AIA LOUISIANA
FEBRUARY 2014
THE MISSING 32% PROJECT

Repositioning Architecture by Equitable Practice  

 
As many of you may know, AIA San Francisco has an active committee exploring the role of women in architecture. The name of the committee is: "The Missing 32%" which is a calculation based on this observation: if 50% of architecture students are women, why are only 18% of licensed architects women?

AIA San Francisco has engaged researchers at Mills College to compile one of the first ever surveys of this topic. We encourage both men and women to fill out the survey. It takes about 20 minutes.

 

 

 The link to the survey is here: http://themissing32percent.com/

And more details can be found on the AIA SF website: aiasf.org
 

ARCHITECTS CALL FOR DESIGN-BUILD REFORM 
 

U.S. architects are calling on lawmakers to reform the federal government's design-build contracting process. Current rules cost design and construction firms more than $260,000, on average, to compete for a federal design-build project, according to a recent survey published by the American Institute of Architects.

 

The federal contracting laws are thereby "discouraging talented architects from competing for federal contracts, depriving government and, by inference, taxpayers of the best design expertise available," according to the AIA's testimony Dec. 3 before the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The organization's representative urged Congress to pass a bill meant to streamline the process.

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THIRD WOMAN TO SERVE AS AIA PRESIDENT

 

Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, executive director of the Virginia Center for Architecture, has been inaugurated as the 2014 American Institute of Architects president.

 

Dreiling is only the third woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1857. Susan Maxman, FAIA, became the first woman president of the AIA in 1992-93. Katherine Lee Schwennsen, FAIA, served as president in 2006-07.

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SHOW CIVIC DRIVE
Nonprofit aims to create 'spirit of philanthropy'
 

Brittany Broussard looks like a polished young businesswoman in a modest heather-hued sweater but she really rocks an unforgettable necklace - huge green crystals strung from golden loops and trimmed in rosy coral. That unique, bright necklace says a lot about her style and her approach to life, including her role as the new president of The 705, a nonprofit that cultivates young Lafayette leaders.

 

"The previous generation of The 705 officers is encouraging us to take risks and take stands on issues; that's fine by me because I want dramatic, colorful ideas," Broussard said. "People think we're a group of white-collar professionals and lawyers but I want to increase our diversity. I want young musicians, artists, farmers and homemakers to join and know that they will feel welcome whatever their job category is. We want original approaches to making Lafayette an even better, more exciting place to live. If we try something and it doesn't work, we'll try something new the next week."

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ENERGY CODE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
 
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Energy and Natural Resources Division is hosting an Energy Code Training in Gulfport, MS, on March 18 and 19, 2014, and it has been approved for AIA and USGBC Continuing Education. Learn more about the state's new mandatory commercial and State-owned building energy code. 
 
Upcoming Training:
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 and Wednesday, March 19, 2014
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Courtyard Marriott Gulfport Beachfront
Beach Blvd., Gulfport, MS 39501
ARCHITECTURE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
 
Charrette Venture Group has announced a business plan competition for architects who are considering starting their own design firm and for existing architectural firms that have been in business for five years or less. The first prize winner of the competition will receive $10,000.

 

Eligible participants must be a licensed architect in the U.S. or Canada, and, if operating an existing design firm, must have been in business for five years or less. Interested architects should register online by March 28, 2014, and an executive summary of their business plan must be submitted by April 25, 2014. The winners will be announced at a special reception in Chicago, Illinois during the American Institute of Architect's national convention on June 26, 2014. There is no cost to enter the competition. For detailed rules, the full competition timeline, and additional resources on how to write a business plan, please visit the competition website at architectbusinessplancompetition.com .

Quick Links
  

Local Chapter Calendars


 

AIA Gulf States Region 2014 Honor Awards Entry Form

MARDI GRAS ON THE AVENUE

Want to treat clients & co-workers to the magic of Mardi Gras in New Orleans?  What better venue than Lee Circle!! Reserve your places today on AIA New Orleans' Mardi Gras Viewing Stands!  

2014 SPORTING CLAY FUNDRAISER

AIA South Louisiana Chapter would like to invite you to join the 2014 Annual Sporting Clay Fundraiser. The fundraiser will be held at the Wilderness Gun Club - Lafayette. Shooting is to start at 1:00pm. For more information please visit their website HERE or contact the AIA South Louisiana Chapter