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

Traps for the Unwary: Contract Provisions to Watch Out For

Learn the most onerous clauses clients and their attorneys insert in owner/architect agreements: how to spot them, how to negotiate their removal and how to arrive a compromise you can live with.

In this current market, clients and their attorneys are demanding that architects agree to ever more onerous contract terms. Learn what are the most dangerous clauses clients and their attorneys insert in owner/architect agreements: how to spot them, how to negotiate their removal, and how to arrive at a compromise provision you can live with.

Rick Randel is an attorney at MBV Law LLP, where he specializes in business and design law, including review and negotiation f architecture and engineering contracts, general business counseling, and assisting A/E firms in complying with multistate licensing compliance. Rick has many years of experience in preparing and negotiating contracts for architects, including those between architects and their clients.

2/24/11
Traps for the Unwary: Contract Provisions to Watch Out For
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 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Professional Practice Forum: Contracts & Project Management

This round table discussion will cover best practices for taking meeting notes and composing emails. Learn what you should put in writing and what is best to discuss over the phone or in person. We will also go over retention policies as well as who should write your contracts.


2/17/11
Professional Practice Forum: Contracts & Project Management
Join this round table discussion to better learn how to handle contracts and project management for your firm.
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

Professional Practice Forum: Business Development

Join the Professional Practice Forum for a discussion on the following business development processes and issues:

• The importance of appropriate responses to RFQs and RFPs
• Developing go/no-go processes to maintain profitability
• The importance responding to RFPs and RFQs quickly and with in depth material
• How to use response templates to highlight what you really want shown
• Creating a process of finding partners and consultants appropriate to each RFQ in order to ensure success
• How to prepare for RFQs before they are released by building business relationships so that can collect information and brainstorm prior to RFQs being made public
• The keys to knowing when it makes sense to respond to an RFQ and when it doesn’t
• How to know if it’s worth the money in labor to respond to RFQs/RFPs when 0% - 5% of getting the job. Looking to the future instead of the immediate work, is it worth it to get your foot in the door?
• What to do if you get a project that you don’t want
• How to handle RFQ results that come from your consultants

1/20/11

Professional Practice Forum: Business Development

At this roundtable discussion of the Professional Practice Forum, we'll cover RFP's, RFQ's, finding partners and consultants, approaching the new project type and most importantly, when to say "No."

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Mark Steppan, AIA

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

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Small Firm Forum: Economic Impacts on the Office

Even before the Great Recession, the Architectural Office was evolving in numerous directions. In recent prosperous times we could see the impact of technology which reshaped job roles and the work process and product of the architectural office. We could see the influence of evolving societal attitudes toward workers, the workplace and the changing demographics of architectural profession.

But when things really hit the fan, other forces began to strongly shape the architectural office. Rent, insurance, a severe shortage of work, the need to preserve capital before all was lost, caused many architects to look at whether the manner in which the office was organized and run would aid survival or imperil it.

Please join us for an open, free-wheeling discussion of how our office concepts are matched to the times. Share your experiences and learn from those of others.

In addition to the hoped for unexpected insights, we also have the following learning objectives:

1. Learn what adjustments peers have been making in the size, cost and location of their office in response to a challenging economic environment.

2. Gain an understanding of what other architects have been willing to compromise in order to avoid changes in their vision of what their office should be, if they have.

3. Develop a perspective on the question as to whether changes in response to the cost of maintaining an office that is too large or too expensive have affective the product or our work or our standard of care.

4. Develop a perspective that helps us to understand what changes seem to transcend the current recession and which are due to it, in order to understand better where we are heading as prosperity or an improved economy arrives.

1/6/11

Small Firm Forum: Organizing Your Office to Adapt to Changes in the Economic Climate

Join us for a round table discussion on how office concepts change to match the times. Share your experiences and learn what measures others have been taking to keep their firms alive in today's challenging economic environment.

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Donald Wardlaw, AIA

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

For more information: 510/464-3600

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.

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.

2/2/11
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: 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

Traps for the Unwary: Contract Provisions to Watch Out For

Learn the most onerous clauses clients and their attorneys insert in owner/architect agreements: how to spot them, how to negotiate their removal and how to arrive a compromise you can live with.

In this current market, clients and their attorneys are demanding that architects agree to ever more onerous contract terms. Learn what are the most dangerous clauses clients and their attorneys insert in owner/architect agreements: how to spot them, how to negotiate their removal, and how to arrive at a compromise provision you can live with.

Rick Randel is an attorney at MBV Law LLP, where he specializes in business and design law, including review and negotiation f architecture and engineering contracts, general business counseling, and assisting A/E firms in complying with multistate licensing compliance. Rick has many years of experience in preparing and negotiating contracts for architects, including those between architects and their clients.

1/12/11
Traps for the Unwary: Contract Provisions to Watch Out For
Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: None; this program is open to all. Please RSVP.
1 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Professional Practice Forum: Business Practices

There are many important issues in operating an architectural business that need to be considered when determining the viability of starting a business or maintaining the success of an architectural business. Some of these issues include personnel, office leases, office equipment, insurance, business structures, 401 k's etc.

Learn the importance of having properly trained staff to handle personnel issues as well as the need for an employee manual. Gain a greater understanding of the types of insurance an office requires to operate a practice. We will also discuss the different business structures available and the pros/cons of the more typical ones.

11/18/10
Professional Practice Forum: Business Practices
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

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

Lunch & Learn: 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.

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

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

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

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

Monthly Program: International Business Development

What are the practical aspects of getting business and building projects internationally? How do firms break into emerging economies, crossing cultural divides, complex legal issues, and possible language barriers?

Presented by Chip Pierson, AIA of Dahlin Group, Morton Jensen, AIA of JRDV and Tom Chastain & Renee Chow of Studio URBIS. Andre Ptaszynski, AIA will moderate the discussion and field audience questions. Join us after the presentation for a wine & cheese networking reception!

The panel will discuss approaches they've taken in international business development and issues any firm should consider.

Chip Pierson, AIA of Dahlin Group Architecture Planning will describe this East Bay firm's journey from one small project in China to a multi-office, nationwide architecture practice in the space of eight years. In his talk he will describe:

* Why and why not to go global
* How to get help
* Negotiations and contracts
* Business culture
* Design process
* Design opportunities and challenges
* Planning opportunities and challenges
* Construction techniques in China
* Sales and marketing techniques

4/28/10

Monthly Program: International Business Development

Time: 5:30pm

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

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: $15.75 AIA Members; $21 non-members. Registration required. Click here to register.

1.5 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Design Professional Legal Defense & Indemnity Obligations

In a recent California Court of Appeal decision, UDC-Universal v. CH2M Hill, the Court held that a Consultant's duty to defend a developer against a homeowner association's negligent action arose despite the lack of an underlying claim of negligence against the Consultant. This occurred during the Crawford vs. Weather Shield case. Even though the Consultant was found to be not negligent by a jury, the Court still imposed an obligation upon the Consultant to pay for the developer's defense costs and fees under the indemnity clause contained within the parties' contract.

This court decision sent shock waves throughout the profession. To address those concerns, the AIACC supports this webinar's efforts regarding these issues, in which legal experts will be discussing the case and describing the implications on design professionals, as well as addressing contract negotiation strategies to respond to the decision. Presented by Kenneth Strong, Esq and Williams Peters of Gordon & Rees LLP.

Join us at the AIA East Bay to view this informative webinar provided by Contract Solutions Group (CSG).

Kenneth F. Strong, Esq., has over thirty years of experience in representing design professionals and contractors in litigation and transactional matters, including alleged errors in design and workmanship, claims for delay and disruption, environmental contamination, and architectural copyright violation claims.

William J. Peters, Esq., has specialized in construction litigation at Gordon & Rees for the past 28 years and is head of the Construction Practice Group. His practice includes matters involving alleged construction defects, delay and disruption, product liability and trade secrets.

4/14/10
Design Professional Legal Defense & Indemnity Obligations
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: Free for AIA members; $10 for non-members. Registration required. Click here to register.
1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

How to Improve Cash Flow & Profits Through Good Accounting

One of the most important things a small business owner needs to do is to focus on what he or she is best suited for. In almost all cases it is not accounting and finance. However, it is very important for the business owner to understand the business’s finances; cash flow, profit margins and financial position (assets to liabilities). It is how they bridge the gap between operations and finance to create new levels of efficiencies for more profits and cash. The main resource in the production of revenue for architectural firms is the human resource. Holding your production team accountable for their responsibilities is not only a good sound business practice but the right thing to do for everyone.

We will teach you why it is important to track the production hours to invoicing and to payroll, and how this information can be used to measure job profitability and architect efficiency. We will teach why and how payroll can accelerate your invoicing process to improve cash flow. We will show you how setting up timesheets will improve job profitability for time and material jobs and fixed fee contracts. We will explain the importance of tracking project subcontractor and reimbursable costs at the accounts payable entry level. We will also help you uncover key business practices that will lead to new cash and new profits.

Anthony Mar, Allied Member has over 25 years of experience in executive management of accounting, tax and strategic corporate financial planning. His experiences include tenures as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Tax Accountant and Internal Revenue Service Agent. He currently designs, develops and implements strategic financial and transition plans for many clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and across the country. Mr. Mar is a graduate of The University of San Francisco. He received Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Finance.

Rachel Scalise, CPA has worked in the accounting industry for over 15 years. She has served as Accounting Supervisor, Audit Associate, Senior Audit Associate, Senior Financial Analyst and Program Controller with Price Waterhouse. Her background in public accounting provides a framework that allows her to identify and resolve complex accounting issues. Rachel has worked extensively in “hands on” accounting positions, including budget preparation and analysis and the development and implementation of internal control systems. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Santa Clara University.

4/22/10

Lunchtime Learning Pleasanton: How to Improve Cash Flow & Profits Through Good Accounting

Presented by Anthony Mar, Allied Member and Rachel Scalise, CPA of Anthony Mar Advisers.

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: 510/464-3600

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

Upcoming ArchiCAD User Groups

Join ArchVista as they host upcoming ArchiCAD User Groups, where you can meet and collaborate with your peers, learn tips, tricks and features related to ArchiCAD and get to know fellow users in your area.

September 3rd at 6pm - Rosemary Muller, FAIA of Muller Caulfield Architects will review the historical restoration and seismic upgrade of the Alameda Carnegie Library.

November 5th at 6pm - Ed Buchanan of Jarvis Architects will review a residential project that coordinates the 3D model from schematics through construction documents.

These events are co-sponsored by AIA East Bay.
For more information: Click Here

Green Design: Build a Smarter Architectural Practice with Efficient Content Management

Minimize your environmental impact and Maximize your legacy.

With construction costs on the rise and consumers looking to go “green” in every aspect of their daily lives, architectural firms are searching for ways to improve everyday business processes and increase productivity. Project participants need access to documents (emails, meeting minutes, accounting records, blueprints, CAD drawings, and photographs) for years to come regardless of their original format. A single project can end up filling several file cabinets. Those firms that have done their best to store information on the network still have trouble finding documents at a later date, or not being able to access them off-site.

Technology is an essential part of improving a project’s timeline and helping the environment at the same time. Toshiba will teach you how to keep every member of your project team on the same page, use electronic stamps that show who knows what and who’s working with which particular document version. We will help your firm avoid errors, save time & money, dramatically reduce paper usage, keep to your budget, and go “green”.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - Noon - 1:30pm. This event is complimentary and open to all. Lunch will be provided, so RSVPs are a must.

1.5 CES/LU

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