Business Conditions Begin to Stabilize at Architecture Firms
After declining for seven straight months, billings at U.S. architecture firms finally stabilized in February, with as many firms reporting increases in billings (compared to the previous month) as reported declines. Inquiries for new projects continued to strengthen, indicating that billings should pick up in the months ahead. (members only)

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.)
The Economy: Consumer spending to rebound Industry Tech: New technologies on tap Trade: China moves ahead (members only)

PROJECT WATCH
Tunica County Gambles on “River Experience”
Tunica County, Miss., best known of late for its spate of casinos, is about to acquire a facility that may encourage gamblers to drop their chips (just for a minute!) and pause to admire the majesty of the mighty Mississippi River.

Libeskind to Discuss Design for World Trade Center at AIA National Convention
Daniel Libeskind will appear in San Diego during the 2003 AIA National Convention and Expo to discuss his recently selected plan for rebuilding the World Trade Center site in a panel discussion moderated by Robert Ivy, FAIA, editor in chief of Architectural Record. The Saturday, May 10, panel will focus on issues surrounding the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site, including the political process; challenges in meeting the cultural, spiritual, and economic needs of the many constituents; and the increased visibility of architects and their role in shaping the urban environment.

Ground Zero: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
While in New York City on March 11 preparing programs for the upcoming AIA convention in May, AIA President Thompson E. Penney, FAIA; Convention Programs Director John McRae, FAIA; Convention Chair Paul D. Boney, FAIA (left to right); and convention moderator/Architectural Record Editor in Chief Robert A. Ivy, FAIA (foreground), received a tour of Ground Zero. Guides were Port Authority Chief Architect Robert Davidson, FAIA (pointing), and Ron Pisapia, program director for WTC Site and Downtown Manhattan Planning (not pictured). (Photo by AIA New York Executive Director Fredric Bell, FAIA.)

Need to catch up on recent editions of AIArchitect This Week?
February 24 | March 3 | March 10 | March 17

BEST PRACTICES
Effective Project Closeout Begins During
Contract Negotiation
Project closeout, in clients’ eyes, is a crucial point of transition as they take control of their new facility. Understanding the client’s expectations and operational requirements at the outset of a project can mean the difference between repeat business and possible claims, explains Douglas Hartman, FAIA, in this excerpt from the new Architect’s Handbook Update 2003. (members only)

April Conference:
Tools for Community Design and Decision Making
The Fifth Annual Working Session on Tools for Community Design and Decision Making will explore the effective use of information technology in regional/community/neighborhood planning and design.

The general conference, April 24–26 in San Francisco, features workshops and panels in the afternoons, including tool demonstrations, training opportunities, and case studies of local governments that are successfully using design and decision tools to solve urban and environmental problems. At the same time, a hands-on digital charrette will provide a forum for attendees and tool providers to work together on a specific planning situation. It is an unmatched opportunity to see new tools applied to realistic problems and opportunities in regional and neighborhood planning in a real-time setting. For more information, visit the TCDDM Web site.

Calling All Public Architects to a Special
Pre-Convention Program!
The AIA Public Architects PIA invites all professionals who work with public-sector buildings to attend a training workshop May 7, the day before the AIA 2003 National Convention and Design Exposition, May 8–10 at the San Diego Convention Center. Attendees will earn six learning units. Register by April 11 to take advantage of the early registration fee ($320 on or before April 11/$400 thereafter). The workshop registration includes lunch and complimentary registration to the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition, May 8–10. Visit the AIA convention site to register online. To register by mail, use the Convention Guide, look for “Public Architects (03)” on page 80.

Have You Seen These Chandeliers?
Three of these 10- to 12-foot-long, solid brass beauties were stolen recently from the former train station in Jamestown, N.Y, reports the city’s Building/Zoning Code Enforcement Officer, Larry Scalise, AIA. The 1920s station, currently under restoration, served as home for the chandeliers since it was built. “The theft was not a random act, it was very well planned,” Scalise says. “Whoever stole them knew their value and more than likely had a destination already in mind.” Scalise suspects that the chandeliers may end up as part of a similar restoration project, and is asking his fellow architects to keep an eye out for them. Anyone with information should contact him, (716) 483-7541 or scalise@cityofjamestownny.com.

AIA Career Center
Here are this week’s featured opportunities: Architect, Alpha One, South Portland, Me. | Healthcare Architect, HLM Design, Denver, CO | Healthcare Architect/Project Manager, Thomas, Miller & Partners, LLC, Brentwood, TN | Job Captain, OJMR-Architects, Inc., Los Angeles | Manager, Specifications, URS Corporation, Columbus, OH | Project Architect, Brown Design Associates, Holdrege, NE | Project Architect/Manager, Retail/Shopping Center, architectfinders, inc., Texas | Project Architect, Popham Walter Architects, Lagos, Nigeria | Project Architect, Topsider Building Systems, Inc., Clemmons, NC | Project Manager/Intern, Thomas, Miller & Partners, LLC, Brentwood, TN | Urban Designer, City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica, Calif. Visit the AIA Career Center for a full list openings.

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