January 2008
e-Architect Update
Government Affairs for the Pennsylvania Architect
In This Issue
2007 AIA Conventional Family of Documents
Disaster Assistance Coordinator Needed
2007 PAC Financial Results
2008 Legislative Agenda
Rolling Clock
ARE Timing
Member Surveys
Volunteers Needed for "PA Fuels for Schools and Beyond" Program
UCC Manuals Now Available
Energy Code Seminar

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Fenner & Esler

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AIA Pennsylvania
Phone: (717) 236-4055
Fax: (717) 236-5407
2007 AIA Conventional Family of Documents
 
This is the second of a series of articles discussing the 2007 edition of the AIA Conventional Family of documents released in October 2007.
 
To read the second article, go to Members Only Section.

Disaster Assistance Coordinator Needed

 

In response to a request from AIA National, AIA Pennsylvania is looking for an AIA member to be its AIA Disaster Assistance State Coordinator.  Nationwide, one minor disaster occurs each week, and at least 10 major disasters occur each year.  While, thankfully, Pennsylvania does not see too many of these, occasionally something happens.  An architect, as an individual responder, is uniquely qualified to evaluate the safety of a site and structure.  Architects are natural problem-solvers and planners, and are ideally suited for the complex situations brought on by a disaster. 

 

National has identified the requirements and responsibilities of the AIA Disaster Assistance State Coordinator as follows:

Must be an AIA member
  • Serve a 3 to 5 year term
  • Take AIA on-line training course (2 hour)
  • Establish/maintain relationship with state Emergency Management Organization (EMO)
  • Establish a state core group of volunteers (AIA Pennsylvania can lend a hand with this)
  • Execute and maintain the component kit
  • Maintain contact with Regional Director and AIA National (Center for Communities by Design)
  • Enable local component coordinators
  • Identify and train a replacement
  • Lead the effort to develop a volunteer roster

    • If you are interested in serving as the State Coordinator, please forward your name and resume to Caroline Boyce, AIA Pennsylvania Executive Director at cboyce@aiapa.org by Friday, February 29, 2008.

    2007 Pennsylvania Architects PAC Financial Results
     
    Our 2007 fundraising goal for the Pennsylvania Architects Political Action Committee was $20,000.  However, in 2007 we raised $24,818, surpassing our goal by 25% and by 68% over funds raised in 2006!  We also more than doubled our number of contributors from 2006 to 2007. To those members who have contributed, we thank you for your commitment!  To view the members who are on the Honor Roll, click on Pennsylvania Architects PAC Honor Roll.

     

    Since we start anew each year, you can contribute towards the 2008 PA Architects PAC goal of $25,000 by printing out the Donor Form, completing and faxing it to 717.236.5407.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at 717.236.4055.

    2008 Legislative Agenda
     

    Here is a brief overview of our 2008 Legislative Agenda:

     

    High Priority (active leadership)

    Uniform Construction Code (UCC)

    -  Support creation of The UCC Advisory and Review Council that would include stakeholders to provide comments and recommendations on proposed changes to the UCC (HB1096)

    -  Improved and consistent administration of UCC

    -  Monitor changes to UCC

     

    Professional Practice

    -  Continue to monitor the amendment to HB1188 enabling the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) to increase fines for serious violations and unlicensed practice

    -  Oppose interior design practice act and title registration (HB807)

    -  Support A.R.E. upon graduation and ensure change of "Rolling Clock" regulatory language

     

    Sustainable communities

    -  Support "Green" bills which include a green tax credit for private sector construction and minimum standards for state-funded buildings (Special Session on Energy HB4 & HB5)

     

    Public contracts

    -  Oppose state school clearinghouse (HB1889)

     

    Medium Priority (be involved)

    Professional Practice

    -  Oppose sales tax/property tax relief if the legislation includes a professional services tax

    -  Support Mandatory Continuing Education enabling legislation for registered architects in Pennsylvania

     

    Uniform Construction Code (UCC)

    -  Respond to specific bills that amend the code as introduced

    -  Monitor UCC amendments

     

    Public Contracts

    -  Support modernization of the Separations Act

    -  Participate on the Department of General Services Architects and Engineers Advisory Committee

     

    Sustainable Communities

    -  Support legislation that moves Pennsylvania toward energy independence through mandates/incentives for conservation, alternative energy and technology development.

    -  Support Historic Preservation Incentive Program to provide funding for incentives for residential and commercial historic rehabilitation (HB221)

     

    Legislation will be monitored, particularly concerning:

    -  economic development

    -  brain drain

    -  transportation

    -  open space

    -  zoning

     

    Low Priority (advocate on an as needed basis)

    Professional Practice

    -  Monitor A/E Board Joint Committee activities

     

    Public Contracts

    -  Oppose new referenda

    Rolling Clock
     

    AIA Pennsylvania testified before the State Architects Licensure Board in September supporting the Board's proposed adoption of the "rolling clock" as a formal regulation. The Licensure Board proposed to amend its current regulations

    relating to examination eligibility by adopting NCARB's "rolling clock" with a minor modification for candidates.  This reform is very significant for the profession in retaining young professionals in architecture.  It is good public policy for Pennsylvania, contributing positively to the health, safety and welfare of the Commonwealth by ensuring that we continue to get the best and the brightest pursuing careers in architecture.  The proposed regulatory amendment is moving forward.  We hope to see the regulatory changes formally in place by January 2009.
    ARE Timing

     

    AIA Pennsylvania has made a formal request to the State Architects Licensure Board to adopt regulations permitting candidates for licensure to sit for the ARE concurrent with the NCARB Intern Development Program.  This would allow interns to take the ARE concurrent with enrollment in IDP.  This will foster the kind of individualized career development for which IDP was intended.  The proposed change would only affect the timing of eligibility for the exam and enhance the internship experience with feedback from exams while encouraging an earlier understanding of health, safety and welfare of the public among intern candidates.  Completion of all requirements would remain intact with some interns completing IDP prior to completion of all exams, and others completing the examination phase during the course of their internship.  In addition, implementation of ARE Timing would mitigate reciprocity concerns for those architects obtaining initial licensure in states which currently allow divisions of the ARE concurrent with internship. We see this as a significant benefit to the IDP process as well as a benefit to the profession.  The State Architects Licensure Board has taken AIA Pennsylvania's proposal under advisement.

    Member Surveys on their way to you...

     

    You will soon be receiving two surveys from us. The first is a short CES Survey designed to gather your input regarding the seminars that we offer. The information we obtain from this survey will allow us to offer CES seminars that fit your wants and needs. The second survey is a general membership survey that will help us determine your satisfaction with your overall membership. Understanding that you're busy, we hope that you will take the time to complete these surveys to help us better serve you.

     

    Keep an eye out for these in your inbox.

     
    Volunteers Needed for "PA Fuels for Schools and Beyond" Program
     
    The office of Energy and Technology Deployment is participating in an upstart group called the "PA Fuels for Schools and Beyond" (FFS&B) program.  This is a collaboration of several governmental entities as well as industry and educational groups with the mission of promoting the use of woody biomass combustion in the Commonwealth. 
     

    They wish to compile a list of interested technical service providers who have experience with biomass, or are willing to become involved as a technical resource for the industry.  They will not be pre-qualifying or vetting these providers.  The list will be the result of those who have expressed interest.  The list will be provided to potential biomass users as an unqualified resource with an appropriate caveat emptor.

     

    If interested, please contact:

         David M. (Dave) Shimmel, P.E. 
         Energy Engineer 
         PA Dept of Environmental Protection 
         Office of Energy and Technology Deployment 
         208 West Third Street, Suite 101 
         Williamsport, PA  17701 
         (570) 327-3568

     

    UCC Manuals Now Available

     

    Why do you need a copy of the Universal Construction Code (UCC) Regulations and Statutes?

     

    As practicing architects in Pennsylvania, we are expected to design safe structures.  That usually translates to structures designed to meet the requirements of the building codes in the Commonwealth.  The UCC is based on the International Building Codes.  Pennsylvania has essentially adopted the set of International Building Codes, but with some significant changes.  To provide the level of service that your client needs to have, you have to understand the regulations that implement the UCC and understand how they modify the International Building Codes.  This is why we have published this manual.

     
    If you would like to order the UCC Manual, please contact Alyssa Wright, Membership Relations Assistant, at awright@aiapa.org.

    Professional Energy Code Seminar

     

    The Governor's Green Government Council (GGGC) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be hosting an ASHRAE training seminar on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the RCSOB in Harrisburg in response to requests for in-depth training on Standard 90.1-2004. The Standard sets the minimum requirements for energy use in buildings except low-rise residential buildings and the methodology to attain these goals. It differs from past Standards as it addresses not only new construction but also additions and renovations to existing facilities. This Standard is also the sole mandatory minimum energy benchmark for the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-NC) program and for the Federal tax deductions available under the 2005 Energy Policy Act (EPACT).

     

    For more information, go to AIA Pennsylvania's website.