Abbott’s Work Featured in VCA Exhibition

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Untitled 4, Carlton Abbott, FAIA
Untitled 4, Carlton Abbott, FAIA

You’re probably familiar with Carlton Abbott’s work as an architect, but are you aware of his work as an artist? You might wonder when the architect of the  Museum of the Confederacy’s new Appomattox site, the Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia Beach and Jamestown Visitor Centers,  the Mt. Vernon Trail of the George Washington Parkway, and the Mariner’s Museum (among many, many other projects) has time to create works of art. After exploring the Virginia Center for Architecture’s newest exhibition Featured Fellows: The Art & Architecture of Carlton Abbott, FAIA you’ll probably wonder when he has time to create architecture! Carlton Abbott, FAIA, winner of more than 80 awards for architectural accomplishments, and son of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s original landscape architect, has enjoyed a brilliant career as an architect and artist. See a collection of his artwork including drawings, models, paintings, mixed media, sculpture and metal work on display at the Virginia Center for Architecture from Jan. 19 through March 25, 2012.

With five decades of art and architecture under his belt, Abbott shows no signs of slowing down. Abbott is a dedicated artist and designer whose career aspirations were inspired by his father, Stanley W. Abbott, the first resident landscape architect and primary designer of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Born in Salem, Virginia, in 1939, Carlton Sturges Abbott attended the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1963.  He also studied under a scholarship at the École des Beaux-Arts, Fontainebleau, France and ultimately became an architect, land planner, and president of Carlton Abbott and Partners in Williamsburg, Virginia.

In addition to being elevated in 1983 to the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows, and receiving countless awards for design excellence, he was recognized with the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects’ two highest professional honors: the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Architecture Firm Award in 1995 and the William C. Noland Medal in 1999.

Special Events

The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott Opening Reception
Thursday, Jan. 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Be among the first to explore a collection of Carlton Abbott’s artwork including drawings, models, paintings, mixed media, sculpture and metal work. Enjoy light refreshments. Space is limited. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.

Art with Abbott Workshop
Friday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get creative with Carlton Abbott.  The Williamsburg architect and artist provides an in-depth talk about his works on view and “draws” on his expertise to guide participants in mixed-media projects.  The experience includes drawing, painting, and additional creative hands-on opportunities.  The workshop is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about artistic processes, the overlapping fields of art and architecture, and creativity (no previous art or architecture experience necessary).  $85 fee includes all supplies, instruction, and lunch. Space is limited. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space.

Carlton Abbott Trunk Show
Thursday, Feb. 2, 4–6 p.m.
Carlton Abbott draws on his architecture background to create captivating hand-sculpted silver pieces. Abbott hosts a trunk show and sale of these wearable works of art as featured in Belle magazine. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space.  Free.

SocialARCH
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
The Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Virginia Center for Architecture host a social event featuring light refreshments and an exploration of Featured Fellows: The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott, FAIA. Meet Carlton Abbott and see a collection of his artwork including drawings, models, paintings, mixed media, sculpture and metal work. Sponsored by Shade & Wise Brick Company. Space is limited. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.

Carlton Abbott Coffee and Gallery Talk
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9–10 a.m.
Join Carlton Abbott for a gallery talk and exploration of his work featured in the exhibition. Take part in an informal and enlightening conversation of the art- and architecture-based works on view, as well as learn about his inspiration and techniques. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.

The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott Family Day
Saturday, March 3, 1–3 p.m.
Create your own work of art, participate in a gallery tour, and complete a scavenger hunt!  Experiment with the ideas from the exhibition Featured Fellows: The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott and design a unique work to take home with you.

The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott Departure Party
Thursday, March 22, 4–6:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening with Carlton Abbott, light refreshments, and music as we celebrate the exhibition before it departs. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.

The Virginia Center for Architecture is located at 2501 Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia’s historic Fan District. The Center is dedicated to developing the understanding of the power and importance of architecture through programs, exhibitions, and its stewardship of an historic landmark. The Center is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Learn more at www.virginiaarchitecture.org.

Tech’s LumenHAUS Wins AIA Honor Award

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LumenHAUS, courtesy Va. Tech

Virginia Tech’s acclaimed LumenHAUS has earned another feather in its much-adorned cap. This net-zero-energy house — which has garnered attention not only for design excellence but as an educational tool — has been awarded a 2012 Institute Honor Award for Architecture from the national component of the AIA. Recognized by the Society with a 2011 VSAIA design award and the Prize for Design Research and Scholarship in 2010, the LumenHAUS also took home the top prize at the European Solar Decathlon in 2010.

The house has been on display in New York’s Times Square, Washington, D.C. and alongside Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House as an exhibition, not only on good design, but as a tool informing the wider public about issues of alternative energy and sustainability.

Read more >>

Jefferson Award Goes to Virginia Fellow

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Dan Feil, FAIAThis year’s Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture honors Virginia member Daniel Feil, FAIA, an experienced public-sector architect with a long history of enlisting the finest design talents to produce trendsetting public works. Feil and the other two 2012 Thomas Jefferson Award recipients are celebrated for demonstrating a commitment to quality design that recognizes public buildings and places as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

The Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Architecture recognize achievements in three categories: private-sector architects with a record of excellence in the design of public facilities, public-sector architects who promote design excellence within their agencies, and public officials or other individuals who have furthered public awareness of design excellence.  More >>

Coalition Asks President, Legislators for Action

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© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.On Dec. 7, 2011, a broad coalition of design and construction industry organizations asked the White House and Congressional leaders to put aside partisan differences and enact legislation that will return this sector to its role as one of the biggest job-producing engines of the American economy.

In an open letter to President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker John Boehner and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, 45 industry representatives asked the President and Congress to work together to achieve three goals to spur immediate job creation:

  • Pass surface transportation, aviation, water resources, and clean water and drinking water infrastructure authorization bills. Enactment of these authorizations, the letter states, will immediately provide programmatic and fiscal certainty that will help job creators in every state put people back to work.
  • Pass and sign appropriations bills for the remainder of fiscal year 2012 as soon as possible. The signatories to the letter state that failure to pass authorization bills undermines business confidence and damages the economy by providing little or no certainty to public agencies or those who perform work for them.
  • Jump-start new privately-funded construction with pro-growth tax policies that will boost economic expansion.

The signatories to the letter commended the President and Congress for repealing both the three-percent withholding mandate on government contractors and expanded the Form 1099 information reporting requirements. However, much more needs to be done to return the sector to its former prominence as an engine of the economy.

“Rather than blame each other for a sluggish economy, the two political parties can enact legislation that will jumpstart the economy just as the presidential election cycle begins in earnest,” said AIA President Clark Manus, FAIA. “The last thing either party wants as it campaigns for re-election is an economy that sputters along with an unemployment rate that in my sector is greater than 13 percent.”

Indeed, the design and construction industry accounts for 5.7 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, employing more than seven million Americans who design, construct and maintain the infrastructure on which our economy depends. When unemployment in this sector is high, the letter states, “the impact is felt in every community across the nation.”

“The recovery of the construction industry is vital not just to the millions of people working in the industry, but to the end-users of construction: the American people,” said 2011-12 ASA President Kerrick Whisenant, preconstruction director, Cornerstone Detention Products Inc., Tanner, Ala. “Virtually every American lives, works, or travels in the built environment. This is a rare opportunity where leaders on both sides of the aisle can agree on a path forward that meets the needs of millions of Americans and provide a jumpstart to the economy with better tax policies.”

“The pent-up potential for employment can quickly turn into action that will not only benefit the economy, but have a direct impact on the health and welfare of communities and the public,” said Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, Hon. AIA, and executive vice president and CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects. “Urban infrastructure, public health, energy, transportation — America must lead on these and other issues, and Congress holds the keys to freeing the creativity and innovation that is central to our national identity and has been stalled by uncertainty.”

“Passing long-delayed infrastructure bills and enacting measures to encourage greater private sector investments in construction will help put many unemployment construction workers back on the job,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America.  “Our economy will not fully recover until the millions of construction workers that have lost their jobs during the past four year can once again find work.”

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit http://www.aia.org/.
Visit http://www.aia.org/. Twitter: http://twitter.com/AIA_Media
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/AIANational

About the American Subcontractors Association, Inc.
Founded in 1966, ASA amplifies the voice of, and leads, trade contractors to improve the business environment for the construction industry and to serve as a steward for the community. ASA’s vision is to be the united voice dedicated to improving the business environment in the construction industry. The ideals and beliefs of ASA are ethical and equitable business practices, quality construction, a safe and healthy work environment, and integrity and membership diversity.

About LonMark International
LonMark International is a non-profit corporation supporting the testing and certification of products, people and companies supporting the ISO/IEC 14908 body of standards.  Its nearly 400 members manufacture, distribute, develop, install or use systems based on these standards.  For more information about LonMark International, please visit http://www.lonmark.org/.

About ASLA
Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing some 16,000 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. The Society’s mission is to lead, to educate and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more about landscape architecture online at http://www.asla.org/.

About AGC
Located in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area, The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry. Operating in partnership with its nationwide network of Chapters, AGC provides a full range of services satisfying the needs and concerns of its members, thereby improving the quality of construction and protecting the public interest.

Codifying Green Design

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“© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.”

A Letter from AIA President Clark Manus, FAIA

If scientific evidence cannot convince holdouts that climate change demands a response, then the cost of architecture’s business as usual—challenged by increasingly cash-strapped governments—might. Eager, if not desperate, to get a handle on the cost of operating their facilities, local municipalities are implementing amendments to existing codes to reduce energy consumption. Soon they will have a new, more powerful tool. As the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) is adopted by states beginning in 2012, it will formalize performance by creating mandatory frameworks for both minimum and advanced green building. This will be a real game-changer.

The IGCC will mandate specific responsibilities and liabilities, something that LEED certification does not. Unlike LEED, the green code is enforceable. If a design doesn’t meet the specifications of the state where the IGCC has been adopted, the architect could be liable for failure to comply. One consequence is increased responsibility and the associated risk-management issues for architects, as they will be required to add energy efficiency to health, safety, and welfare on their list of concerns.

Those in favor of codifying green design believe that it will place architects at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to conserve energy, enabling them to help facilitate a new era of sustainability. While not disagreeing with the desired outcome, critics contend that architects should not be the ones exposed and bearing the responsibility for whether a building saves energy.

Whatever position one takes on this issue, green-building codes are changing our profession’s required standard of care. We better be prepared. We need to understand these issues as components of design, while leading our clients and project teams through the new complexities and conflicts inherent in the shift to the art and science of building green.

I see this as a unique opportunity to regain lost relevance. To grasp that opportunity, we must delve deeply into sustainable-building sciences as a fundamental value. Our clients are going to expect their architects to guide them through the much more complicated world of design. The new green-building code requirements establish a historic moment to make a difference that truly matters in our profession, in our communities, and on our planet.

Clark D. Manus, FAIA, 2011 President

AIA and ABC Announce Contract Document Agreement

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The American Institute of Architects and Associated Builders and Contractors recently announced a marketing partnership agreement, designed to foster a greater understanding and exchange of ideas between architects and contractors in the construction community.

“We see this as the beginning of a larger, long-term partnership between the AIA and ABC,” said AIA President, Clark Manus, FAIA. “For more than 100 years, the AIA has been committed to promoting greater industry collaboration among architects, owners and contractors, and this partnership is a natural extension of this work. ABC’s decision to partner with the AIA speaks volumes about the fair and balanced nature of AIA documents and their universal acceptance in the industry.”

“We believe this partnership will provide value to ABC members by giving them access to more resources to help them win work and deliver that work safely and productively,” added ABC President and CEO Mike Bellaman. “This partnership will allow for a healthy exchange of best practices and enhance relationships between architects and contractors, as well as bring more value to the industry.”

AIA offers more than 100 documents including contractor/subcontractor agreements and forms; owner/contractor agreements; application and certificate for payment; and change order forms. AIA Contract Documents are revised as necessary in order to remain current with trends and changes in the industry and law, and to balance the interests of all parties. AIA solicits counsel from more than a dozen industry groups when creating or updating documents, including Associated Builders and Contractors, which, under the partnership, will have increased involvement with the AIA Contract Documents program.

As part of the partnership, AIA will provide a number of benefits to ABC members, including a discount on the purchase of any retail-priced AIA Contract Document software license and access to AIA Contract Documents education programs.

Federal and Pro Bono Business Opportunities

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The AIA has compiled a list of opportunities and resources to help grow your business with projects funded by federal stimulus dollars and pro bono projects. Check the AIA site regularly for new RFPs and RFQs.

Finding Federal Business
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Overview
Guide to Federal Procurement

Recovery Resources—Stimulus (ARRA)

Key Federal Issues—Economic Recovery

Stimulus Resources for State and Local Components

Rebuild and Renew: The AIA’s Blueprint for Long-Term Prosperity

Commercial Buildings Federal Tax Deduction

 

Commissioned and Pro Bono Projects.

View Available Projects

The RFP Database

Projects:

• RFQ: Redevelopment of Center City, Philadelphia Property

• RFQ: GSA Design Excellence—New U.S. Courthouse in Lancaster, Pa.

• RFP: Magnolia Grove Restoration, Greensboro, Ala.

• RFP: Fire Headquarters Design and Construction in Branford, Conn.

• RFP: Riverwalk Masterplan for Danville, Va.

AIA Launches Stalled Projects Database

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© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.
© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.

The American Institute of Architects has launched its Stalled Projects Database, where industry leaders can connect with investors and re-start projects nationwide that make solid economic sense but which lack the financing needed to be finished. Stalled Projects is an initiative of the AIA and is designed to help architects and their clients find a solution to the primary issue plaguing the design and construction industry – access to credit.

The site is intended be a tool to help bring the two sides together. The AIA announced its commitment to building this database earlier this year as a participating member at CGI America, the first conference of the Clinton Global Initiative solely dedicated to economic issues impacting the United States.

Industry leaders can fill out a form and post information about their project. More than one project can be submitted. Industry leaders can also read about investors and find and make contacts.

Investors can fill out a similar form that provides the basic details about their company and the kind of projects in which they are interested in investing. Investors are welcome to remain anonymous if they wish, though they must complete the form in order to peruse stalled projects listed in the database.

The AIA makes no assurance as to the accuracy or legitimacy of any of the information entered by either investors/lenders or project owners. That is up to both sides to evaluate. Neither does the AIA rank the projects listed as to viability or any other criteria. We are simply acting as a forum for investors and architects/project owners/developers to meet and exchange information.

The AIA commitment comes as the design and construction industry is plagued by a continuing dearth of credit for otherwise credit-worthy projects. Almost two-thirds of architects responding to a recent AIA survey reported at least one project that is stalled due to lack of financing, despite record low interest rates.

Register as an Investor
Tell project leaders about your firm and the types of projects you’re interested in.

Register Your Projects
Tell investors what your project is all about and why it’s a good investment.

View All Projects
Sign in and take a look at the registered projects and then make contacts.

See the List of Investors
Sign in and look over investor profiles. Decide which firms might be a fit for your project.

Purpose of the Database
Understand how the database is intended to work.

ABI Ticks Up After Four Months Down

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© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.
© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.

On the heels of a period of weakness in design activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) took a sudden upturn in August. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI score was 51.4, following a very weak score of 45.1 in July. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.9, up sharply from a reading of 53.7 the previous month.

“Based on the poor economic conditions over the last several months, this turnaround in demand for design services is a surprise,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Many firms are still struggling, and continue to report that clients are having difficulty getting financing for viable projects, but it’s possible we’ve reached the bottom of the down cycle.”

Key August ABI highlights:

      • Regional averages: Midwest (49.0), South (47.4), West (47.4), Northeast (46.5)
      • Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (50.9), institutional (48.5), commercial / industrial (46.0) multi-family residential (44.8)
      • Project inquiries index: 56.9

The regional and sector breakdowns are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the index and inquiries are raw numbers.

ArchEx 2011 Registration Open

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ArchEx 2010 Keynote Address
ArchEx 2010 Keynote Address. Photo by Jay Paul.

Registration for the mid-Atlantic’s largest conference and expo for architects is now open. Early bird rates are available for only a short time, so register now to secure the discounted registration rate.

Architecture Exchange East, Nov. 2-4, 2011, in historic Richmond, Va., features over 60 educational sessions, spectacular behind-the-scenes architectural tours, engaging special events, and over 125 vendors in the ArchEx Exhibit Hall.  Download the registration brochure.

 

Who should attend?

Architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, planners, builders, firm administrators, emerging professionals

 

Architecture Exchange East,  featuring Keynote Speaker Michelle Kaufmann, LEED® AP, takes place Nov. 2­-4, 2011, in Richmond, Va. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.  You can find out more or register at www.archex.net.

 

Special Events + Highlights

Keynote Address
Thursday 2:30-4 p.m.
Simplicity: Reinventing our Practice
Michelle Kaufmann, LEED® AP, discusses rethinking the standard architecture business.
Sponsored by Hourigan Construction and MTFA Architecture, Inc.

 

ArchEx Exhibit Hall
Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Discover the latest trends, products and technologies in the ArchEx Exhibit Hall.

 

Mid-Atlantic Design Showcase
Delight in the work being done by your colleagues! To exhibit your work, call (804) 237-1776.

 

CONNECTIONS Cocktail Party
The popular opening reception returns in 2011 with networking, beverages and hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and fun.  AIA Regional Director Mary Cox, FAIA, will make special remarks congratulating newly-registered architects.
Sponsored by Riverside Brick & Supply Co., Inc and Shade & Wise Brick Company.

 

NEW! Practice Management Series
Wednesday-Friday
This provocative, inspirational program of sessions on practice management will challenge existing paradigms.
presented with the AIA Practice Management Knowledge Community

 

NEW! ArchEx Exhibit Hall Education
Vendors will deliver content-rich information in quick, 15-minute sessions on our Presentation Stage. If you attend a minimum of one hour, you can self-report product research, based on the time listening to presentations or speaking with exhibitors.

 

Virginia IFRAA Series
Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
The Nature of Sacred Space: Sustainability and Spirituality
Discover how sustainable design solutions are redefining sacred spaces.
Sponsored by SunTrust. and presented with Virginia IFRAA, a Knowledge Community of Virginia Society AIA

 

Virginia Women in Design Series
Thursday
Discuss the challenges faced by women in the profession in this second annual series on women in design.
presented with Virginia Women in Design

 

Virginia Society AIA Annual Meeting
Thursday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Hear about vital developments, elect officers, and conduct other business affecting your professional society.

 

In FOCUS: Emerging Professionals
Thursday
Take part in a series of sessions that was assembled especially to support the needs of emerging professionals and students.