2017 Annual General Meeting Review

The AIA UK Chapter Annual General Meeting is a unique mixture of social evening, continuing education event and business meeting all in one. Following a long tradition from the 1990’s, this year’s AGM - held on Wednesday, 18 January 2017 - was hosted by our long term sponsor, Herman Miller.

Herman Miller’s showroom provided an ideal background for socialising, including copious refreshments. Mark Catchlove, Director of Herman Miller’s Knowledge & Insight Group, gave a presentation entitled “Fundamental Human Needs” that both amused and informed, while providing a welcome CEU for members.

The 2016 President, Fred Grier, moved back to Chicago late in the year, but maintained his leadership role via internet links until the AGM. His presentation of “2016 Year in Review” highlighted over 30 AIA UK events with nearly 60 Continuing Education Credits. See the full review HERE.

The slate of proposed 2017 Board of Directors was announced along with the encouragement – as always – for further nominations to be presented from the floor. Voting was unanimous for the following.

President: Fatos Peja, Int’l Assoc.
Vice President: Alex Miller, AIA
Secretary: Lorraine King, AIA
Treasurer: Anna Foden, AIA

Directors:
Etain Fitzpatrick, AIA (also IR Representative)
Michael Lischer FAIA
Chris Musangi, AIA
Deborah Bartlett, Int'l Assoc. AIA
Lutz Barndt AIA
Amrita Raja, AIA
Yevgeniy Beylkin Int'l Assoc. AIA ARB RIBA
Robert Rhodes, AIA
Ecehan Esra Top, Int'l Assoc. AIA
Bea Sennewald, AIA RIBA
Lester Korziliius, AIA RIBA
Benjamin Lee, AIA  
Katharine Storr, AIA
Fariba Shirdel, AIA
 

AIA Board Correspondents:
A non-voting Board Correspondent is a full, part-time or temporary attendee at Board Meetings. Any unassigned member; allied and affiliate member; honorary member or other professional with an interest in this Chapter can become a Correspondent at any time during the year. The position of Board Correspondents was formalised this year for three new participants.

Lulu Yang
Fred Grier
Nicolas Kehagias.

Chapter Executive: Fiona McKay

The business side of the AGM was kept as succinct as possible, but the AGM remains as always the critical focus for the Chapter’s governance. In addition to the essential approval of the Accounts, membership report and election of the new Board of Directors, this year’s business also included a motion to approve the revised Chapter Bylaws. 

According to the new procedures, the Bylaws were sent out by email to the full AIA UK Chapter membership for any final comments in February. As no comments were received, the Minutes are now deemed to have been approved.

READ THE FULL MINUTES OF MEETING HERE

By Lorraine King, Secretary UK Chapter

ARE Workshop

On 15 February 2017, Desso hosted the AIA UK's ARE Workshop 2017. The coordinators,  Ben Lee and Katharine Storr, as well as president Fatos Peja,  began the evening by welcoming the group of professionals interested in learning about the path to American licensure, first for snacks and drinks in the Desso showroom and then for a presentation downstairs in the conference area. The AIA UK Chapter was pleased to see so many faces and to be able to facilitate a lively discussion about the participants’ expectations and experiences. The self-directed nature of the exams and the difficulty of completing them internationally when local firms often do not fully understand or support the undertaking means it is even more important to foster a community of candidates who can help guide each other through the process.

London, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong are the three locations outside of the United States where it is possible to take the NCARB's Architect Registration Examinations. As such the AIA UK chapter is committed to helping international members and others interested in pursuing licensure in the US to make use of the opportunity here in London.

In 2016 NCARB introduced ARE version 5.0 which will replace the 4.0 version launched in 2008. Currently, if candidates have already registered to take the 4.0 exams they can choose to continue with 4.0 or to transition to version 5.0. However, if a candidate is registering for the first time, they will be obliged to take the new 5.0 version.  

There are two primary differences between 4.0 and 5.0. The first is a difference in the division of exam categories:

Version 4.0 is comprised of 7 divisions:

Schematic Design

Programming, Planning and Practice

Site Planning & Design

Building Systems

Construction Documents & Services

Building Design & Construction Systems

Structural Systems

Version 5.0 is comprised of 6 divisions:

Practice Management

Project Management

Programming & Analysis

Project Planning & Design

Project Development & Documentation

Construction & Evaluation

(For a full comparison of the two versions see NCARB's diagram here. http://www.ncarb.org/News-and-Events/News/2014/~/media/Files/PDF/Brochure/ARE5_CreditModel.ashx )

The second major change is that 5.0 will include 3 new types of questions integrated into the multiple choice format: hot spots, drag and place items and case study questions. These new types will replace the separate design vignettes used in version 4.0.

(For links to videos on the new question types
http://blog.ncarb.org/2016/September/ARE5-Testing-Strategies.aspx)

There are many printed and online study resources available (see the list below). A majority of the existing resources were written for version 4.0, but the content will still be relevant and many older practice questions and exams are still valuable resources for demonstrating understanding of the topics and guiding study.  To help candidates parse through which new division a given question will fit into, a valuable exercise is to sort questions based on topic with the help of  the NCARB study guides and 5.0 handbook available here, http://www.ncarb.org/ARE/~/media/Files/PDF/ARE-Exam-Guides/ARE5-Handbook.pdf.  As the transition from 4.0 to 5.0 continues there will be additional support, specifically for ARE versions 5.0.

Textbooks

- Kaplan/Brightwood ARE Study Guides for ARE 4 & 5 (https://www.brightwoodarchitecture.com/are-exam)

- PPI ARE Study Manual by Kent Ballast, for ARE 4 & 5 (https://ppi2pass.com/)

- ARE Mock Exams by Gang Chen (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gang-Chen/e/B001JS00RK)

- NALSA - for ArchiFlash flashcards and Norman Dorf's ARE 4.0 Vignette Videos (https://www.nalsa.com/)

Online Resources and Forums

- ARE Coach (http://arecoach.com/coachforum/index.php)

- ARE Endurance (https://arendurance.wordpress.com/study-guides/)

- Caroline's / Jenny's Notes (mainly for CDS/PPP, they are scattered in different places so please do a Google search for them)

- Youtube

NCARB Resources

- ARE 4.0 Community: https://plus.google.com/communities/116031021237378921174

- ARE 5.0 Community: https://are5community.ncarb.org/hc/en-us/community/topics

- NCARB Blog

- NCARB's Youtube Channel

- NCARB ARE Handbooks for 4.0: http://www.ncarb.org/ARE/Preparing-for-the-ARE.aspx

- NCARB ARE Handbooks for 5.0: http://blog.ncarb.org/2016/November/ARE5-Study-Materials.aspx

Subscription Courses (Live/Online Seminars)

- Black Spectacles ARE Prep (endorsed by the AIA): https://blackspectacles.com/products/are-exam-prep

- David Thaddeus Structures Seminars: http://davidthaddeus.com/

- Michael Ermann Building Systems Courses: http://amber-book.com/

By Katharine Storr and Ben Lee

The AIA and the UK Architects Act

It is important that all members of the AIA UK Chapter are aware that the use of the title “architect” in the UK is protected under Section 20 of the Architects Act 1997. It can only be used in business or practice by someone who has had the education, training and experience needed to become an architect, and who is registered in the UK with the Architects Registration Board – the ARB.

Whereas most of our Chapter’s members are fully trained and experienced professionals, not all of us are ARB registered. Therefore, any member who claims to be an architect working in the UK without ARB registration could be prosecuted for committing an offence under the Act. If convicted, individuals would incur fines up to £2,500 (plus costs for each offense) and would also be stigmatised with a criminal record.

The ARB considers regulating the use of the title “architect” as one if its “highest profile activities”, and there is a possibility it could initiate legal proceedings against AIA architects unless individuals are seen to comply with the Act.

When this issue was brought to the Chapter’s attention in the 1990s, individual members began describing themselves “US registered architects”; narrowing the focus of their services; or taking other precautions. For many years, this common sense, low key approach left our members undisturbed. However, ARB has recently notified an AIA member of potential prosecution under the Act simply for using a “US qualified Architect” description and the “AIA” abbreviation on an international LinkedIn page.

It is therefore strongly recommended that American or other non EU registered architects working in the UK visit the ARB website for an overview of the Act. The short publication entitled “What we do to regulate use of the title “architect”” is the best starting point and can be found HERE.

If you are contacted by the ARB, we recommend that you return correspondence and proof to the ARB indicating that you will be attending to the violations listed quickly and efficiently. However, you should also seek whatever clarification is required direct from the ARB or from an independent legal advisor.

Although the UK Chapter is sending this warning to its membership, it is up to individual members - not the AIA - to ensure their own compliance.

The AIA UK Chapter must also consider its own situation in respect of the Act. As the Chapter is promoting the architecture in general and is not providing or advertising architectural services itself, we do not consider that we are in violation of the Act, nor is membership in the Chapter or participation in our events or governance a violation.

The AIA will continue discussions on this issue with the ARB and with the AIA National legal counsel, the RIBA and other involved parties to establish guidelines for compliance. One of our corporate sponsors, the legal firm Beale & Company, is also considering one of its future legal seminars to cover this and related topics.

We will, however, review our use of the individual title “architect” on our announcements, website and newsletters at least until we have confirmation from the ARB on what is acceptable usage. The ARB publication “What we do to regulate the use of the title “Architect”” is a good starting point for a basic understanding of the issues.

Some of the main points from that publication and other ARB correspondence are identified below, but we advise that you should also refer to the ARB’s website for more details and case studies:

• Anybody may provide architectural services in the UK, but they must not use the title “architect” if they are not ARB registered. The terms “architecture” and “architectural” are not protected, nor does there seem to be an embargo on other terms such as “designer”.
• Abbreviations that include the term “architect” – specifically RIBA - are subject to prosecution, but the ARB has made clear this would also include “AIA”.
• The use of the title “architect” is not acceptable even if qualified by denial of ARB registration or by reference to another jurisdiction (except for architects registered in the European Union where there are separate rules).
• The title “architect” can be used in a way that is not connected to building design or construction, for example as a software or landscape architect.
• As well as the basic marketing tools such as business cards and websites, the ARB takes evidence from other official documents such as planning applications. It is possible, for example, that architect’s appointment documents could be used, etc.
• Firms or partnerships can use “architect” in their business name as long as an ARB registered architect is in direct control of the architectural work.

We would like to hear from you if you have been approached by the ARB or are interesting in learning more about the topic. Please contact us by sending a message to secretary@aiauk.org. We will also keep you informed of any future developments

By Lorraine King, Secretary UK Chapter

EERO SAARINEN: THE ARCHITECT WHO SAW THE FUTURE

We started the 2017 Film Night series with the screening of  Eero Saarinen : The Architect Who Saw the Future. Many thanks to Peter Rosen Productions for getting the documentary to us very quickly, and affording us the rights for the first United Kingdom screening, shortly after it had aired on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) TV in the United States.

Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future, explores the life and visionary work of Finnish-American modernist architectural giant Eero Saarinen (1910-1961). Best known for designing St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch and New York’s TWA Flight Centre at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Saarinen also designed Yale University’s Ingalls Rink, The Morse & Ezra Stiles Colleges, Virginia’s Dulles Airport, and modernist pedestal furniture like the Tulip chair. His sudden death at age 51 cut short one of the most influential careers in American architecture. 

Saarinen’s son, director of photography and co-producer Eric Saarinen, visits the sites of his father’s work on a cathartic journey. The documentary also features rare archival interviews with Eero and his second wife, The New York Times art critic Aline Saarinen, as well as letters and quotations from Aline’s memoirs, voiced respectively by Peter Franzén and Blythe Danner. “Closure was something I didn’t have with my dad. But I forgive him for his genius,” said Eric Saarinen, ASC. “He figured out a way to be important across time, so even though he died young, he is still alive.”

The son of prominent Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen and textile designer Loja Saarinen, Eero was surrounded by design his whole life, as was his son Eric, whose mother Lily Saarinen was a sculptor, artist and educator. Immigrating at the age of 13 to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan USA, Eero attended Cranbrook Academy of Art, designed by Eliel --who taught there and became the school’s first president, as well as the chief architect of the Cranbrook campus, with Eero designing details like gargoyles and chairs. Eric also grew up at Cranbrook with his parents, grandparents, their friends & collaborators, including his godparents, designers Charles and Ray Eames. 

The film was sold out a day in advance, with continued demand for tickets high on the screening day. It was very well received by those in attendance, and the discussion that followed was very lively. Apologies to those who weren’t able to attend, but we hope to see you at our next screening on 07 March of Daniel Liebskind: Welcome to the 21st Century, at 1900hrs on 22 November at the BFI. 

We look forward to welcoming more of you to that and other screenings, and many thanks to all who have attended!

Author: Christopher Musangi AIA

DANIEL LIBESKIND: WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY

After the successful January screening of Eero Saarinen : The Architect Who Saw the Future, in March we screened another highly subscribed movie, Daniel Libeskind: Welcome to the 21st Century, which drew a lot of discussion. Daniel Libeskind is one of the most important architects of the 21st century - and one of the most controversial. At once sensual and intellectual, his architecture plays with the geometry of perception. In unifying form and function, his work engages with the philosophical debate surrounding the culture of buildings and their history. The German architect is well known for his modern, if not sometimes radical, designs for buildings throughout Europe and the world. In an interview with Christopher Langer in 1995 Libeskind points out that "I'm not one of those architects that believes that architecture is just a commodity, a disposal item and you should calculate how much it costs to demolish it now because it's going to be demolished tomorrow. I'm not obsessed with technology and all these myths about the future being solved through technological intervention or building. I think one has to worry about what is fable in all this change that is taking place."

The film highlighted Libeskind's work and followed the creative processes that give rise to his buildings. It threw special focus on the design of the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the debate surrounding The Spiral, the former planned extension to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

During the lively discussion that followed this screening, AIA Members and others in attendance, expressed strong interest in having another movie screened in the summer. We don’t typically screen movies in the summer, but the Board approved an additional screening due to increased demand. We look forward to seeing you at our first Summer screening in June!

Written by: Chris Musangi, AIA

AIA UK CHAPTER ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

AIA UK CHAPTER ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AIA UK Chapter Annual General Meeting is a unique mixture of social evening, continuing education event and business meeting all in one.  Following a long tradition from the 1990’s, this year’s AGM - held on Wednesday 18 January 2017 - was hosted by our long term sponsor, Herman Miller.

Herman Miller’s showroom provided an ideal background for socialising, including copious refreshments.  Mark Catchlove, Director of Herman Miller’s Knowledge & Insight Group, gave a presentation entitled “Fundamental Human Needs” that both amused and informed, while providing a welcome CEU for members.  The business side of the AGM was kept as succinct as possible, but the AGM remains as always the critical focus for the Chapter’s governance.

In addition to the essential approval of the Accounts and election of the new Board of Directors, this year’s business also included a motion to approve the revised Chapter Bylaws.  According to the new procedures, the AGM Minutes of Meeting are herein being emailed to the membership for review.   If there are no relevant additions, comments or modifications within the next month, they will be automatically approved.

2017 Board of Directors

OFFICERS

President: Fatos Peja, Int'l Assoc. AIA, RIBA
Vice President: Alex Miller Assoc. AIA
Secretary: Lorraine King, AIA
Treasurer: Anna Foden, Assoc. AIA

DIRECTORS

Lutz Barndt AIA
Amrita Raja, Assoc. AIA
Robert Rhodes, AIA
Bea Sennewald, AIA RIBA
Benjamin Lee, AIA  
Katharine Storr, AIA
Chris Musangi, AIA
Ecehan Esra Top, Int'l Assoc. AIA
Fariba Shirdel, AIA
Lester Korziliius, AIA RIBA
Michael Lischer FAIA
Yevgeniy Beylkin Int'l Assoc. AIA
Etain Fitzpatrick, AIA
Deborah Bartlett, Int'l Assoc. AIA

CHAPTER EXECUTIVE

Fiona McKay 

BOARD CORRESPONDENTS

Frederick Grier, AIA
Lulu Yang, Assoc. AIA
Nicholas Kehagias, AIA

READ MEETING MINUTES HERE