Newsletter July 2021
Bob Hoida, AIA
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
As we proceed through the dog days of summer, we are reminded of the ongoing discussions about climate change. As Michiganders l think that we can safely say that we are faced with fewer climate challenges than many other states. Our temperatures may be uncomfortable through July and August, but they are followed. by the fall season and in my opinion the best season of the year. There is an abundance of fresh water. We have never seen the likes of a hurricane or felt anything like the recent temperature records of the Southwest (130° in Death Valley?) Yes, our winters are cold but nothing like experienced while I lived in Minnesota. So it is no wonder that when we converse with other AlA state leaders, they seem to be light years ahead of Michigan in discussions about energy conservation and sustainability.

Currently Michigan is governed by the 2015 International Energy conservation Code and the 20-- version of ASHRAE 90.1. This is in essence one full generation behind the current code sequence. Recently Governor Whitmer requested that The Construction Codes division of LARA open the commercial and residential energy codes for review and updates. Hence there is an opportunity to adopt the current Energy Code which is the 2021 version. This would in essence skip one generation and bring Michigan to the current code and standards.

AIA Michigan has sent a letter of support to LARA to indicate its support of the adoption of these newest versions of the codes. Read More
Jonathon Jackson, AIA
EMERGING PROFESSIONAL CORNER
Hi Folks,

I can’t believe how fast this year has flown by. Is it really August? We’ve all been so busy since the flood gates opened and released the backlog of work that was delayed by the Pandemic. In addition to that, YAF and NAC have been busy as usual. Let’s start with the National level where I have three things to report.

First, with the “So you Want to be a Citizen Architect?” webinar in the books, our YAF Advocacy group is focusing our efforts on the next webinar: “So you want to Design for All?” This webinar takes place August 13th, 2021 2:30pm – 4:00pm EST and will focus on what it means to foster a work environment or organization that makes its members feel like they belong. Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are four important pillars that support an environment for all to thrive. This webinar will touch on all four of those topics and much more. The event is free to AIA members so if you want to sign up, click on the link below. Just make sure you sign up prior to the start of the event even if you plan on watching the recording after the 13th. If you sign up afterward, it will no longer be free to members. Read More
Des Retreat GROUP by Jolanta
New Members - June 2021
Muhammad Alshadood, AIA
Omar Anbari, Associate AIA
Dana Anderson, Associate AIA
Christine Darragh, Associate AIA
Melissa Dittmer, Associate AIA
Huiting Du, Associate AIA
David Ganezer, Associate AIA
Trenton Price, Associate AIA
Bailey Ramirez, Associate AIA
John Shields, AIA
Eric Stalter, Associate AIA
Cara Wagner, Associate AIA
Courtney Wierzbicki, AIA
Meredith Magin, AIA
Lori Pawlias, Associate AIA
Newly Licensed Members
John Shields, AIA - AIA Detroit
Courtney Wierzbicki, AIA - AIA Grand Rapids
Events
78th Annual Mid Summer Conference - August 5-8, 2021

32nd Annual Design Retreat - Sept 17-18, 2021

Please consider giving to APAC this year. Giving is simple, just follow the link to the APAC donation page and click on the amount you wish to give. You can also mail a personal check. All donations must be from personal funds, no corporate donations are allowed by law. Donating by credit card is easy and fast. Only personal contributions allowed Affiliations able to contribute: AIA/AIAE, FAIA, Associate AIA

Thank you and with great appreciation,
APAC
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