Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Lunch & Learn: Tax Credits & Incentives Available to Architecture Firms
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.
8/28/10
Lunch & Learn: Tax Credits & Incentives Available to Architecture Firms
Time: Noon - 2:00pm
Location: Dahlin Group, 5865 Owens Dr., Pleasanton
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: None; this program is open to all. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES LUs
For more information: 510/464-3600
Monday, June 28, 2010
Women In Architecture Forum: Anne Fougeron's Tour of Ingleside Library
This design for this branch library won a national competition held by the San Francisco Public Library in 2002 and construction was completed in September 2009. Located on an
The most striking element of the front facade, positioned prominently at the corner, is an egg-shaped children's reading room with a large, bench-seat window that puts its user's activities on display and encourages use of the library by younger patrons. The children's room is capped by a high canopy roof, extending over the entry and the lower community room volume along
Inside, the spaces are designed to fuse historic interpretations of libraries as "temples of knowledge" with more common associations of books with the marketplace popularized by Borders and the like. In the main reading room, floor to ceiling books line the walls; regular circulation fills the lower shelves, while shelving above seven feet are filled with old books and artifacts donated by members of the community. The sloped ceiling of the space is capped with giant skylights coaxing sunlight deep into the room. Facing the courtyard, mahogany-clad carrels offer quite, intimate spaces to read and relax. Benches are built into the glass edges creating a simple and elegant relationship between courtyard and interior spaces.
Most importantly, this new branch library facilitates a central gathering space and enhances access to important resources for the neighborhood, while playing an essential role in the revitalization of
Anne Fougeron,
7/8/10
Women In Architecture Forum: Anne Fougeron's Tour of Ingleside Library
Anne Fougeron, FAIA will lead a tour of the award winning Ingleside Library.
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Ingleside Library, 1298 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: None; this tour is open to all. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES LUs
For more information: 510/464-3600
Revit User Group: Share and Learn
Enough about us, tell us about you! The July meeting will be an open forum about Autodesk Revit. Whether a beginner or advanced user, or just curious about Revit, please join us to trade questions and ideas. Come prepared to be actively involved in the discussion, exchanging your knowledge and experience with real-life building projects. Bring your best Revit tips, tricks and practices to share with the group.
Ideate Tech Expert Teresa Martin will be on-hand to moderate the discussion, but remember – this is your chance to put the “U” in User Group.
Who Should Attend
Architects, engineers, contractors and project managers committed to the quality of your User Group.
About the Moderator
Teresa Martin –
Teresa is a graduate of
7/20/10
Revit User Group: Share & Learn
Teresa Martin, AEC Solutions Applications Specialist will lead an open forum about Autodesk Revit. Be prepared to trade questions and ideas and bring your best Revit tips, tricks and practices.
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
Open Design Collaboration: A Review of Technologies and Strategies for Sharing BIM Model Data
During this seminar, we will review new technologies that provide an open approach to interdisciplinary collaboration which greatly broadens designers' options for real Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) resulting in faster delivered projects and significantly less coordination errors.
7/29/10
Open Design Collaboration: A Review of Technologies and Strategies for Sharing BIM Model Data
Hosted by ArchVista. Thomas Simmons, founder of ArchVista, Inc. will review new technologies that provide an open approach to interdisciplinary colaboration which greatly broadens designers' options for real Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) resulting in faster delivered projects and significantly less coordination errors.
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. Click here to register.
1.5 CES LUs
For more information: 510/464-3600
Lunch & Learn: Motor Driven Acoustically Rated Interior Space Division
Provides design professionals with a thorough understanding of the available motorized acoustically rated movable partitions used in interior applications
Flexible interior space and acoustic separation are of significant value to architects’ and designers’ clients. Operable partitions enable greater value and revenue from floor space via temporary division of that space for multiple concurrent uses. Temporary traffic control and security of specific areas can also be achieved. Temporarily closing off space can enable energy cost savings, as well. Accompanying acoustic separation creates compatible adjoining activities. Electrically powered operable partitions are easier to use than manual assemblies; and they encourage frequent use of those partitions. Some types of electrically operated partitions require less storage (stack) space, less manual adjustment and less overhead structural support than others.
8/4/10
Lunch & Learn: Motor Driven Acoustically Rated Interior Space Division
Chuck Wood, Business Development Manager for Partition Specialties, Inc. will discuss in-depth the available motorized acoustically rated movable partitions used in interior applications.
Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: Free for AIA members; $3.50 for non-members. Lunch is provided. Registration required. Click here to register.
1 CES/HSW LU
For more information: 510/464-3600
Friday, June 25, 2010
SFNOMA Summer Camp
San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SFNOMA)
Summer Architecture Workshop- July 15-17, 2010 at California College of the Arts San Francisco Campus
SFNOMA’s Summer Architecture Workshop is a spirited, 2 ½ day, studio experience for students interested in exploring the profession of architecture. The workshop is designed to introduce young people to the creative process and tools used by architects in their work. The students will be challenged
Eligible students will have completed the sixth, seventh or eighth grades. While the program is open to all students, our focus will be on recruiting young people from under represented and under resourced
Application and fee due July 9th, 2010
For more information: and applications please contact Prescott Reavis at westliaison@noma.net
The Power of Color
Color is a universal component of all living things. Its influence has profound effects in all aspects of life. The better one understands how "seeing and vision" are distinguished, how light influences color, how pigments are harmonized and how humans respond to color and physical and psychological levels, the more one can confidently make color choices. In order to manipulate color one needs to be familiar with the basic structure of color, its vocabulary and rules of interaction. This program will focus on the use of color in architectural spaces as well as color in branding and color trends. Color decks, LRV, light measurements, CRI and Kelvin will also be discussed. As well as paint companies and history of pigments and "color blindness".
Christie Jones, BA, IACC-NA (International Association of Color Consulting-North America) is a Color Consultant and Interior Designer for Healthcare.
7/22/10
Lunchtime Learning Pleasanton: The Power of Color
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 LUs
For more information: 510/464-3600Tour: The New Walnut Creek Library
7/10/10
Tour: The New Walnut Creek Library
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Meet at City Hall Lobby, 1666 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: Free for AIA East Bay Chapter Members; $10 for non-members. Click here to register.
1 CES LU
For more information: 510/464-3600
Monday, June 21, 2010
Final BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines Now Available
The final version of the CEQA Guidelines reflecting the Air District’s Board of Directors adoption of the CEQA thresholds on June 2, 2010 is now available on our website. The final document reflects the Board’s June 2nd action, as well as a number of minor typographical and formatting revisions. A list of the revisions to the CEQA Guidelines is posted as well. Visit our website for more information, http://www.baaqmd.gov/Divisions/Planning-and-Research/CEQA-GUIDELINES/Updated-CEQA-Guidelines.aspx
District staff is continuing to work on enhancing and updating the technical resources to assist lead agencies in applying the Air District’s thresholds. Look out for future notices as new resources are posted online.
District staff is available to assist local governments in applying our CEQA thresholds.
For more information: Please contact me with any questions.
Sigalle Michael, Senior Environmental Planner 415-749-4683 | smichael@baaqmd.gov
Citywide Zoning Update Public meetings
There will be a public meeting of the Zoning Update Committee of the Oakland Planning Commission, to review the proposed zoning text and maps, as part of the Citywide Zoning Update. The agenda includes consideration of changing the zoning to the commercial and residential areas of the neighborhoods in West Oakland,
4 p.m.
Hearing Room 1, City Hall
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
- July 14, 2010
- August 11, 2010
Strategic Planning Division
City of
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza,
For more information: Zoning Update Message Line (510) 238-7299
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
CITY OF EL CERRITO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD VACANCY
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Committee on the Environment Forum: Toplighting with Daylighting
The use of top lighting and skylights to increase natural daylighting and provide a more natural lighted interior is an important factor to save energy. Since roofing is always involved with the addition of skylights, it is important to understand the factors affecting the issues of daylight harvesting so that you are better prepared to inform your clients and customers of the benefits and savings.
This seminar will discuss information provided by government agencies, utilities, non-profit agencies, and independent consultants regarding the needs, standards in the state, special uses, and incentives for daylighting. We will also discuss and how this can be incorporated into roofing systems in new construction and retrofit roofing situations.
Ray Capowich, VELUX Commercial Marketing and Solar Hot Water Specialist
Ray is the Regional Commercial Marketing Manager and Solar Hot Water Specialist with VELUX the world’s largest Flat Plate Collector Manufacturer, as well as an international expert in the construction field with a career in Commercial Roofing and the Building Envelope .
Besides
Ray has been a past member of
Committee on the Environment Forum: Toplighting with
Time:
Location:
Contact: 510/464-3600 or
Cost: None; this program open to all. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES LUs
For more information: 510/464-3600
Monday, June 14, 2010
Small Firm Forum: New Products
Come and learn about or share with us the new products to hit the market that make our designs more effective, contractors work simpler and clients happier because their buildings are easier to maintain, more visually appealing and safer.
Linda Randolph, AIA is an AIA member and architect with a residential practice who has been attending the Small Firm Forum since it originated more than 20 years ago.
Products covered will include:
- Products that control moisture and exterior rot problems
- Several new ADA bathroom products
- A roof vent that complies with the Wildland Urban Interface code
- An easy to install glass floor system that provides light to areas which previously would have no natural illumination
7/1/10
Small Firm Forum: New Products
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
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Plan
The Concord Naval Weapons Station was created by the Navy in the 1940s during World War II. The Inland Area of the base was deactivated in 1997 and declared surplus property by the Navy in 2007.
The reuse of the 5,028 acre Inland Area of the Concord Naval Weapons Station represents a significant opportunity for
The City Council's goal was to create a balanced Reuse Plan that would improve the quality of life for residents of
The Concord Local Reuse Authority ( LRA ) achieved a couple of major milestones in February, adopting its Clustered Village Alternative as the Reuse Plan and certifying a Final Environmental Impact Report under
Please join us on July 6 to learn more about this important project.
Michael Wright serves as a member of the City’s of
Michael came to the City of
Regional and Urban Design Forum: The Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Plan
Michael Wright, Reuse Director for the Local Reuse Authority (LRA) will discuss the Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Plan.
Time: Noon- 1:00pm
Location:
Contact: 510/464-3600 or
Cost: None; this meeting is open to all chapter members. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES LUs
For more information: 510/464-3600
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
UCSD Selection of Executive Engineer - East CampusUtility Infrastructure Design
The University of California, San Diego, will be selecting an Executive Engineer to perform design, construction drawings, bid, and construction phase services to construct the utility infrastructure and extend and widen the existing Medical Center Drive on the La Jolla Campus (also known as the “East Campus”) based on the UCSD East Campus Master Infrastructure Plan. The approximate construction cost is estimated $15 -20 million.
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., Wednesday, June 23, 2010.
Final selection and appointment is contingent upon project approval.
For more information: Technical questions or questions regarding the scope of the project should be directed to Anka Fabian, Principal Civil Engineer, UCSD Facilities Design and Construction, via email at anfabian@ucsd.edu or 858.534.3813 or David Wang, Project Manager, UCSD Facilities Design and Construction, via email at dwang@ucsd.edu or 949.349.2642. UCSD requests that interested firms refrain from contacting any other party regarding this project.
Monday, June 07, 2010
CalGreen - Understanding the new California Green Building Code
Steven Winkel, FAIA, PE, CASp manages the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Preview Group, Inc., an architectural consulting firm that specializes in building code consulting and regulatory issues affecting designers. Steve has almost 40 years experience as a licensed architect, engineer, landscape architect and certified access specialist. He is the author, along with noted illustrator Frank Ching, of the well received book Building Codes Illustrated for John Wiley & Sons, now in its third edition. Steve is currently working on a new book, Residential Codes Illustrated, which will be published by Wiley in 2010.
Steve is currently serving his third 4-year term as the Architect member of the California Building Standards Commission. After being president of AIA East Bay and AIA California Council Steve served on the AIA National Board of Directors. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences. Steve is also a Commissioner on the City of Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission.
6/30/10
Monthly Program: CalGreen - Understanding the new California Green Building Code
Steve Winkel, FAIA, architect member and Vice Chair of the California State Building Standard's Commission will give an overview of the new CalGreen Building Standards Code. A wine and cheese networking reception follows this program.
Time: 5:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $15.75 for AIA Members; $21 for non-members. Registration required. Click here to register.
1.5 CES/HSW/SD LUs
For more information: 510/464-3600
GAF 185.FL BLUEPRINT MACHINE—GIVEN AWAY FREE!!
For more information: If interested, please email Bernie@steinarchitects.com
Friday, June 04, 2010
ExRes 2010: Winning Projects
http://aiaeb.org/newsletter.htm
Jury: David Arkin, AIA; Tim Culvahouse, FAIA; Michelle Kaufmann, AIA
Citation Awards
Oxford Plaza, Berkley
Architect: Solomon ETC, San Francisco
P.A.A.V./Whitworth Residence, San Anselmo
Designers: Student Design-Build Team, Graduate School of Architecture, Academy of Art
Residence in the Berkeley Hills
Architect: GHA Design
Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, San Jose
Architect: Steinberg Architects
Blue Pickle Loft, Oakland
Architect: Paul Welschmeyer Architect
Merit Awards
Maher Residence, Livermore
Architect: Mikiten Architecture
Park Street Residence, San Francisco
Architect: Studio Sarah Wilmer
House for Two Artists, Annapolis
Architect: Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects
Sonoma Retreat
Architect: Aidlin Darling Design
House for Miller Creek Ranch, Geyserville
Architect: Nielsen:Schuh Architects
Laidley Street Residence, San Francisco
Architect: Zack deVito Architecture
Vai Avenue Case Study, Cupertino
Architect: Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects
Shinsei Gardens Apartments, Alameda
Architect: Mikiten Architecture
Orinda Residence
Architect: Nick Noyes Architecture
Honor Awards
McDonnel Residence, Sebastapol
Architect: Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects
Atherton Residence
Architect: Turnbull Griffin Haesloop
Casa Feliz, San Jose
Architect: Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA