WORK-ON-THE-BOARDS
Strong Inquiries in January Should Reverse Billings Decline Soon
Professional liability cost and availability top list of significant issues over coming years
Work-on-the-Boards participants tell us that billings at architecture firms declined again in January, marking the seventh straight month that reported billings have eased. However, a strong increase in inquiries for new projects in January should produce an upturn in activity levels in the near future. In fact, the magnitude of the increase in inquiries was the largest in almost a year. (members only)

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
Disappointment Leads to Opportunity
Thompson E. Penney, FAIA, says we should re-examine our awards process, and make certain it conveys our values to the profession, to the industry, to clients, and the public.

BOOK REVIEW
The Distinctive Home: A Vision of Timeless Design, by Jeremiah Eck, FAIA (Taunton Press, 2003)
“Distinctive houses avoid the sameness, blandness, and thoughtlessness of many new houses being built today,” writes respected residential-design veteran Jeremiah Eck, FAIA, in his new book The Distinctive Home: A Vision of Timeless Design. The architect spirits us on an odyssey of beautiful house design, some 50 exquisitely detailed projects by 30 architecture firms in the first book published under a new collaborative imprint between the AIA and Taunton Press. (Pictured is a “distinctive home” by Catalano Architects. Photo © Anton Grassi Photography.)

Tschumi Weaves Ancient and New, Art and Diplomacy in Greece
International architect, educator, and theorist Bernard Tschumi, AIA, dean of Columbia University’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, is no stranger to worldwide competition, but he has indicated that the New Acropolis Museum is bringing him particular satisfaction because of the improbability of winning this Greek building commission. The project is aiming for a groundbreaking this summer and completion for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens.

Your Kiplinger Connection
AIArchitect links members to three stories a week from the pages of the renowned Kiplinger Letter. (Nonmembers may subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.)
World Business: steel tariffs Mold Lawsuits: plaintiffs are winning
Selling: ad spending up 5 percent (members only)

PROJECT WATCH
New Sports Facility Aids U. Wisconsin’s Recruiting Efforts
The Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson Inc., Milwaukee, recently teamed with the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, to renovate and expand the school’s Williams Center and DLK/Kachel Fieldhouse into a top-notch athletic and recreational facility that will aid in recruiting student athletes as well as meet the general student body’s recreational needs. Phase One entailed installation of an indoor track and three playing courts in the 57,590-square-foot addition to the fieldhouse. HGA designed a two-story addition housing a weight room and cardio loft, four tournament-level racquetball courts, training rooms, classrooms, offices, and support functions in Phase Two. For the final phase, HGA renovated the existing facilities, with special attention to energy-saving techniques such as harnessing daylighting and incorporating customized lighting software for automatically alternating light fixtures to increase lamp life from 8 to 12 years. As normal operation uses only half of the fixtures during daylight hours, the facility achieves a 55-percent savings beyond the state energy code.

Need to catch up on recent editions of AIArchitect This Week?
January 27 | February 3 | February 10 | February 17

BEST PRACTICES
These Truths Have Stood for 30 Years
We were facing a slowed economy, combat troops were on alert overseas, and gas prices were soaring, as was the cost of professional liability insurance. It was 1973, and this article from Schinnerer’s Guidelines for Improving Practice points up the five problem areas for professional design firms that ring as true today as they did away back then. (members only)

Learning from the Client: Communication and Expectations
All architects are aware of the opportunities to learn from and with our clients. The following interview tells about learning by being the client, from an architect who has done just that. (members only)

Reminder: AIA/COTE Top 10 Green Projects Entries Due March 3
The AIA Committee on the Environment requests submissions for the 2003 Top Ten Green Projects awards program, which recognizes exemplary built projects that demonstrate the benefits of a high-performance, sustainable design approach. A jury will evaluate submissions based on a broad and inclusive definition of design quality that includes performance, aesthetics, community connection, and environmental soundness. Winning entries will be displayed in exhibitions nationwide, including the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.; the AIA National Convention; and the U.S. Green Building Council Annual Meeting. For online submissions information and forms, visit www.aiatopten.org. For a broader overview of the Top Ten Green Projects program and to view 2001 and 2002 winners, click here. For more information, contact Kathleen Lane, AIA project manager, klane@aia.org or 202-626-7468. (Pictured is the Edificio Malecon, an office building designed by HOK on a reclaimed brownfields site in Buenos Aires. The project won a 2002 COTE Top Ten Green Projects Award. Photo courtesy of the architect.)

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