BLUEPRINT
FEATURING
CLAUDIA RUBIO, AIA
Join us for the ARC Product Show on September 12th, 4-7 PM at the Industrial Event Center! Explore diverse exhibitors, win fantastic prizes, and network with industry leaders. From engineering to furniture, lighting to roofing - discover innovation across sectors. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and grow your business!
RSVP HERE!
PRESIDENT’S NOTE
Well, my August newsletter opening proved to be only 50% accurate…. Last month I was looking forward to cooler weather and college football season What can I say, other that hurray! College football has arrived (& WOW, it’s still hot outside)!
It’s official, The Nevada Architecture Foundation has been established! Thanks to Quyen Luu, AIA and Carlos Fernandez for laying the “foundation” of the organization As I mentioned last month, this new entity provides a non-profit vehicle that will facilitate your ability to make tax deductible contributions to our architectural student scholarship funds. Now it’s time to invest in our future. Let’s begin to build these funds back up to a level that will serve generations of architects in Nevada If you are ready to make a
contribution, please let me know or reach out to the AIA LV office.
Thank you to those that took the time to vote for the 2025 AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors. You’ll find a full report regarding the outcome including new and returning members of the board here in the newsletter That said, there are plenty of opportunities for involvement outside of Board leadership You’ll find a complete list of committees and events on the following pages Please consider plugging into an interest group that fits your passion and talents
The Placemaking Committee’s summit, “Building Healthy Places” was a huge success. The event was well attended by community leaders, industry partners as well as AIA members The annual Product Show is right around the corner on September 12 Please block out your calendar for the important and informative event There will be plenty of CEUs and industry partners there for you to collaborate with I look forward to this event every year because I always make new connects and learn a little bit about new products and materials
It was an honor to host the EPYAF Firm Crawl Series at MOSER architecture studio last month. We welcomed 25-30 young professionals and industry partners
for a great evening of networking and storytelling. Most importantly, we had an opportunity to touch on the importance of mentoring our young colleagues.
I look forward to bringing you another update on the Morelli House next month In the meantime, As always, I’m here to help if you are looking for opportunities to engage
Regards,
Troy D. Moser, AIA
12 ARC PRODUCT SHOW - CE COURSES 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM 5 LU|HSW
12 ARC PRODUCT SHOW 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 14 URBAN SKETCHERS “NEVADA STATE RAILRAOD MUSEUM” 10:00 AM
Troy D. Moser, AIA President Moser Architecture
Wellbe Bartsma, AIA EP Director Gensler
Alexia Chen, AIA President-Elect LGA Architecture
Daniel Chenin, AIA Director Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd.
Teresa Mears, AIA Secretary LGA Architecture
Quyen Luu, AIA Treasurer Gensler
Victoria Cousino, AIA Director KNIT
Melvin Green, AIA Director KME Architects
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kim S. Galbe, Assoc. AIA Director EV&A Architects
Jeffrey Sarmiento, AIA Director Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects
James Horvath, AIA Past-President BW&A
Carlos D. Fernandez Executive Director AIA Nevada | AIA Las Vegas
Jennie Bowman
Director
Glenn Nowak, AIA
Dixzell Mae Baculao, AIAS President
Taryn Kole
YEARLY EVENTS
Note: This calendar is accurate as of August 31, 2024 Dates and events are subject to change as necessary as the year evolves.
I am a member of AIA because...
As a newcomer Mexican architect entering the field of architecture in the United States, I needed a sense of community and belonging I sought for a support system that could help catapult my professional journey. During my search, I discovered AIA Las Vegas, and immediately knew it was the perfect fit for me. Over the past several years, I’ve actively participated in AIA-sponsored programs and events, which have significantly broadened my professional vision and experience Through my membership, I've connected with like-minded individuals who share my interests and have had the pleasure of meeting many amazing people, making the experience truly rewarding
How would you introduce yourself to the world as an architect? In a few sentences, share your passion, your vision, and your achievements in the field.
As an architect, my passion for creating functional and beautiful spaces extends beyond just a career - it is a core aspect of who I am With my bi-cultural background, I bring a unique perspective to my work, drawing on my Mexican roots and experiences, as well as embracing the American way of architecture.
CLAUDIARUBIO,AIA
dedicating years to my craft, I am proud to have achieved licensure in Nevada and made GMRA my home. Every day presents a new adventure and an opportunity to design spaces that not only meet the needs of users but also contribute to the beauty of the Las Vegas landscape
My goal with every project is to provide users with well-organized, peaceful, and pleasant environments that elevate their experience and enrich their lives Architecture is not just what I do - it is an integral part of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to create spaces that make a positive impact on the world around me.
Could you share with us some of your most challenging architectural endeavors and what you learned from them?
One of the most challenging aspects of my career has been navigating cultural and professional differences
As an architect from Mexico, it was disheartening to realize that I lacked the necessary knowledge and experience to practice in my new environment. However, rather than viewing this setback as impossible, I committed myself to further education and gaining the required experience.
As my children entered their teenage years, I finally had the opportunity to dedicate myself to the licensure process Returning to study after over two decades was certainly daunting, but I am proud to say that obtaining my license has been one of my greatest professional achievements Now that this milestone has been reached, I am excited for the opportunities that lay ahead in my career.
Can you elaborate on your experience collaborating with other architects and industry professionals?
I truly value the collaborative efforts with our design teams and contractors. I firmly believe that effective communication and coordination are critical components for the success of any project. I have
After facing challenges and
been fortunate to work with incredible professionals who are dedicated to delivering exceptional results
I also recognize the importance of building strong relationships with other industry professionals, which allows for open and amicable communication at all times. Looking back, I am grateful for the enriching experiences and opportunities that have come my way through working closely with such talented individuals
Can you share with us an architectural work that has deeply resonated with you and explain why it holds such significance?
One of my all-time favorites is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum This iconic building captivated me during my days as an architecture student, and it remains my top choice to this day To me, it stands as a monumental testament to the axiom “form follows function,” originally articulated by Louis Sullivan and later evolved by Wright into “form and function are one.”
What makes the Guggenheim truly masterful is its simplicity The museum boasts a clear organizational system and an elegantly majestic
aesthetic. Wright's genius lies in his ability to maximize the potential of the resources at his disposal beginning with the program, the site, the light, and the materials to create a masterpiece that continues to inspire
This guiding principle has shaped my entire career As an architect, my goal is to design spaces that are not only livable but also evoke a profound sense of peace spaces that truly enrich the lives of those who inhabit them.
If
you had the power to alter
one aspect of our profession right now, what would that be and why?
I would encourage my fellow architects to take a step back and reflect on the work we are
producing. Are the designs emerging from our studios aligned with the ideals we once passionately pursued? I believe we need to reconnect with the passion that drove us in the early days before economic constraints took precedence when we were committed to designing a better world
We all share common struggles, and it's time for us to take collective responsibility. Let's reclaim the essence of our profession. I am confident that we can find a way to collaborate effectively with the resources we have and ensure that each project we undertake makes a meaningful impact
Image: Guggenheim Museum, Accessed 31 August 2024, https://www guggenheim org/plan-your-visit
AUGUST 21, 2024
vibrant, health-promoting communities. Presented by The Concord Group, the event showcased cutting-edge approaches to urban design and public health.
We extend our sincere thanks to our esteemed speakers:
Brett Robillard, Principal at Gensler
Mike Davis, Project Executive, Technical Services at The Concord Group
Wendy Sun, Principal, TSK Architects
Scott Habjan, Principal, E4H Environments for Health
Architecture
David Kim, Director of Development Services, Matter Real Estate Group
Erin Reiswerg, City of North Las Vegas
PLACEMAKING SUMMIT
Tyler Bump, Partner / Project Director at ECOnorthwest
Michelle Merced, CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada
Minjia Yan, Director, Millennium Commercial Properties
AIA Las Vegas is grateful to The Concord Group for their sponsorship and to all speakers for their invaluable contributions. The event's success marks a significant step forward in our community's commitment to building healthier, more inclusive urban environments
Stay tuned for future events as we continue to explore innovative approaches to architecture and urban design in Las Vegas
2025 AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors
Congratulations to the newly elected 2025 AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors! We're excited to have this talented group of leaders guiding the chapter as we continue to advance the architecture profession and create better designed communities. Thank you for your service!
Alexia Chen, AIA
President LGA Architecture
NEWDIRECTOR
RE-ELECTED
Daniel Hidalgo, Assoc. AIA
EP Director TSK Architects
Kim S. Galbe, Assoc.
Director EV&A Architects
Troy D. Moser, AIA
President-Elect
Moser Architecture
ELECTED
el Chenin, AIA
Director
Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd.
Jeffrey Sarmiento, AIA
Director
Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects
Jennie Bowman
Allied Director NV5 Buildings & Technology
Glenn Nowak, AIA
Education Liaison UNLV SoA
RE-ELECTED
Teresa Mears, AIA
Secretary LGA Architecture
RE-ELECTED
Quyen Luu, AIA
Treasurer Gensler
Victoria Cousino, AIA Director KNIT
Melvin Green AIA
Troy D. Moser, AIA
Dixzell Mae Baculao President UNLV AIAS
2024 ARC Product Show
Discover what's next in architecture at the 2024 ARC Product Show on September 12th!
Meet with vendors to learn about building products, services, and innovations, connect with fellow professionals, and earn CE credits - all in one engaging day. Join us to explore new ideas and find inspiration for your projects. We can't wait to see you there!
Event Details
Thursday, September 12, 2024
RSVP: Free admission to the show floor
CE Session Pass: $50.00 (includes lunch)
The INDUSTRIAL Event Space
2330 S Industrial Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
CE Courses
Design Connections ARC Product Show
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Session 1
Elevating Your Flexible Space Design with Matt Clarke SunStone Building Specialties
Session 2
The Devil is in the Details – A Thorough Examination of the Need for Clarification in Specifications with Dean Molinen Noble Company
Session 3
New Principles in Hospitality Design Using Opening Glass Walls with Todd Kilstrom Nanawall
Session 4
Basics of Flooring with Shirley Stern Neogard
Session 5
Exterior Grade Phenolic & Rainscreen Cladding Systems with Joe Danna Easy Meg by ABET Laminati
AIA LAS VEGAS
OCTOBER 17, 2024
Don't miss our 3rd Annual Ultimate Drive at Atomic Golf on October 17th, 2024! Enjoy golf, networking, and prizes - all skill levels welcome! Featuring two-hour open bar, gourmet food, dedicated service at your bay, and flexible play options, join us for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, golf, and friendly competition.
Sign up now!
LIFE THROUGH DESIGN
JOIN AN AIA LV COMMITTEE
AIA Las Vegas Placemaking Committee
Chair: Minjia Yan myan@millenniumcommercial.com
Virtual Meeting 1st Thursday of each month at 11:00am
AIA Las Vegas Affordable Housing Committee
Co-Chair: Monica Gresser, AIA monica@BRAZENarchitecture.com
Co-Chair: David Kim, AIA David.Kim@MatterRealestate.com Virtual Meeting 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:00pm
AIA Las Vegas Allied Members Committee
Chair: Kayleigh Hasshaw khasshaw@tjkengineers.com
Virtual Meeting 4th Wednesday every other month at 9:30am
AIA Las Vegas Government Affairs Committee
Chair: Eric Roberts, FAIA ericr@knitstudios.com Virtual Meeting Schedule 1st Wednesday of each month at 4:00pm
AIA Las Vegas Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion & Education Outreach Committee
Chair: Melvin Green, AIA melvin@kmearchitects com Virtual Meeting 4th Thursday of each month at 4:00pm
AIA Las Vegas Women In Architecture Committee
Chair: Monica Gresser, AIA monica@BRAZENarchitecture.com Hybrid Meeting 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:00pm
AIA Las Vegas UNLV School of Architecture Committee
Chair: Glenn Nowak, AIA glenn.nowak@unlv.edu Virtual Meeting 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:30am
AIA Las Vegas EPYAF Committee
Chair: Wellbe Bartsma, AIA wellbe bartsma@gensler com Virtual Meeting 2nd Tuesday of each month at 3:00pm
AIA Las Vegas Urban Sketchers Committee
Chair: Eric Roberts, FAIA ericr@knitstudios.com
Virtual or In Person Meeting 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00am
AIA Nevada Small Firm Exchange
Chair: Anne Johnson, AIA anne@sparkflightstudios.com
Small Firm Exchange
Our Coffee Chat on August 13th was an engaging conversation between three firm founders: Zach Broyles co-founder of IZ Design Studio, Amy Conley of T/LT 23 Studios, and Anne Johnson of Sparkflight Studios. Their firm lifetimes range from to 5 to 20 years in operation Highlights include the benefits of small-firm culture for emerging professionals, discoveries of how to focus office culture, challenges with hiring and retention, and the succession horizon Join us next time to learn and share your experiences as a small-firm operator or aspiring entrepreneur!
Visit aia org/SFx for more information
Small firm = Less than nine (9) employees
187 E Warm Springs Rd.
FIVE COMMON ACCESSIBILITY MISTAKES MADE DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS
by Heather Younghusband, CASp, RAS, of TERPconsulting
Since its enactment in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been pivotal in ensuring equal access to public spaces for individuals with disabilities. Alongside the ADA, the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Code Council (ICC) provide essential guidelines to create spaces that are not only accessible but also functional for everyone. These regulations, adopted at the state level, incorporate the ICC A117.1 standard, which details the technical specifications necessary to make sites, facilities, and buildings accessible to all.
Architects play a critical role in designing spaces that comply with both federal and state accessibility standards. However, even with these guidelines, certain key elements can be overlooked during the design process, leading to non-compliant and inaccessible spaces. Below are five of the most common accessibility mistakes I encounter as Lead Accessibility Consultant at TERPconsulting.
1. Insufficient Clearance Space
One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to
provide adequate clearance for individuals using mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or walkers. Accessibility guidelines specify the minimum width required for doors, hallways, and pathways and the necessary maneuvering clearances around key fixtures like water closets. This is crucial in design because insufficient clearance can hinder people with mobility aids from navigating and utilizing common spaces.
2. Inaccessible Entrances
Another common oversight is designing entrances that are not accessible to people with disabilities. Accessibility guidelines outline specific requirements for entrances, including the minimum number of required entrances, clear width, maneuvering clearances, and accessible routes from public rightof-ways and parking facilities to building entrances.
3. Improperly Designed Restrooms
Restrooms require meticulous attention to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly those who use wheelchairs. Bathroom designs often fail to provide sufficient clearance around water closets, essential for wheelchair users to maneuver and transfer. Additionally, improper placement of grab bars, soap dispensers, and other accessories can render them unusable for some individuals.
4. Inadequate Consideration of Construction Tolerances
Architects must also account for construction tolerances to ensure the final build meets accessibility standards. When specifying dimensions, it’s important to avoid pushing the limits of what’s allowed by the code. For instance, if the code specifies a toilet centerline between 16” and 18” from an adjacent wall, specifying 18” without considering potential field variations could result in non-compliance. Choosing a midpoint within the allowable range rather than the maximum or minimum is advisable to accommodate any construction discrepancies.
5. Improperly Designed Ramps
Ramps are a critical element of accessible design, offering an alternative to stairs for individuals with mobility impairments.
However, common mistakes include designing ramps that are too steep, too narrow, or lacking necessary landings. Ramps that are too steep or
long without intermittent landings can be challenging for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers. Providing adequate slope, width, and resting points is essential to ensure usability.
An architect’s role in ensuring accessibility is paramount. By avoiding these common design mistakes, you can help create inclusive spaces and comply with accessibility standards, saving time and resources by preventing costly code violations.
Staying informed about the latest guidelines and consulting with accessibility experts throughout the design process is key to delivering spaces that serve all users effectively.
Heather Younghusband, CASp, RAS, is the lead accessibility consultant at TERPconsulting, a fire protection engineering and code consulting firm headquartered in Las Vegas. Heather’s accessibility experience includes consultation services for various projects, including sports arenas, casinos, resorts and hotels, bars and restaurants, educational campuses, and retail outlets throughout the U.S.
AIA NATIONAL CALENDAR AIA NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2024
02- 15 AIA Small Project Awards open
Starts: Sep 2, 2024 12:00 AM (ET)
Ends: Nov 15, 2024 11:55 PM (ET)
02- 15 Applications for AIA Associate Award open
Starts: Sep 2, 2024 12:00 AM (ET)
Ends: Nov 15, 2024 11:55 PM (ET)
02- 15 Applications for AIA Young Architects Award open
Starts: Sep 2, 2024 12:00 AM (ET)
Ends: Nov 15, 2024 11:55 PM (ET)
03 AIA Committee on Design Brazil Webinar: Connecting Cultures, Catalyzing Change
When: Sep 3, 2024 from 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM (ET)
10 Live course: Reimagining Hospitals Worldwide: Best Practices for Diverse Healthcare Facilities
When: Sep 10, 2024 from 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM (ET)
18 CRAN Symposium 2024 - Design on the Edge: Nature and Technology in Northwest
When: Sep 18, 2024 from 08:00 AM to 11:00 PM (ET)
18 2024 CRAN Symposium - Registration is Open
Starts: Sep 18, 2024 09:00 AM (PT)
Ends: Sep 22, 2024 05:00 PM (PT)
AIA NATIONAL CALENDAR AIA NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2024
18 Design Across Boundaries: Materiality and Place in Brazil and Beyond
When: Sep 18, 2024 from 02:00 PM to 03:30 PM (ET)
23 AIA Trust Week (register now)
Starts: Sep 23, 2024 09:00 AM (ET)
Ends: Sep 27, 2024 05:00 PM (ET)
24 Live course: Inclusive Architectural Design for Aging:
Learning from Living Out in Palm Springs
When: Sep 24, 2024 from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM (ET)
25 AAJ Fall Conference 2024 - Designing for Change:
Architects Transforming the Justice System
When: Sep 25, 2024 from 06:00 AM to 11:00 PM (ET)
25 AAJ Fall Conference-Designing for Change: Architects
Transforming the Justice System
Starts: Sep 25, 2024 08:00 AM (CT)
Ends: Sep 27, 2024 12:30 PM (CT)
30 Universal and Inclusive Design Standards for Housing
When: Sep 30, 2024 from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM (ET)
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