Board of Directors Report
Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects
January 18, 2012

Robert Hanselman AIA and Joe Garcia AIA represent AIA Gainesville as State Directors of the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida).

On January 17, 2012 AIA Florida conducted its annual Legislative Day in Tallahassee.  Representing AIA Gainesville with Hanselman and Garcia were Michelle Borst AIA Chapter President, Maria-Luisa Riviere AIA immediate Past President, and Bill Warinner AIA Chapter Vice President.  During the day we also mentored an architectural graduate student from Florida A&M University.

The following excerpt from the website of AIA Florida best describes the function and purpose that the Board of Directors for AIA Florida is tasked with the following (this is only an excerpt):
AIA Florida involves members in a statewide proactive, organized, unified effort to benefit the profession. To accomplish its mission to “unite, educate and position architects to lead the shaping of Florida’s future” the state association:
Is Politically Effective. AIA Florida is involved in the process of proactive, public agency and legislative lobbying efforts. The state association employs full-time lobbyists in Tallahassee to insure that Florida architects are essential players in promoting the causes that benefit the profession. This activity is considered the most important, ongoing goal of AIA Florida.
Our group met with seven State Representatives and one State Senator.  We had two particular legislative issues to discuss with each legislator.  One was the ubiquitous Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA) that seems to be an annual issue with some legislators.  Senate Bill SB 246 and House Bill HB 155 both seek to allow fees to be part of the initial proposal for an architectural project.  These bills were in committee and hopefully they will not come to the floor to be voted on.  Our position is to oppose the bills.

The second issue is one that affects every architect that signs and seals documents.  SB 600 and HB 387 known as the Electronic Sign & Seal Act enables legislation that provides building officials authority to choose whether or not to allow for electronic transmission of certain documents and the use of electronic signatures and seals.  The permissive language in this bill does not mandate the electronic submission, but instead offers building code administrators or building officials the option to allow for electronic submission of documents.  The language does not require electronic filing.  Our position is in favor of the bills.

The third issue is not a political one as it is on the subject of the 100th Anniversary of AIA Florida which started in Jacksonville (Gainesville was part of the first chapter) on December 14, 1912.  There are many celebratory events scheduled in every chapter area throughout the year commencing with a special celebration on December 14th.  Ron Haase FAIA is our Chapter Champion to coordinate events with AIA Florida.

One major statewide event is the selection of the 100 Best Buildings in the past 100 years.  We asked each legislator to cooperate with our staff to disseminate information about the public voting on their favorite buildings during the month of March.

As a chapter, we were highly successful in seeing most of our representatives and senators in person.  At the end of a productive day, AIA Florida hosted a reception in the state office for our elected officials.  As a matter of interest, AIA Florida owns one of the most prestigious pieces of real estate in Tallahassee as our office is directly across the street from the Capitol.

On Wednesday we conducted our quarterly AIA Florida Board of Director’s meeting.  Beside the usual business related reports from various committees and officers, participants for committees were determined for this year.  AIA Florida also comprises the Virgin Islands and Caribbean islands as part of our association.

This year’s State Convention looks to be a well-attended event as it is being held at The Breakers in Palm Beach and is considered one of the premier resorts in Florida.  The convention will be held on July 19-22, 2012.  Next February is our license renewal year so many architects historically attend the convention to receive their continuing education requirements.