2010 AIANYS/ASLA Convention-A Great Success!

     Thank you all for making the convention between AIANYS, ASLA New York Upstate Chapter and AIA Buffalo/Western New York such a success! Held October 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in Buffalo, the convention featured over 60 seminars, 6 tours, a product showcase, 3 keynote sessions, and 2 social evening events.

     The Opening Keynote Session on Thursday featured Charles Steinert, Former Chairman of the City of Charleston, SC, Board of Architectural Review who presented "A City of Charleston, A Community and Cultural Rebirth."

     On Thursday night, AIANYS, AIA Buffalo/Western New York and ASLA New York Upstate Chapter held a party at the beautiful courtyard of the Ellicott Square Building. The party included cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, pasta and carving stations and music provided by a calypso band and the chance to socialize and network in a relaxed setting.

     The 2010 Product Showcase was held at the Convention Center on Friday. Attendees had the chance to view the latest products and services in the industry from companies all over the country. There were several events that were held right in the center of the Product Showcase including a continental breakfast, a passed lunch with the exhibitors and a baseball themed afternoon break featuring nachos and soft pretzels.

      For the first time, attendees could play the passport game, get their passport stamped at featured booths and register to win several prizes including 5 IPod Nanos and a trip to Altantic City to attend the 2011 Tri-State Convention. The passport was sponsored by: Architecture +, EPIC Metals, Hubbell Galvanizing, and Shen, Milsom, Wilke. Several vendors also held raffles at their booths. Prizes raffled off included an IPad, a deluxe garbage disposal and a basket of local wines. Go to http://www.aianys.org/2010Convention/showcase_exhibitors.htm

to see company descriptions and logos of the exhibitors and sponsors.

     A few lucky AIANYS members were selected to have lunch with AIA National President George H. Miller, FAIA, and David Businelli, AIA, President-Elect at the Hyatt Regency on Friday. They were selected from a raffle of the first 100 members who registered for convention.

     Friday also featured a lively discussion between architects and landscape architects who explored the convention's theme creating the fabric of our culture. Moderated by Charles Linn, FAIA, Deputy Editor of Architectural Record, the panel featured Frank Grauman, AIA, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Jose Alminana, RLA, FASLA, Andropogon Associates, Carol Bentel, FAIA, Bentel & Bentel Architects, and Bruce Fowle, FAIA, FXFOWLE Architects. This session was sponsored by L'Abbate Balkan, Colavita & Contini, LLP.

     The most prestigious event of the convention, the President's Reception, Dinner and Design Awards Presentation, was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday evening. This black tie-preferred event featured a cocktail reception, sponsored by Kideney Architects, followed by a sit-down dinner and then the presentation of the Design Awards, which was sponsored by Zetlin & De Chiara, which highlighted the incredible work architects are doing locally, nationally and internationally. All of the past presidents of AIANYS in attendance were recognized during the dinner as were the 2011 AIANYS officers and the New York Regional Director who were elected during the Annual Meeting held Thursday morning (see the list below).

     Frank Grauman, AIA, Chair of the 2010 AIANYS Design Awards Jury and George Miller, FAIA, President of AIA presented the 42 Design Awards. The Best in New York State Award was given out at the end of the evening. The recipients are: Weiss/Manfredi, New York, New York for The Diana Center, New York, New York. A full color piece featuring all of the Design Award recipients will be mailed out to all members in December. Boston Valley Terra Cotta sponsored the printed program which was handed out to all the dinner attendees.

     Friday night was also the night of the ASLA New York Upstate Chapter Annual Awards Banquet which included a sit down dinner and a chance to bid on several packages through a silent auction to benefit the ASLA PAC Fund.

     AIANYS presented the 2010 Honor Awards throughout the three keynote sessions, presenting 8 total.  The 2010 Student Awards were presented during the Closing Keynote Session on Saturday.  This year, this program received a matching grant from AIA National to help subsidize the program.

     The closing luncheon, the Irving P. Marks Memorial Lecture, on Saturday, October 16 featured keynote speaker Louis Marines, Hon. AIA who presented The Language of Leadership. Two surprise President's Citations were awarded during this session one for Burton Roslyn, AIA, Immediate Past President, AIANYS and John P. Goodman., FAIA, Secretary.

     Special thanks to the AIA Buffalo/Western New York Convention Committee including co-chairs Kelly Hayes McAlonie, AIA and Paul McDonnell, AIA, the AIANYS Convention Committee including Chair, Burton Roslyn, AIA and all of the volunteers exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and attendees for making this a great event!

     Save the Date for next year's first-ever Tri-State Convention! AIANYS will be partnering with AIA New Jersey and AIA Pennsylvania to bring you AIA 3D Tri-State Convention September 20-23, 2011 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Many Thanks to the Sponsors of the 2010 Convention: Zetlin & De Chiara, Baer & Associates, Prosurance Redeker Group Ltd, Kideney Architects, Mader Construction, LPCiminelli, Cannon Design, L'Abbate, Balkan, Colavita & Contini, L.L.P., Boston Valley Terra Cotta, Watts Architecture & Engineering, Hubbell Galvanizing, BHNT Architects, Tremco, Cannan & Alexander, EPIC Metals Corporation, Shen Milsom Wilke, LLC, Architecture+, Wendel Duchscherer Architects & Engineers, Singleton Construction, Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect, PC and Unilock, Inc.

     The three finalists for the AIANYS Empire State Challenge presented their projects to the jury on Saturday, October 16^th at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The three finalists were AIA New York, AIA Peconic and AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson. They each gave a Powerpoint presentation to demonstrate the project they would like to advance with the prize money.

     The three jurors were Robert Shibley, Professor and Campus Architect, University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning, Holly A. Sinnott, Planning Works International LLC and Joe Fama, Executive Director at TAP Inc.

     The winner of the Challenge is AIA New York for their project "Regulatory Review Coordination and the NYC Charter Revision Commission: An Issue with Statewide Implications."  The jury felt this project could potentially have the most impact on the chapter's geographic territory, as well as statewide. Their project had a specific focus and will involve everyone from the chapter. They will receive $5,000 to further their proposal. AIANYS will present the check to AIA New York in December at their Inaugural Meeting. 

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer Named 2010 AIANYS Legislator of the Year
 

     AIANYS has named Senator Suzi Oppenheimer as its 2010 Legislator of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in advancing the legislative priorities of AIANYS. Senator Oppenheimer is receiving the award for her sponsorship of the Smart Growth Initiative, which was recently signed into law. She was given the award on October 18, 2010.

     Edward C. Farrell, Executive Director of AIANYS noted, "Senator Oppenheimer has demonstrated proven leadership in securing the enactment of this critical legislation, which was a legislative priority of AIA New York State. The use of existing infrastructure for new development is in line with AIA's strategy for sustainable design and construction. We commend her for her dedication and are honored to present her with this award."

     "It's an honor to be recognized with this award from the American Institute of Architects of New York State," said Senator Oppenheimer. "I applaud their efforts to encourage sustainable design and look forward to continuing to work with them on other important issues."

     Stuart Markowitz, AIA, President of AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson added, "We are proud that Senator Oppenheimer has taken the lead on this important issue. Westchester and the Hudson Valley will benefit from economic development occurring as the result of sound, sustainable, planning." 

     The new law, the Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act, establishes smart growth criteria in state law, requires several state agencies to create Smart Growth Advisory Committees that would evaluate public infrastructure investments based on the smart growth criteria, and requires such infrastructure investments, to the extent practicable, to meet the criteria.

      Pictured: Edward Farrell, Executive Director presents Senator Oppenheimer with the AIANYS Legislator of the Year Award at the Ossining Public Library along with (left to right) Valerie Brown, Hon. AIANYS, Executive Director, AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson, Russell Davidson, AIA, Regional Director, Raymond Beeler, AIA, Board Member, AIANYS, Robert Stanizale, AIA, Treasurer, AIANYS and Stuart Markowitz, AIA, President, AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson.

AIANYS Joins Smart Growth Coalition "Empire State Future"

     AIANYS has joined a coalition of 39 organizations called Empire State Future. This is a 2 year-old non-profit advocacy group which works to revitalize New York's faded industrial cities, Main Streets and town centers, helping restore them to prosperity.

     Empire State Future works in several vital program areas: issues of policy and governance, demonstration initiatives and communications and outreach. For more information on this coalition, go to www.empirestatefuture.org.

Buffalo Public Schools, AIA Buffalo/Western NY and University at Buffalo Announce New Architecture and Design Academy

     Buffalo Public Schools, in collaboration with University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning, AIA Buffalo/Western NY and LPCiminelli celebrated a grand opening on October 12, 2010 for the new Architecture and Design Academy at the International Preparatory School at Grover and the unveiling of the new LPCiminelli's Construction Connections "Discover Design" Architecture Program.

     Remarks from speakers include BPS Superintendent, Dr. James A. Williams; UB School of Architecture and Planning, Dean Brian Carter; International Preparatory School at Grover Principal, Kevin Eberle; VP, Public Advocacy AIANYS, Kelly Hayes McAlonie, AIA, LPCiminelli Executive Vice President, Gene Partridge and AIA Buffalo President-Elect and BPS Architect, Paul McDonnell, AIA.

     The celebration kicked off a series of architecture-related events in Buffalo. Activities included a tour of the new academy and the reading of an announcement from the office of Mayor Byron Brown proclaiming Oct. 11-17 "Architecture Week" in the City of Buffalo.

     The mission of the Architecture and Design Academy, which launched this semester with a 9th grade class of 20 students, is to engender architecture and design literacy and academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum in an effort to prepare students for higher education so they can compete in a global society. The innovative education program, which aims to prepare students for college, is an integral new part of Buffalo's P-16 pipeline. Through the academy, students in grades 9-12 will receive a liberal arts education while developing skills in fine and graphic arts that include drawing from observation and modeling.

     "The academy is really a vehicle to prepare students in Buffalo for a university education," said Kelly Hayes McAlonie, associate director of UB's Capital Planning Group and Vice President, Public Advocacy, AIANYS. "The focus is on helping students reach college, and to attend architecture school."

     The need for a diverse pool of architects was identified through the $1.45 billion Buffalo Public Schools Renovation Program. Serving as the Program Manager, LPCiminelli recognized the need and worked to develop an architectural curriculum enrichment program. "Discover Design" is based on three main goals: awareness, attraction and retention. By encouraging greater awareness during secondary education, it gives students an opportunity to be exposed to a career path that they may not have previously considered.

     The grand opening received press coverage in the local news media including this article in the Buffalo News: http://www.buffalonews.com/city/schools/article218674.ece.

     Pictured (left to right): Kelly Hayes McAlonie, AIA, Vice President, Public Advocacy; Tyra Johnson, Blue Sky Design Supply; Paul Herendeen, AIA, AIA Buffalo/Western NY President and Paul McDonnell, AIA, AIA Buffalo/Western NY President-Elect all attended the opening of the new academy.

     AIA New York has developed an eight-session series called the AIANY Professional Practice Fast Track Program. Held once a month with instructors who are firm principals and/or recognized professional practice leaders, these sessions are intended for interns and mid-career associates who are motivated to develop their firm management skills, in each of eight areas of professional practice and who are seeking guidance on how to deepen their understanding of those areas which are of special interest. The topics have been drawn from The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice and supplemented by AIA New York's coordinating committee. 

     AIA Queens has launched a new website. Go to www.aiaqueensny.org to check it out! This new site featured information about AIA Queens, Advocacy, Upcoming Events and a chapter calendar.

     In October, the Public Sector Practice Committee continued to be active, meeting with the State University Construction Fund (SUCF), the Office of General Services (OGS) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). All of the meetings were constructive and helpful in advancing issues faced by architects in working for the respective agencies.

     Discussions with SUCF primarily focused on their fee schedule and how it impacts the consultant architect. We urged the Fund to consider moving toward a negotiated up-front fee, something it is willing to consider. There was some recent change in their fee as the "complexity factor" element was increased. Positive discussions also centered around increased participation by architect in the construction administration phase of a project.

     The discussion at OGS included the recent "Request for Architectural Services," and the fact that the location to be served was "statewide."  OGS cited the reasons of not being able to make the request "regional," but did offer advice that would allow smaller firms to submit. Firms that do not have a statewide presence are able to make a submission by partnering with another firm located in a different part of the state. Please keep this in mind when OGS issues its next request for Architectural Services-Term Contracts. A memorandum regarding liability and indemnification was also raised by our legal counsel Lina Telese, Esq. from Zetlin & De Chiara and will be discussed at the next meeting.

     Finally, the meeting with NYSERDA was devoted to rebate incentives available for construction resulting in energy efficiencies, as well as the revised energy code which takes effect in December. AIANYS will continue discussions with NYSERDA regarding seminars which may be available to our members concerning these important programs and code changes. The possibility of offering these seminars through the local chapters will be pursued. 

     Renew your AIA membership! AIA has all of your membership information right online!  Go to: http://www.aia.org/about/AIAB081430.
     This website also includes information on the Membership Dues Payment Plan. Once again, AIA will be offering the 2011 Membership Dues Payment Plan to members whowant to renew their members but are experiencing economic hardship. You must acknowledge hardship to be eligible for the plan. There is also a frequently asked questions section on the payment plan on this website.

AIANYS PAC Events

     By donating to the NYS Architects Political Action Committee (NYSAPAC), you have helped to fund the opportunity for AIANYS to support events in October: Senator Suzi Oppenheimer and Schneiderman for Attorney General; and the events in district for: Senator Joe Griffo, Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger and Senator David Valesky.

     Pictured (left to right): Eric Goshow, AIA, Vice President, Government Advocacy; Edward Farrell, Executive Director, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and George Miller, FAIA, President, AIA at an Andrew Cuomo event in New York City.

AIA Has Extended Continuing Education Requirements Deadline to December 31, 2010!

By: George H. Miller, FAIA, AIA President and Paul W. Welch, Hon. AIA

     To help members whose transcripts may not reflect all of their 2009 continuing education to satisfy this important membership eligibility requirement, the AIA Secretary extended the grace period for reporting to Friday, December 31, 2010.

     These past several years have been very challenging for AIA members. We know many members have made diligent efforts to meet the requirement.  Likewise, all of us have made an extraordinary effort to assist members who were identified as being "at risk" of meeting the CE requirement. While we've made great strides and many members' transcripts are now up to date, our ongoing monitoring of this situation suggested that a deadline extension was necessary.

     We anticipate that members will use the additional time to complete and record learning units and update their transcripts. This decision to extend the deadline was a collaborative effort between AIA National Staff, Board and CACE representatives to the AIA Board.

     It is important to note that the deadline extension is not a waiver of the AIA continuing education requirement. Members seeking a CE waiver should follow the established procedure of requesting the waiver in writing from the Secretary of the Institute. Information on obtaining a CE Waiver can be found at the following link.

     With your assistance, we will help ensure that all AIA members are meeting their requirements for uninterrupted membership, while continuing to position them to meet the business and design challenges facing their firms, clients and communities.

Governor Paterson Announced Three Pieces of Smart Growth Legislation Recently Passed

     Governor David A. Paterson was joined by Senator William T. Stachowski, Senator Antoine M. Thompson and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt at the Buffalo Niagara Square recently to highlight the passage of three pieces of Smart Growth legislation. The Smart Growth legislation will guide the State in making more sustainable and strategic infrastructure investments, create jobs, increase property values and revitalize historic areas, particularly those in upstate New York. 

     The three new laws that the Governor highlighted were:

     The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act, which guides the State in making more sustainable and strategic infrastructure investments. This legislation requires State agencies to create Smart Growth Advisory Committees that would evaluate public infrastructure investments based on the Smart Growth criteria and will require such investments to meet the criteria to the extent practicable.

     The Historic Preservation Rehabilitation Tax Credit Fix, which builds on a previous tax credit signed into law by Governor Paterson in 2009, and will allow banks and insurance companies to apply the recently expanded Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program for commercial projects against their State franchise tax liability. The new and improved historic rehabilitation tax credit will help cities throughout upstate New York use historic preservation as a tool for economic development, tourism, environmental protection, neighborhood aesthetics and cultural heritage. The full impact of the tax credit will be phased in over several years.

     The Model Senior-Friendly/Age-Integrated Planning, Zoning and Housing Guidelines, which directs State Office for the Aging and Department of State to create model zoning and planning guidelines that foster age-integrated communities and allow accessory senior citizens units in areas zoned for single family residences. The law also recommends mixed-use senior housing development and promotes mixed-use development that accommodates senior citizens.

     Robert Shibley was just named University at Buffalo's Dean to the School of Architecture and Planning.  He recently served as a juror for AIANYS Empire State Challenge, as well as a presenter at the 2010 AIANYS/ASLA Convention. To find out more about his new position, go to:  http://www.buffalo.edu/ubreporter/2010_10_28/shibley_dean.

     AIANYS would like to welcome a new Corporate Allied Member:

 SMART Technologies, Isaac Cervantes, 3636 Reasearch Rd. NW, Calgary, ABt2l1y1, Ph: 403-407-5113, Email: IsaacCervantes@smarttech.com.

     Allied Membership allows corporations and individuals not otherwise eligible for AIANYS membership to participate in some services.  For more information and the online Allied Membership Application, go to: http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Onsite/Welcome.aspx?e=595c258a-ef44-488d-b1c4-cc6bb3bcf41d.