Request for Proposals
Focus of the RFP
In an ever increasingly data driven world, the goal of this research effort is to compile and present qualitative and quantitative methods that are being used by architectural designers today to understand various impacts of the field through the specific lens of housing and community development. The AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community is interested in applying these metrics to various award programs offered by the Knowledge Community.
Eligibility
Architecture graduate students, faculty and emerging professionals (architectural interns and architects licensed less than 10 years) with an interest in research, evaluation methods, and architectural impact.
Timeline
Submit proposals via JotForm
Due: January 31, 2020 at 5:00 PM EST
Award notification sent: February 12, 2020
Progress check-ins with the AIA HCD KC leadership and policy subcommittee (check-in dates subject to change as needed by attendees) February 18 (initial), March 17 (progress) and April 28, 2020 (final).
Completed deliverables due: April 21st, 2020
Deliverables
The impacts of architecture are not typically easy to describe or quantify. Within the fields of housing and community development, this gap in impact metrics is a challenge since funding is often tied to outputs and outcomes.
The AIA HCD KC is seeking a qualified individual to aggregate a body of knowledge around who and how architects and partner professionals are collecting information (both qualitative and quantitative) to demonstrate the impacts of design efforts related to housing and community development. While some data will be about “green” metrics, this should not be the focus of the work. Impacts related to individuals, communities, economic outcomes and other focus areas should be elevated. The information gathering phase of this effort shall be documented through a written deliverable. The use of relevant graphs, tables, or images are encouraged.
Once a sampling of architectural impact metrics has been assembled, the selected applicant shall propose how she or he will apply some of the metrics to assess the impact of various projects that have won AIA Housing or AIA/HUD Housing awards in past years (or the firms responsible for said projects). The content, scale and scope of this phase of the research shall be presented to the subcommittee during a progress check-in for approval before the selected applicant begins this phase of the work. The deliverable for this phase of the research will include a graphic representation of the findings and a short presentation.
Finally, exceptional proposals will consider how impact metrics could be used as strategies for national, state and local policy advocacy by firms, AIA components and/or partners.
The deliverables will be used to inform the HCD KC research and policy agendas, contribute to regular tracking of housing and community development metrics, and evaluate housing awards and programs.
Application
In order to apply, submit proposals via JotForm no later than January 31, 2020 at 5:00 PM EST. The submission includes:
- A recent CV
- Short narrative responses (no more than 300 words) to the following questions:
- How does this research proposal align with your interests and/or ongoing work?
- What will be the primary methods of research you would apply to this proposal?
- Any relevant written or graphic work that represents your experience in researching, documenting and presenting complex questions
Notification, Disbursement, and Follow-up
The Grant Recipient will be notified in writing by the AIA that their proposal was successful.
The total award amount is $5,000.00 USD. The AIA will pay one-half (50%) of the Grant proceeds up front, and the Grant Recipient will submit a final 50% invoice at the time of completion, subject to the terms of the Agreement.
The selected applicant will be invited to participate in future AIA HCD KC events and activities such as a webinar and the AIA National Convention. Selection includes a travel stipend to attend A’20 in Los Angeles, CA and participation in the Housing and Community Development Forum, including a brief presentation of findings.
Questions?
Please contact Emily Roush-Elliott, AIA HCD KC Immediate Past Chair at emily@deltadb.org.