professional as conferred by the United States Green Building Council to further support his expertise in sustainable building practices. He is also BWE’s fourth Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD), an individual who is authorized to design Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, a role that continues to grow in importance in the age of environmental consciousness.
He has successfully managed over $3 billion in projects for his clients which include Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the University of California, San Diego and dozens of private industry clients. Slawson was the project manager on the first large-scale commercial wind farm on Native American lands in the United States, which is a significant producer of one the cleanest commercial energy sources available. Other project experience includes various local public works, residential land development, water supply and distribution, hydrology, water quality, transportation, Caltrans permitting, easement and right-of-way acquisition, public improvements, survey and construction support, hazardous waste remediation, and environmental compliance.
Mr. Slawson will be reunited with Casey Lynch, PLS, one of the Principals at BWE. The pair previously worked together at another firm in the mid-2000’s in the land surveying department. Mr. Lynch said, “I really enjoyed working with Mike in the past and I know he is going to be a great addition to BWE.”
Since 1971, BWE has provided structural and civil engineering, land surveying and land planning services on construction projects throughout San Diego, the Southwest, and beyond. Our engineers have built a reputation for excellence in design and service by fulfilling our self-imposed mandate to exceed the expectations of our clients and colleagues. BWE supports the career development of its employees through mentoring, training, licensure fees, professional association dues among other means. For more information about BWE, to bwesd.com.
Member News: Tony Garcia, AIA Receives AIA National Young Architect Award
February 12, 2018 - San Diego, CA - Already in his young career, Garcia has left an imprint on the profession. His talent and commitment to building a practice based on mutual respect and collaboration benefits his colleagues, clients, and the communities he serves.
Friends and Co-Founders, Tony Garcia, AIA and Jessie Whitesides, NCARB, formed Asquared Studios Inc in 2004. Within the construct of the current global professional economy, they have mastered the technologies that allow them to operate as one unified design studio with locations in both San Diego and Santa Rosa, California. Asquared Studios has built an award-winning portfolio of work that features projects of all scales and diverse forms of context both regionally and nationally.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected 18 recipients for the 2018 AIA Young Architects Award. This award, now in its 25th year, honors individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession early in their careers. As a recipient of The Young Architects Award, Tony will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City.
To read more of Tony’s accomplishments and for a list of all honorees for the 2018 program follow the link: https://www.aia.org/showcases/174416-tony-garcia-aia
Member News: Jim Mumford Featured in SD Home/Garden Magazine
Congratulations to AIASD Corporate Allied Member, Jim Mumford, President of Good Earth Plant Company and GreenScaped Buildings for his recent feature in the February 2018 issue of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine.
Issue is available via digital edition (page 92-94) or on newsstands now.
Member News: Bluemotif Architecture Featured in San Diego Home/Garden Magazine
Matthew Ellis, AIA of Bluemotif Architecture recently designed Queensborough, an East Coast-inspired cocktail lounge located in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. The modern cocktail lounge with an old-fashioned twist is a multi-level space that fuses both new and original materials.
The February 2018 San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine is available on newsstands and digital now.
Volunteer Chair Positions Available
AIA San Diego is recruiting candidates interested in volunteer committee/knowledge community leadership positions with the Chapter for 2018 & beyond. Chairs are required to be AIA Chapter members (Architect, Associate, Emeritus or Corporate Allied). Three committee-chair positions are currently vacant. Contact Bastiaan Bouma if you are interested in learning more!
Committee on the Environment (COTE) AIA|San Diego & AIA|Palomar Chapters
Part of a national network of local committees dedicated to advancing the goal of sustainable design. Note: this is a joint AIA|SD & AIA|Palomar Committee (about 1,000 members all told, across various categories)
Committee Chair Duties
- Recruit members from the AIA|San Diego & AIA|Palomar Chapters;
- Lead a quarterly meeting of committee members;
- Lead the committee to provide programs that support the COTE mission and provide AIA members with the tools they need to meet sustainability goals in their projects and practices;
- Post information to the website that is useful for practitioners;
- Develop and maintain more alignment between the local COTE chapter, other chapters, and the national COTE Advisory Group; act as the liaison and primary point of contact between these groups;
- Support the AIA-SD Design Awards team with regards to the COTE design award.
Women in Architecture (WIA) San Diego Chapter
WIA is an informal AIA networking organization dedicated to supporting women in the San Diego architecture and design community. WIA recognizes that there are gender diversity issues within the architectural profession and strives to increase awareness of women’s contributions to the built environment.
Committee Chair Duties
- Organize regular committee meetings, happy hours, professional development events, lectures, films, tours, volunteering/community building, and book clubs that focus on enhancing the career experience, networking, professional development and employment opportunities for female architects;
- WIA has typically gathered every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6pm to 8pm, at various locations throughout San Diego;
- The 2018 Chair is permitted flexibility in organizing and running the WIA|SD Committee;
- AIA|Palomar also has a WIA Committee. Cooperation/coordination between the two entities is encouraged;
Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) AIA|San Diego & AIA|Palomar Chapters
The Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Knowledge Community (part of a national network supported by AIA) develops knowledge and information to benefit architects who are engaged in, or who are interested in learning more about, custom residential practice including remodels, renovations, restorations, additions & new construction.
Committee Chair Duties
- Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise to promote the professional development of its members via continuing education programs, discussion forums, national symposia and conventions, publications, and local activities;
- Guide the Chapter’s efforts to promote the residential design expertise of our members among selected consumer segments;
- Contribute to creating a strategy for advancing the interests of our members involved in residential design;
- Support an effective response for members of the public who contact the Chapter for information and recommendations, including assisting the Chapter with the development of suitable web-based tools for public-use;
- Contribute to supporting the Chapter when it is approached by media contacts for information or solicitations for design competitions;
- Assist with developing a member-recruitment strategy and outreach;
- Schedule and chair quarterly (or more frequent) gatherings of CRAN|SD-Palomar members.
AIA San Diego and AIA Palomar Statement on Proposed U.S./Mexico Enhanced Border Security Measures
San Diego, CA – February 6, 2018 —The American Institute of Architects, San Diego and Palomar Chapters, ninety-year-old non-profit leaders in the regional design and development sectors with nearly 1,000 members between them, are deeply interested in the topic of border security and the effective regulation of the frontier between the United States of America and Mexico. We embrace the idea that rule-based, transparent, and efficient management of the movement of people and goods between Mexico and the U.S. is vital to our shared well-being. The international border-crossings between San Diego and Tijuana are the world’s busiest, reflecting the long history of settlement, migration and commerce in the region and its emergence as a global economic center. Large, diverse populations on both sides of the border move back and forth between the two regions, with countless people connected by family, culture, language and business, leading to a robust and economically beneficial bilateral relationship.
When considering ways to reduce the entry to the U.S. of persons without legal status, we assert that care must be taken to ensure that far-reaching, long-lasting and expensive responses don’t risk offering cures that are worse than the problem. A plan to spend $20 to $50 billion on greatly extending existing physical barriers, such as walls, to deter undocumented entry from Mexico, should be justified by evidence that these investments will offer significant benefits.
Most who arrive in the U.S. across the southern border without authorization do so where Mexico/U.S. urban areas interface. In limited circumstances, at key paired-city locations, walls and heavy fencing can be useful and contribute to preventing unauthorized entry. However, along much of the rural border, existing fencing, sensing technologies and physical patrolling appear to be vastly more cost-effective. Recently reported steep declines in undocumented entry (as much as 80%) have occurred despite almost no new barrier-building.
At a time when the need for public investment in infrastructure is acute nation-wide, applying many billions of tax dollars to unneeded wall construction is unwise. Dollars should be invested in public bricks and mortar projects such as parks, recreation facilities, libraries, schools and mass transit. For example, an expenditure of $20 billion can create 1,000 elementary schools or 2,500 branch libraries to enhance our local communities.
We urge those considering how to better limit the unauthorized entry of people to the United States along the border with Mexico to weigh carefully the actual extent and cost of the current problem against the significant cultural, political and economic benefits we now derive from our relationship with an important ally. We urge a thoughtful, measured approach to enhancing security along our border with Mexico that is evidence-based and we advocate for infrastructure projects that will enhance our communities and natural environment.
CONTACT
Bastiaan Bouma, (619)232-0109, bbouma@aiasandiego.org
Member News: Asquared Studios Receives Best of Houzz 2018 Award
Asquared Studios has won “Best Of Design” and “Best of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Our established Architectural Design Studio was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals. Asquared Studios has won “Best Of Design” and “Best of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Our established Architectural Design Studio was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.
The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2017. A “Best Of Houzz 2018” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.
At Asquared Studios, we believe in what we do “for you”; simply stated, we help bring our client’s dreams to life, and along the way we develop a lasting relationship filled with truth, tribulations, laughter, and friendship. We want to thank all of our clients, general contractors, and building design colleagues for motivating us to offer the best possible architectural services.
“The Houzz community selected a phenomenal group of Best of Houzz 2018 award winners, so this year’s recipients should be very proud,” said Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing at Houzz. “Best of Houzz winners represent some of the most talented and customer-focused professionals in our industry, and we are extremely pleased to give them both this recognition and a platform on which to showcase their expertise.”
Houzz is recognized as the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish. It can be accessed online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality.
AIA: Consensus Construction Forecast
Pace of construction activity projected to accelerate through 2019 Strength in industrial and institutional sectors offsetting projected easing in commercial construction activity
Contact: Matt Tinder 202-626-7462 mtinder@aia.org
For immediate release: Washington, D.C. – January 29, 2018 – Despite labor shortages and rising material costs that continue to impact the construction sector, construction spending for nonresidential buildings is projected to increase 4% this year and continue at that pace of growth through 2019. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast indicates the commercial construction sectors will generate much of the expected gains this year, and by 2019 the industrial and institutional sectors will dominate the projected construction growth.
“Rebuilding after the record-breaking losses from natural disasters last year, the recently enacted tax reform bill, and the prospects of an infrastructure package are expected to provide opportunities for even more robust levels of activity within the industry,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) and other major leading indicators for the industry also point to an upturn in construction activity over the coming year.”
| Market Segment Consensus Growth Forecasts | 2018 | 2019 |
| Overall nonresidential building | 4.0% | 3.9% |
| Commercial / industrial | 4.4% | 2.9% |
| Office space | 4.6% | 3.0% |
| Retail | 4.4% | 3.5% |
| Hotels | 4.1% | 0.8% |
| Industrial facilities | 3.3% | 5.2% |
| Institutional | 3.8% | 4.3% |
| Education | 4.0% | 4.9% |
| Healthcare facilities | 4.0% | 4.0% |
| Public safety | 3.6% | 3.9% |
| Amusement / recreation | 3.3% | 2.4% |
| Religious | -1.1% | 0.9% |
You can learn more about the Consensus Construction Forecast here: https://www.aia.org/articles/173086-what-slowdown-pace-of-construction-activity
About the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel is conducted twice a year with the leading nonresidential construction forecasters in the United States including, Dodge Data & Analytics, Wells Fargo Securities, IHS-Global Insight, Moody’s economy.com, CMD Group, Associated Builders & Contractors and FMI. The purpose of the Consensus Construction Forecast Panel is to project business conditions in the construction industry over the coming 12 to 18 months. The Consensus Construction Forecast Panel has been conducted for 18 years.
About The American Institute of Architects Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.
Member News: IS Architecture Receives A 2018 "Home of the Year" Award
Congratulations to IS Architecture for receiving a 2018 Home of the Year Award in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine. Featured in the February 2018 issue available on newsstands now, the 1916 Prairie style home in Mission Hills underwent a restoration that preserved its historic integrity while embracing modern features.
Learn more about the project at IS Architecture's Accolades page here, or visit SDHG's digital edition (available soon). Photography by Matthew Meier.
Member News: Bill Bocken Receives A 2018 "Home of the Year" Award
Congratulations to AIA San Diego member, Bill Bocken, AIA for his recent 2018 Home of the Year Award in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine! Landing the cover of the February 2018 issue, Bocken remodeled a 1960's ranch home in Point Loma, and included an addition.
The issue is available on newsstands right now, and the digital edition will be available on SDHG's site soon.
Bill Bocken, AIA specializes in architecture, interior, and garden design. With over 30 years of experience, you can learn more about Bocken here or or on his Houzz page. Photography by Shelley Metcalf.
View the article below:
NCARB Update: ARE 4.0 Retirement—Six Months to Go
Important Messages for ARE 4.0 Candidates Anyone currently testing in ARE 4.0 should be aware of the following key points:
The last day to take an ARE 4.0 division in a test center is June 30, 2018. Candidates who have not completed ARE 4.0 by this date will need to complete any remaining divisions in ARE 5.0 to satisfy the examination requirement for licensure.
Now is the time to make a plan to finish the exam if you are currently testing in ARE 4.0. There are several resources available on NCARB.org to help candidates make their plan. NCARB’s Customer Relations team is also available to help candidates understand their individual testing options.
Your rolling clock will not change if you transition to ARE 5.0. Candidates must still complete the test within five years of their first pass—whether through ARE 4.0, ARE 5.0, or a combination of both. Expiring ARE 4.0 divisions could impact the credits received in ARE 5.0 when transitioning.
Prometric test centers fill up fast, so candidates will need to plan ahead when scheduling their remaining divisions in ARE 4.0. When the exam transitioned from ARE 3.1 to ARE 4.0, candidates encountered difficulty finding test appointments in the final months before the exam retired. If candidates plan on testing in May and June, they should book these appointments as soon as possible.
The ARE retake policy will remain the same. Candidates must wait 60 days before they can retake a division of the ARE, and can only take a division three times within 12 months. This means if a candidate has taken a division of ARE 4.0 since the end of June this year, they will only have two more opportunities to take that division between now and the retirement of ARE 4.0. They will also need to take their second attempt before April 30, 2018, to have the option of one more retake before ARE 4.0 retires.
For more information, visit NCARB.org
AIA: Stephen Ayers, FAIA, Architect of the Capitol, to receive 2018 Thomas Jefferson Award
Washington, D.C. – January 26, 2018 – Stephen Ayers, FAIA, Architect of the Capitol, has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture. The Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture recognizes architects in the public and private sectors, public officials, or other individuals who design distinguished public facilities and/or who advocate for design excellence. Ayers will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City. As the 11th Architect of the Capitol, a position he was appointed to by President Barack Obama in 2010, Ayers cares for the nation’s architectural treasures and uses his prominent voice to advance the profession. His leadership has seen him testify before Congress on more than 50 occasions, where his keen insight on matters of historic preservation, long-range master planning, and sustainability has elevated the discourse on good design to the national level.
AIA: 2018 AIA Institute Honor Awards
2018 AIA Institute Honor Awards recognize excellence in architecture, interior architecture, and regional & urban design Washington, D.C. – January 12, 2018 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected the 2018 recipients of the Institute Honor Awards, the profession’s highest recognition of works that exemplify excellence in architecture, interior architecture and urban design. Selected from roughly 500 submissions, 17 recipients located throughout the world will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City.
2018 Institute Honor Awards for Architecture
The jury for the 2018 AIA Institute Honor Awards for Architecture includes: Lee Becker, FAIA (Chair), Hartman-Cox Architects; Anne Marie Decker, FAIA, Duvall Decker Architects; Susan Johnson, AIA, Strata; Anna Jones, Assoc. AIA, MOD Design; Caitlin Kessler, AIAS Student Representative, University of Arizona; Marilee Meacock, AIA, KSS Architects; Robert Miller, FAIA, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson; Sharon Prince, Grace Farms Foundation; and Rob Rogers, FAIA, Rogers Partners.
Member News: Cuningham Group Architecture Announces Promotions
Firm Announces New Associates in San Diego Cuningham Group Architecture, an international architecture firm with 10 offices and nearly 400 employees, is thrilled to announce the recent promotion of Marleen Milligan, CID, LEED® AP, Ernesto Quintanar, Bradley Stech, LEED® AP, to Associates in its San Diego office.
"The promotions recognize the contributions each of these employees has made to the growth of our firm," said Cuningham Group President Tim Dufault. "We are fortunate to have such a talented group of emerging leaders. They represent our commitment to building and maintaining strong and dynamic teams that exemplify the firm's vision and core values."
Marleen Milligan, NCIDQ, LEED® AP
Marleen joined Cuningham Group in 2014 and currently works in the firm’s Heal Market Group. Her primary focus is designing and managing all aspects of small and large scale complex commercial healthcare facilities, including hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and tenant improvements of physician suites within medical office buildings.
Ernesto Quintanar
Ernesto joined Cuningham Group in 2016 and currently works in the firm’s Heal Market Group. His primary focus is project outcome. He is an award-winning architectural designer and project architect with more than 25 years of overall professional experience. Ernesto exceeds at establishing productive working relationships with clients, consultants, team members, and public agencies to advance the project goals through a unique combination of technical and design skills.
Bradley Stech, LEED® AP
Bradley joined Cuningham Group in 2017 and currently works in the firm’s Heal Market Group. His primary focus is developing and managing a range of project sizes and complexities from inception through completion to include programming, conceptualization, design, documentation, agency coordination/approvals, client interface, and construction administration.
In addition to these promotions in San Diego, Cuningham Group also recognized the following individuals in its other offices.
Associate Principal
Amy Cheever, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP, Minneapolis
Scott Krenner, AIA, Minneapolis
Nathan Leblang, AIA, ASHE, Phoenix
Charlie Stoffel, AIA, LEED® AP, Minneapolis
Brent Thompson, RA, Beijing
Senior Associate
Erin Anderson, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP, Minneapolis
Adam Dake, Minneapolis
Tim Davis, AIA, Culver City
Steve Epley, AIA, LEED® AP, Minneapolis
Brittany Johnson, CID, NEWH, Minneapolis
Amine Khemakhem, Minneapolis
Jan Knutsen, AIA, Minneapolis
Ed Morin, Minneapolis
Lisa Schenck, Minneapolis
Craig St. Clair, AIA, NCARB LEED® AP, Minneapolis
Bret Thompson, Minneapolis
Associate
Marilyn Castro, LEED® AP, Culver City
Gardner Clute, LEED® AP, Denver
Jeremiah Johnson, AIA, Minneapolis
Andy Kellermann, Minneapolis
Srdan Kovacevic, AIA, LEED® AP BD+C, Culver City
Kristen Nelson, Minneapolis
Whitnie Noxon, AIA, Minneapolis
David Scott, AIA, Minneapolis
Stephanie Thompson, NCIDQ, LEED® Green Associate, Minneapolis
About Cuningham Group
Founded in 1968, Cuningham Group® is celebrating 50 years of Uplifting the Human Experience through great design and a client-centered, collaborative approach. Cuningham Group transcends tradition with architecture, interior design, urban design, and landscape architecture services for a diverse mix of client and project types. Awarded the American Institute of Architects Minnesota Firm Award, the firm is consistently recognized as a design leader and has grown to nearly 400 employees in offices in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Biloxi, Denver, San Diego, Phoenix, Seoul, Beijing and Doha. For more information, please visit cuningham.com.
AIA National: Architecture Billings end year on positive note
Architecture Billings end year on positive note
Fourth quarter activity strongest of 2017
Washington, D.C. – January 24, 2018 – The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) concluded the year in positive terrain, with the December reading capping off three straight months of growth in design billings. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the December ABI score was 52.9, down from a score of 55.0 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 61.9, up from a reading of 61.1 the previous month, while the new design contracts index decreased slightly from 53.2 to 52.7.
“Overall, 2017 turned out to be a strong year for architecture firms. All but two months saw ABI scores in positive territory,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Additionally, the overall strength of the fourth quarter lays a good foundation for healthy growth in construction activity in 2018.”
Key December ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: South (56.3), West (53.0), Midwest (52.9), Northeast (49.4)
- Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (55.4), commercial / industrial (54.8), institutional (51.2), mixed practice (50.4)
- Project inquiries index: 61.9
- Design contracts index: 53.2
The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
About the AIA Architecture Billings Index The Architecture Billings Index (ABI), produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group, is a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey that is sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended as compared to the prior month, and the results are then compiled into the ABI. These monthly results are also seasonally adjusted to allow for comparison to prior months. The monthly ABI index scores are centered around 50, with scores above 50 indicating an aggregate increase in billings, and scores below 50 indicating a decline. The regional and sector data are formulated using a three-month moving average. More information on the ABI and the analysis of its relationship to construction activity can be found in the recently released White Paper, Designing the Construction Future: Reviewing the Performance and Extending the Applications of the AIA’s Architecture Billings Index on the AIA web site.
About The American Institute of Architects Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.
Member Blog: Improving Audio - Bells Ring at Veterans Tribute Tower
Improving Audio - Bells Ring at Veterans Tribute Tower By John Whitcraft, P.E., Whitcraft Engineering Solutions, Inc.
One of the most satisfying aspects of my consulting work is offering useful electrical solutions for projects involving our military veterans. If my work can somehow honor their sacrifice and memory, it is a privilege for me to be part of the process.
It was a special honor to create design drawings for the carillon. The formidable Veterans Tribute Tower at San Diego’s Miramar National Cemetery is 30 feet tall. It contains the digital carillon – an electronic bell set – that plays over 100 patriotic songs several times a day, with a 250-pound cast metal bell made of custom-cast bronze. Located at the highest point of the 313-acre cemetery, the tower is “a focal point for patriotic reflection and reverence for those that paid the ultimate price for our country,” explains Dennis Schoville, President of the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation and a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot (See Foundation video illustrating this memorial).
Before creating the drawings, I walked the construction site with electrician Jeff Simonides of Triple S Electric. While walking, I measured the distance with my large measuring tape. The distance was approximate, since we weren’t sure of the location of the underground plumbing. It turns out there is a very large water pipe running through the site. The site was also moved slightly, right before foundation excavation began. It took longer than usual due to the bedrock at the site.
Based on the distance, I selected a heavier (thicker) conductor to avoid a voltage drop. Such a drop would cause poor audio or a misfiring bell ring. Jeff was impressed that the voltage level had almost no drop at the far end of the line, especially under a full equipment load.
I insisted that a ground conductor for lighting protection be used instead of a 10-foot buried ground rod. The conductor is called an Ufer after its inventor Herbert G. Ufer, an engineering executive at Underwriters Laboratories, who assisted the U.S. military with ground-resistance problems at installations in Arizona. Ufer’s findings in the 1940s proved the effectiveness of concrete-encased ground electrodes. I recommended using the Ufer instead of a deep ground connection, because the site contained difficult-to-dig bedrock.
The $400,000 project was funded from various donations, including contributions from local businesses across San Diego. The addition of the bell is the largest private gift to date for the six-year-old veterans’ cemetery and provides a sense of peace and remembrance for those visiting. When the carillon plays, it shows respect for our military veterans.
The tower is especially dedicated to soldiers of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division who fought in the June 1953, Battle of Outpost Harry during the Korean War and also honors veterans of all U.S. military services. The Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation, which coordinated funding and construction of the tower, sponsored its dedication on Veteran’s Day in 2016. For more information, contact John Whitcraft at (858) 229-8722.
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