Navisworks 2011

Autodesk Navisworks products deliver project review software for 3D coordination, 4D planning, photo-realistic visualization, dynamic simulation, and accurate analysis. You can create a whole-project model by integrating design and construction information, including complex building information modeling - collaborate, coordinate, and communicate more effectively to reduce problems during design and construction. Navisworks is incredibly versatile, a key tool for projects like the UC Davis: Maurice J. Gallagher Hall and Parsons Brinckerhoff: Presidio Parkway.

Teresa Martin - AEC Solutions Application Specialist
Teresa is a graduate of Cornell University and has over 20 years experience in the architectural and construction industry. She has spent her career pursuing her interest in 3D modeling and computer aided-design having worked alternately as a designer, project manager, CAD manager, 3D modeler and educator. Teresa currently develops a curriculum and customized content as an Autodesk Architectural Desktop Certified Expert and Revit Implementation Expert. As a leading Revit trainer for over 5 years, Teresa brings her real-world experience to the classroom.

6/15/10
Revit User Group: Navisworks 2011
Join Ideate Tech Expert Teresa Martin to learn all about the features of Navisworks 2011.
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: To register click here
Cost: None; this program open to all. Lunch provided by Ideate, Inc.

For more information: 510/464-3600

Accessibility: Case Histories

This course will provide an overview of a series of visual case histories organized around the Department of Justice's Severity Codes: DOJ 1 - Exterior; DOJ 2 - Interior; DOJ 3 - Toilet Rooms; and DOJ 4 - Accessories. These case histories are excerpted from over 3 years of accessibility surveys, plan and specification reviews, and extensive quality control exercises in various California architectural firms. While certainly not comprehensive, these case histories clearly exemplify the typical disconnects between design and construction and offer potential strategies and solutions for design professionals.

6/23/10
Accessibility: Case Histories
Presented by Michael Chambers, FAIA, FCSI, CCS.
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $40 for AIA members; $60 for non-members. Registration required. Click here to register.
1.5 CES/HSW LUs (1 MCE)

For more information: 510/464-3600

Accessibility: Design and Disconnects

Accessibility standards in California often conflict and overlap. CBC Chapter 11 is code, ADA is civil rights legislation and ADAAG are guidelines. Interpretation and consistency of interpretation are possibly the biggest issues in accessibility. The lack of construction tolerance is a significant part of field compliance issues. While DOJ has published a priority list for accessibility, is it possible to develop a rational interpretation and assessment protocol that would be useful in the field? While blame for inconsistent interpretation may be put on design professionals or contractors, field studies suggest there is more at fault. Following the DOJ priority protocol, a range of disconnects discovered during nearly three years of accessibility surveys in California will be explored and lessons learned considered.

Finally, a strategy for prioritizing and interpreting field accessibility results will be considered.

6/23/10
Accessibility : Design and Disconnects
Presented by Michael Chambers, FAIA, FCSI, CCS.
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $25 for AIA members; $40 for non-members. Registration required. Click here to register.
1 CES/HSW LUs (1 MCE)

For more information: 510/464-3600

Energy Performance of Buildings Recognized by the AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects Awards

Nathan brown was the 2009 AIA COTE Summer Research Scholar. His study investigated the energy performance of buildings recognized by the AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects award. Nathan focused on gathering actual energy use data from award winners and comparing them to a benchmark using an ENERGY STAR rating or a national average for a similar building type. Nathan went beyond data gathering by developing a set of interview questions to identify important points in the design and delivery of a building that may have affected the actual energy use. He selected three projects and conducted interviews with various design team members: the Terry Thomas, the International Fund for Animal Welfare Headquarters, and the IRS Kansas City Service Center.

Nathan is completing his fourth year at UC Berkeley. He is interested in design for a human and environmental context, energy use analysis and daylighting. Nathan's M.Arch thesis explored the concept of entropy by employing computational algorithms to diffuse space. He is currently working on his thesis for the MS degree, focusing on occupant response to the luminous environments of library reading rooms. Nathan comes to the profession with an undergraduate degree in economics from Yale and four years of experience teaching middle and high school math and woodworking.

6/25/10

Committee on the Environment Forum: Energy Performance of Buildings Recognized by the AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects

Nathan Brown, 2009 AIA COTE Summer Research Scholar, will present case studies that demonstrate energy performance under the criteria for "green buildings" and explain how design and strategies can affect energy usage.

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Andrea Powell, Intl. Assoc. AIA

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

1.5 CES/HSW/SD LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Best Laid Plans: Business Planning for Small Firms

In twenty-first century practice, unpredictability is a fact of life for architectural firms. Small firm owners must cope with constantly shifting workloads, respond quickly to promising opportunities, and deal immediately with unexpected challenges. This interactive seminar presents strategies for business planning within this milieu of unpredictability, including case studies illustrating best practices. Participants will learn about the major components of a business plan—purpose, finance, marketing, and operations—and practical techniques for plan development and implementation.

The workshop includes short lectures and numerous interactive opportunities. Topics covered include the life cycle of a typical firm, why owners should plan, obstacles to planning, and how to implement action plans. In general, business planning for small firms will be approached as a process involving strategic thinking, rather than the creation of a static document.

This workshop targets owners of firms with fewer than 20 on staff, and will also be useful to those thinking of starting a firm and to emerging professionals. Participants will have ample opportunity to engage in dialogue with colleagues, with special emphasis given to exchanging strategies for coping with the economic downturn.

This program was presented at the 2009 AIA National Convention as a 2-hour seminar and is being presented at the 2010 AIA National Convention as a half-day pre-convention workshop, sponsored by AIA Custom Residential Architects Network and AIA Small Project Practitioners.

Rena M. Klein, FAIA is principal of RM Klein Consulting, a firm offering business planning services, meeting facilitation, and management education to owners of architectural firms nationwide. Building on her graduate degree in management and her twenty years experience as the owner of a small architectural firm, Rena regularly presents seminars on small firm practice at AIA National Conventions and at various AIA Knowledge Communities. Her innovative work in this area has appeared in print and web publications, including AIA’s on-line Architects Knowledge Resource. Rena is the author of The Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management, published by John Wiley & Sons. More information at http://rmklein.com

7/15/10

Best Laid Plans: Business Planning for Small Firms

This highly interactive seminar presents strategies for business planning within this milieu of unpredictability, including practical techniques for plan development and implementation. Presented by Rena Klein, FAIA, followed by a book signing for her book The Architect's Guide to Small Firm Management.

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600

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

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

It's Not Just Black and White: Photographing the Built Environment

May 4–September 7, 2010

Raymond Lifchez and Judith Lee Stronach Exhibition Cases

Volkmann Reading Room, Environmental Design Library

210 Wurster Hall, UC Berkeley

There are many ways to approach the use of photography in environmental design. It’s Not Just Black and White: Photographing the Built Environment uses four themes that serve the acts of viewing, creating, and studying the built environment: documentation, presentation, remembering, and practice. Drawing on the collections of the Environmental Design Archives, the Environmental Design Library, the CED Visual Resources Center, and private collections, the exhibit stimulates thinking about photographic representation of the built environment and how this representation influences our design, writing, and research activity.

The exhibition is curated by Jason Miller, Librarian, CED Visual Resources Center.

For more information: Library information, hours, and directions
(510) 642-4818

Tour: Oakland Museum of California

Situated between serene Lake Merritt and busy downtown Oakland, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is one of the most significant architectural examples of mid-century modernism in the United States. When it opened in 1969, OMCA's design by Pritzker prize–winning architect Kevin Roche was acclaimed for its bold and innovative premise: a museum that also serves as a vibrant urban park and public space.

The Museum integrates architecture and landscape architecture and indoor and outdoor spaces into one building program. Its terraced roof gardens and central courtyard, designed by noted landscape architect Dan Kiley, continue to serve as a village green for Oakland residents and visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. Visitors to the Museum will discover three levels of galleries, with gardens on each level that form the roof of the level below. Broad flights of stairs and trellised walkways connect one level to the next and guide you through the landscape designs,

The Museum is currently undergoing a $62.2 million renovation and expansion project overseen by the San Francisco architectural firm of Mark Cavagnero Associates, honoring the original architecture and landscape vision of Kevin Roche and Dan Kiley while upgrading visitor amenities and integrating the museum experience. Modifications encompass new exhibition and programming space, seating, and modernized lighting for better viewing of the collections. A new 90-foot canopy over the Oak Street entrance enhances the Museum's street presence. The Art and History Galleries are now open to the public; the Natural Sciences Gallery and classroom and education facilities will be completed by early 2012.


8/14/10 Tour: Oakland Museum of California
Attendees are encouraged to gather and continue the discussion at the Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill after the tour for a "dutch treat" lunch.
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $5.50 for AIA East Bay Members; $11 for non-members. Registration is required. Click here to register.
1 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Tour: African American Museum & Library at Oakland

The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) is housed in the former Charles S. Greene library, a historic 1902 Carnegie building. Restored and renovated in 1994 by MWA Architects, the AAMLO is now Northern California's largest museum devoted to African American history, and draws a national audience.

6/12/10
Tour: African American Museum & Library at Oakland
Time: Noon - 1:00pm
Location: African American Museum & Library, 659 14th Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $7.50 for AIA East Bay members; $12 for non-members. Registration required. Click here to register.
1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

UCSD MedicalCenter Hillcrest Cooling Units Replacement

The University of California, San Diego, will be selecting an Executive Architect to perform the design, construction drawings, bid, and construction phase services to replace old and failing air handling units that service the 2^nd Floor ORs in the UCSD Hillcrest Medical Center Facility. These are the existing units S-1, S-18, S-21, S-31 through 35, and S-38.

The approximate construction cost is estimated at just under $3,900,000.

Please visit our website at www.fdc.ucsd.edu, select the Design Professionals tab and then the Request for Qualifications tab to access the following documents: Request for Qualification package, University Form Attachment B, and a sample Standard Form 330 for your use if you choose to submit a proposal.

Proposals are due no later than 3:30 p.m., Friday, May 28, 2010.

Final selection and appointment is contingent upon project approval.

Every effort will be made to insure that all persons have equal access to contracts and other business opportunities with the University within the limits imposed by law or University policy. Each Candidate Firm may be required to show evidence of its equal employment opportunity policy.

For more information: Technical questions or questions regarding the scope of the project should be directed to Avi Grigorescu, AIA, LEED AP, Project Manager at Facilities Design & Construction, via email at agrigorescu@ucsd.edu, telephone number 858.822.6032.

Cafeteria Renovation & Expansion, UCSD Medical Center

The University of California, San Diego, will be selecting an Executive Architect to perform services, prepare construction documents, and to provide bidding and construction support services for the renovation of the existing 4,000 square feet (SF) cafeteria servery and dining room, a 2,000 SF dining room addition, and the renovation of the existing 2,500 SF courtyard patio for outdoor dining at the UCSD Medical Center, Thornton Hospital. The estimated construction cost is $3,000,000 at CCCI 5486. Project is subject to the campus/university academic and administrative approval process.

Please visit our website at www.fdc.ucsd.edu, select the Design Professionals tab and then the Request for Qualifications tab to access the following documents: Request for Qualification package, University Form Attachment B, and a sample Standard Form 330 for your use if you choose to submit a proposal.

Proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

Final selection and appointment is contingent upon project approval.

Every effort will be made to insure that all persons have equal access to contracts and other business opportunities with the University within the limits imposed by law or University policy. Each Candidate Firm may be required to show evidence of its equal employment opportunity policy.

For more information: Technical questions or questions regarding the scope of the project should be directed to Scott Pogue, AIA, Principal Architect at Facilities Design & Construction, at 858.534.7858.

Professional Practice Forum: Project Delivery II - DD through Bid

Gain a greater understanding of the differences in the Project Delivery Phases of DD through Bid in order to use them to your advantage. Learn different ways of handling this phases, as well as some of the newer delivery styles in order to improve your business and communication.

After this program attendees will:

• Understand basic differences in each phase of DD, CD and Bid
• Learn some ways that bidding is changing in today's delivery environment and the potential impact on documentation
• Learn some tips for checking on drawings and specifications during each phase to ensure clients requests/goals have been incorporated in the design/documentation
• Understand the need for constructability reviews/QA/QC checks

6/17/10

Professional Practice Forum: Project Delivery II - DD through Bid

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600

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

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Citywide Zoning Update: Public Hearing 5/26/10

The City of Oakland Strategic Planning Division cordially invites you to attend a meeting of the Zoning Update Committee (ZUC), a subcommittee of the Oakland Planning Commission, to discuss the update of commercial and residential zoning regulations, including the proposed framework and an introduction to the draft zoning chapters. ZUC meeting details follow:

Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Location: Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 1, One Frank Ogawa Plaza

ZUC meetings are part of the roll-out and adoption process for the proposed new commercial and residential zones. Staff anticipates three to five meetings at the ZUC to review the framework for the proposed new zones and draft zoning text and mapping proposals. The ZUC will review and deliberate on the proposals, as well as take public testimony about the zoning proposals. All interested parties are welcome to attend and present comments on the draft zoning text and mapping proposals.

In addition to the ZUC meetings, the commercial and residential zoning update adoption process will also involve meetings at the full Planning Commission, anticipated in the fall of 2010, and moving on to the City Council, starting with its Community and Economic Development Committee, in the winter of 2010.

Please forward this to your neighbors, friends, churches and others who may be interested in this process!

For more information: Zoning Update Website: www.oaklandnet.com/zoningupdate

(The website’s “Schedule + Meetings” section contains details about all upcoming public meetings; the “Proposals” section contains all draft zoning text and mapping proposals.)

Zoning Update Message Line: (510) 238-7299

Zoning Update Email: zoningupdate@oaklandnet.com

Climate Initiatives Grants - MTC Issues Call for Projects

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, in partnership with the Bay
Area Air Quality Management District(BAAQMD), Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG), and Bay Conservation and Development Commission
(BCDC), is pleased to issue a single solicitation for the following two
competitive grant programs:

1. Innovative Grants - Up to $31 Million: Grant funding will be directed
to support high-impact, innovative projects with the greatest potential
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that can be replicated on a
larger-scale around the region.

2. Safe Routes to Schools Creative Grants - Up to $2 Million: As a
complement to funding for the counties' Safe Routes to School Program,
grant funding will be available to implement creative school-related
emission reduction strategies and determine their effectiveness and
potential replication around the region.

The program guidelines for these two competitive grant programs can be downloaded from the MTC Website at:
http://www.mtc.ca.gov/planning/

For more information:
Applicants are encouraged to contact MTC staff if they have questions
about grant application requirements or wish to discuss potential
project ideas in advance of submitting an application. For the Safe
Routes to School Creative Grants, contact Craig Goldblatt, Project
Manager, at 510.817.5837 or by email at cgoldblatt@mtc.ca.gov. For the
Innovative Grants, contact Ashley Nguyen, Project Manager, at
510.817.5809 or by email at anguyen@mtc.ca.gov

5 Proven Methods to Grow Your Practice Using the Energy Policy Act of 2005

The Energy Policy Act of 2005, also known as the EPACT or the 179D deduction, is an enigma. Many architects have heard of it. But, few architects know the details. And, fewer still have taken advantage of it.

Yet, the EPACT represents an unprecedented opportunity for building architectural practices like never before.

On Wednesday, June 9th , join us as Paul Olson, founder and CEO of Commercial Cashflow Advisors of San Jose, shows you 5 proven methods to grow your practice by utilizing the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Since 1992 Mr. Olson and his firm have helped architects and savvy commercial real estate investors generate more cash flow from their invested resources via skillful application of little known but very powerful IRS tax tools.

Just since the first of the year, Mr. Olson and his firm have generated almost $1,500,000 in benefits to architects throughout California. And, this number represents only 1 of the 5 methods of generating benefits for your firm.

Be sure to be here when Mr. Olson presents “The 5 Proven Methods to Grow Your Practice Using the Energy Policy Act of 2005”. If you want to grow your practice, this presentation promises to be time very well spent.

6/9/10
5 Proven Methods to Grow Your Practice Using the Energy Policy Act of 2005
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.
1 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Green Affordable Advocacy: Challenges and Opportunities

With a multitude of new Federal and State funding packages for greener, more energy efficient housing, it can be challenging to keep it all straight. The affordable housing sector represents a largely untapped potential for greening initiatives, presenting opportunities to improve comfort for occupants and reduce costs for developers while curbing harmful greenhouse gasses. Because of the financial parameters of affordable housing, it can be difficult to channel funding from larger greening initiatives to the affordable housing sector, and this task often requires advocacy to funders and key partners. Come learn about the plethora of funds available, and how you can join efforts to make these funds more accessible to your projects

Marilyn Wacks, Community Housing Partnership Corporation (CHPC)
As Housing Policy Manager, Marilyn Wacks leads CHPC’s outreach and advocacy activities, working in collaboration with nonprofit, tenant and government partners to improve housing policy and funding, with a focus on Federal housing policy. Prior to joining CHPC, Marilyn served as Special Assistant to Congressman Tom Lantos in his San Mateo district office, focusing on housing, commerce, environment and human rights. Marilyn has extensive private sector experience in marketing, strategic planning, and technology process implementation. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Notre Dame de Namur University and a certification in Conflict Resolution from Foothill College.

Narisha Bonakdar, CHPC
Narisha Bonakdar joined CHPC in 2010. As the Sustainable Housing Campaign Coordinator, she assists the Housing Policy Manager and President in managing the Greening Rental Housing Equity Campaign.

Prior to joining CHPC, Narisha worked as the Policy and Development Specialist for Housing California where she managed the New Solar Homes Partnership Affordable Housing Outreach Campaign and worked on development, green building, and environmental quality legislation. She also worked as a Legislative Analyst for the Public Employees Retirement System.
Narisha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a Masters in Business Administration.
Dan Adams, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing
Dan Adams is a Senior Project Manager at the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing where he supervises the construction and design of affordable housing and serves as departmental lead for green building policy. A licensed architect, Dan has over 15 years experience in the design, construction, and development of affordable housing. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, Dan was a project manager with Resources for Community Development, a Berkeley-based regional affordable housing developer, and was a Frederick P. Rose Architectural Fellow at Asian Neighborhood Design where he started the organization’s Community Planning Program. Dan is a graduate of the University of Texas’ honors liberal arts program, and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Nehemia Stone, Benningfield Group
Mr. Stone is an energy consultant at the Benningfield Group, with primary interests in the fields of multifamily housing, affordable housing, efficiency program design, energy policy, and codes and standards. In the 1970s and ‘80s, he was a licensed contractor, the Chief Building Inspector for Humboldt County, CA., and an instructor of passive solar design at the local community college. He joined the CEC in 1989 to work on residential building standards and in 1994 became a Special Adviser to the CEC Chair. In 1998, he went into the consulting world where he designed, launched and ran California’s first utility funded multifamily new construction energy efficiency program. He has consulted on multifamily issues with most of California’s larger utilities, the CEC, the CPUC, and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee for over ten years, including leading the effort to develop the California Utility Allowance Calculator. He has served on several advisory committees for affordable and multifamily housing including for the CEC’s New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP), the Statewide Hot Water Professional Advisory Group, ACEEE’s Hot Water Forum steering committee, and the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program development group.

Heather Larson, StopWaste.Org
Heather Larson joined Stopwaste.org’s Green Building Program in 2008, and manages consultant contracts for residential green building program development. She contributes technical expertise to green building guidelines and design assistance projects, and to energy cost-effectiveness studies that inform local policy and green building program thresholds. Current responsibilities include over sight of consultant contracts for the development of GreenPoint Rated for Multi-family Existing Homes. As an expert in residential energy standards, Heather lectures on energy efficient building design to professionals and students at San Jose State University and UC Berkeley Extension. Prior to joining Stopwaste.org she worked in architecture, served as the Program Manager for the California ENERGY STAR® Multifamily New Homes Program (sponsored by PG&E & SCE) and worked as a building science energy efficiency analyst on Title 24 Codes and Standards Enhancement (CASE) projects. Heather is a USGBC LEED AP, LEED Homes Midrise Pilot Program Representative, CABEC Certified Energy Plans Examiner (CEPE), CHEERS and CalCERTS Certified HERS rater, and a Certified GreenPoint Rater. Heather received a BA in Architecture from U.C. Berkeley and a MS in Sustainable Design from the University of Sydney in Australia.

Maryann Leshin, Enterprise Community Partners
As Director of Northern California Programs, Ms. Leshin is responsible for managing the affordable housing program activities of the Enterprise Community Partners office in San Francisco. Current program activities include green retrofit financing, foreclosure response, public housing revitalization and capacity building. Ms. Leshin is currently spearheading a Green Retrofit Pilot Program for affordable multifamily housing in the Bay Area.

Prior to joining Enterprise, Ms. Leshin worked as a consultant providing project management and program development services to an array of affordable housing developers, supportive service providers and local government agencies. Prior to establishing her consulting practice, she managed the California office of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and prior to that served as Associate Director of Development for Eden Housing, a non-profit housing development corporation. Ms. Leshin also spent nine years managing affordable housing activities for the City of Emeryville Redevelopment Agency.

Ms. Leshin received a BA from Brandeis University in American Studies and an MA in Community Planning from Antioch University West.

6/24/10
Build It Green: Green Affordable Advocacy - Challenges & Opportunities
Presented by Build It Green. Co-sponsored by AIA East Bay.
Time: Noon - 2:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $10 for AIA and Build It Green Members; $20 for non-members. Registration required. Click here to register. Lunch provided by Build It Green.
1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Small Firm Forum: Detail Swap

Share and discuss a detail that works, didn’t work, or might work. A detail you designed or had to build is perfect. Bring 12 Copies to share.

See and hear how other Small Firm Forum members have designed and expressed a detail they have learned to love or hate. See how your peers handle the communication task of graphics and notation. Learn new insights into how to assemble or not to assemble materials. Find helpful hints on a detail you are struggling with. An “aha” moment awaits.

After this program attendees will:

1. Gain insight into the standard of care of peers when drawing details and where one’s standard of care fits relative to one’s peers.

2. Gain new insight into the proper and/or improper ways to assemble various materials.

3. Learn how different architect approach the process of detail design.

4. Develop a broader sense of the various options to detailing particular situations.

6/10/10
Small Firm Forum: Detail Swap
Due to the 2010 AIA East Bay Exception Residential Design Awards, Small Firm Forum will take place on the second Tuesday of June rather than the first.
Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600 or Doug Coe
Cost: Free for AIA members; $3 for non-members. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Tax Credits & Incentives Available to Architecture Firms

Most architects are skeptical when they hear they may be eligible for the Research and Development Tax Credit. Many architectural firms, however, are taking advantage of this lucrative tax credit and realizing the substantial tax savings. Come find out for yourself if this credit applies to your firm.

Most would agree that being detail-oriented is an important trait of a good architect. As a result of this trait, good architects rarely make critical mistakes. Unfortunately, most architectural firms are missing a crucial detail that is costing them tens of thousands of dollars every year in additional taxes - the Research and Development ("R&D") tax credit. However, it is not too late to take advantage of the significant tax savings this credit offers.

When we hear the term "research and development" we often think of test tubes and beakers and assume that an architectural firm wouldn't qualify for the credit. However, the Internal Revenue Services' definition of R&D activities is much broader than our common use of the term. Qualifying research activity must meet a four-part test to be eligible for the R&D credit.

1. Business component development or improvement
2. Elimination of uncertainty
3. Process of Experimentation
4. Technological in nature

Many architectural firms are already meeting the four-part test, making them eligible for significant tax savings. However, because so few CPAs understand the R&D credit and its various applications, very few architecture firms are taking advantage of this lucrative opportunity.

Chad Lowe, a CPA, is a tax credits and incentives manager in the Sacramento office of Brown, Fink, Boyce & Astle LLP (BFBA), a regional CPA firm. Chad specializes in helping construction contractors, engineers and architects take advantage of the Research and Development Tax Credit.

Scott Godegast is a tax manager for BFBA. Scott's focus is helping companies take advantage of government incentive programs, specifically the California Enterprise Zone Tax Credit, to reduce their tax liability.

6/22/10
Lunch & Learn: Tax Credits & Incentives Available to Architecture Firms
Time: Noon - 2:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: Free for AIA Members; $3.50 for non-members. $5 at the door. Registration required. Click here to register. Lunch provided.
1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Lunchtime Learning Pleasanton: Chile & Haiti Earthquake Reconnaissance

In January 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. In February 2010 an 8.8 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Chile. Both countries continue to struggle with recovery efforts. Degenkolb Engineers sent teams of 4 into both countries to investigate and learn from the resulting structural damage. This presentation recaps the teams’ experiences.

Degenkolb Engineers has chased every major earthquake affecting modern construction worldwide since 1940, and freely shared our knowledge and experiences.

James Liu, Associate Principal

James Liu joined Degenkolb in 1999 after receiving his Master of Science degree from the University of California, Davis. His experience includes seismic evaluations of healthcare facilities and design renovations for local school districts. James’ project portfolio includes multiple projects involving review by DSA and OSHPD. James was one of 10 Degenkolb engineers that investigated damage in Chile in 2010.

Henry Burton, Project Engineer
Henry Burton joined Degenkolb in 2004 after receiving his Master of Science degree from Stanford University. His project experience includes new design and seismic evaluations of healthcare facilities and community structures. Henry is currently working on the Kaiser Replacement Hospital in Oakland, California. Henry was a member of the four person team that investigated the results of the earthquake in Haiti.

6/24/10
Lunchtime Learning Pleasanton: Chile & Haiti Earthquake Reconnaissance
Learn what Degenkolb Engineers' investigative teams learned while studying the structural damage in Haiti and Chile during the aftermath of their recent earthquakes.
Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: Dahlin Group, 5865 Owens Dr., Pleasanton
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: None; this program is open to all. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Northern California Vectorworks User Group: Using Photoshop and Renderworks

Wuin Hopkins, graphic designer, will demonstrate techniques for using photoshop in presentations. Bill Engelhardt will demonstrate 3d renderings and discuss how they were created using Renderworks.

After this user group attendees will have a greater understanding of various methods for using photoshop to make images for presentations and the types of renderings that are available with Renderworks. Attendees will also learn how to set up a rendering using Renderworks and the different types of lighting and materials used.

5/11/10

Vectorworks User Group: Using Photoshop and Renderworks

Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Bill Engelhardt at bill@engelhardtarchitecture.com

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

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

NOTICE TO INTERESTED DESIGN-BUILD ENTITIES REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The City of El Cerrito (hereinafter “the City”) requests the Submittal of Qualifications from interestedDesign/Build Entities to design and construct a new Recycling Center and Environmental Resource Center(“Center”) in El Cerrito, CA.

The new Center will replace the existing center on the same 1.93-acre site at 7501 Schmidt Lane, and provide a high-performing, highly sustainable, and attractive facility that supports waste reduction, reuse, recycling, climate protection and pollution prevention goals for the City. The Center will support the City’s curbside recycling operations, community drop-off of other recyclables, and other environmental programs. The value of the Design/Build Contract will be between $2.5 and $3.0 million.

Submittal Process: The City of El Cerrito will receive, no later than 2:00 PM, May 27, 2010 at 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530, a sealed envelope with five (5) copies of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire for approval to compete for the new Recycling Center and environmental Resource Center to be constructed on the 1.93-acre site of the existing Recycling Center on Schmidt Lane. Only Design/Build Entities with a California Class “A” or “B” General Contractors license and who have been approved through this pre-qualification process will be eligible to compete for the project. All Pre-Qualification Questionnaires shall be made on the form furnished by the City.

Pre-qualification Conference: A non-mandatory Pre-qualification Conference will be held on May 11, 2010 at 2:00 PM at El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530. A tour of the project site will follow at 3:30 PM. Although not required, attendance at the pre-qualification conference is highly recommended for Design/Build Entities attempting to become pre-qualified to compete for this advertised project. Those planning to attend the conference should allow ample time to find a parking space and walk to the meeting location.

For more information:
http://www.el-cerrito.org/business/bids.html