Jeffrey Huber, AIA wins a

2011-12 ACSA/AIAS

New Faculty Teaching Award

A University of Arkansas Community Design Center faculty member, as well as a manual produced by the center, won national accolades from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and American Institute of Architecture Students.

Jeffrey Huber, an adjunct assistant professor and project designer, was one of three recipients of the 2011-12 ACSA/AIAS New Faculty Teaching Award. Jurors lauded the expertise and professionalism Huber brings to an academic setting. "Jeffrey leads students through the difficult work of large-scale, community-driven projects while still retaining a high degree of architectural quality; with a scale and client relationship that often overwhelms the design intentions of many established architects, much less students, it is an admirable undertaking handled exceptionally well."

Huber thinks the judges were impressed by the way the projects and research he's done at the center have combined academics with professional practice. With every studio, students have real clients with real projects. "It teaches them to learn how to be malleable and also adapt," Huber said. "They have to have a different mindset. And it pushes them to be more creative."

For his portfolio, Huber presented teaching work that focused on independent studies courses, research, and design studios that he taught with architect Larry Scarpa and Stephen Luoni, director of the design center. Huber considers both colleagues strong mentors.

Low Impact Development: A Design Manual for Urban Areas won one of three 2011-12 Collaborative Practice Awards. Huber and Luoni, working with the ecological engineering group in the department of biological and agricultural engineering at the university, guided production of the low-impact design manual. The center and the group developed the book under a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.

The jury noted the practicality of this guide: "This community-based research is a manual for living, a project that has the capacity to link sustainable approaches to development in a manner that is both accessible and resilient. From insight to implementation, this cross-disciplinary approach to environmental design education presents public policy as a mechanism for design."

Article courtesy of re:View

Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects honored with prestigious National Design Award for Little Rock Education Center

The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design & Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd., has selected Polk Stanley Wilcox's design of the Heifer International Murphy Keller Education Center for a prestigious "American Architecture Award" for 2011.

"The American Architecture Awards" celebrate the most outstanding new architecture designed and built in the United States by leading American and International architects. The Awards identify new cutting-edge design direction, urban philosophy, style, and intellectual substance in American Architecture today. This year's jury from Vancouver, British Columbia included notable architectural practitioners, educators, and architecture journalists. In all, only 46 projects were deemed worthy of the award out of roughly 1000 considered from around the world. The jury first made cuts from 1000 to 400, then ultimately to what they felt were the best 46 buildings of the year.

The 17,000 sf Education Center contains exhibit galleries, a fair trade gift shop, cafe, and meeting space for education. The project's placement within a constructed wetland on a reclaimed Railroad brownfield demonstrates the tangible results of "smart" environmental development. The Education Center weaves wetlands with exhibits, expanding environmental stewardship while serving as a symbol of hope for world hunger efforts.

According to project designer/principal Reese Rowland, "Heifer's Education Center tells the story of urban land reclamation as an example of sustainability, which is a key in educating the public in ways to solve world hunger. It was an honor to craft our client's story into a physical narrative for a difficult, yet meaningful subject. Hopefully the building and its exhibits will be a call to action. This recognition is proof that good design matters, and can contribute to getting an organization like Heifer's message out into the public eye, which is critical for their humanitarian efforts. We are also excited to bring more national exposure to downtown Little Rock as well."

The Education Center also was one of only three projects to receive a 2010 AIA Gulf States Honor Citation Award in 2010, which covers the states of Alabama, Arkansas Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This is the firm's third American Architecture Award in the last five years, joining the Acxiom Data Center and the Heifer International Headquarters, which also received Architecture's highest honor, an AIA National Honor Award, in 2008.  

Historic Preservation Award Presented to Mark Wilcken for Clean Lines Open Spaces

The Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas celebrated its annual preservation excellence awards with an event honoring individuals and organizations for projects focused on historic sites throughout the state.

The Arkansas Preservation Awards are given each year to recognize the important work being done throughout Arkansas to preserve and protect places of historical or cultural importance. "The Historic Preservation Alliance is pleased to recognize these wonderful projects from around Arkansas. An important part of fostering a vibrant local economy includes preserving and revitalizing historic areas and structures, which often represent the foundations of our communities. By maintaining and restoring these areas, we are investing in the economic vitality and sense of community that make our towns and cities across the State special places to live." said Vanessa McKuin, Executive Director of the Alliance.

We are please to announce that Mark Wilcken, Producer of Clean Lines Open Spaces: A View of Mid-Century Architecture, received the award for Outstanding Preservation Reporting in the Media for the documentary film which Wilcken produced for Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN).

BRR Architecture Awarded LEED® Green Building Certification

November 3, 2011, (Bentonville, Arkansas) - BRR Architecture announced today that it has been awarded LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its Bentonville, Arkansas office. LEED is the USGBC's leading rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings.

"Our Bentonville office project gave our staff a great opportunity to explore, experiment, and implement their ideas on sustainability," said Hal Havens, BRR Senior Vice President and LEED Green Associate. "The office became a laboratory for trying out our ideas on day lighting, grey water reuse, and environmentally friendly construction materials."

The office is located in a renovated 60+ year old building originally constructed as a food processing facility. It was designed to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water, and material use, as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. Among the many features of the space, 30 new Solatube sun tunnel fixtures were added, providing nearly 100% of the lighting on sunny days. Restrooms feature low-flow fixtures and a grey water reclamation system, and energy usage was reduced through energy efficient lighting and Energy Star-rated appliances and office equipment. Materials with recycled content were selected, as well as products with low- or zero-VOCs. The space also has a designated area for office recycling, which has even inspired the building owner to develop a building-wide recycling program.

"BRR's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "The urgency of USGBC's mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and BRR Architecture serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish."

LEED was established for market leaders to design & construct buildings that protect and save precious resources, while also making good economic sense. The LEED rating system verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return. A total of 62 points were obtained resulting in the Gold level achievement for BRR.

Architecture Project Manager

Crafton Tull has openings for an Architecture Project Manager in Russellville, AR. For more information please visit www.craftontull.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Project Architect / Project Manager

Core Architects is currently accepting resumes for the position of Project Architect / Project Manager.

Applicants must be competent in AutoDesk Revit, have a good work ethic and the desire to positively contribute to the culture of the office.

Visit our website @ www.core-arch.com for information and to apply.

Recently Licensed Architect

3 to 5 Man Architecture Firm in LR is seeking a driven, self-motivated, responsible and eager, recently licensed Architect interested in taking on increased responsibility with potential growth within the firm (potential partnership). An interest in historic preservation and new construction is helpful. Experience with Apple Macintosh software, including PowerCADD is a plus.

The Ideal candidate would be one who desires to enter into a position between the firm's principle and intern Architect. It is hoped they could take on the role of Project Manager which includes carrying projects through all phases of development including schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and negotiation and construction administration. You would be responsible for the day-to-day development of projects through the office coordinating with the principal, intern, owner, project consultants (Engineers), and other participants.

For more information about this opening, please give me a call at 501-868-6365 or email dkbobbitt@att.net

Classroom Insights: Harder Working Learning Spaces

Offered by Today's Office - AIA AR Gold Ribbon Sponsors

When:                  March 8th at 8:30am

Where:                 Today's Office - Little Rock

Who:                     Anita Howard of Steelcase

How:                     Please RSVP to Stephanie Dutton 501.375.5050

This course, a first in a series of the Evidence-based Education Design Curriculum, will allow you to generate an awareness level of learning.  Each course in the basic series will build a foundation relative to the new paradigm shift we have defined as the new ecosystem-pedagogy/technology/space.

AIA Arkansas Northwest Section Event

Ceramic Glazed Brick and Structural Tile; A Technical Overview (1LU)

Offered by Acme Brick & Tile Company - AIA AR Gold Ribbon Sponsors

When:                  March 8th from 11:30am-1:00pm

Where:                AQ Chicken House

       1207 North Thompson Street,  Springdale, AR 72764

Who:                    Keith Richter - Acme Brick

                   Bob Butler - Elgin Butler

How:                     Please RSVP to krichter@brick.com by the morning of

       Wednesday MARCH 7TH.

AIA Grassroots

2012 Leadership and Legislative Conference

March 7-10, 2012

Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC

AIA Arkansas Central Section: Art of Architecture Lecture Series

Intelligent Cities (1LU)

When:                  March 13th at 6:00pm, preceded by a reception at 5:30pm

Where:                 Arkansas Art Center

Who:                     Susan Piedmont-Palladino: Professor, Washington Alexandria Center, College of                                                              Architecture, Virginia Tech; Curator, National Building Museum - Washington, D.C.

AIA Fort Smith Section Meeting & Program

The Basics of Reflective Foil Insulation (1LU)

When:                  Tuesday, March 27, 2012 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Where:                UA Fort Smith, Baldor Technology Center, Boreham Conference Center located at                                          Kinkead Avenue and North 51st Street  

How:                     Please RSVP to graham@archplusinc.net

AIA Arkansas Central Section: Art of Architecture Lecture Series

A Special Birthday: the Arkansas State Capitol at 100 (1LU)

When:                  April 10th at 6:00pm proceeded by a reception at 5:30pm

Where:                Arkansas Art Center

Who:                     David Ware: Capitol Historian, Arkansas State Capitol

                                Panelists - Arkansas Architects:

Gary Clements,  John Greer, Tommy Jameson

AIA National Convention

May 17-19, 2012

Washington, DC

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Register Now 

AIA Arkansas has reserved a block of reserved a block of rooms at the Hamilton Crowne Plaza (Historical Hotel) which is located 5 blocks from the convention center at 1001 14th St. NW. The room rate is $259 per night. The block is limited. Please contact our office by April 15th if you are interested in obtaining a room through this block.

2012 Arkansas Preservation Conference

May 16-18, 2012

Fort Smith, AR

Register Here

AIA Arkansas Central Section Golf Tournament

June 8, 2012

Maumelle Country Club

Registration Form

March is AIA's Sustainability Advocacy Month

This month, the AIA will be sharing tools and resources to advocate on sustainability issues. Later this month, the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is expected to be released, and many other resources and news pieces will be made available throughout the coming weeks. The AIA will post new information daily, including articles on AIA activities and links to news sites that are covering issues important to AIA members. In addition, you will find a section below dedicated solely to resources on sustainability advocacy.

AIA GRASSROOTS

2012 Leadership and Legislative Conference

March 7-10, 2012

Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC

The 2012 AIA Grassroots Leadership and Legislative Conference, the premier annual gathering for AIA leaders, is an essential professional development resource for those who wish to lead, to advocate, and to communicate more effectively. Through four days of interaction with AIA colleagues, we will find much to enlighten and inform our delegates. Six members of the AIA Arkansas Board of Directors will attend this conference on behalf of AIA Arkansas. We have a full day of meetings scheduled with our Congressmen and Senators on March 8, 2012 to discuss REBUILDING THE AMERICAN DREAM: The AIA's Plan for Economic Recovery by Removing Barriers to Private Sector Lending; Saving Energy, Creating Jobs; Helping Small Firms Grow and Revitalizing America's Neighborhoods. To read more click here.

ADVOCACY WEB PAGE

The AIA Government and Community Relations team launched a new Web page that will take our ability to communicate to a new level. The page will provide better, more targeted content that is updated daily and better highlights the great efforts that all AIA members are making at the federal, state, and local levels to advocate for the profession.

The new Web page will incorporate social media and video to a far greater extent than ever before, enabling members to sign up for real-time updates on AIA advocacy activities. In addition, the Government & Community Relations team will also highlight content related to the "theme of the month," including resources, related articles, and more. This month, the theme of the page is small businesses and how the AIA is working to help small firms thrive.

When you visit the new Web page, we hope you will sign up for the RSS feed on the right-hand side, or add the page to your bookmarked Web sites so you can come back often. In this challenging economic climate and as we approach a critical election campaign, there is no better time to expand our ability to connect with both our members and the public they serve.

Architecture Billings Index Positive for Second Straight Month

All regions except for the West showing improved demand for design services

After showing struggling business conditions for most of 2011, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) has now reached positive terrain in consecutive months. 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 December ABI score was 52.0, following the exact same mark in November. This score reflects an overall increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 64.0, down just a point from a reading of 65.0 the previous month.

"We saw nearly identical conditions in November and December of 2010 only to see momentum sputter and billings fall into negative territory as we moved through 2011, so it's too early to be sure that we are in a full recovery mode," said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "Nevertheless, this is very good news for the design and construction industry and it's entirely possible conditions will slowly continue to improve as the year progresses."

Key December ABI highlights: 

• Regional averages: South (54.2), Midwest (53.1), Northeast (52.6), West (45.1)
• Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (54.3), commercial / industrial (54.1),
• institutional (51.3), mixed practice (44.5)
• Project inquiries index: 64.0

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

About the AIA Architecture Billings Index

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI), produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group, is a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly "Work-on-the-Boards" survey that is sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended as compared to the prior month, and the results are then compiled into the ABI. These monthly results are also seasonally adjusted to allow for comparison to prior months. The monthly ABI index scores are centered around 50, with scores above 50 indicating an aggregate increase in billings, and scores below 50 indicating a decline. The regional and sector data are formulated using a three-month moving average. More information on the ABI and the analysis of its relationship to construction activity can be found in the White Paper Architecture Billings as a Leading Indicator of Construction: Analysis of the Relationship Between a Billings Index and Construction Spending on the AIA web site.

Washington, D.C., Adopts 2012 Construction Codes

Mayor Vincent C. Gray announced that the District of Columbia will be introducing new Construction Codes by March 1, 2013. The updated Construction Codes will keep the District at the national forefront of sustainable building practices for all new and renovated residential and commercial buildings. The District's Construction Codes incorporate most of the model codes issued every three years by the International Code Council.

First Guide to New Green Construction Code Provides Insight to Design, Construction, Inspection

The International Code Council and Delmar, part of Cengage Learning, have released the construction industry's first support publication referencing the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) to be released this spring. Green Building: A Professional's Guide to Concepts, Codes and Innovation is the latest joint effort developed by the two organizations that began co-publishing special projects in 2005.

"This is the first publication covering the provisions and concepts of the International Green Construction Code, and other green standards and rating systems, in a way that would support all construction professionals by laying the foundation for design, construction and inspection based on the 2012 IgCC and its referenced standards," said ICC Executive Director of Sustainability Dave Walls.

Readers of the guide will have a better understanding of where the building industry is headed and how to become compliant with green practices and regulations. The Green Guide's 10 chapters include straightforward explanations of how buildings and ecosystems can work together, as well as the sustainability concerns inspiring current regulations. Relevant codes and standards are discussed in-depth, with particular attention to the IgCC and ASHRAE Standard 189.1, as well as environmental concepts and historical precedents. The book contains color photos and illustrations showing real-world application of green construction concepts.

To read the full article click here. Click to continue

To order the guide, call 1-800-786-4452 or visit http://www.iccsafe.org/greenguide.