AIA Michigan Newsletter
January 2014

Annual Report Edition

In This Issue

President's Message and Executive Director's Message

A Year in the Life of AIA Michigan

Finance Annual Report

Associate Director Report + CEPR Update

CEPR Chair Position Now Available!

New Members!

Two Exciting NCARB Updates!

The Grapevine

Special AIA MI Edition Motawi Tile: Select Few Available!!

Upcoming Events

Quick Links

AIA Michigan Website

AIA Michigan Calendar

AIA Michigan Job Board

AIA National Website

Michigan Architectural Foundation (MAF)

Sponsor Information

Opportunities to sponsor the

AIA Michigan Monthly E-Newsletter are now available!

Contact christine@aiami.com for information!

President's Message:

Welcome to a new year for AIA Michigan. I'd like to open my time writing in this space with an invitation and a confession.

The invitation is this: Please send me a note when you've read this. Let's start a conversation about AIA Michigan for this year and years to come: paul@sdistructures.com.

And the confession is this: I have a selfish interest in the health of the architectural profession. As an architect that professionally consults to other architects on structural engineering matters, my work is more rewarding, and my days are more satisfying, when architects have strong contracts, ample fees, and the abiding confidence and respect of knowledgeable owners. That is what I selfishly, and eagerly, wish for all of you.

So I'm biased... when I hear discussion of the value of the AIA provides to its members I'm inclined to redirect the conversation temporarily to the value that AIA provides to the profession, because it's my overwhelming conviction that the best way to support our members is to strengthen our profession, and no organization could be better positioned for the task. Of course it's something we already do in many ways; through the development and dissemination of sound contracts, proactive legislative efforts at the state a national level, active engagement with universities, licensing boards and countless allied organizations, we position one another as architects to be successful practitioners and effective leaders in our communities.

I look forward to using this space in the months to come to hold a conversation about the health of our profession, and specifically how it is that we can best use AIA Michigan to promote the interests of the calling we share. So please join in the discussion by sending me a note with your thoughts.

Thanks, and best wishes for your practice...

Paul Dannels, FAIA

Executive Director's Message:

2013 Annual Report:

2013 was a great year for AIA Michigan and I have an entire recap available that I will present at the upcoming Board Meeting. What follows is an overview but if you would like to read the report in its entirety, please click here.

AIA National started the year with many announcements about the Repositioning Initiative, especially at the Grassroots Conference. I visited many of our chapters throughout the year and although the areas of focus differ slightly from chapter to chapter, we have seen overall themes emerge from this effort and I hope that AIA National gives our results close consideration as the organization continues to implement changes. The Repositioning initiative was a great impetus for AIA Michigan to relaunch our own public awareness campaign. We continue to promote awareness of AIA architects and partnering with allied organizations at their events. Our Public Policy Director, Dennis King, FAIA has already formed a Public Awareness Steering Committee and will continue to develop an awareness program this year.

As I mentioned earlier, 2013 was a great year for AIA Michigan and we have executed successful programs- with solid plans to continue this success in 2014. Although we have sunsetted the Educational Facilities program for now, we hope to bring it back one day. In the meanwhile, we are developing even more opportunities for continuing education in response to the recent changes in state requirements to bring even more value to your membership commitments.

I have been participating on AIA National's Member Service Resource Task Force (MSRTF) as a CACE representative and traveled to Washington, D.C. at the end of October to meet with the other representatives at the CACE Repositioning Work Group Meeting. I will continue to work on the Task Force and will provide you with updates as new decisions and information become available.

Our communications initiatives are always developing and adapting here at AIA Michigan. Our main goal is to create a varied platform of resources that both members and the general public can use to find information about the AIA and what we do at all three levels. If you have suggestions for improvements or new ideas you'd like us to consider, please email myself or Christine anytime!

In order for the AIA to survive, much less grow, we need to look to the future leaders of our organization to address their needs. In 2013, the Center for Emerging Professionals Resources gained momentum with A.R.E. Seminars, a firm tour and a Tiger Tailgate and we are planning even more exciting activities for this year. I hope you will join us at these events as well as our annual programs - no matter your career stage you are always welcome to attend!

While 2013 was great, we can't rest on our laurels. There is lots to do this year and I need to get back to work, so please contact me anytime and I hope to see you at an AIA Michigan event in 2014!

Past President Message: A Year in the Life of AIA Michigan

It was great to meet so many people during my travels across the state in 2013. I was able to share AIA Michigan's mission with many individuals, but wanted to create a sample "picture" of what the organization is all about. This isn't just for newbies- our current members might need a refresher as well. Some members might not be aware of all the things AIA Michigan does so I have put together a Power Point presentation to guide new faces and old friends through a fairly typical year at AIA Michigan. I hope you enjoy this presentation and please feel free to share it with anyone who has questions!

Download the "A Year in the Life of AIA Michigan: 2013" presentation here.

2013 Financial Report

I'm a big proponent of asking for more, and in 2013 we had a plan in place to do exactly that. The Board asked our new Executive Director Cathy Mosley, to step up and move the sponsorship of events ahead, and she met the challenge and did well. The budget was aggressive and it set high goals and expected performance out of the programs and staff.

This year we added the projected $13,500 to the reserve fund and are on track to fulfill our goal of 50% of our annual budget in the next 10 years. We have a small windfall that has been added to the accounts of the CEPR Reserve, Legal Reserve, and Public Awareness Reserve. These Reserves are intended to be funded at two year levels and used for worthy projects not currently in the fiscal budget. Inquire with the AIA Staff for Grants.

In 2014 we are losing income from the rent from the Detroit Chapter due to their relocation. We are asking the conferences to bring in the same or more sponsorship in 2014 and keep costs to below 2013 levels. We have also asked Cathy and our new Public Policy Director, Dennis King, FAIA, to increase sponsorship opportunities.

In conclusion the 2013 year was successful financially. We ended fiscal year in the black. We were able to do this without raising our dues, and we added to the Reserves, strengthening our long term position.

Regards,
Jeffrey S. Ferweda, AIA

2013 AIA MI Treasurer / 2014 AIA MI Vice President

For a detailed financial report, please contact cathy@aiami.com

Associate Director Annual Report + CEPR Update

2013 ARE Seminars & Forums:
AIAMI CEPR + Detroit EPC partnership was established to deliver ARE services to the entire AIA Michigan Associate membership. The AIAMI CEPR-Detroit EPC partnership extended resources statewide and the resulting ARE Weekend Seminars in Grand Rapids & Detroit were well attended.

2014 ARE Seminars & Forums:
The AIAMI CEPR + Detroit EPC partnership will continue for 2014. The IDP Forum, held January 23, 2014 at Harley Ellis Devereaux was well attended and we would like it to remain an annual event. Building on the successes and lessons learned from the 2013 ARE Weekend Seminars, AIAMI CEPR + Detroit EPC are introducing a Saturday-only seminar format and expanding from 2 to 3 seminars offered per year.

 March 29, 2014: Grand Rapids ARE Weekend Seminar

 May 2014: (date tbd) Detroit area

 October 2014: (date tbd) Lansing area

2013 Emerging Professional-Sponsored Events included the Firm Tour and Happy Hour at Blu Homes, the Tiger Tailgate and the Michigan Modern Special Exhibition Tour.

2014 Emerging Professional-Sponsored Events are set to include another Tiger Tailgate and more Firm Tour and Happy Hours. Please consider hosting a firm tour at your chapter or office! Contact Christine for details!

Thank you for a great 2013 and I hope you are excited for all of our 2014 events and initiatives!

Amanda Harrell Seyburn, Associate AIA

AIA Michigan Associate Director

CEPR Chair Position Now Available!

The Center for Emerging Professionals Resources (CEPR) plans events and programs for emerging professionals across the state, including A.R.E. seminars, firm tours and happy hours and other events open to all levels of membership.

The CEPR currently has an open position for Committee Chair. If you feel strongly about getting involved with your fellow emerging professionals and have ideas for fun and engaging activities, contact Christine for details about joining this seriously fun group of members!

New Members!

Welcome to our new members who joined, rejoined or transferred to

AIA Michigan in December 2013:

Mr. Christopher Alexander, AIA; Patrick Brechting, AIA; Melissa J. Dittmer, AIA; Amanda Minerva Joseph, Assoc. AIA; Mr. Matthew Neuerburg, Assoc. AIA; Mr. Ronald Stanley Omilian, AIA; David Kerstetter, AIA; Orin E. Campbell, AIA; Ronald A. Chiesa, AIA; Darron B. Green, AIA; Timothy Mahoney, AIA

Welcome to AIA Michigan and we look forward to meeting you at future events!!

Two Exciting NCARB Updates!

Candidates who fail a division of the Architect Registration Examination� (ARE�) can now immediately reschedule the exam, under an improved aspect of the "My Examination" service introduced by NCARB. While the six-month waiting period still applies to the actual date of re-examination, the old four-month waiting period for rescheduling has been eliminated by NCARB. For more information regarding registration for the ARE, click here.

You can now report IDP hours anywhere with NCARB's new mobile app! This free app will enable licensure candidates to better and more quickly log their hours and keep track of their progress. Click here to learn more!

The Grapevine:

Amanda Harrell Seyburn, Associate AIA, and Kurt Neiswender, AIA of Sedgewick & Ferweda Architects have co-authored an article in the January issue of YAF Connection entitled: Passive House: The Craft of Next Generation Residential Technology. This article serves as the official announcement that construction has begun on Michigan's first Passive House certified under the Passive House Institute United States (PHIUS)!
The Christman Company announced it has completed the acquisition of the capital stock of Knoxville, TN-based Rentenbach Constructors Inc., and with it, the merger of the two privately-held firms. Christman will remain headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, with plans for continued growth and expansion through the company's (now) eight full-service regional offices located in Knoxville and Chattanooga, TN; Greensboro, NC; Augusta, GA; D.C.-area Reston, VA; and Livonia (Detroit), Grand Rapids, and Lansing, MI.
The Hobbs+Black project, City Creek Center, an urban retail shopping center in Salt Lake City, UT received the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Gold Design and Gold Sustainable Design Awards. The centerpiece of a 23-acre mixed-used complex, City Creek Center opened to the public in March, 2012. The redevelopment of this urban site transformed the downtown area, bringing in new office, housing, shopping and parking opportunities. Previously, City Creek Center was named the 2012 Best Mixed-Use Building by the Precast Concrete Institute. The American Council of Engineering Companies recognized the project with a 2013 Engineering Excellence Honor Award.
Harley Ellis Devereaux announced earlier this month that Tracy Sweeney, AIA has been appointed to the Associate leadership level at the firm. Congratulations, Tracy!

If you have changed firms, won an award, or have something to tell AIA Michigan,

please email christine@aiami.com!

Special Edition Motawi Tile - Only A Few Left!

These tiles were produced specially for AIA Michigan, in fact, the blue background color was a custom mix just for this design! You might remember seeing one of these tiles at the Holiday Open House, it was auctioned off for over $100 to benefit our Holiday Open House charity, so we are offering the last few of these tiles at a bargain of $75! If you are interested in purchasing one or more as a gift or for yourself, contact Cathy immediately. The owners of these tiles will be the proud owners of a beautiful piece of AIA Michigan history!

Upcoming Events

- January 31-February 1, 2014: AIA Michigan Leadership Retreat, Detroit

- March 5, 2014: Legislative Day (in partnership with AESLC), Lansing

- March 20-21, 2014: AIA Michigan Health Facilities Planning Seminar, Traverse City

Is there something new you want us to know about you or your firm?

Is there an event or project you want to share with the AIA Michigan Membership?

Email christine@aiami.com and check out our calendar for the latest events!