|
|
| AIA New York State, Inc.
An Organization of The American Institute of Architects
E-News |
|
|
|
|
|
AIANYS Convention Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2008 AIANYS Convention September 25-27 in White Plains is now open! The easiest way to register is online through the AIANYS website www.aianys.org. There is a link right on the homepage on the right side. Or click here for the convention invitation. When you register online, you receive instant confirmation of your registration. Descriptions of continuing education programs, tours and social events are all online. This year there are 32 programs, 8 tours, 2 keynote events, presentations of the AIANYS Honor Awards and the AIANYS Design Awards and the host chapter party. Once again you have the chance to earn up to 12 LUs/HSWs.
Early bird registration ends August 25, 2008. Registrations received after this date will be charged a $50 late fee. Online registration ends on September 17, 2008. Register early, as there is limited space for certain programs and tours and they will sell out! Be sure to print out your schedule online and bring it with you to convention as schedules will not be provided at convention this year. A complete printed convention brochure will be arriving in your mailbox soon!
Hotel Reservation Information: Overnight reservations at the Crowne Plaza White Plains can be made online or over the phone. To make reservations online, go to www.crowneplaza.com/whiteplainsny and put in the group code AIA. To make reservations over the phone, call the Crowne Plaza directly at 914-682-0050 or Central Reservations at 1-800-2-CROWNE and identify that you are with AIANYS September 25-27, 2008. The rate is $159 for single/double room, plus applicable state and local taxes. Reservations must be made by Monday, August 25, 2008 to receive rate. Reservations received after this date will be accepted on a space availability basis only and not at the convention rate.
| |
2009 AIANYS Officers and New York Regional Director Candidates
The 2008 AIANYS Nomination Committee and Regional Director Nominating Committee met during July via conference calls. Each of the following candidates were found to have met the qualifications for nomination.
Francis Pitts, AIA, President-Elect, AIA Eastern New York Chapter
Francis Pitts served as AIA Eastern New York chapter director on the AIANYS board of directors for 2008.
Michael Shilale, AIA, Vice President, Government Advocacy, AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson Chapter
Michael Shilale served as Vice President, Government Advocacy for 2008. He previously served as AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson chapter director on the AIANYS board of director.
David L. Businelli, AIA, Vice President, Public Advocacy, AIA Staten Island Chapter
David Businelli served as Vice President, Public Advocacy for 2008. He previously served as AIA Staten Island chapter director on the AIANYS board of directors.
F. Eric Goshow, AIA, Secretary, AIA New York Chapter
F. Eric Goshow has previously served as AIA New York chapter director on the AIANYS board of directors.
Russell A. Davidson, AIA, New York Regional Director, AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson Chapter
Russell Davidson is Immediate Past President of AIANYS and chair of the 2008 AIANYS Convention Committee.
Burton L. Roslyn, AIA, AIA New York Chapter, will serve as President of AIANYS in 2009.
John Notaro, AIA, AIA Long Island Chapter, will serve as Treasurer for 2009 (second year of 2-year term).
|
|
Legislative Wrap-Up
The Senate and Assembly went into recess starting in June. For the first time, AIANYS prioritized the four legislative issues that are most important to architects. We are happy to report that two of those issues, Green Construction and Historic Preservation Tax Credit, passed both houses. Here is a listing of where all of our legislative priorities ended.
WICKS LAW
Changes to the Wicks Law went into effect starting July 1, 2008. The threshold has increased to the following amounts: $500,000 for upstate New York, $1.5 million for Long Island/Westchester, and $3 million for New York City. This can be circumvented if the locality signs a project labor agreement.
CONTINUED FUNDING FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
The legislature continued appropriations for the Center for Excellence School Funding (also known as the EXCEL program).
PASSED BOTH HOUSES
Green Construction was passed by both the Senate and Assembly. This bill establishes the "state green building construction act" which shall apply to all new construction or substantial reconstruction of occupied state agency buildings over 5,000 square feet.
Historic Preservation Tax Credit was passed by both the Senate and Assembly. This bill amends the tax law in relation to providing a tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic properties and expands upon the tax credit enacted in 2006 by authorizing additional homeowners to qualify and by removing the cap on commercial structures.
Smart Growth-Livable Communities was passed by both the Senate and Assembly. This bill directs state agencies and public authorities to adopt and utilize smart growth principles.
PASSED ONE HOUSE
Qualifications-Based Procurement of Professional Design was passed by the Senate. This bill requires public authorities to negotiate with the most qualified architectural and engineering professional firms before negotiating with other firms.
Corporate Practice of Design Professions was passed by the Senate. This bill would allow professional design firms to offer key personnel an equity interest in the firm.
DIED IN COMMITTEE
Design Build, Ten-Year Statute of Repose for Third Party Suits, Civil Justice Reform Act, Funding for Prosecution of Illegal Practice, Good Samaritan Act
SUCCESSFULLY OPPOSED
AIANYS is pleased to report that we were successful in killing three bills which we opposed as part of our legislative agenda.
Construction Threshold would have raised the threshold for construction and maintenance of buildings where of the services of architects, engineers or land surveyors are required. The bill passed the Senate, but died in the Assembly.
Damages for Delay would require public contracts to include clauses authorizing contractors to recover damages for delay for itself as well as on behalf of subcontractors. Died in committee.
Design Delegation would have required architects' and engineers' review and approval of delegated design work and form of architects' and engineers' stamps. Died in committee.
|
AIANYS Design Awards Jury Met in New York City 
The AIANYS Design Awards Jury met at the end of June in New York City for two days to review the Design Award portfolios and choose the recipients. The Design Awards will be presented during the AIANYS convention at the President's Reception, Dinner and Design Awards Presentation on Friday, September 26, 2008. We would like to thank all of the jury members for their time and hard work!
Design Jury Chair: Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, President, Blitch/Knevel Architects, New Orleans, LA
Barbara J. Boylan, AIA, Senior Project Manager Design/Construction, Gale International, Boston, MA
Dana K. Gulling, Asst. Professor, University of New Mexico, School of Architecture and Planning, Albuquerque, NM
Cary F. Staller (Public Member), President, Staller Associates, Hauppauge, NY
Sean J. Tobin, LEED AP, T&G Studio, Architects, Albuquerque, NM
Pictured: Back row (left to right): Orlando T. Maione, AIA, President, AIANYS, Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, Design Jury Chair, Sean J. Tobin, LEED AP, Cary F. Staller, Edward Farrell, Executive Director, AIANYS, Front row (left to right): Dana K. Gulling and Barbara J. Boylan, AIA. |
Upcoming Chapter Golf Tournament
AIA Peconic is holding their fourth annual golf tournament on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at The Woods at Cherry Creek, Riverhead, NY to benefit the Education and Architectural Scholarship Fund. Check-in is 10:30 to 11:30 AM, shotgun start at 1 PM. Lunch, golf and dinner is $225, cocktails and dinner only is $125. Reservations are required and it is recommended you reserve early as this event is limited to 125 golfers. For a reservation form, go to www.aiapeconic.org.
For more information, contact Kay Jones at 631.728.7832 or email:
|
NCARB Approves 6 Month Rule
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) voted at the end of June to adopt Resolution 2008-07, commonly known as the 6 Month Rule. This rule will require mandatory reporting of IDP Training Units every 6 months. Under this new rule, training that is not reported within that time period, will begin to expire on the basis of a "Rolling Clock." This is effective July 1, 2009 or later for new record holders (as detailed in the resolution), July 1, 2010 or later for current record holders - those that establish an NCARB record before July 1, 2009 (as detailed in the resolution).
The extension to the 6 month reporting period for parents adopting or having a child was changed from 3 months to 6 months.
The required 6 month reporting period is linked to the successful implementation of NCARB's Online IDP Reporting System. Therefore, the exact timeline and phasing of these new rules are currently unknown. The AIA is currently developing strategies to help with a smooth transition to this regulated reporting period.
The final resolution language that was adopted by the NCARB Member Boards, as well as the other approved resolutions, can be found on the NCARB website: http://ncarb.org/newsclips/june08Resolutions.html.
|
NYSERDA Seeking Project Proposals for Next Generation and Emerging Technologies for Residential Buildings
NYSERDA is seeking proposals to perform product development and demonstration projects worthy of research categorization that will benefit residential buildings. The technologies should promote improvement to the containment, production, distribution and/or durability of the energy systems in the building. The energy systems typically involved perform or enhance the delivery of heating, cooling, or hot water distribution. Proposals are due by September 10, 2008 by 5 PM Eastern time.
Eligible projects include but not limited to:
· Improvements that reduce energy losses from fenestrations within the building envelope, including installation improvements
· Low leakage air duct transitions and connections
· Hot water distribution systems that minimize in-line standby losses in conjunction with recirculating loops
· In-Floor Radiant heat systems that are NOT electrically driven
· Compressor-less or reduced capacity scroll or vane rotary air conditioning systems
· Control technologies that enhance energy devices
· Whole house energy monitoring systems
|
Mayor Bloomberg Announces Launch of New Construction Codes
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Acting Buildings Commissioner Robert D. LiMandri recently announced the launch of the new City of New York Construction Codes, the first modernization of the Building Code since 1968. Written with the supporting expertise of more than 400 dedicated professionals from the construction industry, real estate, labor, government and academia, the NYC Construction Codes are in line with national standards and will enhance building and construction safety through expanded requirements for fire protection, structural integrity, and job site accountability on all new construction projects. In addition, the new NYC Construction Codes expand the framework for the Buildings Department's enforcement and administrative actions by re-classifying violations to focus enforcement resources on buildings and job sites that pose the most serious safety hazards to construction workers and public.
The Buildings Department has begun a one-year transition period when applications for new buildings may comply with either the 1968 Building Code or the new NYC Construction Codes - which include the Building, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes. On July 1, 2009, the NYC Construction Codes will be mandated for all new construction. Henceforth, all construction receiving permits, regardless of whether the plans comply with the 1968 Building Code or new NYC Construction Codes, is subject to the new administration, enforcement, and construction safety rules, which include:
New Violation Classification System. Violations are now re-classified to enable Buildings Inspectors to zero-in on the buildings or construction sites that present the most significant risk to the public. Under the new system, violations fall into three classes that range in severity depending on the risk the condition poses to public safety. Penalties for violations are substantially increased in conjunction with the new classification system.
New Safeguards Required During Construction. Construction sites holding permits are subject to new requirements to safeguard the public and property. The new requirements expand the Site Safety program to apply to more building types, call for new safety procedures for certain types of demolition, and enhance protection for properties adjoining excavation sites.
Special Inspections to Monitor for Compliance as Construction Proceeds. Third-party inspectors are now required to conduct more inspections at critical points in the construction process to advance compliance with construction regulations. The third-party inspectors, who must meet qualifications established by the Buildings Department, will verify that the conditions on the job site comply with the approved construction documents. Buildings constructed under the new Codes will be subject to enhanced structural integrity and fire protection measures, which include:
Expanded Structural Safety. Enhanced design requirements, including stronger connectivity requirements for steel and concrete construction, will enable buildings to better withstand conditions such as strong winds, vehicular impacts, and gas explosions.
Enhanced Emergency Systems. Emergency voice communication systems and emergency power generators will be required in all new residential buildings 125 feet or higher. In an emergency, these systems enable the Fire Department to speak to tenants and use back-up power for egress lighting and for at least one elevator.
Sprinklers Required in More Buildings. Automatic sprinkler systems will now be required in more buildings, including residential buildings of three units or more, attached two-family homes, and one- and two-family homes that are more than three stories. The NYC Construction Codes are modeled after the International Code Council's International Building Code but have been modified to meet the needs of New York's dense urban environment. Signed into law by the Mayor in July 2007, the NYC Construction Codes require the Department to revise the Codes every three years to incorporate new standards, technologies and materials. To learn more about the codes, go to www.nyc.gov.
|
Annual CSI Northeast Region Conference August 14-17, 2008
The Annual CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) Northeast Region Conference will be held August 14-17, 2008 in New York City. The conference will include seminars, tours, the host chapter gala welcome reception and dinner at the Radisson Martinique, the 4th annual trade show at Gotham Hall and the annual auction and awards dinner on The Atlantica, a yacht cruise. Click here for the conference registration form.
|
New York Construction Annual Top Design Survey
New York Construction has put together their annual Top Design Survey to be published in the October 2008 issue. This special edition will rank the top architects and engineers in the region. There is no charge to participate. The magazine will also rank firms in the region by different Project Types and Disciplines.
To be considered for ranking, firms must complete the online survey by August 15, 2008. Firms that wish to be ranked in different categories must provide separate totals for their work in each specialty. The link to the survey is: http://www.mcgrawsurveys.com/2008/regional-tds/
The Username is: AIANEWY-NY and Password is: NY52.
|
AIANYS Welcomes New Corporate and Individual Allied Members
AIANYS welcomes a new corporate allied member: MR. Shower Door, Inc., Tom M. Whitaker, President, 260 Hathaway Drive, Stratford, CT 06615, Phone: 800.633.3667, Fax: 203.386.0311, www.mrshowerdoor.com
AIANYS welcomes a new individual allied member: Ms. Dorothy M. Harris, Vice President, International Code Council, 48 Dublin Drive, Niskayuna, NY 12309, Phone: 888.422.7233, Fax: 518.783.4570, dharris@iccsafe.org, www.iccsafe.org. Allied Membership allows corporations and individuals not otherwise eligible for AIANYS membership to participate in some services. For more information and the Allied Membership Application, go to http://www.aianys.org/about/membership.htm#allied. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
