| Volume 3, No. 7 - July 7, 2009 |
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 Shepherd University Wellness Center, by Hughes Group Architects (more info) |
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| Can Stimulus Projects Help You? |
| Funds from the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are now being released, with billions available for construction projects, renovations and sustainability upgrades. Federal, state and local agencies are planning projects now. Here are a few links to help you begin to explore the possibilities. Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) Federal agencies, including the General Services Administration, Housing and Urban Development, Departments of Defense, Interior, Transportation, Energy, Veterans Affairs and Education, Environmental Protection Agency and the Smithsonian Institution, are using the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website to advertise all their Recovery projects. This is the single point of entry to search, monitor and retrieve announcements for all Federal agencies. There were 2352 listings as of July 3. Visit http://www.fbo.gov. Recovery.gov This site provides basic information on the ARRA, including overall objectives of the plan, public benefits, types of programs included, specific program plans outlining the distribution of funds, agency reports and measures of performance. Visit http://www.recovery.gov. Stimulus.Virginia.Gov Through this site, Governor Kaine requested suggestions from citizens for possible projects for the state stimulus funds and received more than 9,000 proposals by the March deadline. These suggestions are now being reviewed and evaluated by the Cabinet Secretaries of the executive agencies. Detailed information on the selected projects will be posted here. This site also offers information on the key economic indicators for Virginia. Visit http://www.stimulus.virginia.gov/kei.cfm. Small Business Administration Economic Recovery information available here includes small business loans, training programs and government contracting opportunities. Visit http://sba.gov. The Stimulus Package and Your Business Plan - A Podcast Consider how stimulus funds may help develop opportunities for you with this podcast available on the AIA's Navigating the Economy website. |
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ABI Indicates a Stall for Architecture Firms |
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You probably don’t need to be told this, but the most recent Architecture Billings Index (ABI) indicates economic recovery for architecture firms has stalled, with the May ABI rating (42.9) nearly identical to that in April (42.8). This score indicates an overall decline in demand for design services, while any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings. The new projects inquiry score was 55.2, the third straight month with a score in the mid-50's. Reporting in the June 26th issue of AIArchitect, AIA's Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, explains that while inquiries are up this does not necessarily translate into new work since the competitive market is compelling more firms to bid on the same project. |
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In Practice... |
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Make Sure Your Firm Is Included in the 2010 Metro Directory Members were recently mailed a Firm Profile Form for the 2010 Metro Directory of Architecture & Design Firms. Please complete the form and return it to Dawson Publications by August 3. Only firms submitting the profile will be included in the directory. One person from each firm must complete the form and return it to Dawson Publications. You must submit a new form each year even if your information remains the same. If you have any questions, please e-mail aianova@aianova.org. |
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Shepherd University Wellness Center |
 The Shepherd University Wellness Center is an independent, multi-functional facility designed as an addition to the Butcher Athletic Center. The entire building is organized around the entry rotunda from which each program element is visible.Three key program elements provide a well-balanced recreation program: a fitness zone, a new pool and a multi-functional gymnasium. The fitness zone is located on the second level with visual access to all amenities in the building as well as the campus beyond, resulting in a strong sense of place. A three lane track, which is accessed from this fitness zone, circumnavigates the entire facility. The gymnasium is designed to accommodate a wide variety of recreation programs like basketball, volleyball and badminton. The gym is also designed to provide open space for large social functions like career days and dances. Two multipurpose meeting rooms are equipped for wellness classes. The swimming pool is designed to offer recreation, competition and instructional aquatic programs. The Center's locker rooms, which include unique changing areas, offer a more private atmosphere than traditional locker room layouts. The exterior forms, materials and details are designed to create a compelling architectural experience which fully respects the existing structure and campus. The interiors are filled with natural materials, colorful tiles and sports graphics which contribute to a memorable recreation experience.   |
| photos by Eliel Alfon |
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July 10 - ARE Prep Series: Schematic Design July 13 - AIA Northern Virginia Board Meeting July 13 - Hughes Group Architects Office Tour July 14-16 - DesignDC 2009: Architects Leading Change July 15 - Women in Architecture Happy Hour August 19 - AIA Northern Virginia Lunch Series |
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K3 Construction Group |
K3 Construction Group Building New Headquarters for Audio Video Systems  
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Located on a 7.5 acre parcel just south of Dulles International Airport, the new four-story building is a $15 million, 72,000 square foot facility that is expected to be completed this year. The new headquarters for Audio Video Systems, Inc. (AVS), a leading systems integration firm, Barthelson Plaza will be a LEED® certified Green Building and will use the latest technologies available to minimize environmental impact and increase energy conservation.