Newsletter - November 1, 2019

AIA Maine | News


news | November 1, 2019
Featured
AIA Maine firm, Kaplan Thompson Architects was one of only 16 firms across the country to meet the 2018 target for the AIA 2030 Commitment
The recently released AIA report, 2030 by the Numbers: The 2018 Summary of the AIA 2030 Commitment, emphasizes the need for climate action and clearly demonstrates that the profession must double down on efforts to meet 2030 targets.

The report amalgamates predicted energy use data in buildings from the 252 firms participating in the 2030 Commitment. Data from the latest report shows participating architects, engineers and owners are making progress to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings but are falling short of program targets.

In 2018, firms were targeting a 70 percent reduction in predicted energy use from the original baseline. Data from the new report shows that only a 46 percent reduction has been achieved. In fact, only 16 of the 252 reporting firms met the 70% reduction target, including Maine firm, Kaplan Thompson Architects.

To reach a zero net carbon future, the report provides four strategies for accelerating progress.

Have you signed the 2030 Committment? The mission of the AIA 2030 Commitment is to support the 2030 Challenge and transform the practice of architecture in a way that is holistic, firm-wide, project based, and data-driven.

WBRC is among the Maine recipients named 2019 AIA New England Emerging Professional Friendly Firms

In our last newsletter, we offered congratulations to AIA Maine firms named 2019 AIA New England Emerging Professional Friendly Firms. Unfortunately, due to an error in the announcement WBRC was not included on that list.

AIA Maine offers belated but sincere congratulations to WBRC for your recognition as an AIA New England Emerging Professional Friendly Firm!
Join our Disaster Assistance Task Force
In early 2019, AIA Maine worked to get Good Samaritan legislation passed in the State of Maine, which provides liability protection to architects and engineers who have been called upon to respond during a declared disaster. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Mills in April year.

We are now expanding our efforts to help architects better understand their role and how to prepare for and respond to disasters. Our goal is to create greater resilience in our communities through building a network of architects and engineers to help before and after a disaster.

AIA Maine members, allied members, sponsors, and other professionals in the design community with an interest in resiliency are encouraged to join.

Free AIA Webinars

  • Architects, Affordable Housing, & Accessory Dwelling Units. Salazar Architects will discuss their designs for the Equity First Affordable Small Homes (EFASH) project, a program to create affordable ADUs for low-income renters and homeowners in Portland, Oregon. Earn 1 AIA LU/HSW. November 4 at 12pm ET. Register >

  • Understanding the General Conditions of a Construction Contract. This webinar will provide a detailed analysis of the A201-2017, General Conditions including essential information to understand before beginning any project. Also, examine how the new Sustainable Projects Exhibit can be used to provide a positive outcome on the health, safety and welfare of building occupants. Earn 1 LU. Thursday, November 7, 2-3pm ET. Register Now >

  • Overtime Requirements: Are You Paying Your Employees Correctly? Does your firm fully understand the Department of Labor (DOL) requirements? Attend a free webinar that explores the various categories of "exempt" employees most applicable to design firms, identify potential ways to increase compliance with applicable rules and more. Earn 1 LU. Wednesday, November 13, 3-4pm ET. Register Now >

  • Updated 2019 Construction Manager as Constructor documents. Join a free webinar to explore the newly revised 2019 AIA Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) documents launching on November 15. Examine these new changes addressed in the updated CMc documents; including the expanded construction manager's preconstruction services role, and new Sustainable Projects and Insurance and Bonds exhibits. Earn 1 LU. Tuesday, November 19, 3-4pm ET Register >
Do you have news you would like to share with our membership? AIA Maine includes brief news items from our members and sponsors. Awards, events and other newsworthy items should be sent in a brief announcement.

Award Opportunities

AIA Awards: AIA celebrates the best buildings and spaces—and the people behind them—with some of the most prestigious awards in the built environment.
AIA Awards Currently open for submission:
  • AIA/HUD Secretary's Award. Affordable, accessible, and well-designed housing sets important benchmarks in the industry and proves that good design is not exclusive. The Office of the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development teams with AIA’s Housing Knowledge Community to celebrate projects that demonstrate these traits.  Deadline: November 7, 2019
  • Housing Awards. It’s a life necessity, a sanctuary for the human spirit, and many people’s first and most personal encounter with architecture: the house. By recognizing the best in home design, AIA Housing Awards show the world how beauty, safety, sustainability, and comfort can come together. Deadline: November 7, 2019
  • Small Project Awards. A small project can make a big impact, and a single design element can set the tone for large projects. These awards highlight that projects modest in budget and size bring to communities and individuals, and showcase exemplary small projects. Deadline: November 12, 2019

The Canadian Wood Council 2019 Wood Design & Building Awards. Deadline: November 26
Do you have a project you would like to share with our membership? AIA Maine would love to host a tour of one of your projects.

AIA Opportunities

  • Design for Aging fellowship grant. The Design for Aging (DFA) Knowledge Community offers a fellowship grant for graduate students and young professionals enrolled in an Architecture Program or aging focused program. The goal is to increase awareness of the needs and nature of aging in place, attracting talented young architects, designers and professionals to the field and advancing the knowledge of planning and design for senior living environments. Awards typically range from $7,500–$15,000. Deadline: November 15. Submit your application >
 
  • Apply for an SDAT. The AIA Sustainable Design Assistance Teams program focuses on the importance of developing sustainable communities through design. It utilizes a multidisciplinary team and requires inclusive public participation to provide broad assessments that help frame policies or design solutions to help communities plan the first steps of implementation. Deadline: December 6. Learn more >
Upcoming Events of Interest
Are you interested in joining AIA Maine as an Allied Member? AIA Maine Allied Membership is open to individuals who work in the design and construction fields or a business that offers products or services to architects.

AIA Maine is grateful for the connections that allied members bring to our building community. Allied membership is designed for the individual who is working in a field related to architecture but does not have an architectural license or degree or a business in the A/E/C industry.

Jeannette Schram