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Contact: John Schneidawind
202-626-7457
johnschneidawind@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – April 14, 2010 – The American Institute of Architects today commended the Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) for launching a design excellence program that will produce diplomatic facilities that incorporate the best design practices to ensure security and sustainability.

“We welcome OBO’s dedication to making American embassies secure and sustainable,” said AIA President George H. Miller FAIA. “Coming as this initiative does during National Architecture Week, our profession looks forward to assisting OBO in any way possible to help make its design excellence program a success.”

Over the last decade, OBO has completed 71 new diplomatic facilities and has moved more than 20,000 individuals into more secure, safe, and functional facilities. The Bureau presently has an additional 34 projects in design and construction and will continue to maintain its highly successful construction program while advancing the design excellence program.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org