AIA Michigan 
August  2017


Champion the profession. Nurture our chapters. Build Michigan better. 
President's Message

One of the key committees that is central to the mission of our statewide chapter is the AIA MI Government Affairs Committee. This committee has been supported by many dedicated AIA Michigan members who have volunteered countless hours over the years to advance the causes of the profession and the built environment on your behalf. You know you who are, so thank you!  If you are interested in getting involved please contact Steve Smith, our current chair, @ TMP.  The AGC is working on several important issues this year, and there is definitely a role for you, especially if you are passionate about public policies that affect our practice, the licensing process, the small business environment, codes and zoning, or general policies that affect the quality the built environment.
 
As one example, an important bill to reinstate the Michigan Historic Preservation Tax Credit has been introduced in the Michigan Senate. The tax credit, which was phased out in 2011 as part of the governor's plan to eliminate tax carve-out programs, had helped many projects go forward, generating 1.5 billion dollars of investment in our state. The Michigan Historic Preservation Tax Credit was beneficial to our state's historic building rehabilitation projects and also for employment in Michigan.  Senate Bill 469, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) [co-sponsored by Senators Horn, Zorn, O'Brien, and Hertel] would effectively reinstate the tax credit program Michigan had in place from 1999 until 2011.  The bill offers a tax credit of up to 25 percent of qualified rehabilitation expenses for contributing commercial and residential properties located within a local historic district. As it did previously, it offers a supplemental five percent credit to the 20 percent federal historic preservation credit for income producing properties, and is the only credit available for owner-occupied historic homes.
 
I would guess that most of you have benefited from Historic Tax Credits on at least one project in your career.  And even if you have not benefited directly as an architect, most would argue that in the past this policy was instrumental in strengthening our communities and honoring our shared heritage.  So, what can you do right now to support this cause if you aren't able to join the Government Affairs Committee?  Contact your State Representative and Senator. Trust me, they really pay attention to their constituents. Let them know that this is a valuable investment in our future with great ROI that also honors our past. The links below will get you started.
 
Find your State Representative:
 
Find your State Senator:
 
Link to Historic Preservation Network Action Alert:
 
 
AIA Michigan President
Will Wittig, AIA

Executive Director's Message
 
Cathy Headshot
AIA 2018 Conference on Architecture - New York City
It's not too early to secure your room for the 2018 convention. AIAMI has secured a block of rooms at the Hilton Midtown which is the AIA headquarters hotel. More here about the hotel. If you are interested in reserving a room with the AIAMI block follow this link. You will be asked to enter your information. You are responsible for making your reservation, updating and cancelations. The rate is $389 per night. There are other rooms available on the 2018 convention site here.
Mark your calendars for the AIAMI Leadership Retreat and Annual Meeting in Traverse City, October 12-13th. Watch your inbox for updates in late August. Any member is invited and if you are interested in leadership roles in your chapter please attend
Component Updates
  • 2017 AIA Compensation Report to be released on August 18. 
    AIA will be releasing the new 2017 AIA Compensation Report, including an update to the salary calculator, August 18. The report will be available for purchase through the AIA Store. Components will receive a PDF copy of their regional report by email the week after it is released.
  • View a new BRIK resource.  Learn more about the Building Research Information Knowledgebase (BRIK) and its features through a brief video introduction
  • A cruise from Lisbon to London. Discover the cultural and architectural heritage of coastal Europe on an exclusive 10-day tour in 2018.  From the medieval architecture of Portugal and the cathedrals of northern Spain to the hallowed beaches of Normandy and London's iconic Tower Bridge, a once-in-a-lifetime trip awaits you along Europe's stunning Atlantic shores. Book now>
Knowledge Community opportunities
Emerging Professionals Corner
Matt Guinta, AIA
Hello! I am hoping all are enjoying my favorite time of year... and that we are just at the mid-point to an extended Summer. AIA hasn't taken a vacation in my life, and I assume not in yours. As we juggle the picnics, boating, and backyard soirées- there is still some important ground to cover this August. We are going to talk Federal Tax Code- que up a big yawn? Nope, you'd be surprised.

This August, AIA National's Legislative Action Network (LAN) is addressing the expiration of section 179D. That's right, this sleepy topic impacts our work. AIA has a non-partisan message, urging Congress to pass a long-term extension of the Section 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction. This portion of the tax code expired in 2016- meaning this important incentive is no longer available and would need to be retroactively renewed for this tax year. It provides up to $1.80 per square foot for energy efficient improvements for the private sector and federal, state, and local governments, as to reduce costs to taxpayers. AIA cites, "a recent study that as many as 77,000 new design and construction jobs would be created annually over 10 years- along with almost $7.4 billion more in annual GDP - if 179D is extended".

Working with AIA Michigan, the LAN has coached participating membership on getting in-touch with Congressional Delegates during Summer Recess. We have speaking points in-hand and a lot of do's and don'ts to keep in mind. It is no small feat, however we have great help locally and nationally.

Lastly, how might this come across the Young Architect Regional Director's drafting table? Tasked with bringing National Issues back to the local level, I was approached by LAN staff to participate. It's yet another great opportunity for us to best represent our membership here in Michigan and nationally.

Has your practice benefited from 179D in the past? Please reach-out with your story. It is very important for AIA to place constituent faces and stories to the issues at hand.
Obituary
 
Guunar Birkerts  (former FAIA)
Latvian architect Gunnar Birkerts has passed away at age 92. The Detroit-based architect was best known for his formally exuberant interiors that carried on the legacy of Eero Saarinen; in 1951 Birkerts came to the U.S. to work with Saarinen in Birmingham, Michigan. He also worked in the offices of Perkins + Will before starting his own practice where he developed a unique style around unexpected angular forms and layered, folding planes that defined spectacular spaces. Click here to read the Detroit Free Press obituary.

Monthly Highlights


Please click here to register!

Grapevine

  • Alexis Cecil, AIA, LEED AP, has been named a senior architect in the Quinn Evans Architects Ann Arbor office
  • Jacob Kurth, Associate AIA is now Jacob Kurth, AIA - Congratulations Jacob!
  • Nathan Doud, Associate AIA is now Nathan Doud, AIA - Congratulations Nathan!  
  • Matthew W. Murphy, Associate AIA is now Matthew Murphy, AIA - Congratulations Matthew 
  • Peter Vereecke, Associate AIA is now Peter Vereecke, AIA - Congratulations Peter!


New Members!
 
Members who joined, rejoined or transferred to AIA Michigan!

July

Kemba S. Braynon, AIA
Kelly L. Buczniewicz, Assoc. AIA
Cori Elizabeth Hinterser, Assoc. AIA
Enrique Ledesma, Assoc. AIA
Kyle K. Myers, AIA
Estrellita M. Perez, Assoc. AIA
Nadine Rios-Rivas, Assoc. AIA
Scott R. Silvers, AIA
Ian Templeton, Assoc. AIA
Jamie A. Tischler, Assoc. AIA
Jingbo Wang, Assoc. AIA


Welcome to AIA Michigan and we look forward to meeting you at future events!!
In This Issue
AIAU is a place for architects to learn and earn continuing education credits.
Upcoming Events!

 September 15-16, 2017
AIA Michigan Design Retreat

October 12-13, 2017
AIA Michigan Leadership Retreat
 
Contact the Staff

Cathy Mosley, Hon. Aff. AIAMI
Executive Director of AIA Michigan: 
Events and Programming, Finances, Communications, Membership, Government Affairs, Sponsorship
 
Evelyn Dougherty, Hon. Aff. AIAMI
Operations Director: Event Planning and Registration, Documents, 
Continuing Education, Membership, Job Board
Quick Links:

AIA Michigan Calendar
AIA Michigan Job Board

Online Document Store AIA Michigan Website
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