Quickbooks for Architects

Franck Waota of W.E.L. Tax will introduce the basic concepts of Quickbooks as well as give us some of the highlights of how to set up a "Company" within the program. Some of the topics we will cover include; reports generated by Quickbooks, setting up accounts, entering receipts, reconciling statements, customer & vendor lists, time tracking, generating estimates and invoicing.

11/16/10

Young Architects Forum: Quickbooks for Architects

Franck Waota of W.E.L. Tax will introduce the basic concepts of Quickbooks as well as give us some of the highlights of how to set up a "Company" within the program.

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

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

Architects & Energy Modeling - How Small and Midsize Firms Address the Issue

The AIA San Francisco Committee on the Environment (COTE) will host a moderated panel discussion with eminent practitioners from the field of Architecture, Energy Consulting and MEP consulting. The panel will discuss how architects with small and midsize firms address the issue of architects and energy modeling and how they use the tools available to them. Discover how feasible energy modeling is from both the energy and budgetary stand point.
Co-sponsored by AIA East Bay.

Proposed Panelists:

• Moderator: Claire Maxfield (Atelier Ten)
• Philip Banta, Philip Banta & Associates
• Charlie Stott, Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects
  
• Stet Sanborn, Assoc. AIA, Siegel & Strain Architects
  
• David Scheer, Loisos & Ubbelohde Architecture
  

11/9/10

Architects & Energy Modeling - How Small and Midsize Firms Address the Issue

Co-sponsored by AIA East Bay.

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Location: AIA San Francisco, 130 Sutter Street, Suite 600, San Francisco

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None; this forum is open to all.

1.5 CES/HSW/SD LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Standard Method - California Section 01350

Sustainable high-performance buildings are the current trend in the building industry prompted by global concerns for climate change and human health. Improved indoor air quality for human health and comfort is an integral component of a sustainable building. The use of low VOC-emitting building products and furnishings (e.g. compliance with CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method - California Section 01350) are now required by many building rating systems, as well as state, national and international green building codes. The codes requiring compliance include the LEED Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Criteria, Collaborative for High Performance School (CHPS) IEQ criteria, the 2010 California Green Building Codes (CalGreen), ASHRAE Standard 189.1 - Standard for the Design of High-performance, Green Buildings, and the Public Version 1.0 of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).

Dr. Wenhao Chen will introduce the background and development history of the CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method, highlight its key contents, and discuss how it has been/is being used in various building codes and standards. Other current US and international efforts on the development of health-based material emission standards will also be briefly presented. The presentation provides useful information for Architects, Interior Designers and other design professionals on how to best utilize the Standard Method when selecting/specifying building materials and furnishings in design practice.

Dr. Chen is a research scientist with the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Section of California Department of Public Health (CDPH). She has a bachelor's and master's degree in Civil Engineering from Tianjin University in China as well as a doctorate from Syracuse University of Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on building energy and environmental system and indoor air quality. Her technical expertise includes material emissions, indoor air cleaning technologies and integrated building environmental system design.

At CDPH-IAQ, Dr. Chen has been leading the project of updating Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers (also known as CA 01350). Prior joining CDPH, she had worked in IAQ Key Competency Group at Carrier Corporation and later in Building Energy and Environmental Systems Lab (BEESL) at Syracuse University.

11/5/10

Committee on the Environment Forum: Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of VOC Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers; AKA California Section 01350

Dr. Wenhao Chen will discuss the history, current status and application of Section 01350 in the design practice.

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

Small Firm Young Architect Lunch Mixer

The Small Firm Forum and Young Architects Forum will hold their first lunch mixer. Join us to network, make new connections and re-establish old connections. Discuss professional development and mentoring opportunities with your peers.

Drinks will be provided. Please bring your own brown bag lunch.

11/4/10

Small Firm Forum/Young Architect Forum Lunch Mixer

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. Drinks will be provided, please bring your own meal. Please RSVP.

For more information: 510/464-3600

APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR EL CERRITO’S DESIGN REVIEW BOARD AND PLANNING COMMISSION

The El Cerrito City Council is seeking applicants interested in serving on its Design Review Board and Planning Commission. If you are interested, please submit an application to the City Clerk, 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Vacancy information and application forms may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk at 215–4305 or by downloading the application form from the City’s website at http://www.el-cerrito.org/gov/boards_commissions.html.

The deadline for submitting an application to be considered for an appointment is November 30, 2010. If you are an El Cerrito resident, please consider submitting an application now!

Members of Boards, Commissions and Committees provide an invaluable service to our community. The detailed study and considered recommendations of our local advisory bodies are often catalysts for innovative programs and improved services.

Serving as a commissioner or committee member 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 our community. Meetings are generally held once a month during evening hours at City Hall. Board, Commission and Committee appointments are non-paid positions.

For more information: please contact the City Clerk at 215-4305 or visit the City of El Cerrito’s Boards and Commissions page at, http://www.el-cerrito.org/gov/boards_commissions.html

From Gray to Green: The Value of Green Streets - Livability, Prosperity & Sustainability

Erik Calloway, Senior Associate at Freedman Tung + Sasaki, will present the Green Streets toolbox and discuss the broad range of community, environmental and economic benefits that can be achieved. Erik will also present examples that highlight keys to their successful implementation for designers, cities, developers and communities.

This session will touch on the following topics:

• The broad range of community, environmental and economic benefits that can be achieved with Green Streets
• Keys to successful implementation
• The Green Street toolbox - stormwater management, street trees, traffic calming, street configurations and public transportation
• Green Street case studies that illustrate a range of topics from reconfiguring streets to restructuring a district
• Innovative uses of Green Streets' best practices: Beach Boulevard and Edinger Avenue in Huntington Beach, CA; Plumas Boulevard in Yuba City, CA; First Street in Livermore, CA
• How Green Streets fit within the larger concept of "Complete Streets"

Madeleine Zayas-Mart, Assoc. AIA is a member of the Oakland Planning Commission and Principal of MZM Design Works. She will discuss "Complete Streets" prior to introducing Erik.

Erik Calloway is a Senior Associate at Freeman Tung Sasaki (FTS). Mr Calloway's Educational background is in architecture with a focus on urban design and sustainability issues. His roles at FTS include project content development, revitalization strategies, master planning, development codes, public realm design concepts, design review and project management. Some of his projects include built-out streetscape designs for First Street in Livermore, California, adopted corridors Specific Plan for San Fernando, California, and a corridors and centers project for Portland METRO in Portland, Oregon. He is a member of the Congress for New Urbanism.

11/2/10
Regional and Urban Design Forum: From Gray to Green: The Value of Green Streets - Livability, Prosperity & Sustainability
Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600 or Douglas Frazier, AIA
Cost: None; this meeting is open to all chapter members. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES/HSW/SD LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Experimental Architecture - Future Cities Lab

Future Cities Lab is an experimental design and research office based in San Francisco, California and Athens, Greece. Design principals Jason Kelly Johnson and Nataly Gattegno have collaborated on a range of award-winning projects exploring the intersections of architecture with advanced fabrication technologies, responsive building systems and urban space. Their work has been published and exhibited worldwide. Most recently they were the 2008-09 Muschenheim and Oberdick Fellows at the University of Michigan TCAUP, the 2009 New York Prize Fellows at the Van Alen Institute in New York City, and exhibited work at the 2009-10 Hong Kong / Shenzhen Biennale. Both Johnson and Gattegno studied atPrinceton University. They currently teach at CCA and UC Berkeley, as well as workshops including the Architectural Association Global Summer Program Biodynamic Structures and Hydra-Cities Lab in Athens, Greece. Jason has also recently collaborated with Andy Payne on the FIREFLY for Grasshopper toolbar and Primer.

Ms. Gattegno has taught at the University of Virginia from 2002-08, and she was the 2008-09 Muschenheim Fellow at the University of Michigan TCAUP. She currently teaches at the California College of the Arts (CCA) in San Francisco. Her research seminar “InfoLab”, investigates the relationship between information and design and the opportunities of a design process inextricably linked to research. Ms. Gattegno’s professional work delves into issues of context, nature, ecology and technology in urban planning and design. She has been exploring the opportunities of design in extreme environments as a vehicle of investigating the relationship between energy and form. Ms. Gattegno received the AIA Medal and the Certificate of Merit from Princeton University and the Suzanne Kolarik Underwood Thesis Prize for design research. She was also awarded the Stanley Seeger Traveling Fellowship for research on the urban condition of the city of Athens, Greece. Ms.Gattegno is a M.Arch graduate of Princeton University and a MA graduate from Cambridge University, St. John’s College, UK.

11/11/10
Women In Architecture Forum: Experimental Architecture - Future Cities Lab
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
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 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Tour: Buena Vista Terrace Affordable Senior Housing

Buena Vista Terrace is an adaptive reuse building in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco. It illustrates the innovative ways in which modern building technologies can be fused with old styles. The project restored the historically-significant exterior of this circa 1915 Romanesque Revival-style church while four stories of studio and one-bedroom apartments were constructed within the building shell. Lead by HKIT Architects and Greg Lopez, Building Manager.

11/13/10 Tour: Buena Vista Terrace Affordable Senior Housing
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Buena Vista Terrace, 1250 Haight Street, San Francisco
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $5.50 for AIA East Bay Members; $11 for non-members. Registration Required. Click here
1.5 CES LUs

to register.For more information: 510/464-3600

ArchiCAD User Group: Lightworks Rendering Engine

Tom Simmons, President of ARCHVISTA, will demonstrate how to use the Lightworks Rendering Engine in ArchiCAD to produce interior renderings with interior light sources as well as understand how to use the settings within the Light Tool.

Develop your knowledge of the LightWorks Rendering Engine and understand how to apply LightWorks to Interior Renderings. Learn how to use and place interior light sources and understand how to customize setting for rendering interior spaces.

ARCHVISTA is the authorized ArchiCAD reseller for the Northern California and is recognized for expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM) as well as its implementation. Tom has spoken at major industry events including EcoBuild, AEC Systems, AIA Desert Practice Conference, AIA Monterey Design Conference and the Dwell Conference. He has authored several books and articles on Building Information Modeling and architectural technologies. Tom has a Masters of Architecture from University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University.

11/3/10
ArchiCAD User Group: Lightworks Rendering Engine
Time: 6pm - 8pm
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

Leveraging Your Specification

Jim Mammina, President of Custom Source Woodworking, Inc. will give a quick overview of the Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards Illustrated. Learn how to create a specification for architectural woodwork, using an Guide Specification, properly referencing the new standards to embed the applicable sections of the new standards into their specification. You be able to utilize the new Architectural Woodwork Standards with regards to specification covering these sections and reduce the design development timeline for woodwork elements, resulting in more billable hours in the office. Attendees will also receive a free copy of the latest Architectural Woodwork Standards supplied by the AWI.

Jim is a 30-year veteran of the woodworking industry and has been a consultant to the industry for 16 years specializing in technology integration in the woodworking environment. In 2007 Jim founded Custom Source Woodworking, Inc. The company is a QCP participant and an FSC approved firm that produces high quality Architectural Woodwork for Commercial and Retail projects throughout the United States.

11/12/10
Leveraging Your Specification
Presented by Jim Mammina, President of Custom Source Woodworking, Inc. Sponsored by WoodWorks California. Co-sponsored by AIA East Bay.
Time: Noon - 1:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: None; this forum is open to all. Registration is required. Click here to register.
1 CES/HSW LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Energy Tax Benefits for Architects

Discover if you are an ideal candidate for Energy Tax Certification. Don McDougall, National Sales Manager for Engineered Tax Services will explain the EPAct legislation put in place by Congress. He will describe the certification process and the methods used to certify a building according to the EPAct, including information on components of the building that can be analyzed for certification (building envelope, HVAC and/or lighting). Don will explain who could benefit from the tax deduction and provides the steps necessary for an architect or other designer to receive benefits. At the end of this program you will be able to identify and explain all major parts of the EPAct and its certification process from beginning to end.

Don McDougall is responsible for Engineered Tax Services operations on the West Coast with some national efforts as well. Don is an innovator in the fields of valuation and tax-based engineering. He has contributed and pioneered many of the commonly-integrated services and components used in the industry. He has been providing cost segregation services since before cost segregation existed, having worked heavily in the field of investment tax credits (the depreciation services that pre-date cost segregation).

12/8/2010

Learning Lunch: Green by Design - Understanding 179D Energy Tax Benefits for Architects

Engineered Tax Services will discuss the recently extended federal tax benefit available for the design of energy-efficient public or government-owned buildings. Learn how to take advantage of valuable tax savings and increase cash flow for your business.

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.

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Executive Director Position

The Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition seeks a dynamic Executive Director to lead us in transforming the landscape of the region. With over $10 million invested in program development to date, the Coalition is poised to expand the implementation of Bay Friendly checklists, certifications and trainings throughout the region, making sustainable landscape practices the norm for landscape professionals, nurseries, land developers and managers, builders, water agencies and local governments. The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition with associated management and fundraising responsibilities, and reports to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director leads the Coalition’s prioritization and strategic planning efforts, takes responsibility for meeting fundraising and financial objectives, coordinates consultant work, and communicates the mission and vision of the Coalition to key constituency groups in order to promote sustainable landscaping practices. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary individual who sees the vital mission of creating regenerative landscapes while exercising entrepreneurial skills to grow the organization.

Background:

Established in 2009, the Coalition is a California nonprofit focused specifically on promoting sustainable landscaping and gardening practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bay-Friendly programs offer home gardeners, landscape professionals, and public agencies the tools and skills to create beautiful, healthy, and sustainable landscapes. Our mission is to work in partnership to reduce waste and pollution, protect the Bay, conserve water, energy and natural resources, while creating vibrant landscapes. It is based on 10 years of program development by Stopwaste.org.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Grow the organization to reach its full potential
• Help develop and maintain a 2-3 year strategic plan in concert with the Board of Directors;
• Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors.
• Oversight of 3-5 contractors and establishment of permanent staff positions;
• Build and maintain strategic alliances with local, statewide and national organizations;
• Market the Coalition to organizations, public agencies, and individuals to promote membership growth;
• Fundraise from diverse funding sources including sponsorships, fee for service activities, and grants in order to expand organizational capacity;
• Provide leadership in the launch and marketing of the Bay-Friendly Landscape standards and third party rating systems to local governments and other appropriate public agencies, property developers and landscape professionals.
• Provide leadership in the development of a Bay-Friendly public agency council and Bay-Friendly Landscape Professional network group
• Strengthen and bring to scale the existing programs and implement new programs as needed;
• Oversee a biannual regional conference, two annual at-large membership meetings , and other events;
• Maintain effective communications with the Board of Directors and support the bimonthly Board of Directors meetings;
• Manage and administer the organization’s budget and all financial matters;
• Perform such other duties as may be directed by the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The candidate’s qualifications must be demonstrated through directly relevant professional experience and education.

Outstanding leadership skills, as demonstrated by previous management experience with staff or contractors

Bachelor's degree required in business, public policy, environmental management or related field (Master's degree, a plus).

Minimum of 10 years of staff management experience and it is highly desirable that a minimum of 3 of those years be in the nonprofit sector.

Proven track record raising funds from private and public institutions.

Direct experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies including grant writing, membership campaigns, and fee for service programs.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Experience in organizational development and related program development.

Ability to develop budgets, navigate accounting systems and interpret financial reports.

Understanding of sustainable landscaping practices and knowledge of Bay Area landscape community a plus.

The ability to work independently, and as part of a team.

Working knowledge of common computer applications (Quickbooks, spreadsheets, data management, power point, word processing).

The Executive Director will initially be an independent contractor and work under the direction of the Board of Directors. Executive Director must show proof of, and maintain minimum levels of one million dollars in general and auto liability insurance. To complete the duties of this position, the successful candidate must provide his/her own office space, computer, phone and internet access.

The Executive Director is a flexible part-time (minimum half-time) position with a salary of $5,000 per month. The determination will be made depending upon the qualifications of the selected candidate. It is the desire of the Board of Directors to expand the position in both salary and hours as funding allows.

To Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to Executive Director Search Committee via email at info@bayfriendlycoalition.org with Executive Director in the subject line. Deadline is October 22, 2010. Initial interviews will be held on Wednesday, November 3 with a potential follow-up interview on Friday, November 5th. Please hold these dates open.

Zero Energy Homes

Starting October 25, U.C. Berkeley Extension will be offering the course "Zero Energy Buildings" taught by David Scheer, a Registered Architect and ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) with Loisos+Ubbelohde Associates. Zero Energy Buildings will offer students the essentials on the subjects of zero net energy, off grid, and/or carbon neutral buildings. We will discuss and practice the modeling tools that designers, engineers and civilians need to predict building energy use. We will learn from practicing professionals about renewable energy sources like wind and photovoltaic panels, how to size and cost the generator required to offset building energy use, and the role of local, state and federal incentives in promoting renewables. Through site visits, presentation examples, guest lectures and a case study project, students will learn about the categories of building energy demand, how and when to reduce that demand, and how to produce a cost-effective plan for making a Zero Energy Building.

The course is part of the Sustainable Design certificate program.

Tuition is $600 for 8 classes meeting once a week for three hours per session.

For more information: http://extension.berkeley.edu/cat/course1725.html