Pressroom

WHO: The American Institute of Architects Center for Communities by Design

WHAT: Request for Proposals seeking community applicants for the 2011 Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program (SDAT).

Since its inception in 2005, the SDAT program has assisted more than 40 communities with long-term sustainability plans addressing a range of local issues. The SDAT is an innovative program that brings together multidisciplinary teams of professionals to work with community stakeholders and decision-makers through an intensive planning process. The mission is to provide technical assistance and process expertise to help communities develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future. Architect-led teams are composed of volunteer professionals representing a range of disciplines, including urban designers, economic development experts, land use planners , and others. The approach is designed to address many of the common challenges communities face by producing long-term sustainability plans that are realistic and reflect each community’s unique context.

For more information on the program: http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075425

WHEN: The final deadline to submit proposals for consideration in the 2011 SDAT program is November 19, 2010. Applications will be reviewed by the SDAT Review Panel in December 2010. Any additional applications received after the review period will be considered for the 2012 SDAT program.

HOW: The Application can be downloaded here. An independent panel of distinguished judges will evaluate each community proposal and apply weighted criteria to determine the awards. All applicants will be contacted when the award is made in December 2010.

CONTACTS: Erin Simmons, AIA Director, Design Assistance, 202-626-7492, esimmons@aia.org; John Schneidawind AIA Director Public Affairs and Media Relations, 202-626-7457, johnschneidawind@aia.org

About the AIA Center for Communities by Design

The Center for Communities by Design is the clearinghouse for the American Institute of Architects' many activities—from promoting sustainable design to leading design based technical assistance projects in communities—that influence the quality of life in our nation's communities. The center is a nonpartisan forum that provides information, develops policy, creates partnerships, and assists in advocacy efforts to facilitate discussions of community design and inform choices for neighborhoods, cities, regions, and the nation.

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/walkthewalk.