AIA Gainesville

Where:  Del Webb Stone Creek Golf Course:  6320 SW 89th Ct  Ocala, FL 34481  (West of I-75).

Time:  Begins at 12:00 noon for Registration & Lunch;  registration closes at 1:00. 

• 1:01 pm: Alternates Added
•  1:20pm: Pro Announcements
• 1:25pm: Scramble to Holes
• 1:30 pm: “Shotgun” Start
• 5:30 pm: Awards
  

Dress: Collared shirts and long shorts, pants or skirts.  Soft spikes only!

Entries:  First Come, First Serve!  We are taking reservations for 72 men and women golfers.  Make your reservations NOW!  Act NOW to be sure you are included.  NOTE: You must enter by Monday, May 15, 2012: fax reservations accepted.  Please provide handicaps for all players on entry forms!  The Entry Fee is $85.00, which includes golf cart and lunch.  For those wishing to attend the lunch only, the fee is $40.00.  For golf only, the fee is $65.00.

Prizes:  Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams based on low net team score.  Team Handicapping and Scoring will be by the Club Pro.  Additional prizes will be awarded from at least the following catagories:

• Longest drive in fairway
• Closest to the pin
• Longest putts
• Anything else the tournament organizers deem appropriate

Bonus: $10,000. Hole in One Prize

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• $600. Gold Sponsor Fee: Your company will receive: Advertising sign at Tee & Awards Ceremony, and Golf and Dinner for 4 persons.
• $450. Silver Sponsor Fee:  Your company will receive:  Advertising sign at Tee & Awards Ceremony.
• $150.  Bronze Sponsor Fee:  Your company will receive: Promotional mention in the Tournament Program.

The Pro will handicap all foursomes after all teams have teed off and handicaps are verified with your Club Pro where you normally play, or as directed by the Golf Committee.  You must indicate a handicap number on the entry form (score on a Par 72 Course) or you will be given a handicap of 10 (82 on a Par 72 Course).

Refreshments: Beer & soft drinks will be available from the beverage cart throughout the tournament and Door Prizes will be drawn at the awards ceremony.  Beverage Sponsorship available: $450.00.

For Information, contact:

Joe Garcia, AIA Tournament Director.  Phone: 352-213-0870, Fax: 352-392-4958

This year, to celebrate it’s 100th Anniversary, AIA Florida initiated a statewide, online competition to choose among Florida’s favorite buildings. The competition was called “Florida Architecture: 100 Years 100 Places.”  AIA Florida’s local chapters initially nominated many buildings – and  a panel of architects narrowed the list down to a top 100. Voting was open to the public from March 13 through April 6.  AIA Florida also recognized the top building in 13 different categories, including performing arts, museum, and residential projects.  The basic intent of the competition was to bring  an awareness of architecture (and architects) to the general public.

The response was wildly successful; over 2.4 million votes were cast. On April 18, AIA Florida announced the top five winners at the  Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel ( designed by Morris Lapidus, and originally opened in 1954) which took first place in the competition. The next five winners are:

Second place: Mandi’s Chapel in Live Oak, Fla., designed by John Zona, AIA
Third place: The Baughman Center at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., designed by John Zona, AIA
Fourth place: The University of North Florida Student Union in Jacksonville, Fla., designed by Rink Design Partnership
Fifth place: Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., designed by Marion Sims Wyeth

AIA Gainesville is thrilled that two of the top 100 buildings (Mandi’s Chapel and the Baughman Center) are within our area.  Don Yoshino, FAIA, the chairman of AIA Florida’s 100th Anniversary Committee, stated the success of this event best:  “We are elated that so many Floridians took the time to learn about the beautiful structures in their communities.”

Art x Architects: an exhibit of art  by AIA Gainesville Architects (past and present), will be displayed at the Doris Bardon C0mmunity Cultural Center from Tuesday, May 8 to Monday, June 4.  The artworks shown will be of any type other than architectural drawings or models.  A formal Opening and Reception will be on Friday, May 25, beginning at 6:00 pm, to coincide with, and be part of – the monthly downtown Gainesville Art Walk, which will run from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm.  Refreshments will be served.  Hope to see you there!

RSVP/Registration is recommended : Space is limited

The Alachua Clean Energy (ACE) taskforce announced a fully interactive and hands-on Solar Energy & Efficiency Expo featuring the basics of solar electric, solar hot water, financing and solar readiness for home and business to be held in Gainesville. The Solar Energy & Efficiency Expo is recommended for home owners, building owners, building managers, real estate agents, builders, architects and anyone considering solar as an electric or water heating source. The Expo features a live, hands-on, demonstration of a state-of-the-art solar electric and hot water training system, presented by Santa Fe College, which simulates actual installed solar electric and hot water systems.

Presentations include “Financing & Return on Investment” concepts, offered by Don Davis, President, Capital City Bank of Gainesville and longtime green energy-efficiency financing specialist – “Efficiency As the First Step to Going Solar”, presented by energy efficiency and weatherization specialist Kevin Veach, Owner, Green Energy Options – “Solar Electric & Hot Water” simulation, presented by Santa Fe College – “Basics of Solar Energy”, presented by Stuart Block, Intern, Clean Energy Logistics Lab, and UF student – Plus, many other local solar and efficiency professionals and enthusiasts.

The Expo will be held at the University of Florida’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity house which recently underwent an energy efficiency remodel as well as having a 10 kW solar energy system installed. Stuart Block, a UF student majoring in Sustainability Studies, began implementing the solar installation in the fall of 2011 which will be complete at the time of the scheduled Solar Energy & Efficiency Expo and available for review to Expo attendees. As an Intern for Clean Energy Logistics Lab, Block continues to help others learn about going solar and is the Expo coordinator.

Attendees are asked to RSVP or register for this event, as space is limited. Details about the Solar Energy & Efficiency Expo, driving directions, parking and registration are available at www.SolarizeGators.com.

The Alachua Clean Energy taskforce was established by several Gainesville residents and energy professionals to explore renewable energy and efficiency financing options, report such findings to the Alachua County Board of Commissioners, and to educate the public about how to finance clean energy projects. The taskforce meets monthly.

What: Solar Energy & Efficiency Expo
When: April 21, 2012 from 11:00am to 1:00pm (2 hours)
Where: Beta Theta Pi Fraternity House (On the UF Campus, map online)
13 Fraternity Drive
Gainesville, Fla. 32603
Cost: Free but RSVP/Register online at www.SolarizeGators.com
Parking: Free – parking map available online

For more information about the Solar Energy & Efficiency Expo contact;

Stuart Block
(352) 256-9722
www.SolarizeGators.com
stuart@findsolarpro.com

GRASSROOTS – March, 2012

AIA National organizes this annual leadership workshop in Washington directed primarily toward newly elected vice-presidents (presidents elect) of local chapters or components across the country.

It is always an energetic and supportive event for new leadership.  I was pleased to be a part of it this Spring.  Normally Bill Warinner, our current Vice-President, would have attended but he was busy organizing the Annual Duck Pond Home Tours that he and his wife, Jan, have long been a part of.

GRASSROOTS was chaired this year by a well-known and popular Florida architect, Mickey Jacob.  Mickey is the First Vice-President of AIA National and in line to be the next President.

He did a great job presiding over the many general convocations, bringing spirit and inspiration to these large sessions.  But the highlight for me as far as bringing practical knowledge and skills back to our local chapter was the small round table discussions.  Here the true “grassroot” spirit emerged as your peers brought meaningful experience and ideas into an energetic format for discussion.

I know I will refer often to my scribbled margin notes on my many handouts acquired at Grassroots 2012 and I hope to be a more productive member of my own local Chapter and the State Board of Directors from this experience.

Ron Haase FAIA

AIAGainesville

State Director (Alternate)

This year (2012), AIA Florida is celebrating their 100th Anniversary.  AIA Gainesville, as with all of the other local Chapters in Florida, will be hosting a number of special events -  in Spring and in the Fall – to celebrate!

Upcoming: A screening of ‘Romanza,’ a film about Frank Lloyd Wright’s California work by documentary filmmaker Michael Miner, will be shown at the Hippodrome on Tuesday evening, April 17th, from 7:00 pm to 9:00pm.  For 2 CEUs!  AIA Gainesville is hosting this event with the UF School of Architecture.  Doors will open at 6:00 to buy tickets, enjoy some wine and soft drinks, and view Wright’s “doghouse” in the art gallery.  Tickets are $20.00 apiece (wine / soft drinks are included); payment will be at the door only.   A 2nd viewing may be in the works as well.

Please RSVP to micheleborst@gmail.com   to reserve a seat!

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.

AIA Gainesville

ArchiPAC / FAPAC

Fundraising Challenge

for 2011

To all AIA members, FAIA members and Associate AIA members:

We as a nation are embarking on one of the most important political seasons of our generation.  We architects are solution providers for the built environment; we want to be part of the solution for the betterment of our country and our profession as well.

In order to have a unified voice around the nation, AIA has joined forces with AIA Florida to embark on this campaign in order to encourage each state component to get on board with their own joint fundraising program.

AIA Gainesville asks each member to promote this effort by donating directly to ArchiPAC.  The goal is to raise more than $100,000 for each PAC.  The leaders of this program suggest a donation of $73 to protect the future of your profession.  Of course, any other amount is greatly appreciated.  The donations received by ArchiPAC will be split evenly with FAPAC.  If every member donates this amount, the goal of $100,000 will be met.

Donations can be made two ways:

• An easy online form, available here (www.archipac.org/state). This form is secure and easy.
• Fill out a contribution form and mail it with a check (payable to ArchiPAC) or with your credit card information to:
  ArchiPAC
  1735 New York Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC 20006

An option is available for monthly contributions if desired.  Corporate contributions are not permitted by federal law, and as such are not eligible for this joint fundraiser. If you are interested in making a contribution from your firm to FAPAC, please call AIA Florida at (850) 222-7590.

Please be aware that contributions are voluntary and you have a right to refuse to contribute without reprisal.   The suggested amount is only a suggestion; more or less than the suggested amount may be given; the amount given by the contributor, or the refusal to give, will not benefit or disadvantage the person being solicited.

Why do the AIA and architects need PACs?

Decisions are made each and every day in Congress and in Tallahassee that affect our practices and our communities. ArchiPAC and FAPAC enable architects to approach vital public policy matters through a well-organized, well-informed, and united front. Through our PACs, architects are able to multiply their individual political effectiveness and increase the visibility and presence of the profession at the national and state level and ensure that our legislators hear what we have to say.

ArchiPAC is the bipartisan political arm of the AIA, which exists to help elect architect-friendly candidates to the U.S. Congress.  Pursuant to federal law, ArchiPAC is completely funded by individual, voluntary contributions from AIA members.

FAPAC is the state-level political vehicle in Florida – allowing Florida architects to make their voices heard in the state legislature on such state issues as licensure, service taxes, and the like.

Who do ArchiPAC and FAPAC support?

The AIA’s PACs do not make contributions based on a candidate’s political affiliation. Instead, contributions are made based on a review of a candidate’s understanding of our profession’s concerns, past voting record on key AIA issues, committee assignments, and leadership positions. This ensures that our PAC funds—including your donations—are used most effectively.

As a bipartisan organization, the AIA’s PAC strategy takes into account the current leadership in the state and federal legislatures, but we also acknowledge the fact that leadership could change in any given election cycle so we must be able to work with members of all parties. In addition to trying to achieve a bipartisan balance, we also look to the possible agenda for the next congressional session. As such, before any contributions are made, the likely committee positions of the candidate (if an incumbent) and the likelihood that the candidate can win the race are considered.

Board members of AIA Gainesville urge every architect and associate member to do their part by contributing right away.