YOUR AIA IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
QUARTERLY
BULLETIN APRIL 2013
of Pentagram. It was so engaging and provocative. The last 100 seconds of the “manifesto” was even more interesting and inspirational. It reminded us why we live such rich lives as architects, believers in the art of architecture and its ability to lift the human spirit.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Alek Zarifian, AIA
Our great Vice President / President Elect Nazanin Zarkesh and I just returned from the National AIA Grassroots Conference in Washington D.C. We experienced the trip in four separate but very connected parts. I’II go through them in the chronological order that they occurred. On the evening of Wednesday, March 20th, we took part in the Leadership CeleAlek Zarifian, AIA bration and Reception event at the historic Howard Theatre. The star of the night was Thom Mayne, where he received his 2013 AIA Gold medal. It was such an emotional experience for Thom to receive this very special recognition, which made it equally inspirational for all of us. He spoke about his life as a person and an architect. He referred to architecture as a “collective art” and thanked all those who mattered in his success and took a pivotal part in it. That included his wife, who, in his words, “should have received the award”. After Thom’s inspiring acceptance speech we came across Mickey Jacob, our excellent 2013 AIA National President. Nazanin and I quickly confided in each other with the best question to pose him. It came to us so quickly! How should we respond to members that ask “What does the AIA do for me?” He composed himself momentarily, and without hesitation he said: “AIA gives everyone the tools to do everything that they do better. So it’s up to the members to figure out how to make the best out of it.” It certainly was an answer that you would expect from a wise and honest leader. Our third experience came about the next morning where we went to meet with our component district congressmen and women to discuss those important issues that make a difference in our lives and profession. We met with the aids of Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod and Congressman Adam Schiff. The issues were as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Small Business Reform Energy Retrofits Student Debt Relief Small Business Procurement
I encourage everyone to take a moment and read about these issues, if you have not yet done so. It was so exciting to be able to show up at our representatives’ offices and talk to their staff about our issues in our chapter area. It made us feel alive, and that what we do really matters and makes a difference in people’s lives. Our last eye opening experience was to listen to the Repositioning presentation by Arthur Cohen, LaPlaca Cohen and Michael Bierut
I am not going to spend a long time describing it. Instead, I would like to encourage everyone to see the entire presentation on YouTube, http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=x22D0po1h5Y Nazanin Zarkesh, Thom Mayne, Alek Zarifian. Photo credit: Alek Zarifian
The common thread that connected all of our experiences was the element of hope for a better tomorrow, and that we are not in it alone. It is up to us to make a difference and we cannot expect others to do it for us. Let us never forget why we decided to become architects and the value that architecture brings to our lives and the communities that we live in. WE can make a difference through architecture and the AIA.
AIAPF OFFICE TEAM Zelda Wong, Executive Director
Photo courtesy of Esteban Lopez
We are happy to announce that the Chapter Office has successfully undergone an interior remodel! There is a fresh coat of paint on the walls and new carpeting on the floor. Big thanks to our hard working volunteers and generous supporters including Bentley Prince Street, Brian H. Lee, Chris Garrene, Ewing Architects, Frazee/ Comex Group, Gangi Architects, Haynes & Oakley, Joe Catalano, Lance Bird, Los Angeles Design Group, Nassef Eskander, Richard McCann. Fundraising continues for furniture (chairs, shelving, tables), which will make the office fully operational as a meeting place for ARE sessions, workshops and seminars. Please contact our Executive Director, Zelda Wong, for more information or to donate. director@aiapf.org
AIA Pasadena & Foothill • A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects • 555 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 • 626.796.7601 • www.aiapf.org
AIAPF APRIL 2013
Is Design-Build Project Delivery Benefitting the Public?”
In fact, is this method of procurement even a benefit? Is this just one more opportunity for fraud? Check out the sordid history of LACCD and design-build. My biases are showing!
Lance Bird, FAIA
We need to understand why so many public clients prefer designbuild. Many public architects are advocates for design-build. Why? Instead of whining about losing opportunities, ASK HOW WE CAN BETTER SERVE THE PUBLIC BODY. It’s a rapidly changing world, and architects are lagging behind.
In the public sector, Design-Build has become the preferred form of project delivery. Local examples include Metro, LACCD, LA County, and LAUSD. Why? • Fewer change orders • Single-point of contact • Cheaper? • Faster? • No “pointing fingers” in a dispute between the design pro fessional and the contractor – the architect works for the contractor.
What action is being taken? 1. Grassroots, AIA’s leadership conference for component leaders is this week (March 20-22). One of the four issues they will take to “the Hill” to meet with their representatives is “Small Business Procurement”. AIA supports commonsense reforms to procurement that will help small firms enter the marketplace. Not many architectural practices can afford the cost of designing for free to compete for a design-build project! 2. In February, the following parties met to develop an action plan at the State level: Paul Welch, Hon. AIA, California Council Executive VP, 2013 CC president Frank Bostrom, AIA, and local firm leaders representing AIA/LA and Pasadena-Foothill. 3. LAUSD’s Small Business Advisory Council under the leadership of Charles Bryant, AIA is currently advising the District on how to provide design-build opportunities for smaller firms.
Visit DBIA’s website to understand the benefits they promote: One Contract, One Integrated Team “Design-build streamlines project delivery through a single contract between the owner and the design-build team. This simple but fundamental difference saves money and time by transforming the relationship between designers and builders into an alliance which fosters collaboration and teamwork. United from the outset of every project, an integrated team readily incorporates BIM and LEED certification goals.” What does this mean for architects? • Benefits – hook up with a competitive contractor and their marketing team, and you increase your chances for big jobs. And, your construction administration services will be limited (is this really what you want?). • Challenges – as an architect, do you really want to work for the contractor? Is this a conflict with our professional mission to represent the owner? Are you doing the owner an injustice by not developing the design hand-in-hand with the users? Can you afford to be a player bidding on a project?
Responses from our membership: Chauncey Jones, AIA and owner’s rep: “1) Unique to the State of California, only a firm with a contractor’s license
can lead a design build team. Other states will allow architects and consultants to lead the team. 2) The increased number of contractor RFIs to the owner, resulting from projects not being fully scoped at the time of contract execution, increase the project costs. 3) As you mentioned, the architect is presented with a conflict of interest when they are a part of the contractor’s team, which often manifests itself when the architect has to respond to owner RFIs. Quality can be compromised due to the contractor’s view on what is required. The traditional design, bid, build process has a much better chance of providing a more complete scope of work and cost control for the owner.”
Bridging Documents – These are architect-prepared plans describing the scope for the owner. They become the “bid documents” in a design-build RFP. If a complicated project, like a hospital, they may be at the Design Development level. Many owners and agencies think they are saving money by providing sketchy descriptions of project scope. “Leave the creative design to the contractor-design professional, and they’ll find a better way to build for less.”
Mark Gangi, AIA, former member of the LA County Architectural Evaluation Board: “When I was on the LA County Architectural Evaluation Board, this was
really becoming an issue as the County had switched to Design Build, and the AEB was no longer involved in the selection of an architect beyond the bridging documents. Once the design build contractor was selected, no one was involved with the design. I would like to see your article start a discussion that could lead to some programming and advocacy on delivery systems. The County saw Design Build and Design Bid Build as the only options, and I would describe them as the extremes of delivery methods. We (Gangi Architects, Gangi Development) have been very successful with Architect as CM with Multiple Prime Contractors. I call it design led build. One issue at the County was the continual dissatisfaction with the design quality of design build projects – one design build project that we were told about was designed, and permitted before being sent back for complete redesign by Sheriff Vaca.”
Designing for Free - When bridging documents are lacking, architects and engineers on the design-build team get to prepare schematics, often for FREE. The design had better be sufficiently developed so that the sub-contractors can understand the scope. The AIA says the median cost for firms to submit a design-build package is $260,000! An unscrupulous contractor can cut corners when the scope has not been well-defined by the owner. What about QBS? Called the “Brooks Act”, Qualifications Based Selection is just what the name implies. A preferred list of architects is ranked by the owner based on qualifications. The owner meets with the first ranked firm and negotiates fees. If unsuccessful, the owner can go to #2 and so on. QBS applies to public work. California has its own law for public entities: “the Mini-Brooks Act”. Is Design-Build procurement by California public agencies without compensating design professionals, a violation of the law?
John Tegtmeyer, Principal with TDM Architects: “I would like to see an alternate bid process where contractors bid the job,
after which the low bidder and the subcontractors are given 6 weeks to review the drawings and look for any errors or omissions or legitimate value engineering. After that, they sign an agreement for a GMP -more like the LLB process. It would be helpful to have legal counsel develop documents on this principle. That way, we could give most of the benefits of design build without making architects employees of contractors.“
Let’s circle back: “Is Design-Build Project Delivery Benefitting the Public?”
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AIAPF APRIL 2013 MAPEI sponsored a farewell cocktail party and after a quick round of an impromptu game show (complete with buzzers and lights), we collected our booty and climbed back on the bus for the drive home.
The StonExpo: What happens in Vegas doesn’t always have to….
It was a productive day and a half, free of traffic snarling stress, and a great time was had by all. The brass ring will come to the participant who wins an in-depth tour of the tile and rock trades in northern Italy. If at this point you regret the excuses you used to recuse yourself from the show, watch for a similar event next year. It was well worth the time.
Brad McDonald, AIA, 2012 President of San Fernando Chapter
EMERGING PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM: Look Ahead Tony Hambarchian, Associate AIA
The Emerging Professional’s Program is off to another great year with an early start to its ARE Seminar Series and plans for upcoming mentor social events. The Associate members of the chapter have been taking full advantage of our newly remodeled office space and freshly stocked chapter library. We are proud to offer our members brand new study materials from the proceeds from last year’s program and a generous donation from PPI Publishing. With the finishing touches of our office still coming together the EP Program is not shy of calling it our new home, having already held two of the seminars from the ARE agenda and weekly study sessions in the new space.
Hanley Wood is a media group focusing exclusively on North America’s residential and commercial construction industry, developing magazines, Web sites, e-newsletters, exhibitions, conferences, and custom marketing and data services that support builders’ critical information needs. For the last few years they have teamed with Surfaces/Stone Expo/Marmomacc to bring architects to their expo in Las Vegas. While the R&R marketing adage dictates that “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” the Stone Expo trip and tour is something worth crowing about on a variety of levels:
In the coming months we are excited to offer the remainder of our ARE topics taught by Dilip Khatri and Bahram Badiyi covering a breath of the exam topics including Structural Systems, Building Design & Construction Systems, as well as Building System. To Complement the ARE component of the Emerging Professional’s Program, we are currently in the process of developing an IDP mentor partnership with our chapter’s Citizen Architect Committee to give our members the opportunity to gain IDP hours working alongside Architects for the greater good of the Pasadena Foothill Communities.
This trip collected architects from three AIA chapters: LA, Pasadena and San Fernando Valley. The team from Hanley Woods were perfect hosts, picking us up at the Pasadena Parsons Building on a plush tour bus, destination Las Vegas. The drive was comfortable, the inter-chapter fellowship was collegial, in the One-AIA musketeer spirit of all for one and one for all. We were quickly checked in at the Signature at MGM Grand. The Signature was one of the Vegas recent attempts to create exclusive residences connected to the casino. That attempt failed with the falling economy, so the hotel turned that loss into our gain, renting the towers as hotel rooms. Hanley Woods completed their evening welcome with a cocktail reception, which morphed into walks along the Strip and the new City Center. One architect turned to me and said: “Forget the rest of the week. Tonight we live like kings!”
Our chapter is dedicated to bringing our associates the tools and mentoring needed to become leaders within their office and community as a whole. We encourage all our members both associate and architect alike to get involved in our chapters effort to stretching the bond between one another to reach the full potential of a mentorship program.
The following morning we had breakfast and then were whisked to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Vince Marazita guided us on a walking tour of StonExpo / Marmomacc Americas’ Stone Pavilion and the exhibit floor, showing us what the world has to offer in terms of stone supply, and the cutting edge machinery and technique to process it from mountain to hotel lobby. He followed that with a seminar focused on designing with natural stone from the northeastern Italian region of Trento. For instance he showed us a small Italian village where they revitalized the historic town square with traditional methods, but a contemporary look. It was fascinating to think of the possibilities that brings to our continent and culture.
Make sure to drop by our chapter office to check out all the new development and skim through the new library. If you are interested in getting involved with the Emerging Professional Program or as mentor, contact Tony Hambarchian at thambarchian@gmail.com.
MAPEI sponsored a learning lunch and Mike Ganatowski’s fascinating discussion about the challenges presented by working with natural stone tile and installation solutions. Ultimately, that led to a tour through MAPEI’s booth showing us their various complete systems. Our gaggle of architects was then released like honking geese to do as much touring of the exhibits and demos and on-floor networking as possible in the time remaining.
ARE Seminar: Site Design & Planning taught by Brain Lee Photo Credit: Tony Hambarchian
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AIAPF APRIL 2013
CITIZEN ARCHITECT COMMITTEE BIM Like Your Life Depended On It Pasadena to Mars Mark Gangi 2013 Chair – Citizen Architect Committee Lance Bird, FAIA
On March second, the AIAPF Citizen Architect Committee attended a Going Away Party in Sierra Madre for member Don Watts AIA. Possessing a long history as a Citizen Architect, he began his career as a Peace Corps worker doing city planning in Iran. He has had a successful career as an architect, while also being a valuable member of his community in Sierra Madre as an advocate for conservation and appropriately scaled development. Most notably, Don served on Sierra Madre’s Planning Commission for eight years, as well as one term on the City Council. To round out his career in Architecture and service, Don signed up for the Peace Corps for a second time and reported to Washington for his deployment to Albania on March 13. AIA National added Don Watts to its nationwide list of Citizen Architects and sent AIAPF a certificate and a pin, which was presented to him by Citizen Architect Committee members, Steve Lewis, AIA and Joe Catalano, AIA, at the aforementioned party. We would like to thank you, Don, for your meaningful, selfless contributions to the improvement of the community and the human condition. We wish you the best of luck on this brave venture and look forward to hearing from you.
Kimon Onuma
Annual AIA dues = $750. What has AIA done for me? If you missed the “BIM Like Your Life Depended On It – Pasadena to Mars” presentation, you just threw away $750! This was about the future. About design tools to increase our knowledge -- exponentially. About sharing, collaborating, connecting. Learning to automate everything with zero value. Kimon Onuma, FAIA, former AIA P&F board member presented his practice-changing approach at Parsons last night with 40+ in attendance.
Habitat for Humanity Update Tiffany Dell’Aquila, AIA Assoc. A comprehensive report was compiled on the Habitat for Humanity charrette that the Chapter hosted last November. Please visit the link to read the report: http://www.aiapf.org/associations/9200/files/130117_CHESTNUT_ REPORT_FINAL_rev.pdf
You’re using Revit. You talk about BIM. Do you really understand what this means for architecture and the tools, data, knowledge and value we can pass on to our clients? Onuma connects many data bases, to make it fast and easy to access information. Smart phones and I Pads. City GIS data bases. Google Earth. Revit. NavisWorks, and yes, Excel. He’s led thirty “BIMStorm” two and three day charettes. Participants around the world collaborate 24 hours a day designing buildings, neighborhoods, cities. BIMStorm shows us how exceptional problem solving is possible when architects, engineers, developers, contractors and others work together, with access to many data crunching soft wares.
Pasadena Community Gardens Update Tony Hambarchian, AIA Assoc. Our efforts in the partnership with Pasadena Community Gardens come to life as the organization “Opens its Garden Gates” with an overwhelming response to its membership drive in March and continued progress in the realization of the community garden. The Garden is looking for volunteers to help in the preparation of the property for its initial building phase. If you are interested in getting involved contact Tony Hambarchian at thambarchian@gmail.com, work days include April 13 & April 27.
Data developed in design is shared with contractors and their subs. The data continues to grow and is passed on to building owners. And here comes the big payoff for BIM. Onuma is helping the State Community College system manage their facilities data. With 5200 buildings at some 70 campuses, facility managers have a daunting task keeping track of buildings, rooms, equipment, floor areas. It’s endless! Working with software developed for the State Community College System, “Fusion”, and GIS data bases, Onuma has linked the data in an accessible manner, giving easy access to Smartphones. You don’t have to be at your desktop. Users easily report leaky roofs, overflowing toilets, burned out lights. With each report the data base gains information. And with each BIM-designed new building, data is enriched. So what has AIA done for you lately? Don’t miss these incredible programs. AIA is not all about business. We can learn about the future and the exceptional opportunities available to each of us. Audio recording of the lecture: http://youtu.be/aXS5qZm_Vng Watch a TEDx Talk: http://goo.gl/R5xjh Join the BIMStorm for free to learn about the future: http://BIMStorm.com/MARS
Don Watts, Joe Catalano, Steve Lewis
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Learn more about the California Community Colleges: http://Onuma.com/FUSION https://www.onuma.com/ twiki/pub/WebDev/FusionOnuma/Introduction_to_ FUSION+GIS+ONUMA.pdf
AIAPF APRIL 2013
MANY THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:
Attendees of the “Face of a Nation” Event, credit Esteban Lopez.
Attendees of the Citizen Architect Charrette with Habitat for Humanity.
Lance Bird Joe Catalano Nassef Eskander Brian Lee Richard McCann
In Memory of Jerome William Haddow May 29, 1930 - March 15, 2013 “Jerome (Jerry) Haddow was born at home in Los Angeles (Highland Park) on May 29, 1930. His parents were John and Marguerite Haddow. He was baptized at St. Ignatius Church. He was raised in the Highland Park area and went to school at St. Ignatius. He graduated from Franklin High School where he excelled on the Gymnastic Team. He was married to Deloris Anne Dowhan in 1950 (they met in high school) and attended Los Angeles City College while working for the Architecture Dept in Los Angeles County. He was drafted in 1951 in the Army during the Korean conflict and returned in 1953 to continue his education at LACC and then USC. He became a licensed architect and was a member of the American Institute of Architecture Pasadena Chapter. In 2010 Jerry was acknowledged for Distinguish Service of 30 years for his profession and community service. He was employed by Aerojet General, Ralph M. Parsons, Principal Architect A & E Assoc and Alvarez Engr.” - DignityMemorial.com. Thank you Jerome for your lifetime contribution to architecture and the community.
Attendees of the FFF: Insurance Policy. Credit Esteban Lopez.
Della Castillo, Ulises Gonzalez, and Mrs. Gonzalez at the social mixer.
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555 South Oak Knoll Avenue Pasadena, California 91101 www.aiapf.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS
April
4/3 Fellowship Committee 4/5 Changes in the California Green Code 4/5 re:street International Conference 4/6 ARE Seminar - Lateral Structures 4/16 TruStile Doors Presentation 4/18 ADA Continuing Education Training 4/20 Emerging Professional’s Program ARE
June
6/7 JUNE FFF - AIACC PRESENTATION 6/8 ARE Seminar: Materials & Methods Barham Badiyi 6/12 LA’S GOT MOJO II 6/13 ADA Sessions 1-5 6/19 Social Media Workshop 6/21-23 DWELL on Design 6/22 ARE Seminar: MEP Barham Badiyi
May
5/1 Fellowship Committee 5/1 38th Annual California Preservation Conference 5/3 May FFF - City of Pasadena General Plan Update 5/4 Emerging Professional’s Program ARE 5/11 ARE Sessions 5/15 Architecture Follows Nature” with Ilaria Mazzoleni 5/30 AIAPF Open House
This issue will be mailed out in hardcopy to only those who have requested it as a courtesy gesture. Due to cost restrictions, we will only be mailing out hard copies to those that elect for it and will transition to internet e-mail notifications. Please contact our Executive Director, Jill Nicholson, if you wish to continue receiving on the hardcopy version or need to sign up for our e-mail notifications. Edited by: Tiffany Dell’Aquila, Director of Communications Designed by: Tiffany Dell’Aquila, Director of Communications
AIA Pasadena & Foothill • A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects • 555 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 • 626.796.7601 • www.aiapf.org