Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Designing a Financial Plan in Uncertain Times

Designing a Financial Plan in Uncertain Times

January 15, 2009
Web Seminar

11am PST | Register

Free to AIA members, this Web seminar will feature senior wealth planners John Kilroy, CFP, CPA, and Theresa O'Hara, CFP, CFTA. Earn 1 LU.


Monday, December 22, 2008

Practical Solutions To Storm Water Control Issues

Join us on Thursday, January 15, 2009 for a Greenwood and Moore Program on Practical Solutions To Storm Water Control Issues.

Participants will receive an overview of Storm Water Control Requirements. You will learn about changes in the Design Process and Consultant Fees needed to accommodate Storm Water Requirements. After attending this program you will understand effective Storm Water Design Strategies, as well as Post Construction Maintenance requirements for Storm Water features.

Jeff Moore has over 20 years experience as a professional Civil Engineer. After many years as a Project Engineer for a variety of firms, Mr. Moore acquired Raymond F. Greenwood's existing civil engineering and land surveying firm in 1994. As a result of his leadership, Mr. Moore has led G&M to being one of the premier engineering firms in the San Francisco Bay Area. As Principal-in-Charge and owner of Greenwood & Moore, Inc., Mr. Moore's primary responsibilities include technical design and oversight, project management, administration of firm policies, contract approval, resource allocation and client relations.

1/15/09
Practical Solutions to Storm Water Control Issues

Presented by Greenwood & Moore.

Time: 12:00pm - 1:30 pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None for AIA members; $3 Non-Members (advance registration), $5 at the door. No-shows will be invoiced!
LUNCH PROVIDED.
Please RSVP.

1.5 CES/LU


For more information: 510/464-3600


Archiving Projects Best Practices

Thursday, January 22, 2009

This forum will address the variety of ways firms can archive projects after their work has been completed, so that they are easily retrieved for future use.

Attendees will learn the various best practices used by other attendees for the storage and retrieval of files, drawings, data and information related to projects which have been completed. Attendees will learn filing and cataloging systems for tracking information related to projects as well as the best practices for storage of electronic data related to projects. Attendees will also learn the appropriate duration of storage, and methods for purging project files.

1/22/09

Professional Practice Forum - Archiving Projects Best Practices

Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland .

Contact: 510/464-3600.

Cost: None; this program is open to all. Please RSVP.

For more information: 510/464-3600

Energy Saving Standard by ASHRAE 189.1

Friday, January 9, 2009


Developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Proposed Standard 189.1 will provide minimum requirements for the design of high-performance new commercial buildings and major renovation projects. The standard addresses energy efficiency, a building's impact on the atmosphere, sustainable sites, water use efficiency, materials, resources and indoor environmental quality.


The speaker, Molly McGuire is a Mechanical Engineer with Tyler Engineering. Molly was on the task force developing the Standard with ASHRAE with focus on Indoor Air Quality, Energy and Atmosphere.


Participants will learn how the Standard differs from other energy efficiency standards and how the Voluntary Standard will help the move toward Net Zero Buildings. After this program, you will know the carbon dioxide equivalency and alternative compliance method, as well as how to address the other GHGs with the performance compliance method. Participants will understand the comparison to LEED, integration into the LEED program and the energy model supporting the energy efficiency requirements.


1/9/09
Committee on the Environment Forum - Energy Saving Standard by ASHRAE 189.1

Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None; This Program is open to all. Please RSVP.
1 HSW/SD CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Windows - An Environmental Perspective

Thursday, January 8, 2009

With the increasing interest of architects, building owners, and general contractors in sustainable design, green building materials, and LEED certification; this program is designed to provide an overview of the United States Green Building Council, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the contributions windows can make to LEED certification.

In addition, we explore how the architect's specification of aluminum wood, and vinyl window frames affects the environment around us. We'll discuss sources for raw materials, renewable resources, recycled content, energy consumption and pollution during material extraction and window production, annual energy consumption after building occupancy, and what happens to the window after its useful life is over.

Participants will learn about the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the LEED Green Building Rating System. You will discover how windows can contribute to LEED certification, and understand the environmental impacts of specifying different window frame materials.

1/8/09
Small Firm Forum - Windows: An Environmental Impact
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: None; This Program is open to all. Please RSVP.
1 HSW/SD CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Integrating MEP into an ArchiCAD BIM Workflow

Join us on January 7, 2009 for an ArchiCAD User Group. We will present new technology that provides tools to model the MEP systems within the ArchiCAD modeling environment as well as a new plug-in to AutoCAD MEP that better coordinates consultant information.


After completing this course participants will know how to model MEP systems in a BIM environment. They will learn how to run a conflict analysis between architecture systems and MEP systems within a project. Participants will also know how to coordinate architecture and MEP in a BIM environment, as well as how to work with MEP consultants using AutoCAD MEP.


1/7/09<span class=
ArchiCAD User Group- Integrating MEP into an ArchiCAD BIM Workflow

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None; This Program is open to all. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Call for Session Monitors

This year at the AIA National Convention in San Francisco, we will offer more than 150 seminars to help design professionals meet their AIA membership and state continuing education requirements. The Institute calls on our partners from the profession to help coordinate the sessions onsite.

The role of the session coordinator is essential to the smooth operation of the continuing education schedule at the convention. The responsibilities include:

§ Oversee room set-up, audiovisual check, door monitors, and speaker needs

§ Start and end the session on time

§ Introduce the session and its speakers and review a prepared script of other housekeeping items

On confirmation of your commitment to monitor three or more seminars, you will receive a complimentary, nontransferable convention registration access code for online registration.

For more information: contact Beverly Holton by e-mail (bholton@aia.org).

Board and Commission Vacancies - Serve Your City

A number of City of Richmond boards, commissions and committees have vacancies, or the terms of some members have expired. This is an opportunity to serve diverse interests of city government. Most, but not all, bodies require members to be Richmond residents.

The table below is a summary of information extracted from the city clerk’s website (http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.asp?nid=256) and may not be completely accurate and up to date, but it is probably close.

Applications can be downloaded as follows:

· Board or Commission Application Form

· Police Commission Application Form

Appointments are made by the mayor and must be confirmed by at least three members of the new seven-member city Council.

The Richmond Arts and Culture Commission (RACC) and its standing committee, the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC), are both looking for new members (at least two each). They are especially interested in people who have backgrounds in arts or nonprofit management, engineering and architecture, but welcome all applicants. Interested persons should contact Michele Seville, Arts and Culture Division Manager, at 510-620-6952 or by email at Michele_seville@ci.richmond.ca.us for further information and application materials.

The Design Review Board is looking for members in the design professions, including architects, engineers, landscape architects, etc.

Organization

Vacancies

Expired Terms

Arts and Culture Commission

0

1

Community Development Commission

13

0

Design Review Board

2

5

Economic Development Commission

1

7

Planning Commission

2

4

Urban Forest Committee

10

10

For more information: To find out more about what each body does and what the qualifications are, if any, go to the Richmond Municipal Code at http://bpc.iserver.net/codes/richmond/index.htm and click on Article III BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS* .

Monday, December 15, 2008

Professional Practice Forum: Peer Review - Best Practices

12/18/08
Professional Practice Forum: Peer Review - Best Practices

What is peer review? Why is peer review important? How does peer review benefit client cost coordination? How do you evaluate a peer reviewer? Join us on Thursday, December 18, 2008 for this Lunchtime Learning forum.


Time: Noon-1:00 pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600 or Tim Craig, AIA Cost: None; this program open to all. Brown Bag Lunch, drinks provided. Please RSVP
1 CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Firm Roundtable: Sharing Resources

12/11/08
Firm Roundtable: Sharing Resources


How can firms "loan out" employees to other firms? When does this make sense and what other steps should firms consider? What are best practices in "employee loaning"? In what capacity can AIA East Bay serve its members and firms in this? Join us for a roundtable discussion.

Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None; this program is open to all. Bring your own lunch, drinks provided. Please RSVP.
1 CES Lu

For more information: Sidney Sweeney

Friday, December 05, 2008

SB 1608: Mandatory Continuing Education for Architects

SB 1608 was signed into law on Sunday, September 28, 2008, by Governor Schwarzenegger, which creates a continuing education requirement for California architects as a condition of licensure. The SB 1608 CE requirement is limited to disability access. There are many questions about the SB 1608 CE requirement therefore, AIA California Council created a document to help answer many of those questions, click here to download the FAQ document.

AIA East Bay will offer at least 20 hours of Continuing Education programming in 2009 that will meet these requirements. The programs will be part of the regular chapter programs--as forums, lectures, tours, vendor presentations, in-depth technical information, etc. These programs will be offered in multiple locations throughout the chapter region of Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa and Solano Counties. To be alerted to these programs, please sign up for our complimentary e-newsletter, Update, which is sent twice a month.

If you attend an AIA East Bay MCE program we will provide you documentation of attendance. If you attend another provider's program, and documentation is not provided, the CAB provides a form for you to complete. Click here for the PDF form.

For more information: Sidney Sweeney 510/464-3600

Monday, December 01, 2008

In the Pursuit of Housing

A biennial awards program, sponsored by the Boston Society of Architects and Architectural Record, In the Pursuit of Housing recognizes design solutions that address the growing challenge of housing the world's population. The jury is particularly interested in projects that use design innovation socially progressive approaches and sustainable solutions to address housing challenges. In addition to a juried exhibit, awards may be given to projects that exhibit exceptional clarity of intention and thoughtfulness of resolution.
Undergraduate and graduate students currently in architecture school anywhere in the world and individuals who have earned their architecture degrees within the last five years (after 2004) are invited to enter this competition.
Deadline: March 3, 2009


For more information:
including full eligibility requirements and submission guidelines, visit www.architects.org/awards
Selected projects will be exhibited at Residential Design and Construction April 1-2, 2009 (
www.rdcboston.com) and at The Architects Building.
If you have any questions please write/call Eric White at
ewhite@architects.org / 617-951-1433x225.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

AIA SF Design For Aging Committee, DECEMBER MEETING

Dear Committee Members-
This is an early reminder that our next meeting is-

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2008 at NOON to 1 pm
AIA San Francisco
130 Sutter Street, Suite 600 San Francisco


We will be covering the following topics for the Agenda-
Recent CDDIC (Care Delivery and Design Improvement Committee) in Sacramento (with OSHPD and other state officials.)
Review of the Eskaton Model Home in Roseville.
Overview of the recent tour of two AgeSong buildings (one a renovation of an older structure)
Overview and update of the recent Post Occupancy Evaluation of Mission Creek Community
Review and discussion of the national Green House design competition.
Hope to see you then, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all

Tom Brutting/Committee Chair

Structural Engineering: The Architects' Role in Reducing Business Interruption

In this ninety minute program, leading structural engineer Kurt R. Lindorfer will share his knowledge of seismic vulnerability and building performance during earthquakes for commercial structures. With particular emphasis on "mission critical" business such as data centers, hospitals, laboratories, and manufacturing operations that must remain in operation following a significant seismic event, Mr. Lindorfer will touch on new technology options in retrofitting or new construction and best practices in structural engineering and structural obstacles and provide brief case studies. He'll also highlight ways that architects can effectively promote retrofitting projects and seismic enhancement for new buildings to owners and end users.

Participants in this program will gain a more thorough understanding of how buildings perform during earthquakes and be able to evaluate new technologies in structural enhancement and retrofitting. You will learn how to be more effective in promoting retrofitting projects, resulting in bottom line savings to clients. In addition, you will gain a more thorough understanding of how the new building code addresses performance of buildings versus previous prescriptive design.

Mr. Lindorfer is the founding principal of PARADIGM Structural Engineers, Inc., a leading structural engineering firm in San Francisco. In more than 26 years of providing engineering solutions for architects and owners of diverse commercial facilities in earthquake country, Mr. Lindorfer has developed a particular expertise in the evaluation of building vulnerability and improvement of building performance during and in the aftermath of seismic events. Mr. Lindorfer has designed and advised on numerous projects for companies in San Francisco and along the Hayward Fault in the East Bay. He specializes in "mission critical" commercial facilities such as data centers, hospitals, laboratories and other 24-hour operations, as well as historic properties in the East Bay. His clients include Bayer, Kaiser Permanente, Equinix, and Bank of America.

12/10/08
Lunchtime Learning: Business Interrupted? Structural Improvements That Cut Disaster Losses
Kurt R. Lindorfer, SE, of PARADIGM Structural Engineers, Inc., will discuss building performance during large earthquakes and building vulnerability. He will demonstrate how seismic structural enhancements for new construction and seismic retrofitting saves lives, property and money.
Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: None; This program is open to all. Lunch provided. Please
RSVP.
1.5 CES/LUs


For more information: 510/464-3600

Tour: Jewish Home for the Aged

The Design for Aging committee has a confirmed invitation to tour the Jewish Home for the Aged on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 3:00 pm. It is located at 302 Silver Avenue and Mission Street in San Francisco.

Email
sstoller@sgpa.com if you would like to be on the attendee list.

For more information: sstoller@sgpa.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Green Financing Options: The Value of Green Building

Please join the Green Affordable Housing Coalition on December 9th for a lender forum with representatives from Wells Fargo and CITI to explore both the underwriting and appraisal processes for high performance, multifamily buildings. Find out from the experts themselves what critical factors are considered for underwriting and get and insider view of the appraisal and valuation process of high performance elements. Let the professionals teach you the art of working the appraisal!

We will briefly talk about the role of intermediaries in leading the way in green underwriting, including local green loan funds from organizations like the Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) and the Enterprise Foundation.

Guest Speakers include; Merle Malakoff (CITI) , James Finlay (VP, Appraisal Manager, Wells Fargo RETECHS - LA), and Peggy Jen (LISC/NEF).

12/9/08
Green Affordable Housing Coalition Presents -
Green Financing Options: The Value of Being Green
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $15 for Build It Green Members, $25 for Non-Members. Lunch will be provided.

AIA East Bay Members Click Here For Registration, and select "Build It Green" to recieve the member rate.
1.5 CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

An Introduction to Construction with Light-Gauge, Cold-Formed Structural Steel

Codding Steel Frame Solution Malcolm Davies invite you to a Lunchtime Learning CES program at AIA East Bay on December 2nd to discuss the benefits of designing and building with cold-form steel.

Malcolm Davies - PhD in Architecture & Building Science, VP of Business Development for Codding Steel Frame Solutions, will explain performance characteristics of light-gauge, cold-formed structural steel panels; identify situations when the use of light-gauge, cold-formed, structural steel offer advantages over other forms of construction. Finally, Mr. Davies will discuss the sustainable aspects of light-gauge, cold- formed structural steel.

12/2/08
Lunchtime Learning: An Introduction to Construction with Light-Gauge, Cold-Formed, Structural Steel
Time: Noon - 1:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: None; this program is open to all. Please
RSVP by 5pm 12/01/08 to have a sandwich ordered for you.
1 CES/LU



For more information: 510/464-3600

Cost Estimating Part III - Best Practices

Join us on November 20th for the third part of the Professional Practice Forum - Cost Estimating Best Practices!

This forum will teach participants how to build relationships with their cost estimator, ultimately aiding in the ROI. You will learn the necessary steps to breakdown various components of an estimate, and how to analyze these components clearly. After this forum, you will better understand how to maximize the knowledge and value that a cost estimate can provide.

11/20/08
Professional Practice Forum: Cost Estimating (Part 3) Best Practices
Time: Noon-1:00 pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600 or Tim Craig, AIA Cost: None; this program open to all. Brown Bag Lunch, drinks provided. Please RSVP
1 CES/LU


For more information: 510/464-3600

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Business Development: A Strategic Marketing Plan

Join us on November 19, 2008 at the AIA East Bay Chapter Offices from noon - 1:30pm as Beth Steinberg's explores how design firms can develop "workable" strategies to expand and maintain their client base. Beth will emphasize balancing the client's needs with the firms strengths as well as building networking techniques, developing a more structured marketing approach and improving communication with internal and external contacts.

This program will teach participants how to limit their client pursuits by recognizing their own areas of excellence as well as understanding the traits to look for in a client. It will also teach participants how to use strategic and opportunistic approaches to win clients through proactive methods. Participants will learn the pros and cons of cold calling, and how to make cold calls work for them. After taking this program participants will also understand the skills necessary to build client relationships that last and increase their firm’s potential for repeat clients.

With over 15 years experience in architecture, engineering and the construction industry, Beth Steinberg is widely recognized for her passion for sustainable design, her strong work ethic, networking practices, creative marketing strategies and effective training skills. Her firm, Market by Design, is not your ordinary marketing consulting company. Beth recognizes the many challenges that face the design and construction industry, including: increased competition, fewer opportunities, as well as a shrinking pool of technical talent. Beth is committed to providing her clients with a cost effective alternative and resource for thoughtful strategy, solid business development tools, cutting edge marketing practices and excellent training.

11/18/08
Business Development: A Strategic Marketing Plan
Time: noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Cost: None, this is a brown bag lunch. Please RSVP .
1.5 CES Lus

For more information: 510/464-3600

Monday, November 17, 2008

Wood Design Awards Call for Nominations

WoodWorks California is accepting nominations for six wood design awards, which will be presented on January 20, 2009 at the Wood Solutions Fair in Long Beach. There is no cost to submit a nomination, but entries must apply to designers, firms and/or projects based in California and must be received by January 7, 2009.


Rules and nomination forms
Event
Winners
Click here to view the 2008 Wood Design Awards winners.

Enter in one or more of the following categories:

Engineering
This award recognizes engineers or engineering firms that regularly specify, design or build commercial, industrial and institutional projects using wood. It acknowledges those individuals or firms that contribute to the selection of wood in a project, lead the way for future projects in wood and contribute to the creation of innovative wood structures that push the boundaries of conventional wood building practice.


Institutional Wood Design
The healing and learning properties associated with a wood environment have been well documented. This award recognizes the aesthetic benefits of wood in institutional applications such as schools, churches, hospitals, long-term care facilities, libraries, and municipal buildings, including recreational facilities (such as arenas, pools and park facilities), which have demonstrated wood’s strength, beauty, versatility, cost-effectiveness and/or other qualities.

Commercial Wood Design
This category recognizes the creators of commercial projects that push the limits of wood design in industrial buildings, offices, stores, malls, lodges, clubhouses and other public spaces. Nominations will be judged on the basis of showcasing qualities of wood such as strength, beauty, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

Green Building
Wood contributes to building high performance by reducing energy use, pollution and overall environmental impact, and making efficient use of resources. Entries in the green building category should demonstrate how some or all of these principles have been applied in the building’s design and construction.

Interior Beauty of Wood
This category recognizes the extensive use of wood inside a non-residential structure. Consideration is given to the interior of buildings where wood products are used extensively in any variety of applications. This could include, but is not exclusive to, ceilings, soffits, wall paneling, flooring, door and window trims, shelving, storage or entertainment centers, and bookcases.


Multi-Unit Wood Design
Wood Design Awards honor the creators of new projects that push the limits of wood design in structures that demonstrate excellence in the use of wood. Winning projects will showcase the special qualities of wood such as strength, durability, beauty, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. The multi-unit category includes commercial applications, offi ces, stores, malls, condominiums, multi-unit residential, resorts and other public spaces.


For more information: www.woodworks.org or Bryan Schuyler, Allied Member, Regional Director of WoodWorks California, at bryan@woodworks.org.

Revit User Group: Seek Your Revit Content

Join us on November 18, 2008 at the AIA East Bay Chapter Offices from 11:30am - 1:30pm. Lunch will be provided by Ideate, Inc.

Does your Revit Library live on the network? How much content do you use "out of the box" versus created in-house? Have you developed a naming convention for your families, types, and/or parameters? How are those conventions monitored? Join us in November as the East Bay Revit User Group discusses the many issues surrounding content management for our Revit-based applications. Nancy McClure, Ideate Application Specialist, will moderate this discussion. Come prepared to share your best practices or frustrations with your colleagues.

In addition to our moderated discussion, the November meeting will include a short presentation by Jun Shim. Jun is the Autodesk Product Manager for Autodesk Seek which an online source for building prodcut information that delivers rich, high quality 3D models, 2D drawings, visual images, and product specification data to the desktops of engineers, architects and designers. Try using Seek before the meeting...type "workstation" ito the Content Search Online toolbar in the upper right hand part of your Revit 2009 application and then filter on RFA files types.

11/18/08
Revit User Group/ Seek Your Revit Content
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Cost: None, this program is open to all. Please
RSVP .
1 CES Lus
For more information: 510/464-3600

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Green & Sustainable Materials

From Jamie Brown, Assoc. AIA:

"This Thursday, November 13th at 6:00pm the Women In Architecture forum & Committee on the Environment will be hosting a presentation on Green & Sustainable Materials. The presenter, Taja di Leonardi, is the creator of the concept of Ecohome Improvement in Berkeley, offering ecological and healthy home improvement products. She currently works day to day as the head of marketing, sales training, product selection and customer experience. She holds an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio School of Management.

I look forward to seeing you there!"

11/13/08
WIA Forum: Green & Sustainable Materials
Please join us for a presentation of new materials by Taja di Leonardi, Founder of Ecohome Improvement. Co-presented by the Committee on the Environment.
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: None; This program is open to all.
1 CES/LU


For more information: 510/464-3600


Small Firm Forum Annual Lunch

Annual Festive Lunch: “Horror Stories of 2008”
(at the chapter office)

Help us wrap up an unusual year with camaraderie, architectural reality plots, and a bevy of levity!


Want to hear good horror stories by your esteemed colleagues or recount one of your own? This is your chance! Back by popular acclaim, there will be a winner. And the prize, a $25 gift certificate at Builders Booksource, will go to the winner.

Leave your bagged lunch at home. Food is covered by the price of admission. Take your pick of meat or vegetarian lunchtime fare as follows:

Herbivorean Fare

Greek Pasta
Roasted peppers, eggplants, clamata olives, sundried and Roma tomatoes, olive oil and spices, topped with delicious feta cheese.


Carnivorean Fare
Roasted Chicken
Seasoned and roasted golden brown served with roasted vegetables and potatoes.


Both include salad, bread, cookie parts and AA drinks.

Now, The Price:

$15 in advance. $22 at the door.

So, if your portfolio is going gangbusters right now, you might want to keep your options open and pay at the door.

If not, you might want to:

RSVP, on or before December 2, with your meal choice, your name etc., to:
events@aiaeb.org

Oh, you reserve, you pay. Might as well show up. Unless you've already had too much fun this year....

For more information: Donald Wardlaw AIA
donald@more-than-construction.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Barn Again

Author seeking suggestions for book on barn conversions/restorations.
Published author of upcoming book on barn conversions and restorations wishes to locate appropriate architects .
Published works will receive a wide audience as the coffee table book will be
internationally distributed and published by Schiffer Books in early 2010.
Architects/builders/designers are given credit and listed in the book's
resource guide.


For more information:
Please address interest or questions to Ashley Rooney at
earooney@rcn.com."
E. Ashley Rooney
20 Hancock Street
Lexington, MA 02420
781-861-9511

Join us to help plan the future of Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front NHP!

The general public is cordially invited to attend a visioning workshop for the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Harbor Master Building, 1340 Marina Way South, Richmond, California, 94804.

The workshop, which seeks to involve a wide diversity of opinions and perspectives, will have an open-house format with brainstorming and interactive activities to encourage full participation by everyone. It is part of a multi-year process to identify themes, describe visitor experiences, and recommend a wide variety of visitor services and education and outreach activities.

Feedback from workshop participants will focus on these questions:

Why is this park special or important to you?
What should everyone know about this park?
How can the visitor experience be improved
?

The final product, a Long Range Interpretive Plan, will be a plan for an effective visitor education program that achieves the goals and mission of the National Park Service, and provides dynamic visitor opportunities and experiences.

Created by an act of Congress in 2000, the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park preserves the stories and sites of the World War II Home Front.

For more information: visit our website at
www.nps.gov/rori.
Contact: Naomi Torres, Chief of Interpretation
Phone: (925) 228-8860; (925) 683-9958

Friday, November 07, 2008

Strategies in the Pursuit of Net Zero Energy, Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality

Join AIA East Bay's Young Architects Forum and Committee on the Environment for a presentation by Steve Brennan of the Davis Energy Group on Tuesday, November 18th at 6pm.

The presentation will review a few case studies on Zero Energy Homes. The design process for each home will be discussed, as well as performance results, cost-benefit of energy efficiency measures, and the research, incentive and voluntary programs that the homes participated in. Though the focus of the presentation is Zero Energy Homes, which indicates zeroing out operating energy, there will be some discussion of reducing embodied energy and sustainability.

Participants will learn how to define zero energy homes and operational energy use. What the Building America program is, and what the methods and goals of that program are with respect to Zero Energy Homes. Techniques and systems that have been employed to attempt to reach net zero energy, and teh results of their performance. How the USGBC LEED for Homes program goes beyond energy efficiency (operational energy) to approach sustainability.

11/18/08 CES

Young Architects Forum: Strategies in the Pursuit of Net Zero Energy, Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality

Steve Brennan, of Davis Energy Group presents case studies on Zero Energy Homes. Though the focus of the presentation is Zero Energy Homes, which indicates zeroing out operating energy, there will be some discussion of reducing embodied energy and sustainability. Co-hosted by the Committee on the Environment.

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland

Cost: None, This forum is open to all. Please RSVP .

1.5 HSW/CES Lus

For more information: 510/464-3600

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

The next meeting of the Northern California VectorWorks User Group(NCVWUG) will be on:

Tuesday Nov. 11th at 7:00 pm

AIA East Bay Office
The State of California Building (North West of City Hall & North East of the Federal Towers)
1405 Clay St. Oakland, CA
Corner of 14th & Clay, Northerly Corner
Look for East Bay AIA sign


At this meeting, we will do an in depth review of the tools, their features, and options, in the basic tool palette. We will also explore the new features in VectorWorks 2009. There will be a movie and handouts. Mark you calendar and plan to attend. As always, you're guaranteed to walk away with a new idea, or two. NCVWUG meets at AIA East Bay on the second tuesday of every other month.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

VACANCY ON THE EL CERRITO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

The El Cerrito City Council announces a vacancy on the city’s Design Review Board (DRB). The DRB reviews all development (public and private), including all buildings, site layouts, and signing in all districts, except single-family, for the purpose of encouraging quality design. The DRB also hears appeals of administrative decisions. Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience for community service-minded residents. It is an excellent way to participate in the functioning of local government and to make a personal contribution to the improvement of the El Cerrito community. All residents interested in serving on this important quasi-adjudicatory body are invited to submit an application for consideration no later than December 5, 2008. An application may be downloaded from www.el-cerrito.org.

For more information: please contact Cheryl Morse, City Clerk at 215-4305.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Regional Urban Design Committee Mtg Rescheduled

The normal "first Tuesday" Regional Urban Design Committee meeting has been rescheduled for November due to Election Day. The committee will meet Thursday, November 6th at noon in the chapter office.

On the agenda: the November walk-around of the new Oakland Cathedral, the January Railyard Tour, and the January monthly program.

All chapter members are warmly welcomed.

For more information: Sidney Sweeney 510/464-3600

Monday, October 27, 2008

Candidates for the 2009 Board of Directors

Candidates for the AIA East Bay 2009 Board of Directors

Vice-President/President-Elect:
Tim Craig, AIA
Directors:
Michael Coleman, AIA
Gerard Lee, AIA
Kristina Raupach, AIA
Holly Razzano, Allied Member
Kari Svanstrom, Assoc. AIA
Student Director:
Jairo Guadian, AIAS

The elections for the AIA East Bay 2009 Board of Directors will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, October 29th, at the Member Appreciation Party and Annual Meeting.

For more information: Sidney Sweeney, Executive Director 510/464-3600

Friday, October 24, 2008

Building Forward: Steinberg, Calthorpe 11/13

Please join the Home Builders Association of Northern California, Bay Area Council, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) and the California Alliance for Jobs for Building Forward, a conference on SB 375, land use legislation authored by Senate President-Elect Darrell Steinberg and recently signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger. SB 375 is the first law in the nation to tie billions of dollars in federal and state transportation funds to plans to shorten commutes, build sustainable communities and reduce global warming.

Senate President-Elect Darrell Steinberg will deliver the morning keynote address and Peter Calthorpe will close the conference. Other confirmed guests include Tom Adams, President of the California League of Conservation Voters; Steve Heminger, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; Assemblyman Mark Leno; and Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, Jr.

Attendees will hear insights from the Urban Land Institute, National Center for Smart Growth, California Air Resources Board, Association of Bay Area Governments, the development and building community as well as Bay Area elected officials.

BUILDING FORWARD (
www.buildingforwardcalifornia.com) will help attendees understand the most important change to California land use law in years. Those of us involved in land use, transportation planning, development or investment can’t afford to miss it.
The conference will take place on November 13th in the PG&E Auditorium at 77 Beale Street in San Francisco. AIA’s guests are eligible to receive $55 off the admission price using this discount code at the time of purchase: MBRJVN9GC


For more information: or to register www.buildingforwardcalifornia.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Upcoming Radio Show Features AIA East Bay Architect

Chapter member Nabih Tahan, AIA will be speaking on radio station KWMR about PassivHouse Design on Monday, October 27th. All are encouraged to tune in!

The show is scheduled for Monday, October 27th, starting at 1:00 pm.
KWMR is a local community radio station serving west Marin and can be listened to streaming live at
kwmr.org; They also have archived podcasts of their programs at WMpostCarbon.com

For more information: Sidney Sweeney at 510/464-3600

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Member Appreciation Party and Annual Meeting


An exclusive AIA East Bay opportunity awaits you at the Chabot Space and Science Center, where the universe is yours to experience. Set amid 13 trail-laced acres of East Bay parkland, with glorious views of San Francisco Bay and the Oakland foothills, Chabot is a hands-on celebration of sights, sounds, and sensations. Surround yourself with the wonders of the universe as you enjoy a special evening of networking, cocktails and hors d' oeuvres. Join us as we celebrate our members and elect the 2009 Board of Directors.

Date: October 29, 2008
Time: 6:00p.m.
Location:
Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. See Map for directions.
Cost: Free for Chapter members, $35 Guests and $20 Children (ages 6-16; Children must be at least 6 years old to attend)
Contact:
Jayna Blackwell, CMP 510/464-3600
RSVPs required by October 23, 2008.
Register Now

Schedule of Events:
6:00pm - Check-in and networking
Annual Business Meeting & Planetarium Show:
"Black Holes"
Networking & Exhibit viewing
8:30pm - Conclusion

SPONSORS:
ArchVista
Bluebeam
CADASYST
Degenkolb Engineers
Dealey, Renton & Associates
Ideate
IOA Insurance
McGraw-Hill Construction
Charles M. Salter Associates Inc.
TEAC Structural Engineering

For more information contact Jayna Blackwell, CMP, Program Coordinator at 510/464-3600.

Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS)

Chris Patillo, founding partner of PGAdesign, Inc. Landscape Architects, will introduce HALS, a new federal program modeled on HABS and HAER. Gain an introduction and insight on HALS, its purpose, how it should be used, levels of documentation and more.
Special thanks to the Historic Preservation Committee for organizing this program.
Date: October 22, 2008

Time: Noon - 1:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact:
Jayna Blackwell, CMP 510/464-3600 or Joann Pavlinec, Assoc. AIA
Cost: None; this program open to all. This is a brown bag lunch, drinks provided. Please RSVP.
1 CES/LU

For More Information: Jayna Blackwell, CMP 510/464-3600

YAF: Integration of Architecture and Civil Engineering into High School Pathway Programs

This program presented by ConnecEd, is aimed at members of the professional community with an interest in both "green" building and an interest in promoting or supporting student interest/exposure to the field of architecure.
Date: October 21, 2008

Time: 6:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact:
Jayna Blackwell, CMP 510/464-3600 or Gerard Lee, AIA
Cost: None; This event is open to all. Drinks provided. Please
RSVP.
1 CES/LU


For More Information: Jayna Blackwell, CMP 510/464-3600

Revit User Group: Revit Successes and Challenges for Multi-Family Residential Projects

The Harrison Street Senior Housing project, located on a corner lot in downtown Oakland, is a 73-unit affordable senior housing project. The project construction includes a ground-level concrete podium with five stories of wood frame construction above. Members of the Harrison Team from Pyatok Architects will discuss the approach, success, and challenges of using Revit to model this multi-family residential project.
Date: October 21, 2008

Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Cost: None; this program open to all. Lunch provided by Ideate, Inc.
1 CES/LU


For More Information: http://www.ideateinc.com/events/index.html

Home Tour: Passivhaus Design

The Committee on the Environment presents a passivhaus design home tour, Saturday, October 18, 2008. Join us as Nabih Tahan, AIA, gives a tour of his recently, passivhaus concept, remodeled Berkeley home. The passivhaus concept, does not require a conventional heating system and results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. The standard is not confined only to houses, is not the attachment or supplement of architectural design, but an integrated design process with the architectural design.

Nabih Tahan, AIA, Mriai, began his career 30 years ago in the Bay Area as a forensic, diagnostic and remedial architect, analyzing and repairing defective buidldings. In 1992, he moved to Austria where he developed his own housing projects while learning about and applying green, energy efficiency techniques in design, manufacturing and construction. In 2002, he managed a company which imported, modern, prefab component homes from Austria to Ireland. He is now seeking to apply this experience to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of homes in the US. 1.5 HSW CES/LU
Time: 11:00am
Cost: None - This tour is open to all AIA members.
Location: To be sent with RSVP confirmation

For more information: Jayna Blackwell, CMP 510/464-3600

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Upcoming classes on energy-efficiency and sustainability offered throughout Northern California

Steam Systems End User Training
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at San Ramon Valley Conference Center
in San Ramon
Register:
http://www.pge.com/pec/classes/3310.htm
The focus of this workshop is steam system efficiency improvement in the operation of typical systems. The course covers potential system improvement through steam generation efficiency, resource utilization effectiveness and steam distribution system losses. This US Department of Energy (DOE) BestPractices course, brought to you through collaboration with the California Energy Commission, introduces the DOE software including Steam System Scoping Tool (SSST), Steam System Assessment Tool (SSAT), 3E Plus; and the technical guide, Steam System Survey Guide; which are available on-line at
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/steam_systems.html .


Process Heating Systems Assessments
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the San Ramon Valley Conference
Center in San Ramon
Register:
http://www.pge.com/pec/classes/3303.htm
This class provides an introduction to process heating equipment for food processing and industrial uses (such as furnaces, dryers, ovens, heaters, and kilns). The course includes discussion of combustion and other heating methods, heat transfer in furnaces, waste heat recovery, commonly used process heating controls, and emissions from heating processes. This US Department of Energy Best Practices course is brought to you through collaboration with the California Energy Commission. In addition to hearing practical tips on process heating, maintenance, and ways to reduce emissions from furnaces, attendees will be introduced to DOE's Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool (PHAST), a software which helps users survey furnaces and heaters, identify major energy-using equipment, set priorities for improvement opportunities, and assess available methods to improve thermal efficiency in an industrial plant.


For more information: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/index.html

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Disabled Access Continuing Education Bills Signed by the Governor

From AIA California Council:

"SB 1608 was signed into law on Sunday, September 28, 2008, by Governor Schwarzenegger, which creates a continuing education requirement for California architects as a condition of licensure. The SB 1608 CE requirement is limited to disability access. There are many questions about the SB 1608 CE requirement therefore, we've created a document to help answer many of those questions, click here to download the FAQ document.

Over the next several months, the California Architects Board will decide if it needs to adopt regulations to further clarify the SB 1608 CE requirement in order to answer future questions created by this mandate. This process will continue well into 2009. Now that we’ve entered the arena of mandatory CE as a condition of licensure, (even though limited) now is the time for The AIACC Board to determine whether to sponsor legislation giving the California Architects Board the authority to create a comprehensive continuing education program in California. This vote will take place at the upcoming November Board meeting in San Diego."

For more information: Mark Christian, Director of Legislative Affairs

Architectural office space for rent



There is a separate office for rent in a charming brick building in Jack London Square that would be perfect for an architect or engineer. It is 1,365 RSF, with 3 separate offices, open workspace, kitchenette, separate restroom, high wood ceiling, brick walls, storage area and seismically reinforced. There is on street parking, easy freeway access and within walking distance to BART. The space is available immediately.


For more information: Contact Jacque Keller, 510.451.9987
Email: Jacque@kellermitchell.com

Downtown Berkeley Design Studio space Available














$300 per month per workstation ($375 each additional workstation).
Includes shared copy machine, mail, Internet, conference room and kitchen. Easy BART access.

For more information: Call Mary at (510) 548-2000 ext 10.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Holiday Card Design Competition

The due date for the AIACC holiday card design competition is this Friday, October 3rd end of day. If you plan on submitting or passed this opportunity on to others please make sure all submissions are sent to Brenda Balstad bbalstad@aiacc.org .

Remember all entries must be designed by AIA California Chapter members. They can be students, associates or recently licensed Architects (licensed 10yrs or less). Please note that students can be AIAS members or AIA student members. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

For more information:
Jason Dale Pierce, Assoc. AIA, AIACC Vice President, Academy for Emerging Professionals

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Design for Aging Committee Meeting

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2008 at NOON to 1 pm
AIA San Francisco- Headquarters
130 Sutter Street, Suite 600 San Francisco
The Agenda for the meeting will be as follows-
  • Update on the Post-Occupancy Evaluations underway nationwide.
  • Review of recent tour- Buena Vista Terrace, affordable senior housing in San Francisco
  • Discussion on the "Household" Model, Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan Kansas
  • Upcoming AAHSA conference
  • Update on the Care Delivery and Design Improvement Committee (CDDIC) in Sacramento
  • Interface with AIA East Bay Chapter
  • Any updates and/or relevant information.
Also- be reminded that we have the following event in October-

LECTURE- "HEALING GARDENS FOR SENIOR ENVIRONMENTS" by MARNI BARNES, Landscape Architect & Author

Presented by the Design for Aging Committee w/contributing sponsorship

(Gates & Assocs., Perkins Eastman, SPGA, Stantec, HKIT, and Wattenberger)

Place: The Sequoias, 1525 Post Street San Francisco (Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services)

Short tour of the gardens at the Sequoias led by Landscape Architect, Bob LaRocca, previous to lecture.


Date: Thursday, October 30, 2008

Time: 5-7 pm

Limited capacity so please RSVP to the AIA ! If you're not signed up you can't attend.

Thank you!
Tom Brutting/Committee Chair

For more information:
TBrutting@HKIT.com