NOTEWORTHYHow the Brain Perceives ArchitectureThe American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows has granted the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture the $100,000 Latrobe Fellowship grant to pursue research into how the human brain perceives architecture. The grant, named for architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, is awarded biennially by the AIA College of Fellows for research leading to significant advances in the architecture profession. In 2001, in order to have a greater national impact for research into architecture, the executive committee of the college voted unanimously to double the amount of the Latrobe Fellowship from $50,000 to $100,000 starting in 2003.The academy is a collaborative effort between the architectural community and neurosciences laboratories located in the San Diego, CA, area. Research fostered by the academy will create linkages between the two disciplines, and lead to better understanding of how those links relate to the human experience. The academy was organized by the AIA San Diego chapter."We greatly appreciate the support of the College of Fellows," said John P. Eberhard, FAIA, the author of the winning proposal. "Over the next two years, such studies promise to substantially change the understanding of our profession, that how we advise and serve our clients in the future will be altered forever." Eberhard added, "The Academy's work and the resulting 'predictive knowledge' will allow architects to scientifically assess the consequences of design decisions early and accurately and present them to clients with hard, verifiable data to back-up proposals and plans."For additional information on the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, visit www.neuroscienceforarchitecture.orgSelling Candidates on RelocationA firm's geographic location is the third biggest reason why architecture, engineering, planning and environmental consulting firms are having hiring difficulties, according to ZweigWhite's "2003 Successful Firm Survey." Relocation plays a significant part in a potential candidate's decision to make a career change, says Marlon Toon, a ZweigWhite Associate who specializes in recruiting services. "It's the employer's responsibility to ensure that a candidate's decision is based on the position itself and the career opportunity, rather than the added stress of finding appropriate living arrangements for his or her family," she added.Toon shares a few tips on how to avoid common problems associated with relocating executive candidates:
* Include the spouse in the recruiting process. "Although it's the candidate the firm is interviewing, employers must realize that the decision will be made with the spouse's input. If the spouse isn't sold on the opportunity and the area, the move will not happen," states Toon. * Set up an appointment with a local realtor. "Have a realtor show the candidate around the neighboring communities during the interview process. Familiarizing the potential candidate with the local market can only help the decision process," she says.* Provide information on the school system. "If a candidate has children, be sure they are able to make a smooth transition from one school system to another by providing information on local schools." * Finally, offer a lump-sum relocation package. "To really sell the firm and the opportunity, show the candidate the company is willing to go the extra mile to make sure his or her move is a seamless one. Asking for receipts for reimbursement is a turnoff, because it can only complicate an already stressful process," Toon concludes.ZweigWhite is a full-service management consultant. For more information, visit www.zweigwhite.com New Federal Form Could Catch Firms Off GuardArchitecture and engineering firms and software vendors are gearing up for the new Standard Form 330 (SF 330) that federal agencies will likely require for all project proposals before the end of the year. According to a recent article in the Revolutionary Marketing newsletter, many architecture and engineering firms could have difficulty preparing for the new form.SF330 will replace SF254 and SF255, the forms currently required of A/E firms seeking professional service contracts with federal agencies. The forms, which list a firm's qualifications and other pertinent information, have been under review for the last five years by an interagency ad hoc committee.The most difficult task for many A/E firms to prepare for the new form will be to improve how they collect and record project data required in new federal RFPs. Software companies serving the A/E industry are preparing products for the changeover, but cannot complete their work until the final form is released. Software vendors say they will be able to revise their products before the government begins mandating the use of SF 330, but admit that the deadline could be tight.For a complete copy of the April 7, 2003, article, contact Peter Fabris at (800) 466-6275, or e-mail: [email protected]Calls for EntriesThe International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) has launched its 21st Annual International Lighting Design Awards competition. The annual awards program recognizes lighting installations that illustrate the synergy of architectural and lighting design and display high aesthetic achievement backed by technical expertise. Projects from around the world have been recognized for their design excellence.New this year to the program is a Sustainability Design Award category in recognition of the growing importance of sustainable design. Any project submitted to the awards program may also be submitted for consideration under the Sustainable Design Award category, where the project will undergo an additional round of judging keyed solely to fulfillment of sustainable design principles.Submission deadline is December 1. Winners will be announced at Lightfair International in April 2004. More information can be found at www.iald.org* Antron" is now accepting entries for the 2003 Antron Design Award competition. Since 1983, the award has recognized those who are setting new standards of creativity in commercial interior design through the innovative use of carpet. Entries are judged first on creativity and originality of the carpet application, second on overall design innovation, and third on how well the design meets the client's business objectives and challenges.* Additionally, Antron is now accepting entries for its 2003 Sustainable Flooring Performance Award competition. The award recognizes sustainable interior design practices through the use of performance driven flooring in commercial carpet applications. In addition to aesthetics and functionality, entries will be judged on the ability of the design to meet company business objectives over time through sustainable material selection.All award entries must be received no later than September 12, 2003. Call for entry forms can be accessed by visiting antron.dupont.com.
* Include the spouse in the recruiting process. "Although it's the candidate the firm is interviewing, employers must realize that the decision will be made with the spouse's input. If the spouse isn't sold on the opportunity and the area, the move will not happen," states Toon. * Set up an appointment with a local realtor. "Have a realtor show the candidate around the neighboring communities during the interview process. Familiarizing the potential candidate with the local market can only help the decision process," she says.* Provide information on the school system. "If a candidate has children, be sure they are able to make a smooth transition from one school system to another by providing information on local schools." * Finally, offer a lump-sum relocation package. "To really sell the firm and the opportunity, show the candidate the company is willing to go the extra mile to make sure his or her move is a seamless one. Asking for receipts for reimbursement is a turnoff, because it can only complicate an already stressful process," Toon concludes.ZweigWhite is a full-service management consultant. For more information, visit www.zweigwhite.com New Federal Form Could Catch Firms Off GuardArchitecture and engineering firms and software vendors are gearing up for the new Standard Form 330 (SF 330) that federal agencies will likely require for all project proposals before the end of the year. According to a recent article in the Revolutionary Marketing newsletter, many architecture and engineering firms could have difficulty preparing for the new form.SF330 will replace SF254 and SF255, the forms currently required of A/E firms seeking professional service contracts with federal agencies. The forms, which list a firm's qualifications and other pertinent information, have been under review for the last five years by an interagency ad hoc committee.The most difficult task for many A/E firms to prepare for the new form will be to improve how they collect and record project data required in new federal RFPs. Software companies serving the A/E industry are preparing products for the changeover, but cannot complete their work until the final form is released. Software vendors say they will be able to revise their products before the government begins mandating the use of SF 330, but admit that the deadline could be tight.For a complete copy of the April 7, 2003, article, contact Peter Fabris at (800) 466-6275, or e-mail: [email protected]Calls for EntriesThe International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) has launched its 21st Annual International Lighting Design Awards competition. The annual awards program recognizes lighting installations that illustrate the synergy of architectural and lighting design and display high aesthetic achievement backed by technical expertise. Projects from around the world have been recognized for their design excellence.New this year to the program is a Sustainability Design Award category in recognition of the growing importance of sustainable design. Any project submitted to the awards program may also be submitted for consideration under the Sustainable Design Award category, where the project will undergo an additional round of judging keyed solely to fulfillment of sustainable design principles.Submission deadline is December 1. Winners will be announced at Lightfair International in April 2004. More information can be found at www.iald.org* Antron" is now accepting entries for the 2003 Antron Design Award competition. Since 1983, the award has recognized those who are setting new standards of creativity in commercial interior design through the innovative use of carpet. Entries are judged first on creativity and originality of the carpet application, second on overall design innovation, and third on how well the design meets the client's business objectives and challenges.* Additionally, Antron is now accepting entries for its 2003 Sustainable Flooring Performance Award competition. The award recognizes sustainable interior design practices through the use of performance driven flooring in commercial carpet applications. In addition to aesthetics and functionality, entries will be judged on the ability of the design to meet company business objectives over time through sustainable material selection.All award entries must be received no later than September 12, 2003. Call for entry forms can be accessed by visiting antron.dupont.com.
