AIA: The Latest Architecture and News

This past Tuesday marked the much anticipated 2010 midterm elections in the United States. In a switch of power the Republic party gained control of the U.S. House of Representatives while the Democrats maintained control of the U.S. Senate. You may be asking yourself what do the results of these recent political changes have to do with me? Well here is the scoop:

For the most part lawmakers who have previous backed design-related policies survived.  This includes the Congressional High Performance Building Caucus chairpersons, Judy Biggert (R-IL and Russ Carnahan (D-MO).

A supporter for the tax incentive of green buildings, Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) was re-elected. Previously assisting the AIA to expand access to credit, Reps. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and Mike Coffman (R-CO) won their races. Livability champion Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Hon. AIA (D-OR) and Reps. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) – author of the GREEN Act for green affordable housing and the Livable Communities Act – and Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), a leader on green buildings and historic preservation, all won re-election.

Follow the break for more results.

During the 2010 AIA Convention in Miami Beach we had the opportunity to sit down with George H Miller, AIA President.

George is also a partner at Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. Given his position as a partner on one of the most recognized firms in the US and as the voice of the architects through the AIA, George has a very good idea on the current state and future of the profession. We did our usual set of questions, but also included two things that I find very important: The importance on pushing IPD and the role of the AIA during the financial crisis (and what lessons can be learned after it). We also recommend you to read our article on his position regarding small business taxes, part of his efforts to improve the way architects practice in the US.

We published each question as a separate video so you can easily watch them. On a side note, there is some audio noise due to a bad mic placement. My fault, won´t happen again.

Digital submissions must be registered online at www.aiadc.com and received at the offices of the Washington Chapter/AIA between April 15 and June 30, 2010. Seen at Death by Architecture.

Earth Day today, just in time to annunce the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design by the AIA and its Committee on the Environment (COTE). Check them all after the break.

Last week the AIA announced the 28 projects that will receive the Honor Awards this year, an award which recognizes excellence in architecture, interior architecture, and regional and urban design.

The winners will be recognized during the AIA 2010 convention in Miami.

Complete list of awarded buildings, including links to features on ArchDaily, after the break:

The AIA is hosting its first ever design competition on Facebook—the AIA Facebook Young Designers Challenge. The competition is targeting emerging professionals, and is open to all AIAS members, all Assoc. AIA members, and all AIA young architect members. (The AIA defines young architects as being licensed 10 years or less.)

During the AIA Convention 2009 we had the opportunity to interview the AIA President (2008-2009), Marvin Malecha.

The AIA Convention 2009 starts this Thursday (Apr 30th)! It´s going to be 3 days of workshops, seminars, tours… and a good opportunity to meet and connect with other architects. And ArchDaily will be there, covering the highlights of the event. So if you are attending, please let us know in the comments!

This years theme “The Power of Diversity: Practice in a Complex World” addresses new forms of practicing the profession we are facing now in the global crisis/world.

There are several continuing education seminars aimed to keep you up to date with the latest green standards, how to start and grow your own practice, how to manage your team, and several more topics covering economy and emerging practices. Check full list here. If you can´t attend, you can follow the Virtual Convention.

There´s also a big expo area, with 5 pavilions showcasing the latest architectural products.

The list of speakers include:

The success of green roofs has driven Landscape Architects and Architects to explore alternative exterior and interior applications of green planting technology, such as green walls, and green screens. Vertical planting presents challenges to proper irrigation and climate control, requiring innovative solutions. This panel of experts will discuss the relevance of green walls and how can we improve their applications.

The American Institute of Architects, San Francisco chapter (AIA San Francisco) announces the winners of the 2009 AIA San Francisco Design Awards program.

At the gala, winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the built environment in the categories of Architecture and Interior Architecture, Energy + Sustainability, Integrated Practice, Young Architects and Associates, Unbuilt Design, and Urban Design in the Bay Area. Each of these award categories was divided into three subcategories-Honor, Merit, and Citation. In addition, awards for Special Achievement were also presented.

Each of the winning projects is featured in the March/April issue of California Home + Design magazine. All the winners, after the break.

The AIA Committee on Design (COD) invites architects, students, and allied design professionals to submit sketches to the international 2009 COD Ideas Competition, entitled “Listening to the Past, Looking to the Future: A House for Today.” In this unique sketch competition, submitters are asked to explore the legacy of modernist design, through a concept design problem.