The Value of Design

MDC Raffle Big Success

October 2, 2013| The Value of Design|

The 2013 Monterey Design Conference has come and gone, leaving lots of architects (and civilians) inspired and reinvigorated. It has also left two lucky winners with a pretty snazzy new mode of transportation.

The bikes, donated from Public Bikes. The bikes were customized with graphics from notNeutral, a product design company affiliated with the Los Angeles architecture and design firm Rios Clementi Hale Studios. Bikes were delivered from San Francisco to MDC by Yes Duffy of David Baker Architects. The retail value of each bike was $1,500.

Because of this generous collaborative donation, as well as others—like the Herman Miller Chair, and Lewis Poulson light fixture, beer from Lagunitas Brewery, and gifts baskets (courtesy of Granite Rock, Indo Teak Designs, Lift-U)—CAF was able to raise $5,000 from raffle ticket sales at the event. This money will be used to continue the programs CAF offers students, professionals, and those seeking licensure.

For more information on how you can donate to or participate in CAF’s success, contact Melissa Davis.

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Solar Decathlon

September 18, 2013| AIACA, The Value of Design|

For the first time in its history, the annual Solar Decathlon, normally held in Washington, D.C., will be in Irvine, and partner AIA Orange County, couldn’t be more excited.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s 6th Annual Solar Decathlon and XPO Symposium shouldn’t be missed if at all possible. Mark your calendars for October 3, 2013.

20 structures created from the collaborative minds of collegiate teams ranging from the Nevada desert to rural Vermont, (and a few from other countries as well), will be on display.

Also, taking shape is Symposium Lecture Series for which AIA Orange County is currently accepting member applications to participate as a guest lecturer. This series will be happening simultaneously. If you are interested in being a guest lecturer, please forward your interest and a brief outline of your program to info@aiaoc.org for consideration. Type “XPO Symposium” in the subject line.

Volunteers are also needed. This is an excellent way to secure NCARB community service credit or simply to participate in this international event. Please forward your interest to info@aiaoc.org and type “XPO Volunteer” in the subject line.

Whether one is an attendee, a volunteer, or a guest lecturer, what this means for all is more of an inside scope. Not only can one read and examine the structure, but then after walk into an exhibition where there are actual hands-on examples.

“Want to know about the solar water heater used in one of the structures? Look, here is the expo where you can check it out yourself,” explained Jeff Gill, FAIA, Executive Director of AIA Orange County.

Click here for more information.

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One Word in India

August 19, 2013| AIACA, The Value of Design|

fellow-jennifer-devlinSometimes, the way we learn good news enhances to the quality of the message being delivered. Such was the case for recent AIA Fellow, Jennifer Devlin-Herbert.

Devlin-Herbert, co-managing principal of EHDD’s India studio in Mumbai, was on location when she discovered the recent upgrade to her AIA status. Stationed in Roorkee, a remote northern region (a 4-hour drive north of Delhi) working on a project. As can be in more isolated locations, the internet connection was tenuous at best. But a few moments riding the cyber waves on her iPhone was all Devlin-Herbert needed to glimpse an email with the subject line “Awards at AIA.” Scrolling down the screen squinting to read the tiny message, she saw the word “Congratulations” moments before the connection was lost. But that’s the only word she needed to know she had finally been invested into the prestigious AIA College of Fellows.

By the time the investiture ceremony was held at the AIA National Convention in June, Devlin-Herbert was back stateside. There, she made some new friends. “I particularly enjoyed getting to know my Fellowship class, and spending time comparing notes on the arduousness of the process,” she said. “I appreciated the formality of the ceremony as a reflection of the challenge of becoming a Fellow.”

Anyone who reads her biography on the EHDD website, though, will infer that Devlin-Herbert, FAIA, LEED AP, BD+C, is not one to shy away from a challenging or arduous project. It reads, “… is dedicated to design that elevates the experience of place.”

“It also feels like a poignant start to a new phase—of giving back,” said Devlin-Herbert. From the projects she’s worked on, to the work she continues in India, we’d say she’s been giving back rather significantly for a while now. The proof is in the process and the outcome. Her contributions to the world of design have been significant—the award-winning San Mateo public library being one of them. Being invested into the College of Fellows was an acknowledgement of projects such as this LEED Gold facility.

The design community can only be that much more enhanced with an announcement like that, and we look forward to seeing what more will come.

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AIA National Board Approves Change

June 21, 2013| AIACA, Awards, The Value of Design|

The AIA National Board voted to change the rules of the Gold Medal to allow a submittal of two individuals where through their collaboration they have created a singular body of distinguished work. While this doesn’t retroactively honor Denise Scott Brown for the Pritzker Architecture Prize which was awarded in 1991 to her husband, Robert Venturi, it does change the format from here forward, allowing for collaborators to receive proper recognition. This change will be effective in the next award cycle, effective January 1, 2014.

This is big news not only for women in architecture but for the profession at large.

Click here to read AIA National’s statement.

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ARCHITECTS RECOGNIZE EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE PROFESSION

March 13, 2013| Member Forum, The Value of Design|

The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC), recognized Richard Conrad, Iris Cochlan and staff of the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC), for their contributions to society and the architecture profession at the first Board of Directors meeting of 2013 on February 22.

Because the architecture profession is by no means a solitary enterprise, the phrase “it takes a village” is literal. From the idea, to the draft, to the brick and mortar, a number of different hands and minds intersect and help to sculpt the most beneficial space for the public. These three contributors to the industry were recognized for their diverse and outstanding impact not only in the architecture arena, but in the population at large. Without their hands, minds, ideas, willingness to contribute and collaborate, soul and spirit would have been lacking in several buildings which comprise our communities.
Former 1984 mayor of Ojai and newly retired Principal Architect for Division of the State Architect, Conrad, FAIA, was honored for his vision, leadership, and determined advocacy for quality learning environments, public safety and historic preservation. As a “citizen architect,” he demonstrates how one person can make a difference in advocating for design and improving the human condition. Conrad served as Executive Director of the California Building Standards Commission from 1985 to 1996. Prior to assuming his position with the state, he practiced architecture in Ojai. His practice included residential, commercial, institutional, governmental, educational and health care projects.

Former public member of the California Architects Board (CAB) Cochlan, was recognized for her distinguished service to the people of California and the architectural profession. She has been noted to be a frequent and positive source for new ideas and innovation, and has contributed thoughtful, considerate and spirited engagement in California Architects Board deliberations. Her leadership has benefited the public’s understanding the roll architects play in professional and community affairs. Currently, Cochlan is senior vice president with Eugene Burger Management Corporation and regional manager for the Sacramento Central Valley. From 1979 to 2004, she was the chief executive officer and president of Cochlan/Associates Management Co., a real estate property management firm specializing in senior housing.

The staff of the CBSC is responsible for administering and implementing codes from the proposal to the review and adoption process, and works tirelessly to ensure California maintains its position as a leader in the building codes and standards arena. AIACC recognized this selfless service and presented the recognition stating they “earned the well-deserved respect and admiration of many colleagues, supporters and benefactors.”

Have any comments or questions about Board of Directors Recognition? Please comment below.

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