December 14,  2016
Your Bi-Weekly News & Updates
Seasons Greetings
Dear ENEWS Readers:

In the spirit of the holidays, AIA Illinois would like to reach out and say thank you for generously giving your time, attention and support.  Together, we have made a greater impact on communities where we live, work and play.  You have helped us accomplish our mission for AIA Illinois to remain active and nimble, as we continue to focus on three key issues: Advocacy, Leadership, and Outreach. Because of your support, AIA Illinois programs and grassroots events will continue to allow us to insure that policy-makers, the industry and the public understand the strength of our professional ethics and core values.

As part of AIA Illinois Repositioning, representatives from the AIA Prairie, AIA Chicago, AIA Eastern and AIA Northeast Illinois chapters have held discussions regarding how to better serve all of our members across the state. Peter J. Exley, FAIA, from AIA Chicago, was elected as an At-Large Director at the 2016 AIA Convention in Philadelphia, expanding the reach and influence of our collective voice.  And, on the home front, AIA Illinois has moved. We are now at 201 East Adams Street, Suite 1A, Springfield, only a block away from the Capitol building. 

Again, with an attitude of peace and hope for the future, we want to thank you for your involvement, leadership, and membership, and invite your input and feedback in all we do!   

Rik Master, AIA Illinois President

Editor's note: In yesterday's version we unintentionally omitted AIA Eastern Chapter 's participation in  Repositioning efforts. Thank You to Guenther Schmidt, Director, Eastern Illinois Chapter for notifying me of the oversight and Happy Holiday's, Catherine O'Connor. 
Thank You, Frank Heitzman, AIA 
AIA Illinois is proud to celebrate Frank Heitzmans 22 years of outstanding mentorship as the AIA Intern Development Program Regional Coordinator working with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Congratulations for a job well done! 

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD TO HOLLY GERBERDING, FAIA
Holly Gerberding, FAIA, was awarded the AIAIL Charles W. Nothnagel Honor Award in recognition of her endless energy to improve the communities where we work, live and play. The presentation took place on November 16th at Chicago Public Library’s Chinatown Branch, 2100 S. Wentworth Avenue. 
  A chorus of former and current colleagues, friends and associates joined with AIA  IL Award Jury, to honor the public services efforts of Holly Gerberding, who  manages the AIA Chicago/Department of Buildings (DOB) Working Group, advocating for up-to-date code interpretation and recommending administrative and process improvements to enhance DOB’s operations.  She also volunteers with a local refugee- resettlement non-profit organization.

“Knowledgeable and diplomatic, Holly Gerberding has served as a valuable resource to design professionals and agencies. Her leadership provides a great example to architects and the public, showing the impact each of us can have,” the jury wrote.
 
Among her many accomplishments, in 1990, Holly founded and chaired a coalition of Chicago neighborhood groups with AIA Chicago to address the unfair practices of a local utility company. The resulting dialogue placed the AIA in a leadership role on issues of public policy that directly affect residents in a number of neighborhoods throughout Chicago. 
Congratulations, Holly!

MADISON DIVERSITY AWARD TO OSWALDO ORTEGA, AIA

Oswaldo Ortega, AIA, LEED AP, Project Architect at the global architecture firm, Gensler, was honored with the AIA Illinois 2016 Alan Madison Award for Diversity, presented on October 28 at the company’s Chicago office.  Ortega, pictured at left with Rik Master, AIA IL President and Executive Vice President, Mike Waldinger,  was honored for a broad range of vocational achievements including his passion to give back to the community. He currently serves as Vice President for the Illinois chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (I-NOMA), and is the 2017-2018 President Elect.

In his leadership role, Ortega focuses on community involvement and mentorship programs. As the I-NOMA Project Pipeline Program Director, Ortega has re-energized the unique educational initiative, which empowers young people to affect change in their communities through design.

With a mission to empower young people to affect change in communities through design, Ortega directs Project Pipeline program, using the city as a classroom, connecting young people to real world architects and planners.  As the AIA jury noted, this has been an outstanding means to foster the next generation of design professionals, civic leaders, and change makers.

“We guide students through all stages of design, using provoking and fun exercises. Students investigate through drawing and model building, analyze through diagramming and engage through site visits.  By the program’s conclusion, students present a fully realized design project that addresses an issue in their city,” according to Ortega.

As the co-lead mentor of the ACE Chicago Mentoring Program, Ortega is constantly developing programs to inspire local youth.  Ortega, along with a group of dedicated colleagues, opens the office to host regular meetings for underprivileged children, exposing them to the possibilities of careers in architecture, construction, and engineering.  Much like his early exposure to the world of architecture, Ortega hopes to make an impact on those involved in these community organizations—ultimately championing them to realize their potential in the world of design.       

Several p rojects to develop projects underway in River Edge communities, like this one in downtown Aurora, receive funding through a state tax credit program that was set to expire at the end of 2016. 
River Edge Tax Credit Program Extension Passes General Assembly
Local government officials in the other River Edge cities, have been lobbying all year for re-authorization of the program. Redevelopment of historic properties creates construction jobs, other permanent jobs and economic development.can continue if Governor Rauner signs recent legislation to extend the life of the River Edge development  program. Read more here 
CDB Emergency Projects Procurement 
 Illinois Capital Development Board is seeking ongoing architectural engineering and construction administration services for emergency or urgent projects to be provided on an open- order basis July 1, 2017- June 30 2018 with additional renewals. 
Green Ribbon Schools Deadline Approaching
Every school in Illinois can start on the path towards a greener, more sustainable future.  The Illinois Green Ribbon Schools  program recognizes  city officials, along with officials in the other river cities, have been lobbying all year for reauthorization of the program. Earlier this year, former Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner pointed out that the cities were unable to take full advantage of the investment possibilities with the tax cuts, due to the recession. He said redevelopment of historic properties creates construction jobs, other permanent jobs and economic development. that have active programs, actions, and dedication to promote and educate about sustainability.  Working in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)USGBC-Illinois is accepting   applications  from schools across Illinois.   Your school is probably doing more than you think, especially when you add up all the great efforts from students, staff and parents. So why not showcase your school's achievements and let your community know how much you have accomplished to green your school!

Don't miss the chance for your school to be recognized for the work your school is doing to be more sustainable!  Applications for Illinois Green Ribbon Schools are due this Friday, December 16 at 12:00 PM
A New Apex: the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Architect Frank Gehry, FAIA, creator of many acclaimed structures including the Pritzker Music Pavilion in downtown Chicago, was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama on Tuesday, November 22.

President Obama said Gehry had inspired the next generation through his advocacy for arts education, and that the architect had “never let popular acclaim reverse his impulse to defy convention.”

“He spent his life rethinking shapes and mediums, seemingly the force of gravity itself,” Obama said. “The idea of what architecture could be, he decided to upend; constantly repurposing every material available from titanium to paper towel tube…. Frank’s work teaches us that while buildings may be sturdy and fixed to the ground, like all great art they can lift our spirits. They can soar, they can broaden our horizons." 

Coming up 2017
JANUARY 25, 2017 / 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

UNDERSTANDING THE VOLATILE CONSTRUCTION MARKET IN THE 2015 – 2018 REBOUND--Current economic trends influencing construction costs will be discussed from a global, national, regional, and local level. Indicators for major construction sectors will...

Read more
aiachicago.org
Looking Ahead 

AIA Convention April 27-29, 2017

AIA Convention 2017 is the architecture and design event of the year. It’s big, it’s exciting, and it’s where your community comes together for an incredible experience.

Learn from industry experts
Earn a year’s worth of continuing education credits with the latest from leading experts on topics including resiliency, business management, ADA compliance, LEED, green building, design and health, and more. Turn Orlando into your classroom with an educational tour or talk product with experts on the expo floor. Earn credit for all of it.

Claim what’s yours
AIA Convention 2017 is free for new members. Students register for $25. Young professionals save nearly 30%. And everyone can take advantage of special prices for early registration, great rates on premium hotels, and more.