AIBC Office Closure

Please note that the AIBC offices will be closed on Good Friday (March 29, 2013) and Easter Monday (April 1, 2013). The offices will re-open on April 2 at 8:30 a.m.

Third Edition: Bulletin 61 – Seal of an Architect

The third edition of Bulletin 61 – Seal of an Architect is now in effect. This edition provides substantive changes (indicated by sidebar) to Section 4: Who Can Apply the Seal, triggered by a council ruling to Bylaw 34.2 and supplemental rules. Minor updates have been made for syntax, clarity, improved organization, terminology and accuracy. Members are encouraged to review the entire bulletin.

Simon Fraser University City Program

Urban Design and Sustainable Community Development Certificate Programs Information Session
You are invited to attend a free information session to learn more about the Urban Design and Sustainable Community Development certificate programs that start September 2013. Taught by renowned practitioners and industry leaders, these certificate programs aim to equip mid-career professionals with the skills to impact their communities for the better. Whether it’s designing functional and sustainable places or advocating for sustainability at the local level, these certificate programs will give you the tools to achieve your professional and personal goals. It takes place Thursday, May 2, 2013, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Simon Fraser University Vancouver, Room 1325, 515 West Hastings Street. To reserve a seat, visit www.sfu.ca/reserve. For more information on SFU’s City Program, visit http://www.sfu.ca/content/sfu/continuing-studies/about/program-units/city-program/about-city-program.html.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Hycroft Evening Lecture Series: Successful Marriages – The House and its Garden
In this lecture, master gardener and author Christine Allen will illustrate how landscaping can be designed to suit and compliment a home’s architecture. It takes place Tuesday, April 16, 2013, 7:30-9:00 p.m. at University Women’s Club at Hycroft, 1489 McRae Avenue, Vancouver. Register online at  http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/learn-with-us/workshops-talks/evening-lectures/.

1.5 Non-core LUs

 

 

Brown Bag Talks: The Jeffs Residence
In this talk, developer James Evans will discuss the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Jeffs Residence, located at 1240 Salsbury Drive, into a high-density residential site. It takes place Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. at BCIT Vancouver Campus, Room 870, 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver. Register online at http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/learn-with-us/workshops-talks/brown-bag-lunch-learn/.

1.5 Core LUs

AIBC Council Minutes – March 12, 2013

The adopted March 12, 2013 AIBC Council minutes can be found here: 2013_03_March_12_Council_Minutes_adopted

March AIBC Council Meeting Summary

At its most recent meeting on Tuesday, March, 12, 2013, AIBC Council considered a wide range of matters including:

• A Finance Committee report that touched upon the review process for finance-related council policies. Approval was given for a resolution, to be brought forth at the June 1 annual meeting, calling for the reappointment of Wolrige Mahon LLP the institute’s auditor for the coming fiscal year. Council also approved a new policy regarding Council Members’ Expenses, revising the process for approving such expense claims.
• A report from the Governance Committee, which continues to review council’s 3.0 (Governing Process) and 4.0 (Council –Executive Director Relationship) policy suites.
• An Intern Architect Registration Expediting Committee report that called for related information sessions to be considered as part of the professional development program for the 2013 Annual Conference in October.
• A status report from the Associate Options Task Force, now in the process of reviewing the regulation of associates by other professional regulators, considering legal opinions and engaging in consultation with associate groups in order to determine a clear course of action to be shared at the annual meeting.
• A report from the Registration Board, including preparations for the recently-introduced Examination for Architects in Canada for B.C. intern architects, which will be available beginning June 1, 2013.
• AIBC approval of a proposed Mutual Recognition Agreement between the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards which, if adopted, will facilitate cross-border recognition of certified architects in both Canada and the United States.
• Information from council’s Strategic Planning Working Group, which has engaged an external consultant to lead a comprehensive planning process.
• Updates to council’s Professional Development policies, which were tabled pending the report from council’s Associates Options Task Force.

Council also passed motions pertaining to various consent items dealing with financial, governance and professional practice policy compliance, committee changes, examination results and registration amendments. The next scheduled meeting of AIBC Council is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2013, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the AIBC Offices (#100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver).

Construction Industry Group Calls For Government Crackdown on ‘Unscrupulous Contractors’ in Metro Vancouver

By Jessica Barrett, Vancouver Sun
March 25, 2013 

A group of construction professionals is pressing the federal government to crack down on “unscrupulous contractors” they say have made it impossible for law-abiding companies to compete in the industry. In a letter sent to Public Safety Minister Vic Toews last week, Wayne Cox, executive secretary-treasurer of the B.C. Regional Council of Carpenters, said the problem of unethical payroll practices and illegal workers in the Lower Mainland is rampant. More … http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Construction+industry+group+calls+government+crackdown/8150533/story.html.

2013 BCSLA Annual Conference, Showcase and AGM

Depth of Field
The BCSLA premiere event of the year for landscape architects in B.C. will be held April 26-27, 2013 at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel. The program is always evolving due to speaker availability. Click Preliminary Program & Registration Form (PDF) for all the latest updates. Register by 12:00 p.m. on April 11, 2013 to take advantage of early bird rates.

 

Sustainable Region Initiative

The Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues and Sustainability Community Breakfasts are outreach components of Metro Vancouver’s Sustainable Region Initiative. They involve a series of high-profile debates and discussions intended to help decision makers shape the future of the region by presenting a range of views and stimulating fresh thought on regional issues such as housing, industry, labour and immigration, drugs and crime, regional economy, transportation, energy and agriculture. Please check the web site often to find out about future dialogues in your community.

Sustainability Dialogues: Paying For Our Cities
By most accounts, the Metro Vancouver region is in an enviable position – renowned for its livability, natural beauty and pursuit of a sustainable future. Yet, the pressure to compete in a global economy combined with a growing population, expanding cities, and aging infrastructure is creating significant regional challenges for local governments and citizens. Services that keep people healthy, safe and active every day – such as transit systems, parks, playgrounds, clean drinking water, recycling services, garbage disposal and waste reduction – are costly. They need infrastructure that must be maintained, renewed and replaced over time. But who pays and how? Are increases in property taxes, user fees or government transfers in the form of grants the answer? And if so, what is the role of different levels of government in easing the burden on citizens? Are there other roles to be played by businesses? What might be the full range of financing and design strategies that can keep our region healthy, safe, livable and sustainable? The latest in our Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues will feature, among others, representatives of the Canada West Foundation, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Translink, KPMG Management Consulting, and locally elected officials. Check online (http://www.metrovancouver.org/region/dialogues/Pages/default.aspx) for details as additional panellists are confirmed. They take place at the following locations and times:

 

Vancouver –  Tuesday, April 9, 2013
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon)
Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue
580 West Hastings Street
Register at http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=187

 

South of the Fraser – Wednesday, April 10, 2013
3:30 – 6:00 p.m. (light refreshments from 3:30  to 4:00 p.m.)
Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Club
7778 – 152nd Street, Surrey
Register at http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=188

 

North Shore – Tuesday, April 16, 2013
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon)
Eagles Hall
170 West 3rd, North Vancouver
Register at http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=189

 

Central Northeast – Wednesday, April 17, 2013
3:30 – 6:00 p.m. (light refreshments from 3:30  to 4:00 p.m.)
Executive Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre
405 North Road, Coquitlam
Register at http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=190

 

These dialogues are a key component of Metro Vancouver’s Sustainable Region Initiative, and are intended to help the citizens of Metro Vancouver shape the future of the region by presenting a range of views to challenge and stimulate discussion on significant regional issues. Metro Vancouver’s view is that the exploration of new and innovative approaches to regional issues by a broad spectrum of interested stakeholders is fundamental to the ongoing livability and sustainability of our region, and your participation in these dialogues is encouraged and greatly valued.

Tiny Plots of Land Hold The Promise of Big Change in Gritty Neighbourhoods

By Frances Bula, The Globe and Mail
March 26, 2013 

The little lots that are predicted to transform Vancouver’s gritty Downtown Eastside and Chinatown are invisible to many. But they’re everywhere and they’re the future of those neighbourhoods, say architects who are working on small, unusual projects that are aimed at bringing a new look and new people into the area while respecting what’s already there. More … http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/tiny-plots-of-land-hold-the-promise-of-big-change-in-gritty-neighbourhoods/article10417018/.

Member Advisory: Translink RFP Q13-017

RE:  Translink  RFP Q13-017: SeaBus Terminals and Administration Building Envelope Rehabilitation – Design Services
Deadline: April 5, 2013

Concerns regarding this recent Request for Proposals have been brought to the attention of the AIBC. Having reviewed the above-noted RFP, the institute is obliged to issue the following cautions.

In order for architects to propose professional services fairly and ethically, they must be apprised of critical information by the client. This RFP for architectural services does not meet the mandatory criteria for proposal calls, as articulated in AIBC Bulletin 64: Proposal Calls and Related Issues.

In this particular RFP, architects are required to submit a fixed fee for services without being provided the construction budget, or a clear and finite scope of work. The RFP itself states the extent of work required is uncertain, and within the stated scope of work is the determination of what work will be necessary, and establishing a budget for that work.  An architect cannot responsibly propose a fixed fee for work of uncertain scope and unstated budget. By asking for hourly rates and estimates of the number of hours required, this is de facto asking for a fixed fee.

A number of options are available to meet the objective of receiving proposals that can be compared fairly and the determining the most appropriate architect for this project. For example, a fixed fee can be solicited for the building envelope investigation work, options analysis and preliminary design report, along with either a percentage of construction cost fee proposal or an hourly rate (but not number of hours) fee proposal provided for the remainder of the work.

It is not possible for architects or engineers to accurately estimate the number of hours required to do a job if the extent of that job is unknown. In this instance, it does not serve Translink’s (or any client’s) interests to receive inaccurate, “low-ball” fee proposals and then have the price escalate beyond that which others had proposed. Also, it does not serve the interest of a public body, with an obligation to spend responsibly, to have proponents “cushion” their fees to allow for uncertainty of project scope as would be required of a careful proponent in this RFP scenario. This issue was identified by some proponents who noted that Addendum #1, Items 3.0 and 4.0 respond (negatively) to requests for consideration of alternate fee structures and request that a budget be provided.

Once the scope of work has been determined (that is, after the investigation and preliminary report), Translink can negotiate a fixed fee, based on the previously submitted hourly rates or percentage of construction cost, with their selected architect for the remainder of the work.

Despite the efforts of architects hoping to respond to this RFP, and the AIBC’s own attempts to bring the RFP in line with the requirements of AIBC Bulletin 64: Proposal Calls and Related Issues, the institute regretfully advises members that they risk charges of unprofessional conduct were they to submit proposals per the requirements of this RFP. This applies to architects proposing as the prime consultant as well as architects working with a building envelope engineering firm as the prime consultant.  Note that the work in this RFP requires an architect per the Architects Act.

Appreciation goes to the many firms that took the time to contact the institute and bring these matters to its attention.

Maura Gatensby Architect AIBC
Practice Advisor

University of British Columbia Continuing Studies Centre for Sustainability

Introduction to Energy Modelling For The Built Environment

This 12-hour course offers a conceptual understanding of energy modelling to developers, architects, designers, engineers, project managers and planners. Learn common terminology, business practices and principles of energy modelling. Examine future directions, requirements, and government policy affecting the industry. This course will enable participants to:

• Learn how energy is used in buildings, and the primary factors that influence energy consumption in buildings;
• Gain a high level understanding of what tools are available for modelling energy use in buildings, including for what purposes different tools are best suited;
• Understand the basic information required to build an energy model and how long a typical energy model process takes; and,
• Understand the applications for energy models in regard to design assistance; LEED and other sustainability rating systems; building permit applications; and energy optimization programs.

This course takes place over four Tuesdays from May 7- May 28, 2013, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at UBC Robson Square, 800 Granville Street, Vancouver. For more information and to register, visit http://cstudies.ubc.ca/sustainability/professional-credentials/index.html.

12 Core LUs

 

 

LEED® Green Building Strategies And Green Associate Exam Preparation

This 10-session, 36-hour course provides comprehensive preparation for the LEED Green Associate exam, a first step towards becoming a green building practitioner. The LEED Green Associate credential distinguishes practitioners with a sound knowledge of green design, construction and operations. Designed by the Canada Green Building Council, this course provides an overview of the techniques, approaches, materials and technologies used in the LEED rating systems. Using a wide range of examples, case studies and site visits, it will enable participants to:

• Understand the imperative for a green transformation of our built environment;
• Explain the key components of the LEED rating system;
• Apply core concepts and strategies to achieve success using the LEED rating system; and
• Determine where different LEED rating systems can be applied.

No previous experience is required, and participants will be eligible and prepared to write the LEED Green Associate Exam upon successful completion of this course. It takes place over four Tuesdays and Thursdays (6:30-9:30 p.m.) and two Saturdays (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) from May 9 – June 4, 2013, at UBC Robson Square, 800 Granville Street, Vancouver. For more information and to register, visit http://cstudies.ubc.ca/sustainability/professional-credentials/index.html.

36 Core LUs

 

 

Energy Modeling Processes And Methodology For The Built Environment

Professional energy modeling for buildings requires an understanding of how to model in uncertain environments (such as buildings under design) and knowledge of software tools and techniques to create energy models. In this hands-on, computer-based 18-hour workshop, participants will learn the methodology of using energy modelling as a design tool while gaining practical experience using various modeling technologies for the built environment. Develop your understanding of energy inputs, including how to ask the right kinds of questions, perform parametric analysis, interpret results, and effectively communicate your findings. This course is designed for professionals working in the built environment – architects, engineers, cost accountants, consultants and project managers – as well as individuals seeking a career in energy modeling. It will enable participants to effectively use energy as a construct for building design and development. This four-session course takes place over two Thursdays (6:30-9:30 p.m.) and two Saturdays (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) from June 6 – June 15, 2013 at UBC Robson Square, 800 Granville Street, Vancouver. For more information and to register, visit http://cstudies.ubc.ca/sustainability/professional-credentials/index.html.

18 Core LUs

NCARB Blackout Period

As announced in September 2011, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards is making technical changes in the management of its Architect Registration Examination program data, effective July 1, 2013. While Prometric will continue to be the site management consultant, Alpine Testing Solutions Inc. will be assuming responsibility for ARE content and candidate management. In order to facilitate this change, there will be an estimated eight-week blackout period for ARE candidates. This means:

• No exam appointments may be scheduled on or after July 1 until the blackout period ends in late-August;
• Beginning July 1, no exams will be administered until the blackout ends;
• The last day to take an exam before the blackout is June 30;
• The last batch of exams taken on or before June 30 will be scored by Prometric prior to data migration to Alpine Testing Solutions; and
• The last day to contact Prometric to receive authorization to test/candidate ID numbers is June 30.

 

NCARB will grant all candidates an automatic 12–week extension to the rolling clock post-blackout. Also, while there will be no changes to exam content post-blackout, the process to schedule an exam appointment and receive score reports will be different.

Note: The AIBC will not have access to the candidate database during the blackout and thus will not be able to enter or create exam eligibilities or update contact information during this time.

For further details, go to www.ncarb.org/en/ARE/ARE-Portal .

Starting Your Own Architecture Firm: Challenges For Women

Architizer
March 20, 2013

Starting your own firm is a challenge for all architects. But women face an extra set of battles, from breaking out of the residential and interiors game to finding some semblance of a work-family balance in a profession that frequently demands a 60-hour work week. Not to mention that the stats are still very much stacked against women, who earn roughly 41% of the architecture degrees but make up just 17% of the ranks of principals and partners. We can’t all be Zaha! (Even if we were, we’d still have lots to complain about.) More … http://www.architizer.com/en_us/blog/dyn/79565/starting-your-own-architecture-firm-challenges-for-women/.

Council of Education Facility Planners International – British Columbia Chapter

CEFPI Spring 2013 Conference: Exploring Personalized Learning

Plan on attending the CEFPI spring conference, “Exploring Personalized Learning”, taking place Thursday to Friday, April 25-26, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre, 711 West Broadway, Vancouver. Take part in guided tours of Lord Kitchener Elementary, where a new school building has been connected to an existing heritage school; and University Hill Secondary, the site of the former U.B.C. National Research Council building which, through renovation and expansion, has been transformed into a new 800-student capacity school. Other conference highlights include keynote speaker Dr. Susan Rundle, who will discuss demographics, socioeconomic realities, shifting public policy, classroom diversity and many other of the countless factors to be considered when designing schools today. Combine this with the goals of improving education and increasing performance , and the result demands a reshaping of the classroom landscape – moving from teacher-centered classrooms to learning-centered spaces. There will also be an update from the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Program sessions include:

• Personalized Learning: Cognitive Apprenticeship;
• How Evidence-Based Design Can Help Improve Learning Environments;
• Case Study – Energetic Learning Campus After Two Years, How Personalized Learning is Occurring; and
• Case Study – Lessons Learning in Integrating Design with Personalized Learning in Vancouver’s New Schools

For more information and to register, visit http://www.cefpi.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3305.

Full day conference: 5 core LUs

Tours: maximum 2 core LUs