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Architects Issue Statement on the Passing of Former Texas Congressman Jack Brooks

Contact:  John Schneidawind
202-626-7457
johnschneidawind@aia.org
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For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – December 5, 2012 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement on the passing of former Texas Democratic Congressman Jack Brooks, who died yesterday at the age of 89. Please attribute to AIA President Jeff Potter, FAIA:

“As the author of the Brooks Act, Jack Brooks helped set the standard for better and more cost-effective design of federal buildings.

“Before passage in 1972 of the Brooks Act, there was no guarantee that the best qualified architects and engineers would design federal facilities. Brooks’ legislation established the statutory requirement to utilize a qualification-based selection (QBS) process whenever the government contracted with design firms.

“That, in turn, ushered in a new era of open and fair competitive bidding that ensured that the most qualified designers were selected for federal design contracts. The result was a new generation of better-designed, more sustainable and higher performing federal facilities that last longer and are more cost-effective.

“Today, QBS processes are in place in most states and many localities throughout the country through “mini-Brooks” acts, ensuring that federal, state and local government structures are built with the best design expertise the architectural profession has to offer. Congressman Brooks’ legacy lives on in the design of public buildings and spaces in thousands of communities across 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. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.