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Newsletters
2021 Design Awards Special Edition Newsletter
What a great night celebrating D E S I G N after such a crazy year! It was so nice to see everyone again; we love getting to see all of you relaxed, having fun, and enjoying the company of one another outside of work. More than 200 people gathered at Regions Field on July 14th to celebrate winners of the 2021 AIA Birmingham Design Awards.
AIA Birmingham’s annual design awards recognize excellence in architectural design by member architects. The event featured Committee Chair Allison Vosicky, as the emcee, a baseball game, and delicious signature drink – the Pitch!
Each year, AIA Birmingham hosts Design Awards to recognize excellence in architectural design by architects in the Birmingham Chapter. These awards increase awareness of outstanding architecture and honor architects, clients, consultants, and contractors who work together to improve the built environment.
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Thank you to all of our sponsors, especially our title sponsor Spire Energy! We appreciate all of your support in the architectural community.
All the projects will be on exhibit in the Alabama Center for Architecture (ACFA).
(109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham, AL 35205)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT!
Email anna@karmamanagementinc.com for high quality social media images.
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2021 Design Awards Committee
Allison Vosicky – Chair – Birchfield Penuel & Associates
Matthew Smith – Co-Chair – Williams Blackstock Architects
Kyle Stover – Past Chair – Williams Blackstock Architects
Emily Lopez – Christopher Architecture & Interiors
Patrick Nelson – Nelson Design (not pictured)
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2021 Jury
The jury met in Kansas City, where they look to elevate the value of architects, foster the future, create meaningful connections by intentional knowledge sharing, and equity + diversity + inclusion. The jury enjoyed deliberation and getting to see a glimpse of the work being done by AIA Birmingham members.
Robert Riccardi, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP – Gouldevans – Jury Chair
Robert’s blend of design sensibility, intellectual curiosity and personality benefits every project he touches. He has the rare ability to understand the various layers that exist within a single design opportunity, resulting in architecture that is truly multidimensional.
A gifted design leader, Robert engages clients and motivates his fellow designers. They are inspired by his belief that great design can make a difference and every project brings the potential for positive change. In turn, he is inspired by clients who are willing to engage in a process of mutual discovery, who challenge the design team to think deeply and solve problems in a manner that’s unexpected and delightful
Matthew Hufft, AIA, WELL AP – Hufft
With a Bachelors degree from the University of Kansas and a Masters degree from Columbia University, he is a LEED Accredited Professional, NCARB certified, and licensed in Missouri, Kansas, and New York. At the age of twenty-five, his first commission The Line House͛ was completed. Soon after, other commissions followed and Hufft was formed in 2005. Since that time, the firm has taken on over 300 architectural, fabrication and construction projects, ranging in budget from $20,000 to $60MM. Hufft’s work has been featured in Architectural Record, Metropolitan Home, Interior Design, Esquire, and many more publications, and has won multiple national and international awards.
Brad Satterwhite, AIA, LEED AP – Kem Studio
Brad Satterwhite is a Co-Founder and Principal of KEM STUDIO and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] accredited professional. He is continually intrigued and influenced by a holistic approach to design that blurs the lines between architecture, industrial design and art. Throughout all aspects of design, Brad believes in the power of a big idea, purity of form and material, economy, and clarity. Brad is the recipient of numerous design awards from the American Institute of Architects [AIA] and the Young Architects Forum. He has practiced in both the US and the UK and collaborated on projects with Moshe Safdie and Associates, KPF, Rockwell Group and Pentagram.
Amy Slattery, AIA, IIDA, NCARB – Odimo
Slattery is the Founder and CEO of Odimo, a growing architecture practice based in Kansas City, Missouri. She is an entrepreneur, industry leader, and architect. She has experience in ground-breaking high design and sustainability, combined with engineering-based project management. She was an American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Young Architects Award recipient in 2011. She is currently a Chair of the Kansas City ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative, a Trustee of the AIA National Trust, and has held positions within the AIA on local, regional, and national levels.
Kwame Smith, AIA, LEED, AP, BD&C – SFS Architecture
Kwame Smith has 15 years of experience working on a wide range of projects, but the first thing he notices when walking into a building isn’t the architecture: it’s the people. His enthusiasm for communicating, listening and solving problems, whether with peers or project team members, leads to successful projects. This focus on people influences his design approach, and he takes particular pride in facilities that have an “immediate, direct and profound impact” on the communities they serve. Kwame’s combination of creative and technical knowledge spans all phases of design and implementation.
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Honor Awards
This project is a delight! Extremely simple and comfortable in its own skin. Love how it hold the corner, is both refined with urban grit, and looks like a place you want to hang out and be happy. Add ice cream on top of that and you have a winner of a project.”
Jeni’s Ice Cream Pavilion WINNER
It reinforces a sense of community while allowing for individual intimacy with efficient living spaces and well-placed screening.
Celebrates the importance of human connection for users’ demographic. What stood out was how the design is both modern yet adaptable to the character of each resident.”
Williams Terrace WINNER
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Merit Awards
ZUMA- Alys Beach Wellness Center WINNER
The New Ideal WINNER
Mountain Brook Residence WINNER
Jury Comments: “Rigorous use of exterior materials and interior materials. Creates very compelling modern living spaces.”
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Citation Awards
“Innovative way of reusing an existing structure. “
“Compelling architectural forms (rear) and very clean execution of exterior material uses.”
Christopher Collection WINNER
Highland Park Office Renovation WINNER
Jury Comments: “A lot of refinement that respects the minimalist existing building, enhances it, and creates an exterior space that is as desirable as the rigorously planned interior.” “Beautiful interior organization and lighting.” “Compelling exterior landscaped spaces.”
ONEPRATT Park WINNER
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People’s Choice Award
Building C and Campus Renovations for United Way of Central Alabama WINNER
Entries
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Birmingham Zoo Arrival Experience
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Building C and Campus Renovations for United Way of Central Alabama
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Christ Health Center – Live Oaks Clinic
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Enoch Callaway Cancer Center Renovation/Expansion
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Highland Park Office Renovation
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Lee Building & 4th Avenue Parking Deck
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Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Workplace Transformation
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Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates
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Renovation to Peter Bryce Hospital
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The Grand Hotel at Point Clear
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UAB University Hall, College of Arts and Sciences
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June Newsletter
Coffee or Walk on the Rotary Trail?
Hi AIA Family,
Do you have any idea how excited I am that we are back to face-to-face meetings?!?!?! I am doing my happy dance! Most of you know I love people and get my energy from being with people. And my favorite people are creatives, you give off the best energy. I have missed all of you. It is my goal to see each of you by the end of the year or at the very least have some type of one-on-one communication with you. I learned from COVID to appreciate spending time with you. I would love to catch up and hear how you are doing, where you are in life, what you learned from COVID, any new ideas for AIA, and just SEE you in person. Shoot me an email, call, or text and let’s get coffee or take a walk on the Rotary Trail.
I hope I see you at the June 22nd in PERSON, FACE to FACE chapter meeting at Evolutia. Yummy lunch catered by Tre Luna.
See you soon! Have a fun weekend and live grateful.
Peace & AIA Love,
Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham, Alabama Center for Architecture (ACFA)
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Our Chapter Sponsors are the best of the best. Their continued support is crucial in everything we do; grateful is an understatement! We encourage our members to consider Sponsors first if they are in need of products or services.
See right sidebar for a full list of 2021 Chapter Sponsors.
2021 SPONSORS: See below for upcoming sponsorship opportunities at the 2021 AIA Birmingham Design Awards! July 15 at Regions Field.
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VW Gallerie at VW Supply Company
(Silver Chapter Sponsor)
Thanks to V&W Supply Company for their support of AIA Birmingham!
Sponsors– As a reminder, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Sponsors get one free ad in one AIA Birmingham newsletter, a $250 value! Please email katie@karmamanagementinc.com to take advantage of this opportunity.
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6/17: Design Awards Opening Reception
AIA Birmingham Design Awards Submissions are going on exhibit at The Pizitz Food Hall from 6/15-26.
Online voting begins Monday, 6/14!
Don’t miss the Opening Reception on 6/17 and from 4:30-6:30 PM. We cannot wait to see all your faces and catch up over Happy Hour drinks! Happy Hour drink specials at The Louis Bar end at 6 PM.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, 7/15! AIA Birmingham Design Awards are happening in-person this year at Regions Field. Join us for a night of baseball and celebration of design!
Tickets & Tables- Purchase online or by check mailed to AIA Birmingham at 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham, AL 35205. If you mail in a check, please let us know who your attendees will be.
Interested in sponsoring Design Awards?
Download a sponsor form below and email katie@karmamanagementinc.com with any questions.
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AIA Birmingham Events
Thanks to everyone who has continued participating in AIA Birmingham events virtually! We record many of our Zoom events, so feel free to check out the recordings of our March Chapter Meeting with Navigate Affordable Housing Partners and our April Meeting with First Light Shelter if you are interested.
We still have virtual events planned, but in-person events have returned!!! Keep reading to see what’s coming up.
Questions about an AIA Birmingham event or continuing education?
Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com!
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Click here to register for this FREE informational session!
Thanks to 1st Resource Credit Union for their support of AIA Birmingham and SEAoAL’s Emerging Professionals!
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Can’t wait to see you at the June Chapter Meeting!
The first in-person Chapter Meeting since February 2020.
(Lunch & 1.5 HSWs included)
Click here to register online!
- 11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Thermally Modified Wood Presentation by Thermory USA (1 HSW)
- 12:40-1:10 PM: Reclaimed Wood Presentation & Site Tour from Evolutia (.5 HSW)
Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com with any questions or dietary restrictions before 6/14.
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Another Great Site Visit on 6/30
Register online here!
Creature’s Mercantile on Morris project will include 47 residential condos available for purchase ranging from micro to two-bedroom. Units will feature historic charm with modern finishes. Residents will have access to a terrace that overlooks the bustling pedestrian plaza. The project has 14,000 SF of retail space available for lease. Some retail options include frontage on Morris Avenue and 1st Avenue North that opens into an interior pedestrian plaza. Through the creation of the pedestrian plaza, patrons and residents will be able to experience the development as a destination for their entire day. Join us on 6/30 to learn more!
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Emerging Professionals
- AIA Birmingham offers HSW opportunities and site visits throughout the year; these can also count as AXP Experience Hours!
- Free AIA Membership for new grads
- We have the Brightwood Architecture ARE 5.0 Study Guides available to check-out. Members provide a fully refundable $50 cash deposit. Click here to learn more.
4/28 Event Recap– ARE Prep: Understanding a Geotech Report
We had so much fun seeing our EPs for the first time in more than a year! Thanks to everyone who came out to MBA Engineers Geotech Lab in April. Huge shoutout to Drew Thornbury and the team at MBA Engineers, Inc. for being such gracious hosts.
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5/26 Event Recap — AG Gaston Site Visit w/ SEAoAL
We cannot thank Fred Keith and Rogers Hunt, III from AG Gaston Construction for sharing their time and expertise with us! It was a treat to see the AG Gaston Motel, a place where civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. stayed and planned.
Learn more about the AG Gaston Motel project:
- City of Birmingham
- Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
- National Park Service
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
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Job Search Assistance for AIA Birmingham Members
- AIA Birmingham Careers Page
- New opportunities are listed regularly here!
- AIA Birmingham Member Firms can post openings free of charge. Email listings to katie@karmamanagementinc.com.
- Resume Review & Sharing
- AIA Birmingham can review your resume and share it with local firms looking to fill a position.
For additional job listings, check out the AIA National Career Center and AIA Alabama Job Board!
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Contract Documents
AIA Birmingham Members get a 10% discount when they order documents through AIA Birmingham. Click here for more information!
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Helpful Links from AIA National
- Free AIA Membership for new grads
- Free AIAU Courses for members on risk management, business strategies, and virtual practice
- AIA Knowledge Communities help members connect and are a source for information
- AIA Award Programs
- AIA Legislative Action Center advocates for architects
- AIA Trust – Exclusive financial planning and insurance tools
- COVID-19 Resources
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Register for all ACFA events & pay for Membership online here!
- 7/20/2021: Auburn University Urban Studio Project (HSW Pending)
- 8/10/2021: Zimmerman & David Baker Architects in Ensley (HSW Pending)
- Fall 2021: Affordable Housing Symposium with David Baker Architects (HSW Pending)
- October 2021: ACFA Golf Tournament (Benefitting Scholarship Program)
- October 2021: National Building Museum’s Evicted exhibit traveling to Birmingham
- Add the Pulitzer Prize winning book, Evicted: Poverty & Profit in the American City, by Matthew Desmond to your reading list!
Want to help the ACFA continue offering scholarships, educational outreach, and more?
Become a Member! Do you want to impact the lives of Alabamians through architecture? Give to the ACFA and help support their educational outreach initiatives such as dreamARCHITECTURE, N2 Architecture, and the ACFA Scholarship Program.
Pay for Membership online here OR mail a check to the ACFA at 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham, AL 35233. Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com with any questions about ACFA Membership!
AIA Birmingham is proud to have many Member Firms and Sponsors who belong to the ACFA:
- Adams Gerndt Design Group
- Alabama Concrete Industries Association
- B-Group Architecture
- Bill Whittaker, Registered Architect
- Brasfield & Gorrie
- Blackmon Rogers Architects
- CCR Architecture & Interiors
- Ghafari Associates
- KPS Group
- Line Scale Form
- Revolutionary Architecture
- Risk Strategies
- Studio 2H Design
- Studio C Architecture & Interiors
- Taylor Plosser Davis, Architect
- Thompson Architecture
- Williams Blackstock Architects
Participate in fundraising HSW events! The ACFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Each time you attend an ACFA fundraiser, proceeds from your purchase go directly to carrying out their mission of advancing the enjoyment of architecture and design through engagement, education, and collaboration.
Are you an Amazon Shopper? If so, consider starting your shopping at https://smile.amazon.com, and choose the ACFA as your nonprofit. Amazon will donate a portion of your sale to the ACFA!
October 2020
Looking back on AIA Birmingham fall pre-COVID!
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Officers
- Danny Trotter, CCR Architecture & Interiors – President
- Laura Bartlett, Bartlett Projects – President Elect
- Travis Burke, Nequette Architecture & Design – Treasurer
- Topper Parham, KPS Group, Inc. – Secretary
- Charles Williams, Jr., Charles Williams & Associates – Second Year Director
- Tim Aho, Aho Architects, LLC – First Year Director
Councilors
- Tim Anson, Gresham Smith – Councilor
- Ty Cole, GA Studio/BLOX – Councilor
- Jeremy Cutts, Williams Blackstock Architects – Councilor
- Taylor Plosser Davis, Taylor Plosser Davis, Architect – Councilor
- Bo Skowronski, Poole & Company Architects – Councilor
- Matthew Smith, Goodwyn, Mills, & Cawood – Councilor
- Joel Solomon, Jeffrey Dungan Architects – Councilor
- Rebecca Whitlow, Revolutionary Architecture – Councilor
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If you live or work Downtown, you have homeless neighbors.
Happy Fall Y’all,
I really thought I would have seen your beautiful faces by now, but nope. Darn this COVID! I hope I see you before 2021!
At the beginning of the year, Madame President Lissy announced AIA Birmingham’s goal to listen to the needs of our communities, community awareness and engagement. Then once we’ve educated ourselves, we will see where AIA Birmingham can make a positive change. This is a long-term commitment.
We have upcoming presentations scheduled about; Chronic Homeless. Temporary Homelessness. Houselessness. Affordable Housing. Section Eight Housing. Labor Force Housing. Multifamily Housing. Safe Shelter. How can AIA BHM help? Even with all these types of housing, there is still an affordable housing shortage. AIA BHM does not have a solution; our hope is to help find a way to make more truly affordable housing available. If you are up for a challenge, care about others, and believe housing should be a social justice, consider joining the task force.
The Alabama Center for Architecture has secured the National Building Museums traveling exhibit EVICTED for October-December 2021. Alabama statistics will be highlighted in the exhibit. Please read the book Evicted, by Mathew Desmond who created the exhibit.
Visit https://www.nbm.org/exhibition/evicted/ to get a peak of the exhibit!
I am very excited and humbled to be a part of this long-term commitment. You make me so PROUD!!!!
Peace & AIA LOVE,
Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham & Alabama Center for Architecture
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Sponsors
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A Note to AIA Birmingham Members:
Join us in supporting our AIA Birmingham Sponsors.
When looking for vendors and consultants, please refer to our Sponsor list to the right of this page or our Sponsors page.
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Design Awards
More information coming soon!
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Community Engagement
We are excited to continue our educational journey exploring social justice in the built environment. First we learned from the great folks at Urban Impact, Inc. and BuildUP, and now we are getting into the housing piece with our upcoming meetings. We want to do more than just share the problems we are facing; we aim to share possible solutions too! We hope to follow each “problem” meeting with a “solution,” such as case studies and other innovative resolutions.
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If You Enjoyed the BuildUP Presentation in July, check this out!
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October Chapter Meeting: One Roof
10/27/2020 | 12-1 PM | HSW Pending
Join us for our next Chapter Meeting featuring Michelle Farley, Executive Director of One Roof. One Roof is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to equip and empower our community to prevent and end homelessness through advocacy, education, and coordination of services.
One Roof is the coordinating agency for the homeless Continuum of Care of central Alabama. As a continuum organization, One Roof secures funding from Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for agencies who are a part of our continuum and provide housing services needs.
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November Chapter Meeting:
buildingcommunityWORKSHOP’s
Congo Street Initiative
(+ 2021 Slate of Officers Voting)
11/10/2020 | 12-1 PM | HSW Pending
Our November Chapter meeting will bring in Brent Brown, Founder of the buildingcommunityWORKSHOP ([bc],) a Texas-based nonprofit community design center that enriches the lives of citizens by bringing design thinking to areas of their cities where resources are most scarce. To do so, [bc] recognizes that it must first understand the social, economic, and environmental issues facing a community before beginning work. Brent Brown will specifically be discussing the Congo Street Initiative, a project that involved stabilizing the homeownership of five families on a street that was forgotten and slated to be redeveloped. This initiative grew through intense interaction with residents, stakeholders and partners into a collaborative design and redevelopment effort.
As the only community design organization working across Texas, [bc] is unique in its approach to community engagement. They form strong relationships through collaborative design work, educational outreach activities, and social media channels, enabling them to engage with a broad segment of the population. The success of their work is contingent upon reaching those residents not typically sought out by the design and planning community.
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Women in Architecture
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Emerging Professionals
Thanks to all who joined us for the ARE 5.0 Overview session with Scott Heywood, AIA, NCARB, VP of Ghafari Associates’ Alabama Office. We loved learning more about how the test is created and gained some helpful study tips!
If you are interested in receiving a recording of the presentation, please email katie@karmamanagementinc.com. The recording is $10 for both Members and Nonmembers. All proceeds will go into the AIA Bham EP Fund!
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AIA Birmingham Job Board
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AIA National Career Center
Check out the AIA National Career Center for all the hottest jobs and access to the Career Learning Center, which encourages an integrative career and professional development process that enhances your skill set.
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Need HSWs? AIA is offering a variety of FREE online courses for members!
Here are some great HSW options:
- The Housing Crisis: How Architects Can Drive Change – 1 HSW
- High Design for Low Income-Housing – 1.50 HSW
(Presented by David Baker, FAIA, LEED AP of David Baker Architects, an AIA Bham Member Firm!)
Visit AIAU for more FREE courses for AIA Members!
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Contract Documents from AIA Birmingham
Click here for information on contract documents!
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June 2020
Words of Encouragement from our President:
Even though we are part of a community, (architects, religious, neighborhood, etc.) we need to rely upon ourselves as individuals to make our society good. I am grateful to be a part of a profession that feels deeply and is not afraid of expressing it. We can’t legislate morality and love, just like we can’t legislate good taste or good sense.
We each need to take personal responsibility to affect those we influence, who we touch, who we elect, what we say, how we act, to make a difference. My mind gets crowded with so many directions right now. So many avenues that need to be pursued. I think if we can each try to focus on a few things, it will add up. Please let us all try to help each other stay strong, and make a positive difference through our work and our interactions.
Lissy Frese, AIA
2020 AIA Birmingham President
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Hi AIA Family,
I miss your faces so much! It has been since February that I saw some of you and 2019 for others. I hope it is not 2021 before I see you again.
What a year?!?! COVID-19 put the panic in all of us. Time for change regarding social justice and civil rights. If we could all remember the golden rule we learned in kindergarten, COVID would be under control and social justice would not be an issue.
Treat others like you want to be treated. And yes, it can be that simple.
Stay positive. Be kind. Live Grateful.
Peace & AIA LOVE,
Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham & Alabama Center for Architecture
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Design Awards Update
AIA Birmingham looks forward to celebrating design with all of you once it is safe to do so.
We will continue providing updates as we learn more!
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Platinum Sponsors
A Note to AIA Birmingham Members:
Join us in supporting our AIA Birmingham Sponsors. When looking for vendors and consultants, please be sure to refer to our Sponsor list to the right of this page or our Sponsors page. Thanks so much!
Check out the 2020 sponsorship brochure here!
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Want to help the ACFA reach its
fundraising goals & earn an HSW?
If you love an interesting story, this webinar is for you! SEAoAL and KELLER (Formerly Hayward Baker) have partnered with the ACFA to share the investigation, design & stabilization of the Pointe du Hoc Cliff in Normandy, France. This was an important site during the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944!
Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com with any questions or concerns.
Visit the ACFA Square Shop to purchase a ticket
Funds from the virtual webinar will help support the ACFA’s dreamARCHITECTURE & Scholarship programs.
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Friday Conversation — Build Up Ensley
Friday, 7/10 // 11:30 AM-12:30 PM // 1 HSW (Pending) // FREE for ALL
Virtual Event via ZOOM — Registrants will be sent a link by email!
Build UP is the nation’s first and only workforce development model that provides low-income youth with career-ready skills through paid apprenticeships, leading them to become educated, credentialed, and engaged civic leaders, workers, homeowners and landlords. Build UP’s unique approach is an anti-gentrification revitalization model that empowers long-term growth driven by young leaders (Build UP graduates) from within the community.
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Need HSWs? AIA is offering a variety of FREE online courses for members!
Here are some great HSW options:
- Accessibility – A Photographic Look at Recurrent Non-Complying Elements – 1.50 HSW
- Leading Edge Sustainable Stadium Design – 1 HSW
- Copy-Catting: Intellectual Property Principles and Rights – 1 HSW
- The Housing Crisis: How Architects Can Drive Change – 1 HSW
- High Design for Low Income-Housing – 1.50 HSW
(Presented by David Baker, FAIA, LEED AP of David Baker Architects, an AIA Bham Member Firm!)
Visit AIAU for more FREE courses for AIA Members!
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Contract Documents from AIA Birmingham
Click here for information on contract documents!
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AIA Birmingham Silver Sponsor:
Bhate Geosciences
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AIA Birmingham Silver Sponsor:
VW Gallerie at V&W Supply Company
2006 Family Album
2020 April Newsletter
Words of Encouragement from our President:
“Most of us are in a bit of a shock I think. I enjoyed a sermon this weekend: it mostly said this too shall pass…and we need to not give up. Easy to say, hard to do. ‘Look forward, don’t give up.’ I so look forward to resuming our chapter activities and our gatherings. One thing for sure, I can’t wait to hug everyone!”
Lissy Frese, AIA
2020 AIA Birmingham President
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Architects to the RESCUE Again
Hi AIA Family,
I miss seeing all of your beautiful faces, hugs, laughing with you and meeting you for coffee. I had no idea I would miss you so much until cooties hit us. Never again will I take for granted seeing you.
Once again, everyone will be looking to architects for design solutions that will help keep us cootie free. We expected you to save the planet by sustainable design, keep us healthy and fit by designs that makes us more active, keep our children safe while at school and now design healthier environments that do not spread germs/cooties/viruses. Each time the public throws the architectural profession a design challenge, all of you find a solution. We know so many of you are already turning hotels into hospitals and I am sure some of you are working on a long-term solution. Architects always step up to help with the most current crisis. YOU make me so proud.
I also know many of you are nervous about the economy, we have all been down this path before, back in 2008 when it happened overnight and in prior years. There will be a slow-down in all markets except healthcare. We will bounce back much quicker than in the past.
We have a list of resources HERE and linked on our homepage for a quick reference. From utility info and free CEUs to tips for a virtual office, loan deferments and more – We are here if you need us. My cell number is 205-601-2345 if you need to chat, vent, share worries or just to ask questions. I am here for you.
Stay strong, be patient, and do not go to the back of the cave to poke the bear. If you keep going back there, he will wake up.
Hoping to see you soon!
Peace & AIA Love,
Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham & Alabama Center for Architecture
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We have created a library of resources that is regularly updated with messages from local, national, & state government, as well as updates from AIA National. We have also been sharing helpful articles on the AIA Birmingham Facebook page!
Keep your hands washed & your spirits lifted! We will get through this crisis together & celebrate on the other side. In the meantime, let’s do our best to be compassionate & practice responsible social distancing.
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Design Awards Update
We encourage those who can to mail in their PowerPoint submissions to AIA Birmingham at 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 on a flash drive, OR they may send a DropBox or Google Drive link to katie@karmamanagementinc.com.
AIA Birmingham looks forward to celebrating design with all of you once it is safe to do so. We will continue providing updates as we learn more!
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We had a blast with you all at our February Chapter Meeting! We were joined by Ivan Holloway, Executive Director and Elijah Davis, Strategic Growth Manager of Urban Impact, Inc. They gave updates on strategic initiatives and developments in the Birmingham Civil Rights District and spoke about expectations for the 2020!
This was our first “Friday Conversation,” a series that focuses on community engagement! We hope to share another soon, once gatherings are permitted again.
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A Note to AIA Birmingham Members:
Join us in supporting those who support our profession through AIA Birmingham. When looking for vendors and consultants, please be sure to refer to our Sponsor list to the right of this page OR our Sponsors page. Thanks so much!
Check out the 2020 sponsorship brochure here.
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Thanks to our Gold & Platinum Sponsors who came out to enjoy coffee and networking with our Executive Committee! This exclusive event was a great chance to get to know each other and make new connections.
Our gracious sponsors make our programs and events possible, so we were thankful for this chance to show them some extra AIA Bham Love!
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Need HSWs? AIA Birmingham is offering a variety of FREE online courses for members!
Here are a few:
- All Together Now: Applying Biomimicry to Your Practice – 1 HSW
- Copy-Catting: Intellectual Property Principles and Rights – 1 HSW
- High Design for Low Income-Housing – 1.50 HSW
- Better Senior Living Spaces: Creating a True Sense of Home – 1.50 HSW
Visit AIAU for more FREE courses for AIA Members!
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Need Help with AIA Membership?
AIA National is looking at all upcoming events and milestones through the lens of member safety and member needs. In an effort to help members who are impacted by COVID-19, AIA National has decided to move the membership lapse date from March 31 to April 28, 2020. We hope this will give you all more time to access AIA’s helpful resources until you can renew your membership.
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Contract Documents from AIA Birmingham
Click here for information on contract documents!
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2020 January Newsletter
A Message from our 2020 President:
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
First, I want to thank you for trusting me to be your president. I am among many talented and committed colleagues, so it is an honor. I recognize that each of you makes a huge difference in our chapter.
I went to Grassroots last year and came away with the knowledge that our work and profession is very diverse, very complex and very personal. Each of us has our own ideas, our own “way” of doing things. The AIA challenges us to put aside that and to look for what is the “best” way for our chapter and profession. I applaud all of you and our members that put aside their personal issues and step forward to meet this challenge.
Grassroots also made me recognize, what I am sure you all know, that there are no simple answers to the problems our communities face across the country face. Many architects shared what they are doing, and what ideas have been generated. But it all is a work in progress, and it generates a lot of questions.
So, my questions are:
1.) How can our AIA serve our members best?
2.) How can our members serve our community best?
I propose that both answers are the same: to help our members be better architects through Knowledge, Awareness, Tools, Support, Learning, Networking, and especially Friendship!
It is exciting to hear and see ideas and energy I have witnessed in many of our meetings. I know change is often good, but I want to emphasize so much of what we have is golden.
Our Loyal Sponsors.
Our Members.
Our Office.
Our Management: Rhea Williams, our Executive Director and her Karma staff, Katie and Savannah.
Our Programs:
1. Chapter Meetings/Continuing Education
2. Design Awards
3. Government Affairs
4. Disaster Relief
5. Emerging Professionals (EPs)
6. Women in Architecture
I hope that 2020 can build on our work from 2019 under Richard Simonton’s leadership. We undertook a member survey which was very informative. It has been a great source of suggestions to make our chapter better. We drafted a 5-year strategic plan which will help guide our focus. We have hosted 26 events, reaching approximately 1,200 individuals. Our finances are healthy. I believe 2019 was a very good year.
My personal hope is that in 2020 we will have the opportunity to become better members of our community. I think most of you know that my son is in his 5th year at Auburn University. Since he started, he has shared with me his work and lessons, and it has reminded me of what so many of us embraced in college: the belief that we can and should try to make the world a better place.
With that in mind, (and because you can’t do everything), I want this year to focus on AWARENESS. Specifically, awareness of Birmingham: its challenges, problems, and opportunities. Its make-up, its neighborhoods, its history. I am very selfish in that I want the focus on our local issues, because it is personal. We can know the location, know the people and know the impact. It is not abstract when you can see and touch it.
How can we raise awareness?
1. By listening
2. By inviting speakers & leaders
3. By sharing members’ work & knowledge of what they are doing
Will this make a difference?
I don’t know, maybe. Maybe by making the issues known, the many talented, bright minds, and good hearts of our members might create a few good ideas in response. They might share these, and it could grow. By reminding us as architects of what so many of us embraced during our education: that we should try. We are a passionate group, and I am hoping some of that passion can be harvested to make a very meaningful 2020.
I look forward to the year,
Lissy Frese, AIA – 2020 AIA Birmingham President
CCR Architecture & Interiors
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Sponsor Survey
We want to hear from YOU, our treasured Chapter Sponsors! Take this opportunity to provide feedback about AIA Birmingham can better serve you. We have decided to incentivize the survey by offering a FREE pair of AIA Birmingham Design Awards tickets ($100 Value!) to ONE lucky participant! Sponsors of all levels are encouraged to complete the survey.
If you are one of the few that took the survey prior to 1/28, please email Katie Parker to have your name added into the drawing! If you have not taken the survey yet, what are you waiting for?!
CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AIA BIRMINGHAM SPONSOR SURVEY! (Sponsors Only Please)
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EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR PLATINUM & GOLD SPONSORS!
Contact Katie Parker to renew for 2020, so you can take advantage of this FREE new perk for our highest level supporters.
Registration – No Tickets Necessary! // FREE for Platinum & Gold Sponsors
RSVP by 2/26 – katie@karmamanagementinc.com
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Thank you to our 2020 AIA Birmingham Chapter Sponsors!
A full list of Chapter Sponsors is listed on the right column of this page.
If you do not see your company listed, please contact Katie Parker at katie@karmamanagementinc.com to renew your Sponsorship for the new year!
Want to pay for your 2020 Sponsorship? Click here!
Check out the 2020 sponsorship brochure here!
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February Chapter Meeting
Join us on Friday, February 21st at the Alabama Center for Architecture (ACFA) from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM for a Civil Rights District Update from our friends at Urban Impact, Inc.
This event will be catered by Chicken Salad Chick; please email Katie Parker with any special dietary requests!
Interested in learning more about what our speakers will be discussing? Click the links below for more info:
1. Next City – Freedom Walk
2. NW Downtown Plan Request for Proposal
3. 4th Avenue Main Street Update
Urban Impact Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) local place-based community and economic development agency that advances asset building, economic opportunity and revitalization of the Historic 4th Avenue Business District and the Civil Rights District. They strive to lead, build and grow traditionally underserved and historic African-American commercial districts and communities.
Registration – $15 for Members // $30 for Nonmembers
RSVP to katie@karmamanagementinc.com before February 18th to ensure a spot!
Sign up early, because there is limited space!
No tickets will be guaranteed at the door.
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February Chapter Meeting Speakers:
Elijah Davis
Strategic Growth Manager, Urban Impact, Inc.
An ecosystem builder, Davis coordinates the administration of new programs that support small business retention, expansion, attraction and policy. Elijah holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Ivan Holloway, MURP
Executive Director, Urban Impact, Inc.
Ivan Holloway, a community economic financial services veteran, serves as the Executive Director. Since 2016, he has led the re-branding and repositioning of the agency. He holds a Master’s in Urban & Regional Planning from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.
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AXP Study Sessions are BACK!
Need an AXP Study Buddy? Join us every Monday at The Lumbar from 6:30-7:30 PM for FREE study sessions.
Our AXP Liaisons on the EP Committee will be present on the first Monday of the month to answer questions and provide support! They are also available to answer exam-related questions anytime Monday-Friday via email. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response from our volunteer liaisons.
- Janine Mwenja, AIA – janinemwenja@dbarchitect.com
- Kyle Stover, AIA – kyles@wba-architects.com
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We have both Brightwood ARE 5.0 and Kaplan ARE 4.0 in the AIA Birmingham library. Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com to see if your set is in stock. If your set is not in stock, we will add you to the waiting list! The wait should be no longer than two weeks (typically much less!)
Deposit:
AIA Birmingham members: $50 CASH deposit (returned to you when all materials are checked in)
Non-members: $50 CASH deposit ($25 returned to you when all materials are checked in)
Check out period: 2 weeks (no exceptions if there is a waiting list)
Late Fees:
ARE 5.0: $2 per day for every day past 7 calendar days (high demand)
ARE 4.0: $1 per day for every day past 14 calendar days
Click here for the details about AXP Resources & test taking tips!
Click here to learn more about what AIA Birmingham offers to Emerging Professionals!
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Site Visits
Working on an interesting project? Our Emerging Professionals are ALWAYS looking for site visits, especially those that could help with exams!
Click here to download our Site Visit Form! Fill it out and send it to katie@karmamanagementinc.com at least two weeks prior to proposed site visit date.
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Jobseekers – we have many jobs listed on our website! Don’t miss AIA Birmingham’s Career Page for the latest local opportunities.
Attention Employers! Post your job openings on the AIA Birmingham website. It is FREE for local member firms! Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com for more details.
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AIA National Career Center
Check out the AIA National Career Center for all the hottest jobs and access to the Career Learning Center, which encourages an integrative career and professional development process that enhances your skill set.
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Contract Documents from AIA Birmingham
Click here for information on contract documents!
October Newsletter
Editorial
Hello Beautiful Architects,
Usually, I would say Happy Fall in the October Newsletter, but Mother Nature is not ready for Fall yet.
Thanx to all who took the AIA Member survey. Thankfully most of you think we are doing a good job. We try. Your responses are going to guide our chapter meetings in 2020. Top responses for chapter meeting content in order; community engagement, business of architecture and current balance is good. We love feedback. Members also suggested members sharing their success stories or projects that are making a positive impact in the community.
We will also start giving props to members who are currently giving their time and energy to AIA. This will take some TIME since so many of you GIVE/VOLUNTEER so much to AIA Birmingham; serving on committees, mentoring, site visits, school presentations, hosting socials, and serving in the communities.
We would like to give a shout out to Tammy Cohen, AIA, CCR Architecture & Interiors for hosting the Women In Architecture social. I can’t imagine the work Tammy did to have 30 architects at CCR.
Mike Gibson, AIA, CREATURE led the Emerging Professionals site visit at the DENHAM building and shared the challenges and successes. That project still blows me away.
Angela Nash, AIA, Studio2H and Ty Cole, AIA, GA Studio who are in their 24th year of planning the annual Golf Tournament. With their leadership, this event has allowed AIA/ACFA to award $153,500 to charity and scholarships. Kudos!!!
And Robert Thompson, AIA, Thompson Architecture, who has been the chair for N2Architecture for ten years. He spoke to 1017 students in the 2018-2019 school year about architecture!!!! Hope he does not read this and realize it has been ten years, he may call me and say ENOUGH, no more!
Fifty-two of the responses said they are interested in volunteering. Robert is giving you that opportunity on October 15th at the ACFA, he is presenting the N2ARCHITECTURE canned presentation. No obligations, just come learn about the program. See if this is a good fit for you.
Thanx to everyone who volunteers, we will give you a shout out too, it will take time to recognize all of you. Keep making a difference!!!
Peace & AIA LOVE,
Rhea Williams, Executive Director, AIA Birmingham & Alabama Center for Architecture
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Sponsors
Thank you to our 2019 AIA Birmingham Chapter Sponsors!
A full list of sponsors is listed on the
right column of this page.
Check out the 2019 sponsorship brochure here.
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2020 Proposed Slate of Officers
It is hard to believe it is time for the 2020 slate. Time flies. Below is the proposed AIA Birmingham Slate of Officer and councilors. We will vote at the annual Member & Sponsor Appreciation Trade Show November 1st, 2019 at the Old Alabama Power Building.
President – Lissy Frese, AIA
Cohen Carnaggio Reynolds Architecture & Interiors
Vice President – Danny Trotter, AIA
Rob Walker Architects
Treasurer – Laura Bartlett, AIA
Paul Bates Architects
Secretary – Travis Burke, AIA
Nequette Architecture & Interiors
Second Year Director – Topper Parham, AIA
KPS Group
First Year Director – Charles Williams, AIA
Charles Williams & Associates
Emerging Professionals Director – Janine Mwenja, Associate AIA
David Baker Architects
(2-Year Position; No Voting Necessary)
2020 Proposed AIA Birmingham Councilors
Tim Aho, AIA
Aho Architects, LLC
Tim Anson, AIA
Gresham Smith
Ty Cole, AIA
Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio
Jeremy Cutts, AIA
Williams Blackstock Architects
Oscar Martinez, AIA
Hendon + Huckestein Architects, PC
Chris Reebals, AIA
Christopher Architecture & Interiors
Rebecca Whitlow, AIA
Revo Architecture
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October Chapter Meeting – Sloss Pour & Tour
Join us on October 8th for a unique chapter meeting and 1 LU at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark (20 32nd St. N) from 8:15-9:15 AM. This meeting will feature a special behind-the-scenes tour and an iron pouring demonstration from Marshall Christie, Director of Metal Arts.
In addition, there will be art available for purchase from local metal artists and scratch blocks for $20. Scratch blocks will be poured during the demonstration, and participants will be able to take those home as souvenirs!
Parking Info- Turn left onto 32nd Street South. Proceed over the railroad tracks and turn left into the first gate after crossing the railroad tracks. The gate is in between a parked black locomotive and our spray pond. Follow the road to the back of the site to the Visitor Center parking lot.
RSVP to katie@karmamanagementinc.com by October 7th.
Buy tickets here!
Marshall Christie, Director of Metal Arts at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
A native of Birmingham, Marshall Christie is Director of Metal Arts at Sloss Furnaces. For over four years, he has collaborated with numerous entities to continue the development of a metal arts program with local and national acclaim, including Vulcan Park and Museum, Talladega Superspeedway and Alabama Power. Christie studied architecture at Mississippi State University and is a skilled wood-worker. He served seven years as Project Architect with Dungan-Nequette Architects and four years managing his own furniture design/build company aMcBUILT. Christie has become a prominent mentor for the next generation of metal artists, guiding such notable young artists as Ajene Williams, 2016’s Magic City Arts Connection Emerging Artist of the Year.
Sloss Metal Arts’ resident artists will have work for sale at the event. Most of these young local artists are also available for commissioned work. Consider them for your next project!
Check out AIA Birmingham’s social media channels below to see more metal art from Sloss Metal Arts’ resident artists!
AIA Birmingham Facebook
AIA Birmingham Instagram
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N2 ARCHITECTURE Informational Meeting
Have you thought about volunteering with N2 ARCHITECTURE?
N2 ARCHITECTURE brings local practicing architects to middle or high schools to present a 30 to 45-minute PowerPoint presentation designed to educate students about the built environment and the architectural profession. This program is offered at no cost to the school.
We hope you will join us on Tuesday, October 15th from 12-1 PM at the Alabama Center for Architecture (109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S.) to learn more about the ACFA’s middle & high school outreach program. Bring your own lunch and meet at the ACFA at noon! Robert Thompson, AIA, Chair of the N2 ARCHITECTURE Committee, will run through a presentation, and there will be time for questions after the mock presentation.
Click here to view a list of past presentations!
Click here to view the existing N2 ARCHITECTURE Committee!
RSVP to katie@karmamanagementinc.com.
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Alabama Center for Architecture
Golf Tournament
Please consider signing up for the 24th Annual Alabama Center for Architecture Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Robert Trent Jones Oxmoor Valley Course! All proceeds benefit the ACFA’s educational programs & student scholarships.
RSVP to katie@karmamanagementinc.com!
Reach out by October 11th to reserve your spot.
Sponsorships Available – Hole, Meal, Drink Cart, and more!
Purchase sponsorships & teams here!
Sponsored by: The Prewitt Group
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Liquor Treat 2019
3 drinks, 3 stops, 5 dollars! Liquor Treat is an annual AIA Birmingham Emerging Professionals event that promotes networking and AIA membership to young architects. We will meet at the Alabama Center for Architecture for grilled cheese and one drink, then we will venture to 5th Dimension Architecture & Interiors and Nequette Architecture & Design.
Space is limited, so RSVP to katie@karmamanagementinc.com before October 18th to reserve your spot!
Buy a ticket here!
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AIA Birmingham Sponsor & Member Appreciation Tradeshow
We want to show our appreciation for our dedicated sponsors and members with a FREE lunch and tradeshow celebrating a remarkable 2019! Friday, November 1st, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, join us at the Alabama Power Old Auditorium at 1200 6th Ave North (3rd floor). Bring a firm handshake and lots of business cards for a chance to win spectacular prizes from the AIA Birmingham sponsors!
**Free to attend for all AIA Birmingham members**
Only Platinum, Gold & Silver Sponsors can exhibit –
Click here to reserve your space! RSVP and send all forms to katie@karmamanagementinc.com by October 30th
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EP Design in Film: In Residence
We hope you will join us on November 19th from 5:30 PM-7 PM at Christopher Architecture & Interiors (2601 Highland Ave. S.), as we explore the impact & importance of design and beauty in everyday life through a series of NOWNESS short films. Libations and light snacks will be provided.
Commissioned exclusively for global video channel NOWNESS, In Residence is a series of intimate portraits that take viewers inside the homes of celebrated architects, designers, and artists.
Registration – $7 Tickets // RSVP to katie@karmamanagementinc.com
Purchase your ticket here!
SPONSORED BY: Environmental Design Studios
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Jobseekers – we have many jobs listed on our website! Don’t miss AIA Birmingham’s Career Page for the latest local opportunities.
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Employers – post your jobs on the AIA Birmingham website! FREE for local member firms. Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com for more details.
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Check out the AIA Career Center for all the hottest jobs and access to the Career Learning Center, which encourages an integrative career and professional development process that enhances your skill set.
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Did you know that AIA Birmingham offers contract documents for sale? We can ship them or you may pick them up from our office at 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S. Call 205-322-4386 or email katie@karmamanagementinc.com to place an order today!
Click here for more information!
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Brick in Architecture Awards Competition
2019 Call for Entries Now Open!
Since 1989, the Brick Industry Association (BIA) has sponsored one of the country’s most prestigious architectural award programs. For decades, BIA has been recognized by the architectural community as the authority on clay brick. As such, the Brick in Architecture Awards has become the nation’s premiere architectural award featuring clay brick.
With 8 categories, you can submit your projects in a variety of areas. All entries must be complete by the October 31, 2019 deadline.
To learn more about prizes and the online submission process, visit: www.gobrick.com/ArchitectureAwards or View the official flyer!
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2019 August Newsletter
Happy August,
I love survey results! The AIA Birmingham Executive Committee is working on a five -year strategic plan and the survey results will help guide our plan. MEMBER input is crucial for us to be successful and have the greatest impact. I am loving the results we have collected to date, most of you are on the same page regarding social/community engagement, chapter meeting attendance, and using the AIA Birmingham office as a resource.
If more TIME could be a member benefit, we would have more members than any other organization. TIME is what keeps you from attending events or getting involved. The average time spent on taking the survey; 6 minutes and 15 seconds. We need more survey results please CLICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY.
We want to be INCLUSIVE with our five-year strategic planning, and speaking of INCLUSIVE, make sure you register for the INCLUSIVE Workshop that is around the corner, August 20th. Learn challenges and solutions from local case studies. Are you familiar with Recreational Therapist? People first language? Register for the INCLUSIVE workshop to find out more!
Peace & INCLUSIVE AIA Love,
Rhea Williams, Executive Director; AIA Birmingham & Alabama Center for Architecture
Take the AIA Birmingham Survey to help with our Five-Year Strategic Plan! ______
2019 AIA Birmingham Member Survey
AIA Birmingham’s leadership wants to understand the needs and preferences of its members as it develops a new 5‐year strategic plan. This 25-question survey should take less than ten minutes and will make your voice heard. All answers are anonymous. Thanks for being an engaged member and follow the link that pops up after you complete the survey for your chance to win one of multiple $25 Amazon gift cards! Take the AIA Birmingham Member Survey now!
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Thank you to our 2019 AIA Birmingham Chapter Sponsors!
A full list of sponsors is listed on the right column of this page.
Check out the 2019 sponsorship brochure here. ______
Join us on Tuesday, August 20th at the Alabama Power Old Auditorium from 11:30-3:00 PM for “Inclusive”, a jam-packed workshop and EXPO with 3 HSW’s & speakers from PlayCore, the City of Hoover, and Goodwyn Mills Cawood.
Registration – $40.00 Advance Tickets // $60.00 Late Registration
RSVP to katie@karmamanagementinc.com before August 16th to ensure a spot!
Click here to purchase tickets!
Click here to become an exhibitor or sponsor for this event!
Speakers & Topics: 
Jennie Sumrell, PlayCore
Director of Education: Programs, Partnerships & Professional Development
“Inclusion Matters: Making Play a Priority for Everybody!”
Be inspired to innovate high quality outdoor play experiences for people of all ages and abilities by aligning evidence-based design best practices to inclusive play destinations to encourage active, independent, and meaningful play for all. Both a physical and social event, inclusive play is not solely about physically accessing an environment, but what experiences happen once an individual gets there. Learn inclusive design principles that go beyond minimum accessibility and intentionally address the needs of the whole child.
Dee Nance, CTRS, CADAP, City of Hoover
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist & Certified Americans with Disabilities Professional
“Therapeutic Recreation”
Attendees will learn about Therapeutic Recreation and the role that it plays in an inclusive environment. Then they will be introduced to the concept of “people first” language and will learn about its importance. Participants will also learn the value of including a CTRS/ADA specialist, or a person with a disability, on their design team. Learn challenges and solutions to local project case studies. Dee thinks of everyone who wants to experience parks and playgrounds – all ages and all disabilities. Let’s all learn to think like Dee.
Dale Brasher, PLA, Goodwyn Mills Cawood
Landscape Architect
“Accessible Site Design: Point A to B”
Dale will discuss accessible site design and the challenges site accessibility requirements can present. Though your design does have to meet ADA requirements, there are ways to be creative and accessible while not sacrificing the quality of your design. Dale will share case studies and project applications for inclusive site design.
Click here to learn more about our speakers! ______
Goodbye Sarah
What is it about Chicago??!!! We are so sad Sarah is leaving us for the Windy City to chase her big city dreams. She joined the AIA (Karma) family in February 2017 and fell in love with architecture (as you can see in our social media). She took our social media to a whole new level and came up with a strategic social media campaign. Sarah is responsible for creating our Instagram account and now we are at more than 1000 followers. We have all had good times with her at annual Posters, Pies, & Pints, Building with Bricks, design awards, chapter meetings, site visits, trivia night, EP Film Series, Liquor Treat, Block Party, meetings, and golf tournaments. Great memories! She will always be a part of our AIA family, and her goal is to stay in the A/E industry in Chicago. Send her an email, text or go old school and call her to let her know how much you appreciated her kind nature and willingness to help all these years. She made us all look good. Flights are cheap to Chicago, when do you want to go visit her?? Let’s crash at her new place, free place to stay in Chicago!!
Hello Katie
Hello Katie Parker! Most of you have met Katie Parker who is stepping into the Executive Assistant role. Katie has been working with AIA part time since late Spring. Hopefully, she will fall in love with architecture too and architects (but not like Danya Humaideh Segrest did, lol). Katie recently graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a degree in Communication Studies and a concentration in Public Relations. She also has a minor in Social Media Marketing Strategies. During her time at UAB, Katie worked pro bono as a student PR Consultant for Collat Jewish Family Services and the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. She also completed three internships, one of which was at the prestigious Birmingham Museum of Art. Throughout her senior year, Katie served as Vice President of Programs for the UAB chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Public Relations Council of Alabama. She is excited to join the AIA Birmingham family and grow as a professional. Be sure to welcome Katie into the AIA family and be nice! ______
MOVIE NIGHT!!! Join AIA Birmingham Emerging Professionals on August 6th from 5:30 PM-6:45 PM as we explore the impact & importance of design and beauty in everyday life through a series of NOWNESS short films called Great Gardens. This is a series of intimate portraits showcasing some of the world’s most beautiful gardens and the people who create them. Libations and light snacks will be provided. We can’t wait!
NOWNESS is an online video channel premiering the best in global arts and culture across Art & Design, Culture, Fashion & Beauty, Music and Food & Travel.
Registration – $7 // RSVP to sarah@aiabham.org before August 2nd to ensure a spot!
Purchase your ticket here!
SPONSORED BY: Foresite Group, Inc. ______
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 ACFA Awards Ceremony! Many of us gathered at The Club on July 16th to celebrate ACFA scholarship winners and newly licensed architects. Our keynote speaker was Craig Lewis FAICP, LEED AP, CNU-A from Stantec. Lewis gave an insightful presentation titled, “Downtown Vibrancy: Let’s Walk One More Block Together!” He spoke about urban trends and the City of Birmingham Master Plan. His talk discussed designing our cities to be more pedestrian-friendly and livable. What a great presentation! Click here to learn more about the City of Birmingham Master Plan.
The ACFA would like to thank Title Sponsor, Creature & Speaker Sponsor, Dix Hite. They are also grateful for Spire, the Medallion Sponsor & Webster Henry, Awards Lunch Sponsor. Spire provided the beautiful medallions for our newly licensed architects, and Webster Henry supplied lunches for the honorees. In addition, there are many other Support Sponsors who helped make this dream a reality, including Aho Architects, Birchfield Penuel & Associates, David Baker Architects, Fifth Dimension Architecture & Interiors, LLC, Herrington Architects, Poole & Co Architects, LLC, and Jim Griffo. We could not have this special day without their support!
Congratulations to the 2018-2019 Birmingham Newly Licensed Architects!
- Raphael Arsenian – KPS Group
- Robert Benner – Davis Architects
- Justin Collier – Coendeavor
- Kim Edwards – Birchfield Penuel & Associates
- Roger Mainor – ArchitectureWorks, LLP
- Derek Needham – Williams Blackstock Architects
- Allison Vosicky – Birchfield Penuel & Associates
Congratulations to our 2018-2019 ACFA Scholarship Winners!
- Adam Davis (Spanish Fort); Auburn University- $1,500
- Andrew Edwards (Oxford); Auburn University- $500
- Jihoon Jeong (Oak Mountain); Auburn University- $1,500
- Caroline Jones (Dothan); University of Texas- $500
- Adam Koons (Huntsville); Auburn University- $750
- Alden Peterson (Hoover); Auburn University- $750
- Miriam Villamonte (Athens); Auburn University- $500
- Lauren Wertz (Mobile); Auburn University- $2,500 ______
Jobseekers – we have many jobs listed on our website! Don’t miss AIA Birmingham’s Career Page for the latest local opportunities.
Attention Employers! Post your job openings on the AIA Birmingham website. It is FREE for local member firms! Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com for more details. ______
Check out the AIA National Career Center for all the hottest jobs and access to the Career Learning Center, which encourages an integrative career and professional development process that enhances your skill set. ______
Contract Documents from AIA Birmingham
Click here for information on contract documents!
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AL Concrete Industries Association CEU Day
A Day of Concrete Knowledge is designed to provide valuable education programs on concrete topics. This full-day seminar provides 8 hours of AIA approved HSW LU & engineering PDH credits. Certificates will be issued to both architects and engineers.
There is a fee of $30 to attend. All proceeds go to the Alabama Concrete Industries Foundation (ACIF). The ACIF yearly awards two $8,000 scholarships to students enrolled in architecture, engineering, or building sciences at one of Alabama’s universities. Payments can me made online or the day of class.
Click here to view the flyer & session topics and speakers! ______
Moss Rock Festival GLAMPOUT Exhibition
The Moss Rock Festival at The Preserve has been going on for 14 years, each year attracting more than 10,000 visitors for a weekend of eco-creative experiences through Nature, Eco Ideas, and Art + Design. This year, Moss Rock Festival will engage the public’s imagination by showing them into the endless possibilities of experiencing nature through THE GLAMPOUT.
One installation will be chosen for a grand juried cash prize of $2500, with up to five juried cash honorariums of $250 to selected proposals.
The challenge is to create a +Design project which conceives an innovative glamping outdoor space/room design with a sustainable twist of inspiration. The Moss Rock Festival conceives the outdoors as a multi-sensorial space. They ask that the participants demonstrate reflection and interaction in their concept, and design to advance the preservation and enjoyment of natural resources as a foundation for design and space use.
Moss Rock Festival promotes an encounter between diverse disciplines and as such encourages participants to form interdisciplinary teams to submit proposals, if desired. These teams may include partnerships between different A+D firms, furniture and retailers, contractors, etc.
Criteria for Glamping projects include:
- Installation within a 16′ x 16′ wooden platform (provided)
- use of recycled/upcycled objects or natural elements as part of the design
- Delivery + Installation in the space chosen by the participants or as allocated by the MRF
- Project statement, quote, or object/source of inspiration image provided for signage onsite
- Decor and furniture items may be offered for sale (optional) (MRF manages sale)
For questions, please contact Lindsey Christina, Glamping Coordinator, at findart2@findartbirmingham.com.
www.mossrockfestival.com
Click here to view the application!
Click here for more information about the Moss Rock Festival GLAMPOUT Exhibition! ______
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ACFA MID-YEAR UPDATE!
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2019 Call for Entries Now Open!
Since 1989, the Brick Industry Association (BIA) has sponsored one of the country’s most prestigious architectural award programs. For decades, BIA has been recognized by the architectural community as the authority on clay brick. As such, the Brick in Architecture Awards has become the nation’s premiere architectural award featuring clay brick.
With 8 categories, you can submit your projects in a variety of areas. All entries must be complete by the October 31, 2019 deadline.
To learn more about categories, prizes, and the online submission process, visit: www.gobrick.com/ArchitectureAwards or View the official flyer here!
