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

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 Ocean Avenue corner lot, the design consists of a main reading room, children's reading room, community room, staff support space and an outdoor garden. Adhering to the urban grid, the L-shaped scheme allows the main reading room and community room volumes to flank and define a central courtyard. The exterior has two major architectural elements: an egg-shaped room and the high canopy roof.

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 Ocean Avenue. This roof strengthens the civic presence of the one-story structure, given the context of taller adjacent buildings. Its sky-blue underside is up-lit, providing unobtrusive security lighting to the entry and sidewalk below, while the height of the canopy is designed to optimize future photovoltaic panels.

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 Ocean Avenue. The robust, light-filled, and sustainable architectural design highlights the virtues and aspirations of this community: valuing the accessibility of knowledge and education to everyone.

Anne Fougeron, AIA founded the nationally-recognized design firm Fougeron Architecture more than 20 years ago on the premise that designing great buildings and providing more personal service were not mutually exclusive goals. The firm's projects exhibit a strong commitment to clarity of thought, design integrity and quality of architectural detail, receiving awards from all levels of the AIA and other organizations. Ranging in scale from residential and mixed-use housing to commercial, civic and health care, Anne's work has been widely featured in publications such as Architectural Record and the San Francisco Chronicle.

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 – AEC Solutions Application Specialist

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

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

Great architecture requires collaboration of all design disciplines. Architects have a central role in coordinating all aspects of their design with other disciplines during the entire design process. As BIM technologies are further adapted into the workflow of architects, engineers and contractors it becomes increasingly important to share BIM data within a project team.

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.

Chuck Wood is the Business Development Manager for Partition Specialties Inc. (PSI) in Northern California. He has been employed by this commercial interior specialties contractor for over 15 years. He is principally associated with the Skyfold vertical powerlift operable partition system.

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

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 to develop a small site specific project that emphasizes basic understanding of 3-dimensional composition, materiality and proportion. The design problem will be supplemented with site visits andshort lectures by practicing architects.

The primary purpose of the Architecture Workshop is to address the relative absence of architecture as a career choice for young people in under resourced communities. Architecture is a field that requires both specialized skills as well as a breadth of knowledge on multiple subjects. It is also a profession that requires critical as well as creative thinking, expressed both visually and verbally. To that end, the bigger goal is to inspire students to be thinkers and makers, with the confidence to imagine ideas that will have a positive impact in their communities.

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 communities.

Our long term goal is to expand the program from a 2 ½ day workshop to a 2 week intensive studio experience that covers the breadth of architectural inquiry at the small, medium, large and X-large scales.

Registration fee : $ 30 (Scholarships are available)

Application and fee due July 9^th, 2010

For more information: and applications please contact Prescott Reavis at westliaison@noma.net

The Power of Color

This program offers an explanation of how the human eye sees color, how color can enhance architectural spaces, how lighting is crucial to color and how color harmonies work.

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: 510/464-3600

Tour: The New Walnut Creek Library

Led by Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager for the City of Walnut Creek as well as Kari Svanstrom, AIA and Project Architect Colette Chew of Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Inc. Please meet at the City Hall lobby by 9:45am. You will be asked to sign a waiver because you are entering a construction zone. Please wear tennis shoes, no high heels. Please allow plenty of time to park. Parking Garages are located on Locust Street and Broadway. Attendees are encouraged to gather and continue the discussion at Skipolini's Pizza after the tour for a "dutch treat" lunch.

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

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 2^nd 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, North Oakland, and the North Hills. To read the staff report and to see the maps of the proposed zoning, please visit our website, and look at the “Upcoming Meetings” table:

http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/ceda/revised/planningzoning/ZoningUpdateProject/default.asp#schedule

June 23, 2010

4 p.m.

Hearing Room 1, City Hall

1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza

Before the Planning Commission holds its public hearings on the Citywide Zoning Update, the Zoning Update Committee expects to have two further public meetings considering proposed changes to zoning in central Oakland and in east Oakland. A similar email announcement will be send to recipients of these emails, for meetings tentatively scheduled for:

• July 14, 2010
• August 11, 2010

CITYWIDE ZONING UPDATE

Strategic Planning Division

City of Oakland - CEDA

250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 3315

Oakland, CA 94612

For more information: Zoning Update Message Line (510) 238-7299

www.oaklandnet.com/zoningupdate

CITY OF EL CERRITO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD VACANCY

The El Cerrito City Council announces a vacancy on the Design Review Board. The City Council Serving on a board or commission 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. invites all citizens interested in serving on a board, commission or committee to submit an application for consideration. 

Commissions and Committees generally meet once per month. Members serve in a volunteer capacity.

Design Review Board applications are due no later than July 6, 2010.

For more information: If you have any questions or would like an application and additional information sent to you, please contact the City Clerk at (510) 215-4305 or email cmorse@el-cerrito.ca.us. The application can also be downloaded from the city’s website at www.el-cerrito.org.

Committee on the Environment Forum: Toplighting with Daylighting

Daylight harvesting in building structures is an important issue that affects clients and owners. The energy use associated with interior lighting is enormous in the energy savings scheme of items that can reduce costs immediately with a minimum of capital investment.

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.

California has saved 22% of its energy use thru daylighting, the largest single source of energy savings in the state. Two example sectors that dramatically demonstrate could greatly benefit from daylighting are schools and retail.

California’s schools spend more than $450 million a year on energy—more than their budget for books and supplies. Increasing the efficiency of the building design could save 20 to 40 percent of that expense, either in new design or retrofit. By integrating high-performance features in the earliest stages, the design community can create schools that enhance teaching and learning, reduce operating costs, and protect the environment. The CHP’s (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) Program does just that by offering standards, guidelines, and assistance in school design. Another useful tool available to the designer is the “energy DESIGN resources” guide.

Southern California Edison recently performed an energy simulation study to identify energy efficiency opportunities for Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse stores. This study investigated the energy benefits of selected design alternatives including the integration of high efficiency lighting systems, daylighting strategies, and high efficiency HVAC units. The study concluded that the greatest opportunity for energy savings would be skylighting with automatic photoelectric controls that turn off electric lights when interior daylight levels are ample. This reduces both lighting and cooling loads, since reduced electric lighting decreases cooling loads. To maximize skylighting potential, skylights should be placed over aisles in the store’s high rack areas. Optimizing the number of skylights, their location, and lighting control strategies can further reduce the energy consumption of stores in California.

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 USA, he has worked on projects in China, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Indonesia, and throughout Asia . Before joining VELUX in April 2003, he was the Head of the Commercial Roofing Division Asia of Firestone Building Products where he was supporting the FSBP efforts in Asia on integrating large Commercial Roofing Projects for USA and Multinational clients Facilities in Asia. Before joining FSBP, he was the General Manager for BF Goodrich Asian Regional operations.

Ray has been a past member of CSI, RCI, NRCA and other construction technical associations.

7/30/10
Committee on the Environment Forum: Toplighting with Daylighting
Time: Noon - 1:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland
Contact: 510/464-3600 or Andrea Powell, Intl. Assoc. AIA
Cost: None; this program open to all. Please RSVP.
1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600