McGraw-Hill Construction Named Official Media Sponsor of AIA150

Washington (October, 2006) /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently announced that McGraw-Hill Construction (MHC) is the Official Media Sponsor of the AIA150, the 150th observance of the AIA’s 1857 founding. MHC president Norbert Young Jr., FAIA, was named honorary co-chair of the AIA150 celebration.

The theme of AIA150 is “Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future.” While the AIA150 will recognize important and historic milestones of AIA members, its primary effort is the “Blueprint for America,” a nationwide member volunteer community service initiative that brings AIA architects, citizens, and community leaders together to address specific needs and share in creating a vision for their communities’ current and future design priorities.

“This significant gesture by our strategic partner McGraw-Hill Construction further confirms their deep commitment to support AIA members in their mission to utilize the design process in helping communities achieve a better quality of life,” says Christine McEntee, AIA executive vice president/CEO. “Perhaps more telling of their commitment is the eager willingness of the McGraw-Hill team to join our efforts. I am delighted that Norbert Young, a long time and distinguished AIA member, has agreed to serve as honorary co-chair of AIA150.”

“McGraw-Hill Construction is proud to be the AIA150’s first Founder's Circle Member and we are excited about the prospects this affords us to be an active participant in the Blueprint for America (initiative), furthering McGraw-Hill Construction’s commitment to the design community, sustainability and interoperability,” says Young. “We congratulate the AIA on its 150 years of achievement and we look forward to a very productive partnership.”In addition to the Blueprint for America initiative, the AIA150 will also advance the public understanding of the role of architects in innovative ways, including a radio series entitled “The Shape of America,” a consumer poll to identify the 150 best American buildings, support for research and scholarships, and demonstration of a sustainable 21st century work place. Celebratory events will include National Architecture Week, April 9-14, 2007, in which AIA architects across the country will concurrently host events such as architecture-related lectures, exhibits, K-12 programs, and architecture week proclamation ceremonies.About the Blueprint for AmericaThe Blueprint for America is a nationwide initiative through which AIA architects engage with fellow citizens, professionals, mayors and other local government officials to collaborate on a community service program that addresses a community's distinct need. Through their state and local components, AIA architects will convene and participate in initiatives that emphasize community involvement and those which will focus on quality design as keys to improving a community’s livability. Blueprint initiatives are a gift to the community from the members of the AIA, and the members’ parti