Jenna M. McKnight is an award-winning journalist and RECORD's former news editor. She has held senior positions at print and online publications and writes regularly about architecture and design.
The eight recipients of the 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards were announced on March 5. The biennial awards, presented by the American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association, honor exemplary library projects by architects licensed in the U.S. Recipients will be recognized during the ALA annual conference in Chicago on July 13.
Graphs courtesy AIA The Architectural Billings Index (ABI) rose slightly in February, to 35.3, after dipping to all-time low score of 33.3 in January. A score above 50 indicates an increase in billings, and below 50, a decrease. The index, one of the profession’s leading economic indicators, reflects a nine- to 12-month lag time between architectural billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects produces the index based on surveys sent to architecture firms. Kermit Baker, the AIA’s chief economist, says that despite the small uptick in February, architects are likely to see a “light demand for new construction
Dana Byrne, manager of talent acquisition and professional development at RMJM, recently attended one of the Not Business As Usual workshops to offer suggestions on how to make cover letters and resumes shine.
With layoffs sweeping the profession, architects of all stripes should prepare for the worst. Stephanie Houston’s saga is all too common these days. Armed with a master’s degree in architecture and six years of professional experience, Houston currently is hunting for work in San Francisco after getting laid off from a U.K.-based firm in October. She is taking all of the necessary steps: finessing her resume and portfolio, scouring the Web for job openings, networking at full-throttle. She even printed her own business cards. Ever determined, Houston has contacted 30 firms in the Bay Area; so far, only one has
With layoffs sweeping the profession, architects of all stripes should prepare for the worst. Stephanie Houston’s saga is all too common these days. Armed with a master’s degree in architecture and six years of professional experience, Houston currently is hunting for work in San Francisco after getting laid off from a U.K.-based firm in October. She is taking all of the necessary steps: finessing her resume and portfolio, scouring the Web for job openings, networking at full-throttle. She even printed her own business cards. Ever determined, Houston has contacted 30 firms in the Bay Area; so far, only one has
Sinking Real-Estate Market Forces Architects to Reconsider their Prospects In recent years, architects descended upon Dubai, eager to capitalize on its feverish building boom. But while the Persian Gulf city’s sprawling skyline is still dotted with cranes, the market here has fizzled. As of early February, more than half of Dubai’s real estate projects were on hold or canceled, from the 3,281-foot-tall Nakheel Tower designed by Woods Bagot to the Hydropolis, a 220-suite underwater hotel envisioned by designer Joachim Hauser. Analysts predict that Dubai property values, in total, will decline up to 60 percent in 2009 after years of record
The American Institute of Architects has elevated 112 association members to its College of Fellows, a honor that recognizes architects who have made a significant contribution to the profession and to society. Architects who have been AIA members for at least 10 years are eligible. Fewer than 2,765 of the association’s 86,000 members are fellows. Candidates are nominated within one of the five following categories: Promoting the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession. Advancing the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training, and practice. Coordinating the building industry and the
In January, the Architectural Billings Index (ABI) sunk to 33.3, the lowest level in its 13-year history. The score has fallen below 50 for 12 straight months; a score above 50 indicates an increase in billings, and below 50, a decrease. One of the profession’s leading economic indicators, the index is compiled by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is based on surveys sent largely to commercial firms. It reflects a nine- to 12-month lag time between architectural billings and construction spending. The inquiries score for January was 43.5. In terms of project sectors, the score for multi-family residential
