Getting the Most from Your 401(k)

This presentation will focus on the three basic areas of retirement plan improvement:

• Plan Design: Learn about 401(k) plan design and how company owners can contribute as much as $54,500/year
• Choosing 401(k) Plan Investments: Understand how to choose mutual funds and vendors for a 401(k) plan
• Creating a 401(k) Investment Plan Strategy: Learn how to apply Modern Portfolio Theory to create a "path of minimum regret"

Plan Design
Understand plan design and how to increase company owner contributions to as much as $54,500 per year, far beyond what has thought to be the $16,500 maximum (plus the $5,500 "catch-up" for those 50 and older). Learn how to fold retirement plan contributions into an overall compensation and bonus strategy so that they cease to be considered an "extra expense".

Choosing 401(k) Plan Investments
We'll focus on "open architecture", a proven performance advantage to selecting funds from an unlimited universe as opposed to choosing from a selection limited to the typical vendor's in-house proprietary funds.

• Gain an appreciation for what constitutes a reasonable fee structure for employee/participant
• See how fees are charged, how they must be reported to employees in dollars, and how they impact long-term results
• Learn how to negotiate with an existing vendor to provide a better-performing, more cost-effective investment selection
• Understand why your vendor emphasizes "target funds" and other high-profit margin products
• See through the "fiduciary scare tactic" and other self-serving industry misinformation

Creating a 401(k) Investment Plan Strategy
Learn how to identify inversely correlated investments and apply Modern Portfolio Theory to create a "path of minimum regret". Consider how qualified retirement plan investment decisions are impacted by equity in a home, potential inheritances, business assets and other factors that are often overlooked in the "silo" approach to managing personal finances.

Steve Butler is the founder and President of Pension Dynamics Corporation, a retirement plan consulting and administration company, located in the East Bay and in business since 1980.

Steve is the author of two books on 401(k) plans, and for the past 11 years has written a weekly financial column for multiple Bay Area News Group Newspapers including Contra Costa Time, Oakland Tribune, San Jose Mercury News, San Mateo Times and other related media. Click here to view some of Steve Butler's monthly columns in the Contra Costa Times.

Steve is the originator of the "Butler Index", an index of total costs of 401(k) plans, featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and MONEY magazine. Steve has also testified at Department of Labor and US House of Representatives cost-related hearings.

A graduate of Harvard, Steve then attended UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Business Administration.

3/15/11
Getting the Most from Your 401(k)
Steven Butler, President of Pension Dynamic Corporation, will present the three basic areas of retirement plan improvement. He will discuss 401(k) plan design, how to choose 401(k) plan investments, and how to create a 401(k) investment plan strategy.
Time: 6pm - 7pm
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

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

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

Young Architects Forum

Have you been licensed in the past ten years (or plan to be licensed soon)? Join a roundtable discussion about issues affecting you today and how the AIA can assist you. Then network with a beer and light snacks!

4/20/10

Young Architects Forum

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.

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Wooden Windows Workshop Tour

Wooden Window, Inc. Product Specialist Todd Kerr and his team will lead a tour of the shop, demonstrate how robots have innovated the craft of making custom wooden doors and windows, discuss how Wooden Window is the fenestration rehabilitation leader in the state, and review the myriad of options related to performance glass -- topics that are common with remodeling projects of older homes.

Repair or replace? What's the best way to go with older doors and windows?

How is it possible to replace a window in an older home, use dual-pane glass, and have it match the existing single-pane windows?

These questions and more will be considered on the upcoming tour at Wooden Window. There, you will have fun watching Betsy, one of 3 company robots, and other company craftsmen make absolutely beautiful doors and windows. So don't miss this meeting -- not to mention the smell of clear grain lumber.

Lunch is provided by Wooden Window, Inc. Space is limited and registration is required!

2/19/10

Wooden Window Workshop Tour

Hosted by the Women In Architecture Committee and Young Architects Forum.

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

Location: Wooden Window, Inc., 849 29th Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: $3 for AIA East Bay Members; $5 for non-members. Space is limited! Registration Required. Click here to register.

Lunch provided by Wooden Window, Inc.

1 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Solar Power Demystified

Find out the latest developments in Solar Power. Kevin Good, Principal of Sun's Free Solar will be discussing residential versus commercial applications, product options, financing an installation, how to navigate through the maze of rebates/incentives and the projected payback period for an installation.

Kevin Good is the principal of Sun's Free Solar based in Alameda. After a dozen years working as an electrician under the company name Well Grounded Electric, Kevin has realized his aspiration of putting his skills, talents and interest in alternative power towards his new venture. Since its inception, Sun's Free Solar has been providing customers with the latest technology and have installed the first solar array for a residence in the City of Alameda.

11/17/09

Young Architects Forum: Solar Power Demystified

Kevin Good, principal of Sun's Free Solar will be discussing residential versus commercial applications, product options, financing an installation, how to navigate through the

maze of rebates/incentives and the projected payback period for an installation.

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Norman Sanchez, AIA

Cost: None; this forum is open to all.

1.5 CES/HSW/SD/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Architectural Photography

Whether you photograph your own projects or hire someone to take them for you, Heidi Sledge will provide some tips and tricks for getting the best results. Learn how to stage and setup the shots, what type of lighting to use and how to edit the shots for final presentation. Heidi will also be discussing best practices for print media versus web content and the benefits of digital photography.

Heidi Sledge is a professional photographer with experience in a variety of subjects. While her focus was originally on portrait photography, she has since expanded her repertoire to include real estate and architectural photography. Her talent behind the lens is matched by her editing abilities with software programs like Photoshop to provide the best possible mood for each shot.

10/20/09

Young Architect Forum: Architectural Photography

Whether you photograph your own projects or hire someone to take them for you, Heidi Sledge will provide some tips and tricks for getting the best results.

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Norman Sanchez, AIA

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

1.5 CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Risk Management

Leslie Pancoast will be discussing issues related to risk management. Some of the topics to be discussed include ownership of drawings, contract language to include/avoid and issues associated with the distribution of electronic documents.

Leslie Pancoast is Vice President of IOA Insurance Services, and is the Branch Representative of the Bay Area office in Pleasanton, which she opened in 2005. Leslie focuses on placing professional liability and other commercial insurance coverages for architects, engineers, attorneys and other professional consultants.

With over two decades of insurance experience and having placed insurance coverage for hundreds of professionals, Leslie's broker skills are geared toward finding the right programs for her clients and negotiating highly competitive premium terms. She also provides contract review and risk management seminars for her clients.

9/15/09

Young Architects Forum: Risk Management

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Norman Sanchez, AIA

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

1.5 CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Pecha Kucha Night

On Tuesday, June 16 at 6:00pm the Young Architects Forum will be holding a "Pecha Kucha Night". Pecha Kucha Night is like an "open mike" for designers - come share a selection from your design portfolio, images and stories from your travels, your hobbies, or anything you'd like, and learn about your peers and colleagues at the same time.

Pecha Kucha is, above all, a presentation format devised by architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham. Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total of 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show.

6/16/09

Young Architects Forum: Pecha Kucha Night

Bring 20 images to present for 20 seconds each.

Time: 6:00-7:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Norman Sanchez, AIA

Cost: None; this program open to all.

For more information: 510/464-3600

What do Contractors Look for in Drawings?

A panel of contractors will discuss what they look for in architectural drawings. They will share their opinions on what architects can do to communicate more clearly to ensure accurate bids and a problem free construction project. Bring a set of your drawings and specifications so that the panel can share feedback on what they feel works and what doesn't. This is a chance to get valuable input from contractors that deal with numerous projects,both commercial and residential of all shapes and sizes.

Panelists

Donny Chu founded DC Construction in 1986 and he is a full-service general contractor. His projects vary from small scale residential to large scale commercial construction. Backed by skilled estimators, project managers, and superintendents, Donny prides himself on providing exceptional customer service.

Amy Hutton is the Director of Project Development at Winans Construction. Founded in 1978, Winans Construction has consistently been recognized for the quality of their projects in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Focusing on the residential remodeling market, they have received numerous local and national awards for their work over the years. The company's core values of excellent customer service, reliability, accountability and teamwork has lead to a long history of successful projects.

5/19/09

Young Architects Forum: What do Contractors look for in our drawings?

Our panel of contractors will share their opinions on how architects can make sure their drawings communicate clearly, in order to ensure accurate bids and a problem free construction project.

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Norman Sanchez, AIA

Cost: None; this program open to all.

1 CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Bay Area Architecture of the 50's and 60's

On Tuesday, April 21, Henrik Bull, FAIA will be sharing a presentation he has prepared for the Berkeley Architectural History Association (BAHA) on Bay Area Architecture of the 50's and 60's. Bull will discuss his experience with starting a firm that is now more than 40 years old and has managed to survive the recessions of 1974-75 and 1982, as well as the dot com bust of the 90's.

Henrik Bull, FAIA is one of the founding partners of BSA Architects. This 40-year old practice has received over 75 major design awards including "Firm of the Year" by the American Institute of Architects California Council.

Attracted by the modernism that was taking place in the Bay Area, Henrik Bull, FAIA moved out West in 1954. Because of his passion for skiing, Bull spent much time in the Sierras and began working on ski cabins as side projects. This work drew praise and awards and in 1956 Bull started his own firm. His work on cabins soon led to working on residential projects, condominiums, hotels and resorts in Lake Tahoe and Colorado. In 1967 Bull merged his firm with two others to form BSA Architects.

4/21/09

Young Architects Forum: Bay Area Architecture of the 50's & 60's
Presented by Henrik Bull, FAIA founding partner of BSA Architects.

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None; this program open to all.

1 CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Successful Website Design

Learn how to establish or improve your website with Michael Swartz of MJS Websolutions. Michael is a web designer with a strong background in marketing. For those who do not yet have a presence on the Web, Michael will go through the basics of setting up a website that is effective and easily found via Google and other search engines. For those of us who already have a website, Michael has offered to give us his feedback on how we could improve upon it.

Michael Swartz began his web design career at Bank of America in 1995 after graduating from California State University, Hayward with a Marketing degree. Michael was later hired as Project Manager/ Web Coordinator with Charles Schwab. Aligned with a marketing degree, web design and project management experience, Michael launched MJS Web Solutions in September 2001.

2/17/09

Young Architects Forum: Successful Website Design

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Norman Sanchez, AIA

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

1.5 CES/LU

For more information: 510/464-3600 or events@aiaeb.org

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

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

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

Panel Discussion: Defining the Net Zero Energy Building- Is It Attainable?

There are many variables involved in carbon neutrality and designing Net Zero Energy Buildings. The August 19th panel will describe Net Zero buildings, show real world applications and discuss what does and does not work. Join us for this informative and lively discussion Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:00pm. Many thanks to the Young Architects Forum and the Committee on the Environment for organizing this joint program.

About the panelists:

Larry Strain, FAIA - Larry Strain, principal of Siegel & Strain Architects, has a 25-year background in sustainable design. After studying environmental systems at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, he became a student-instructor at the Farallones Institute in Occidental, California where he continued his studies in environmental systems. In 1976 he co-founded The Solar Center, one of the largest solar design and installation companies in the Bay Area. He received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of California Berkeley, where he is currently teaching in the School of Architecture. Mr. Strain is the author of the reSourceful Specifications, guideline specifications for environmentally considered building materials and construction methods. reSourceful Specifications was awarded the 1998 Practice & Technology Award from the AIA East Bay Chapter. He is a member of Architects/ Designers/ Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR), Building Industry Professionals for Environmental Responsibility (BIPER), Urban Ecology, and is a professional member of the Construction Specifications Institute, and the American Solar Energy Society.

Bill Burke, AIA - Bill is an architect with a long background in environmental issues and energy-efficiency. As staff architect at Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s (PG&E) Pacific Energy Center (PEC), he oversees architectural educational programs and consultations, with a focus on improved building performance through good site design, high performance glazing, daylighting, and other green building strategies.Immediately prior to joining PG&E, Bill managed the Vital Signs Curriculum Project. Vital Signs, organized through the University of California, Berkeley, assisted educators in incorporating energy-efficiency and building performance topics into architectural curricula at schools throughout North America. Bill practiced architecture in the San Francisco offices of HOK and MBT Architecture, where he focused on health care and laboratory projects. Bill received his M.Arch. degree from the University of Oregon in 1986 and a B.A. from Grinnell College in 1976. He is a registered architect in the State of California, a member of the American Institute of Architects, and a LEED Accredited Professional.

David Lehrer - is CBE's Director of Communications. He serves as the primary liaison between our Industry Partners and the research team, and leads CBE's publicity and publication efforts.
David holds a Master of Architecture degree from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining CBE, David had acquired over 10 years experience as a practicing architect, completing a variety of project types including office buildings, workplace design, retail, and historic preservation. David is also a specialist in resource efficient design strategies and has lectured and written on a number of related topics. David is an adjunct faculty member at the California College of the Arts (CCA) where he has taught green building and interdisciplinary design courses. He has been an active member of the US Green Building Council, and has served as co-chair of the the AIA San Francisco Chapter Committee on the Environment. David also runs LehrerDesign.

Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact: Jayna Blackwell, CMP or call 510/464-3600 for more information.
Cost: None; this program open to all. Cocktails provided. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES/LU

YAF: Best & Worst Project Experiences of 2008

Best & Worst Project Experiences of 2008

Join the Young Architects Forum July 15th at 6pm to talk about your best and worst (or maybe just not great) experiences this year. It could be about a project you are currently working on, or a project you were pursuing or even one that had an untimely end.

It's a way for us to learn from one another and maybe even get a pulse on the way the market is moving this year. Maybe you had the plan review from hell or the design review that went your way. A client who was totally supportive of your ideas or one who wanted everything gold-plated but with tin foil AE fees. Maybe you spent a week putting together a proposal for a whale of a project only to see it walk out the door because some firm in Thailand could do it for a third of the fee. It happens.

It's a little past the middle of the year and we are in the home stretch, so come on down, grab a drink and let's remember the best and worse for the year-to-date.

Join the Young Architects Forum (it's okay if you're just young at heart):
Tuesday, July 15th
6pm
AIA East Bay
1405 Clay Street, Oakland, CA
12th Street/City Center BART Stop
All are welcome, no cost to attend.
We provide 1 CES/Lu and the drinks!

For more information: AIA East Bay 510/464-3600

Young Architects Forum: LEED for Homes

On Tuesday, June 17 at 6:00 pm the Young Architects Forum presents LEED for Homes.

Michael Kloefkorn, LEED AP and Piper Kujac, LEED AP of Van Meter Williams and Pollack will discuss regional residential green building programs and practices, residential green building means and methods and an overview of the Green Point Rated Program.

Michael Kloefkorn
Is an Associate at VMWP, Mr. Kloefkorn specializes in green urban architecture with a focus on sustainability and community. He is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a B.Arch degree; his areas of study focused on Sustainable and Urban Design. He is a registered architect in Colorado, a LEED Accredited Professional as well as a Certified Green Building Professional and GreenPoint Rater. He is a member of the Northern California Chapter of the USGBC and currently serves as a Chair for the Residential Green Building Advocacy Committee.

Piper Kujac
Trained in Architecture at University of Oregon, she admits to an obsession with materials and resources and thrives on finding new means and methods of sustainable design. Piper has served as chair of the USGBC NCC's Emerging Green Builders and currently co-chairs the Residential Green Building Advocacy Committee. Piper teaches 'Sustainable Project Development' and 'Sustainable Building Materials' at UC Berkeley Extension and is a LEED for Homes Representative with Davis Energy Group.

Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: Kellie Hewlett at 510/464-3600 or Gerard Lee, AIA
Cost: None; this program open to all. Cocktails provided. Please RSVP.
1.0 HSW/CES LU

For more information: Kellie Hewlett, Program Coordinator at 510/464-3600

Young Architects Lunchtime Forum: Hardwood Floor Finishes

The Young Architects Forum will host a lunchtime presentation on Tuesday, May 27 at noon.

Golden State Flooring will present an informative talk on the appropriate hardwood finish systems, and maintenance for hardwood floor projects. The difference between pre-finished and site finished floors. Finish appearance, sheen variables, performance expectations, and the appropriate maintenance will be introduced.

Time: Noon-1:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: Kellie Hewlett at 510/464-3600 or Gerard Lee, AIA
Cost: Free; Please RSVP Lunch will be provided
This Forum open to all.
1 CES/LU

For more information: contact Kellie Hewlett, Program Coordinator at 510/464-3600

Greening Our Practices

On Tuesday May 20 at 6:00 pm the Young Architects Forum will present Greening Our Practices

Bay Area Green Business Certification is an attractive prospect for small- to medium-sized, locally-based businesses seeking to market themselves as environmentally responsible. Enrollment and certification rates have steeply increased, but who can benefit most from this certification, how and why? Alameda County's Green Business Coordinator presents these basics, and compares the Bay Area Green Business certification to other types of 'green' certifications/accreditations.

Pamela Evans has been Alameda County's Green Business Alliance Coordinator since the Program's inception in 1997. Since then, Pamela has overseen the 'green' certification of 400 Green Businesses in the East Bay. She has built partnerships with over 35 local partners, including government, utilities, special districts, nonprofit and business organizations to create a local environmental certification process that has served as a model for over a dozen other local green business programs in and beyond California. Pamela has worked in environmental regulation and pollution prevention education since 1980.Agenda (not necessarily in this order): What is the Green Business Program?What is the benefit?Who is it for - and not for?What are the standards? How does it work?

Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: Kellie Hewlett at 510/464-3600 or Gerard Lee, AIA
Cost: None; this program open to all. Cocktails provided. Please RSVP.

For more information: contact Kellie Hewlett, Program Coordinator at 510/464-3600

Let's Talk Shop: Experiences of Young Architects

On Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm the Young Architects Forum will discuss their experiences as licensed professionals.

Particpants will discuss their current projects and issues that come with running a small office. They will delve into problems that come up on job sites and solutions to use in dealing with them in the future. Analysis of details and other aspects of design will be discussed.

Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street , Oakland
Contact: Kellie Hewlett at 510/464-3600 or Gerard Lee, AIA
Cost: None; this program open to all. Cocktails provided. Please RSVP.

For more information: contact Kellie Hewlett, Program Coordinator, at 510/464-3600