April 2007

From Paper to Pixels—Bringing New Efficiencies to Design and Construction
by John Moebes
With construction costs on the rise, our profession is searching for ways to improve everyday business processes and increase productivity. It’s essential that we implement technologies that act as “force multipliers,” i.e., they enable one person to do a job that might have previously required two or three people. Discover how one company streamlined the development, review, and management of thousands of construction project documents through the use of technology to create a paperless solution.

Read the full article

Report on Integrated Practice
Released during the 2006 AIA National Convention in Los Angeles, this report contains 10 essays by leaders in many disciplines on the world of, and the state of, an integrated practice.

Read the full report (PDF)

AIA CAFM and Public Architects Committee Networking Reception
2007 AIA National Convention, San Antonio
E21 Thursday, May 3
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

You must register to attend this event: www.aiaconvention.com

Join the AIA Committee of Corporate Architects and Facility Management and AIA Public Architects Committee for an evening of networking at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. This hotel was recently renovated by 3D/International.* Nested along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk at Houston and St. Mary’s streets, the architecture of Hotel Valencia combines influences from the Mediterranean, Asia, and South America. Come enjoy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar with other like-minded architects in this beautiful setting.

We’d like to thank the following organizations for their support of this event:

*Correction: Previous communications had mistakenly credited Lake l Flato Architects with the recent renovation of the Hotel Valencia.

National Building Information Model Standards Committee Awarded Grant to Develop BIM Standard for Precast Concrete
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) through its Facility Information Council (FIC) has been awarded a grant of approximately $160,000 from the Charles Pankow Foundation to further development of the functional requirements for a National Building Information Model Standard (NBIMS) for precast concrete. Planned for completion in August 2007, the project focuses on the multiple exchanges of data between architect and precast contractor and is expected to speed the process while also improving accuracy and reducing costs. Click here for more detailed information. Resources are available from the National BIM Standard. Click here for publications and resources about the NBIMS.

Call For Entries—NCBC 2008 Awards of Excellence Building Excitement
The Awards of Excellence program recognizes achievements in the national commercial building industry for design (remodeling and new construction), market appeal, energy efficiency, challenges faced during building, and overall success of the project. The National Commercial Builders Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) sponsors the Awards of Excellence annually. Click here for more information or contact Nick Lashinsky at the NAHB.

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Seeks Candidates for Senior Position
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in Scottsdale, Ariz., seeks a vice president for campus planning, restoration, and development to lead the creation and execution of a master plan for the buildings, land, and infrastructure of Taliesin and Taliesin West. The ability to lead the subsequent development and realization of a master plan for restoring, managing, and developing new facilities on both campuses is equally important. Click here to see the foundation's listing in the AIA Career Center.