Category: News
What Architects Need to Know About the 2020 Elections
Virtual Connect: Designing places that foster social collision
2021 Legislative Session Summary
Another legislative session has come to a close. This was an exciting year for AIA Colorado’s advocacy efforts with the passage of HB21-1147: Simplify Architects Continuing Education Requirement. Read on for highlights from the 2021 session, then join members of our Government Affairs Committee at noon on June 30 for a deeper dive on these and other 2021 bills that affect the architecture profession.
Thanks to all the members of our Government Affairs Committee and especially those on the legislative subcommittee. Their expertise and commitment are key to effective advocacy efforts.
HB21-1147: Simplify Architects Continuing Education Requirement
AIA Colorado drafted an update to our practice act to remove the language stating we must demonstrate retention of the information presented in continuing education courses. This means that soon we will no longer have to keep DORA forms or quiz scores for our CE records.
Don’t stop filling out those DORA forms out yet though! This bill won’t go into effect until September and the state AES Board must update its rules this summer, as well. We’ll share more details as soon as the draft rules and schedule are released.
HB21-1303: Global Warming Potential for Public Project Materials
The legislature recognizes that reducing embodied carbon of building materials is critical to climate action. We’re only just beginning to have this data available though. The goal of the bill is for more material suppliers to develop environmental produce declarations (EPDs) for their products and to encourage the selection of suppliers whose manufacturing and transportation embodied carbon levels are below national averages.
To achieve this goal, future state-owned building design/construction projects will set greenhouse gas limits for certain building materials (asphalt, concrete, glass, structural steel, wood structural elements). We expect to see these limits go into effect in 2024 after the Office of the State Architect develops policy details.
HB21-1286: Energy Performance for Buildings
With building sector operations being responsible for more than a quarter of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, the legislature wants existing buildings to improve energy efficiency. This bill tackles problem head-on with two requirements for most buildings over 50,000 square feet (though we expect this to expand in the future).
First, these buildings must submit annual energy benchmarking reports to the state using the Energy Star system. If this sounds familiar, it’s based on similar requirements already in effect in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins.
Second—and this is truly a paradigm shift for the building sector—every five years, the same buildings will have to submit performance reports. Standards will be developed later this year by a task force, which will include an architect member. Buildings below the performance threshold will have to make at least incremental energy improvements every five years until they are in full compliance with the standards. We’ll have more details on what this means for architects when the standards rule-making process begins.
Webinar Recap: Becoming an Architect
What are the paths toward being a licensed architect? It’s one of the most important professions in our nation and state. While Coloradoans love the outdoors in every sense, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs places shelter, as a base foundation to our existence along with food, air, and water. Architects are essential to life, yet how does one become an architect and help others survive and thrive in safety and prosperity?
During a recent AIA Colorado webinar, AIA Colorado Licensing Advisors Avik Ghua, AIA and Erik Okland, AIA, shared insights and avenues toward licensure. Following are just a few of the highlights, and you can view the AIA Colorado YouTube channel for the full recording.
- Four Steps. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), there are four major steps to obtain a license: 1) Education, 2) Experience, 3) Examination, and 4) Licensure and Certification. Education and experience can have various paths, so make sure the exact requirements are understood to best meet your timeline and personal and professional environment.
- Official agencies. The official organizations need to be understood: The NCARB, in collaboration with jurisdictions or state and territory licensing boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) manages licensing and registration for multiple professions, including architects. The NCARB website lists by state the individual state requirements and alternate options for licensure.
- Timeline. Taking a look at the timeline, the NCARB’s utmost mission is the safety of occupants in the building designed and stamped by licensed architects. Similar to doctors and dentists, this process is lengthy and demanding, yet doable. The average time from start to finish is about 13 years. The reward of licensure is worth the grit, grind, and wait, and AIA Colorado is here for its members in every step of the process. For those seeking to concurrently fast track the education, experience, and exam, the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) is a viable option.
- Education Paths. Accredited universities are a recommended path for education; however, non-accredited programs work as well for the State of Colorado. Check the National Architectural Accrediting Board for nationwide programs. The University of Colorado, Denver is on the accredited list, while other degree options and non-degree options are available in Colorado. The University of Colorado, Boulder meets alternative program criteria with its Environmental Design Degree. An encouraging trend is that diversity is improving; nearly half of the architectural school graduates are women.
- Experience (AXP). An important and necessary component of this process is gaining real-world experience alongside a licensed architect. Based on previous data, plan for about five years to finish this Architectural Experience Program (AXP). The experience areas include practice and project management, programming and analysis, project planning and design, project development and documentation and construction/evaluation. The total number of experience hours fluctuates from your degree type, including no degree for the State of Colorado.
- Examination (ARE). This is a six-part exam. Average exam-taking time is two years. Be prepared. You can do this! Find a mentor—AIA Colorado is here to help. The six exam divisions mirror the AXP experience areas, and the State of Colorado DORA will approve your eligibility to take the exam. Candidates can retake a division after 60 days and a maximum of three times a year. The exam can be taken at home, at a Prometric location, or a combination of both home and site. Candidates need to ensure their test areas and computers meet requirements. A free 30-minute pre-exam trial appointment is available to verify your computer and testing area at home meet requirements.
And finally, just to reinforce AIA Colorado’s commitment to you in this amazing journey, CEO Mike Waldinger said, “Don’t go it alone. We are here to help you find a mentor to gain another perspective and help you in the process.”
Licensure Stats for Colorado
- Experience: 132 completions out of 657 candidates reporting hours at a 20 percent completion rate.
- Examination: 38 completions out of 638 active testers. 1,033 divisions taken at a 48 percent success rate.
- Timeline: AXP is 4.7 years. ARE is 2.3 years.
- Licensure: 7,804 total licenses
Resources
- The AIA Colorado Licensing Advisors Avik Ghua, AIA and Erik Okland, AIA, can be reached by email.
- Visit the the NCARB website.
- The State of Colorado DORA website for Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyor
- View the full recording of this webinar at the AIA Colorado YouTube channel
Becoming an Architect: AXP, ARE, and Colorado Licensure
Design + Honor Awards: A Peek at the Process
Everyone enjoys being recognized for excellence. The good news is that AIA Colorado has continued to improve its process for its Annual Design + Honor Awards. To better understand the award procedures, the AIA Colorado Awards Committee Chair Marisol Foreman, AIA shared some insights during a recent webinar offering a peek at the process.
First, this year’s deadline to submit is June 15 at 5 p.m. MST. Plan and coordinate now! Submissions are received and can be accepted now at the AIA Colorado website. The submission page details submission guidelines and eligibility. The submission fee is $250 per entry.
Next, be familiar with the two Honor Award categories: 1) Individual Awards and 25-year Award; and 2) Firm and Young Firm Award.
Following are some tips to a successful submission:
- Use exceptional photography. An architect’s craft is visual; therefore, ensure your photos highlight and demonstrate your submission.
- Double-check your answers, the questions, and guidelines. Do not let an administrative error or comprehension limit your ability to be competitive. As always, reach out to the Awards Committee and have a mentor or coach to help with this process.
- Understand your audience—the jury. It’s architects communicating with architects. Have an experienced colleague review entries before submission.
What are the changes to this year’s award’s process?
This year, AIA Colorado will have diverse representation of jurors nationwide instead of a single chapter. This benefits award recipients who want to pursue regional or national awards. This expanded approach enables an easier scalability of awards submission and better outcomes at higher AIA levels.
Also, an Excel spreadsheet is now the entry document for submissions and helps award nominations at higher levels in AIA. The AIA Colorado Awards Committee recognizes the value of regional and national awards and has now streamlined the process to better position our members for additional submissions. AIA Colorado CEO Mike Waldinger said, “These thoughtful adjustments will elevate and hopefully translate into regional and national awards.”
AIA Colorado encourages you to plan, coordinate, and submit for this year’s Design + Honor Awards.
Design + Honor Awards: A Peek at the Process
Emerging from the Storm
Recap: Civic Activism and the Greater Good
Here are the questions that might be asked by community members… “Who made that building project decision?” or “Why are we building? Why here? And why now?”
Welcome to the challenging-yet-rewarding volunteer opportunity of citizen architects! AIA Colorado members donate their time and expertise by serving on commissions, boards, and neighborhood associations for the betterment of our community and architectural profession. To learn more about getting involved, AIA Colorado hosted the webinar, “Civic Activism and the Greater Good.” Four AIA Colorado architects shared their journeys of civic engagement: Christy Riggs, AIA; Henry Reitwiesner, AIA; Chris Green, FAIA; and Lauren Folkerts, AIA.
Christy Riggs is the principal and owner of 308 LLC in Colorado Springs. She serves on the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) Board of Review and PPRBD Advisory Board. She is a former Fire Board and Contractor Licensing Board member, as well. Of note, Riggs said she gained leadership skills and confidence having served as a leader for AIA South several years ago. Her volunteer service duties include interpreting codes and being part of the complaint and appeals process for licensed contractors. Riggs’ contracting licensing committee is more formal with televised public viewing and listening to legal teams. Her other service role at PPRBD involves making decisions on how to move forward with sound development, working with local governments throughout the Pikes Peak region. Her time commitment fluctuates from one hour a month to a day. These service opportunities span over several years with the opportunity to serve multiple terms. Overall, she said, “One volunteer opportunity led to another one.” Learn more about PPRBD.
Henry Reitwiesner, AIA is the Building Fund Executive Director at Academy School District 20. He serves on the Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development RetoolCOS Advisory Committee and is currently updating the community’s Comprehensive Plan for the physical development of Colorado Springs.
Reitwiesner’s involvement includes working with community stakeholders to revise zoning ordinances. He serves alongside an engineer, contractor, and homeowners and said, “The process is collaborative and seeks betterment for the community.” Helping to secure land 20 to 30 years out, he is ensuring that zoning and development is beneficial for the overall community. Reitwiesner asks questions like, “Are projects near the correct area with infrastructure and transportation?” Learn more about RetoolCOS
Chris Green, FAIA, is president of Ago Studios, Inc. in Eagle. He serves on the International Code Council’s (ICC) Sustainable Building Technology Committee (SBTC). A larger time commitment than previous service roles, Green has traveled around the country, listening and talking with influencers about ICC codes, standards, and guideline with relation to sustainability and high performance. Architects being part of the civic and community solution is imperative. As Green said, “Architects can process multiple things and take a lot of information and synthesize it into a solution.” Architects need to share experienced opinions to inform policy. Learn more about the International Code Council and SBTC.
Lauren Folkerts, AIA, is an architect at HMH Architecture + Interiors. She serves as chair of the City of Boulder Design Advisory Board (DAB) and is president-elect of the Colorado Green Building Guild (CGBG). Folkerts works alongside other board members to review projects for design plan compliance. She assists in the interpretation of codes and if project applicants are meeting that code. The DAB is resourced well and is a very methodical and structured environment as it advises on future development and projects for the City of Boulder. On the other side of the spectrum, the Colorado Green Building Guild is more agile and flexible in its community outreach while also involving more time from its volunteers. Networking, creativity and out-of-the-box green solutions are attributes of the CGBG team. Learn more about the DAB and about the CGBG.
These civic service opportunities make an impact on our communities and nation —today and in the future. We all know that everyone has an opinion on development. And we should. Landscapes and lives are affected. Not one of these is a sideline discussion. AIA Colorado CEO Mike Waldinger summed up the dialogue saying, “Politics is transactional and relational.” Get to know your government officials and stakeholders and talk about the projects you are working on to create a collaborative conversation for the betterment of all and our communities.
If you missed the presentation, you can view the full recording on the AIA Colorado YouTube channel.