Meet Walton Dutcher Jr.
Mr. Dutcher is a quadriplegic, the result of a spinal cord injury in May, 1956 while serving in the Navy. His educational background includes the study of Architecture at the University of Illinois. His passion is architectural design. He has designed and built 3 of his own homes and designed a number of others for individuals throughout the U.S. He has designed other things such as a bowling stick; the prototype accessible workstation for the City’s libraries; and an accessible kitchen wall cabinet using off-the-shelf parts. View His Profile. View his contributions to the Universal Design community's library.
Architect as Master Builder Debate Continues
Response by Karl Hartnack ,AIA
Why not take that fee and spend a) one part of it on a more highly developed DD and b) the other part up front on design programming and functional descriptions of the project. Even if the owner wants to see drawings, and the architect wants to draw, requiring the owner to respond to many questions and understand his project may be a difficult, but rewarding task. It has been my experience that in a thorough preparation of this kind, many issues that usually surface during the preparation of CD's come to light and can be addressed and solved early in the project. The longer that information and decisions are delayed, the more difficult and expensive they become to implement. Read the entire Project Delivery Discussion Forum thread.
TAP Revolution: Better Design and Higher Value Driven by Process Innovation and Technology
Contributed by Tony Rinella, Assoc. AIA
This free event held in New Orleans and online is composed of fast-paced interactive sessions. Owners will share their views and connect with architects and professionals in the building industry. Technology is part of the revolution but not the only force; equally important are knowledge and people. This event is for everyone, not just the techies. AIA BIM Award winners will present their innovative processes that are revolutionizing the industry. Hear first hand from owners about today's and emerging opportunities. Owners will be available after the presentation to interact one-on-one with participants in the "TAP Owners Town Square". Register now.
AIA Members Connect to the Market in India
Contributed by Somshankar Bose, AIA
President Clark Manus met with AIA members in India in April to discuss with the AIA can do to support members in India and how US-based architects get into the India market. View the agenda. Join the India Practice and Member Networking Community.
Meet Clarice Sollog, Assoc. AIA
Clarice is an intern architect with the Maitland, Florida office of CDM, a global, full-service consulting, engineering, construction and operations firm. She assists with design development and preparation of architectural drawings, construction documents and specifications as well as interdisciplinary coordination for a variety of project types and clients. She has played an integral part in the office’s pursuit of sustainable projects and has been or is currently the LEED Administrator on five LEED projects. She is at this time enrolled in NCARB’s IDP and has started taking the ARE. View Her Profile. Complete Your Own Profile.
Relinquishing CD Production and Fee vs Profitability
Contributed by Alan Burcope, AIA, MBA, LEED AP
I think I can contribute an idea here that was an important lesson I learned in business school which I don't believe I would have ever learned in architecture school nor professional practice, and that is.... that more hours and more fees does not mean more profit, necessarily. Because of the way most professional service firms contract and bill for their services, this connection is typically considered to be a foregone conclusion, but if we can imagine a new business model for architectural practice, this coupling of fee and production is not necessarily a paradigm. Read the entire Practice Management Discussion Forum message.
Furniture Selection Tips
Contributed by Sandra Sawicki, IIDA
As designers of educational facilities, architects and interior designers are becoming more involved in selecting furniture for the schools we design. This article, produced by one of our member firms, was recently published in College Planning and Management magazine. As many schools across the nation outgrow older, aging buildings, many architecture and interior design firms have seen an uptick in remodeling and renovation work. Read Committee on Architecture for Education article of the month - May 2011.
Lessons from the Dog Whisperer: Avoiding the Project Red Zone Webinar
Contributed by Jay Isenberg AIA
Nothing is more draining of your firm's time, energy, and financial resources than a full-blown dispute with a client, contractor, or consultant. It is critical that architects learn to recognize and respond to the signs of conflict escalation before they reach what Cesar Millan, television's "Dog Whisperer," calls the "red zone."
School of Architecture & Building Science Builds On Its Legacy
Contributed by Dr. Richard K. Dozier, AIA
Just over 100 miles southeast of Atlanta and 30 miles northeast of Montgomery, Alabama Tuskegee University is in the historic city of Tuskegee, Alabama. A Native American city it gained its fame in the Ante-bellum era as a cotton center in what is known as the "Black belt."Booker T. Washington was called in 1881 to establish Tuskegee Institute which he built into one of our country's well known universities. Read complete article in Preservation Architect.
Submit Images to the “Which CRAFT” Pecha Kucha
Contributed by Andy King, AIA
The AIA Committee on Design conferences bookend a year-long study of craft. The Culture of Craft conference focuses on projects that embody the past and future role of craft and the influence of Pacific Rim design. It features tours, lectures, film, and other educational opportunities for design professionals and enthusiasts. Register now. Submit images for the curated PechaKucha themed "WhichCRAFT" (Member Slide Show) to Andy King, AIA by June 1, 2011.
Notes from a Public Architect Consultant
Contributed by Susan Oldroyd, FAIA
Federal and regional governments provide project opportunities for architectural consultants. The Federal government annually awards $500 billion in contracts; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided approximately$60 billion in Federal government contracts; the Judicial Council of California Administrative Office the Courts has awarded $6.9 billion for 59 courts projects through the Senate Bills 1732 and 1407. Read the complete article from The Cornerstone.
Dwelling Units and Built Domain
Contributed by Walter Hosack
Zoning regulations produce random results within a built environment that must provide shelter for growing populations within sustainable limits. The definitions of dwelling unit and acre illustrate the point; but the point is applicable to the entire concept of zoning, which is a legal nod to a sprawling problem. Read the entire blog entry and leave a comment.
Looking for Leadership
Contributed by The Rev. John Ander Runkle, R.A.
Most religious structures built over the last two centuries were designed to accommodate the traditional threefold aspects of congregational life: worship God, educate the members, and build community among the faithful. Today, as many congregations face the harsh realities of declining membership, shrinking budgets and deteriorating buildings, it is time to look beyond the traditional parameters that defined congregational life. Religious leaders need to take greater initiative in creating innovative alternatives before congregations are forced to close... Read the complete IFRAA Journal article.