News from National

Don’t miss the August 16 deadline

There’s just under one week left to enter your film in the AIA Film Challenge 2021. We know you want to wow the judges—just make sure to put the finishing touches on your short film and submit it by the August 16 deadline. It’s your chance to win up to $7,000, a virtual film screening, and the recognition you deserve.
Enter your film >

New 2021 Compensation Report available now

The newly updated 2021 AIA Compensation Report is now available! Get data for 44 positions in 31 states, 33 metro areas, and 18 cities, plus a free salary calculator. New coverage this year includes Hawaii and Utah, and the Honolulu, Milwaukee, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and Tampa metro areas. Learn more >

Firm billings for June 2021

AIA's Architecture Billings Index is a recognized leading indicator for nonresidential construction and is available to AIA members for free. June’s index reported another month of extremely strong business conditions, with an ABI score of 57.1. Over half of firms also reported problems filling open positions.
Learn more >

Navigating San Francisco’s Debris Recovery Requirements

The American Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE) recently released an updated Standard 170-2021. This course will outline Standard 170, which defines ventilation system design requirements that provide environmental control for health care facilities. Earn 1 LU/HSW. Learn more >

Call for submissions: 2021 AIA Upjohn Research Initiative Grants

The Upjohn program funds up to six research grants of $15,000-$30,000 per recipient annually for projects completed in a 6- to 18-month period. Research should be relevant and applicable to practicing architects. Upjohn research grant funding will be allocated to projects related to the priorities outlined in AIA's Climate Action Plan. Submit your proposal by September 1, 2021.

Some Progress but More Action Needed for Building Infrastructure Success

Your advocacy is working! The Senate-passed bipartisan infrastructure package (H.R. 3684) includes some important policies to improve the energy-efficiency and resilience of America's buildings. Click here to learn more about the building-sector specific policies in the bill and here to view the full bill.

This is a positive step forward, but there is much more to do. Why? 

First, because it might not become law. The House of Representatives may not pass this bill unless Congress hears from their constituents. They will not vote on the bill until after they return from recess in late September. 

Second, because additional investment in buildings is critically needed. H.R. 3684 is only the first of two infrastructure bills that Congress will consider this year - and the second bill still needs to be written. America's building stock currently produces roughly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. Millions of homes, civic centers, and hospitals are at high-risk for flooding, earthquakes, fires, and other disasters. Over 50% of school districts report significant maintenance backlogs, some severe enough to impact student and teacher health. 

This may be the best opportunity in a generation to upgrade the nation's critical buildings with significant investment in schools, hospitals, civic centers, and affordable housing. 

It is likely that the second bill will advance through a process known as Budget Reconciliation with only Democratic-member support. However, AIA believes that investing in high-performing buildings should not be partisan. Members of Congress from both parties should hear from architects about the importance of building infrastructure. 

Contact your Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to urge them to support investments in the building sector in BOTH infrastructure bills Congress will consider this year. Click here to read the letter and learn more. 

Mike Davis, FAIA
Chair, Government Advocacy Committee