AIA Washington Council

AIA Architects Recommend Changes to Port Angeles

2009-11-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

The Peninsula Daily News reported that the “city of Port Angeles is working its way through the 85 recommendations made by the American Institute of Architects to determine which ones are feasible to undertake now and which should be put into long-term plans”.

The article goes on to note that there are some dramatic suggestions from the AIA that include - to "decouple" First and Front streets and make them both two-lane roads which will reconfigure how bicycles and pedestrians navigate the city.

You can read all the AIA Architect's recommendations in their report here , or visit the city's Web site at http://tinyurl.com/ybzpbsm.

This report, based on a three-day visit from a six-member AIA design team in March, was funded by a $15,000 grant and $5,000 from the city. The city has selected 30 of the recommendations as feasible to do in the near future.

You can read the entire article here.

2009 Election Update

2009-11-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

While all of the ballots have been cast, most likely less than half have been counted. Washington’s vote-by-mail system significantly prolongs elections on the beginning and end of Election Day. In fact, Election Day has truly just become “Organize the ballots and count a few day.”

Nevertheless, some elections are clear enough to be called. To learn more about the Washington State General Election Results visit the Secretary of State at: http://www.secstate.wa.gov/.

Republicans Sweep Legislative Races

There were three legislative races held this year (all special elections) in the 9th 15th and 16th Districts.

The 9th District had two Republicans face-off in a “top two” election. Businesswoman Susan Fagan won that election. Notably, she is employed at Schweitzer Engineering and has links to the design profession.

In the 5th District, appointed incumbent, David Taylor, was easily re-elected. Of course, it didn’t hurt that his Democratic opponent dropped out of the race, endorsed him, and then moved to California.

The only seat to switch parties was the 16th District; where appointed incumbent Laura Grant (D) lost to Terry Nealy (R), who has roughly 58 percent of the vote.

This is the second consecutive election where the Washington House Republicans have gained a seat.

Architects Get Mixed Results in their Elections

There were several races with AIA members or other architects on the ballot.

The most notable race is for Tacoma Mayor; where Jim Merritt, FAIA, is locked in a tight battle. He trails by less than one percentage point, 117 votes. There are too many ballots that remain uncounted to determine the outcome of the Tacoma Mayoral race. It could take days, or even more than a week, for this race to be decided.

David Cooper, AIA, is winning re-election to be Mayor of Yarrow Point with about 66 percent of the vote.

Cynthia Richardson, AIA, was unopposed for her reelection to the Anacortes City Council.

John Cheney, AIA, is losing his reelection bid for Mount Vernon City Council. He has served on the council since 1985.

In the general election the final Washington architect of note, but non-AIA member, is Patsy Bonincontri. Bonincontri is running for Bellevue City Council. She was appointed to the position and is trailing at 48 percent. However, there is still a large number of ballots to be counted.

Ballot Measures

There were two, high-profile, statewide, ballot measures and a few local measures that the AIAWA tracked.

Initiative 1033 would have limited tax increases and required voters to approve new taxes. It is garnering only 44 percent of the vote and is expected to fail.

Referendum 71, “concerning rights and responsibilities of state-registered domestic partners” is narrowly passing with 51 percent of the vote. The election is very close and it is difficult to know the fate of this measure until more votes are counted.

In Spokane, three measures creating a “community bill of rights” are failing badly. This package of measures included many anti-business and anti-development provisions. Proposition 4, the main measure, was losing with over 75 percent of voters rejecting it.

In Seattle, the AIA Seattle supported, Proposition 1 is passing with 64 percent. The proposition creates a seven year property tax increase to “fund affordable housing and other housing needs of low-income households.”

National Results

Nationally, the Republicans won three key elections: the Virginia Governor, the New Jersey Governor and the New York City Mayor. These elections are seen as pivotal due to historical data. These elections often signal changes in party leadership.

Four years ago several Democrat wins in Virginia and New Jersey were seen as a repudiation of President George W Bush’s politics. The following year, Democrats had gains in the US House and Senate.

In 1993, Republican victories in these races were a harbinger of a Republican landslide in the 1994 midterm election. The midterm election, held during President Bill Clinton’s first term, led to more than a decade of GOP Control in the Congress. This year’s election results could be a cautionary flag to the Democrats and President Obama.

Don’t Forget to Support the Architects PAC for Washington

While the 2009 election season is rapidly receding, the AIAWA and the Architects PAC are preparing for 2010. In 2010, the entire Washington House and half of the Senate will be up for election. These races are getting more expensive every year. If AIAWA is to continue to have legislative success, then we must prepare for electoral success with the right candidates.

Your financial contribution to APAC helps us to project a strong image of the AIA to legislators and candidates. Previous success in electing architect-friendly lawmakers has resulted in legislative success. You can support APAC online at http://www.aiawa.org/apac.html.

Your Opinion is Needed

2009-11-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Would a materials research lab, geared toward design professionals, be a useful resource for you? An AIA architect, the Portland Development Commission, and an extensive group of professionals in various design disciplines (architectural, industrial, apparel, etc) are working to answer that question.

A survey has been created to gauge interest for the lab amongst professionals. The AIAWA felt that making this survey available could be valuable to the profession.

The survey aims to uncover the feasibility of establishing a materials lab in the western United States. Establishment of a lab is the first step in a larger vision to develop a Creative Exchange on the west coast. The survey should only take a few minutes to complete.

Please click here for the survey (or cut and paste this address: https://lcb.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_a5EXe3thMyZ1Igc&SVID=Prod)

Feel free to forward this survey to other professionals, friends, colleagues, and organizations/associations in the creative industries

The Seattle Housing Levy

2009-10-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Since, AIA Seattle is dedicated to promoting sustainability in the built environment they urge a YES vote for Proposition 1, the Seattle Housing Levy, also known as Yes for Homes.
Renewal of the Housing Levy will:

Provide 1,850 affordable homes serving thousands of families and individuals over the next 50 years.
Continue to help our most vulnerable neighbors including seniors, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and working families.
Create design and construction jobs that are sorely needed in our community.

Successful passage of the 2009 Housing Levy is especially relevant to the architectural community in the following ways:

Jobs and the Economy
An inflow of affordable housing projects can assist the architectural community through one of the toughest times in our industry and help provide jobs for the thousands both in architecture and our allied professions to help spur our economy and keep Seattle moving.

Livable Communities
Seattle architects are dedicated to promoting livable communities beyond the building envelope. Livable communities include a wide variety of housing for all income levels.

Civic Engagement
The spirit of civic education and engagement is encouraged and applauded within the architectural profession and has been formally adopted as a profession-wide policy. Support of the Seattle Housing Levy is a natural extension of the work of civically-engaged architects in increasing the quality of life in our communities.

If you would like more information about AIA Seattle’s stance on Proposition1 please visit: www.aiaseattle.org.

Seattle Firms Recognized for their Forward-thinking Approach to Urban Living

2009-10-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

During the last weekend of September, eleven projects from Seattle architects were recognized for designs that answered the question: What is the future of urban living and where does architecture fit in?

The architecture firms were recognized during FutureShack; which was held in conjunction with residential architect magazine's Reinvention Symposium, in Seattle. The program boasted 300+ attendees and Steve Scher, of KUOW’s Weekday, as the moderator.

FutureShack is a new residential architecture program that celebrates progressive solutions for urban living across a wide range of building types, budgets, constraints, and social agendas.

Submittals were from around the region and were judged by two separate juries - one comprised of outspoken members of the public and another comprised of design professionals.

An online gallery of all 73 projects submitted by local firms can be found here: http://futureshack.aiaseattle.org/.

The juries of design professionals and non-design professionals picked the eleven winners from these 73 projects because their approach soared beyond typical residential design.

The eleven recognized firms are:

ruffcorn mott hinthorne stine
The Miller/Hull Partnership
GGLO
Prentiss Architects
b9 Architects
Workshop Architecture Design
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
SMR Architects
Adams Mohler Ghillino Architects
Johnston Architects
Ross Chapin Architects

L&I Holds Public Hearings on Proposed Workers' Comp Rate Increases

2009-09-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) announced an increase to workers’ compensation insurance premiums for 2010; however they are lower than predicted. The expected average increase was to be 15-20% next year. L&I Director Judy Schurke today proposed an average increase of 7.6%.

“We have pushed this proposed rate increase down to the lowest possible level given the uncertain state of our recovery from this deep recession,” Schurke said.

With an increase of 7.6 percent, average premiums would go up by about 4 cents per hour worked. The proposed increase is an average for all Washington employers. Individual employers could see their rates go up or down, depending on their recent claims history and changes in the frequency or cost of claims in their industry.

You can attend a public hearing to comment before the final 2010 rates are adopted. There are six hearings that will be held in different areas across the state. You can attend a hearing in/on:

Tukwila: Oct. 27, 1 p.m., L&I Office, 12806 Gateway Dr.
Tumwater: Oct. 28, 10 a.m., L&I Headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way S.W.
Vancouver: Oct. 28, 10 a.m., Red Lion Inn at the Quay, 100 Columbia St.
Bellingham: Oct. 29, 1 p.m., Bellingham Quality Inn, 100 E. Kellogg Road
Spokane: Oct. 30, 9 a.m., Spokane Airport Ramada, 8909 W. Airport Dr.
Richland: Oct. 30, 2 p.m., Richland Hampton Inn, 486 Bradley Blvd.

Written comments, accepted through Nov. 7, may be e-mailed to Ronald Moore, Employer Services Program Manager, or mailed to him at the Department of Labor & Industries, P.O. Box 44140, Olympia, WA 98504-4140. Faxed comments should go to 360-902-4729.

WA Supreme Court Dealt Blow to Tort Reform

2009-09-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Today the LRC issued a press release that discussed the results of the recent State Supreme Court decision, Putman v. Wenatchee Valley Medical Center. The decision effectively ends the certificate of merit statute.

The AIAWA is one of the founding members of the Liability Reform Coalition (LRC) and a longtime advocate for certificate of merit, which has been enacted in a dozen states.

What the certificate of merit does in the physician liability system is require a plaintiff to provide a qualified expert, at the time of filing a lawsuit. The expert must be willing to state there is a probability that the defendant's conduct did not meet the required standard of care.

The State Supreme Court tossed out the certificate of merit declaring it unconstitutional. It’s noteworthy that the trial court found not having a certificate of merit unconstitutional - the opposite ruling. The LRC writes, "In the 2006 legislative session, personal-injury lawyers and physicians negotiated several modest liability reform measures, one of which was the certificate of merit. Over the past three years these reforms have incrementally aided in the fight to end lawsuit abuse in the medical liability arena."

With the certificate of merit no longer required the door for frivolous law suits has been opened. The AIAWA was considering seeking a certificate of merit law for design lawsuits; this now seems like an impossibility. You can read the entire ruling by the court here.

Pending U.S. Legislation that will Affect Energy Codes.

2009-09-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

According to an article written by Architecture 2030, the current U.S. House Bill, H.R. 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, is vital to AIA goals. The bill was passed by the House and is now on the U.S. Senate floor pending a vote.

The article highlights just how important the passage of this bill is, “ No matter what else is compromised or changed in the climate bill working its way through the Senate, Section 201 must not be changed or weakened. Why? Because all other energy and emissions reduction approaches pale in comparison to what Section 201 will accomplish. Without it, we simply cannot meet the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets called for in the bill. We won’t even come close.”

The article goes on to highlight how the new building energy codes will change current standards. You can read the entire article here.

Pending Rulemaking on Renewable Energy

2009-09-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

The Department of Revenue is holding a public meeting regarding Renewable Energy System Cost Recovery (Rule 273 - WAC 458-20-273).

The meeting will be held:
September 22, 2009 @ 10:00 AM
WA State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC)
19010 - 1st Avenue South
Burien, Washington 98148

The public meeting will examine amendments to Rule 273 due to the passage of Senate Bill 6170, which is the new legislation that amended the rule.

The effects of the new legislation are:
(1) increases the annual payment limitations to consumers,
(2) increases the limitations on the incentive payments made by participating light and power businesses,
(3) changes the formula used to determine payment amounts based on "economic development kilowatt-hours," and
(4) extends the incentive program to community solar projects.

You can see the agenda for the meeting and find out additional information by clicking here.

Architects Put Themselves Before the Voters

2009-08-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

Two architects went before the voters in last Tuesday’s primary election. While they were not successful in making it past the primary, they put important issues before the voters.

Marty Kaplan, AIA, was in a tough three-way race for Seattle City Council. He was running against an entrenched incumbent and a popular challenger. He was able to garner about 15% of the vote. Marty put issues on the table that other candidates were not able to articulate, such as city planning and development’s impact on jobs, economic development and strengthening of neighborhood communities.

Matt Gregory, AIA, was also in a difficult three-way primary race for Kirkland City Council. He received roughly 24% of the vote. Matt was successful in getting the endorsement of the Seattle Times. The Times noted Gregory’s experience as an architect and on the planning commission as making him well qualified for the post.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…”

The AIA|WA congratulates Marty and Matt for being courageous enough to put themselves in the arena, for tackling the tough issues in their communities and for putting positive visions before the voters. While they may not have found success before the electorate, their communities are better for them having been in their races.

Another architect running for local office this year, Jim Merritt, FAIA, did not have a primary in his bid for Tacoma Mayor. He automatically advances to the general election in November. You can follow his campaign efforts at his website: http://www.merrittformayor.com. You can also listen to an online interview with Jim at http://themelononline.com/podcast/2009/JimMerrittFINAL.mp3. In the interview he discusses how his work as an architect positively impacts the community and prepares him for public service.

Are you interested in supporting quality candidates for public office? You can through the Architects PAC. APAC researches candidates running for office in Washington State and supports those who can best help implement the larger vision for Washington architects. Read more about APAC and how you can support its efforts at: http://www.aiawa.org/apac.html.

New Law Impacts State Funded Residential Projects

2009-08-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

A new law, effective 07/26/09, amends RCW 39.12.030 regarding awarding agency public works contract specifications. The law states: if an agency grants a contract and concludes the work entailed fits the definition of residential construction the contract must state that. [See SB 5903. A link to the law is provided below.]

The law also states that if workers on a project were paid residential minimum wage rates and its later determined that the project is actually considered commercial construction then all workers on the project must be paid the difference between residential and commercial minimum wage.

L&I stated that it “encourages agencies to exercise caution in designating residential construction rates in contract specifications, and is available to provide assistance on the issue.”

You may find a review of Prevailing Wage Policies 11242008, 10272008, and 07282008 helpful. You may access these policies through the links provided below. For further information, please contact L&I, Prevailing Wage, at pw1@Lni.wa.gov or 360-902-5335.

Links:

The New Law, Senate Bill 5903

Prevailing Wage Policies
11242008 (PDF)
10272008 (PDF)
07282008 (PDF)

Honored AIA Member Passes

2009-07-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

Evan Cruthers, FAIA, retired President and CEO of Media Five Ltd., passed away after a long illness in Port Angeles, Washington, on July 23, 2009.

Cruthers was greatly involved in AIA activities. In 1987 he served as the President of the Hawaii Component; in 1990 became a member of the AIA National Board; and in 1991 was elected Region Director at the Whistler, B.C. Region Conference. He served alongside James R. McGranahan, FAIA as junior director. In 1993 he assumed the position of senior director.

For 28 years Cruthers worked for Media Five Architectural firm. He started there in 1972 and retired as President and CEO in 2000. Cruthers was the catalyst for the firm’s international growth into Japan, Australia and California. With his work on the USS Arizona Hall, Cruthers was one of the first architects to recognize sustainability. He will be deeply missed.

Cruthers is survived by his wife and family. Donations may be made in his name to 1st Presbyterian Church of Port Angeles, 139 W. 8th Street, Port Angeles, Washington 98632.

NGA Endorses 2030 Goals

2009-07-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

The AIA has received press coverage from the New York Times regarding its 2030 goals. What garnered the attention of the paper was an endorsement by the National Governors Association (NGA) as part of their resolution on energy efficiency.

Washington State was at the forefront of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the passage of Senate Bill 5854 during the 2009 Legislative Session. Governor Gregoire announced shortly after signing the bill that she would be taking the new legislation to NGA meeting so that other states could effectively mirror it.

With NGA’s resolution a new push for every state to implement a carbon neutral construction code will begin. You can read the NY Times article here.

Sales Tax to be Applied to Online Services

2009-07-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Beginning July 26, 2009, you will need to start paying closer attention to the services you use online. With the passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 2075, sales or use tax will be due on digital products ranging from downloaded music to streaming video.

The bill clarifies how taxes apply to products that exist only as computer bits and bytes. Specifically, it:

Defines digital products as goods and services transferred electronically.
Includes certain exemptions for businesses and end consumers.
Requires sellers of digital products to electronically file their tax returns.
Provides amnesty to those who didn’t collect or pay sales or use tax on digital products that were taxed before July 26, 2009.

What digital products are subject to tax?
While downloaded digital goods (music and movies, etc.) have always been subject to sales or use tax, ESHB 2075 applies sales or use tax to all digital products, regardless of how they are accessed (downloaded, streamed, subscription service, networking, etc.).Digital products subject to sales or use tax include:

Downloaded digital goods (music and movies, etc.)
Streamed and accessed digital goods
Digital automated services (DAS)

The bill also covers remote access software (e.g. application service providers), which is now subject to sales and use tax too. It does not matter if the purchaser obtains a permanent or nonpermanent right of use. If you have questions about what this bill applies to, how it will be enforced, what is exempt and more you can visit the Washington State Department of Revenue’s question and answer webpage.

Local Author Writes about AIA Seattle Endeavor

2009-07-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

Crosscut writer Knute Berger wrote an article discussing a new AIA Seattle venture: FutureShack . Its ultimate result according to Berger was to note, "the kind of design that will help us pick our way through the minefields of a changing city."

The Seattle Chapter of the American Institute of Architects is sponsoring the program which invited Washington state architects to submit recent residential project for judging by two panels, one of professional architects and planners, the other of lay people. Knute Berger was on the citizen's panel.

Over 70 projects were submitted. Each jury had to pick five winners. The two juries have deliberated but their verdicts are not yet known and will be announced in the Seattle Times on September 13. You can read the whole article here.

Building Code Resources

2009-07-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Department of Energy's Building Energy Codes Program is a national resource for building energy codes information, technical assistance, training, and compliance software tools. Access all of BECP's materials through www.energycodes.gov.

Learn about BECP’s activities and how those activities may benefit your organization in BECP's overview brochure and Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Report.

You can also join more than 90,000 Setting the Standard quarterly newsletter readers by becoming a subscriber.

Sign up for BECP’s RSS feed to receive weekly updates on BECP’s activities and energy code-related news from around the Web.

Structural Engineering License Qualifications to Change

2009-07-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) has issued a press release stating that “examinations that are presently used by the state of Washington to qualify individuals for licensure in structural engineering will be changing.”

For questions regarding the changes please send your inquiries via email ONLY to this address: engineers@dol.wa.gov. The DOL will respond and include the question/answer in all future notices.

Starting in April 2011, the primary structural licensing examination for WA will be the examination developed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

The last offering of the NCEES Structural II examinations will be October 2010.

The new exam will be offered every April and October starting in April 2011.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions you can visit the DOL website here and click on the Changes to Structural Exam PDF.

Buy American Rule could Cause Problems for WA

2009-06-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

According to a Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) article, "Washington state business leaders are stepping up their warnings that the 'Buy American' provisions of the federal stimulus act could backfire on U.S. companies."

Don Brunell, president of the Association of Washington Business, is quoted in the article describing just how difficult it is for Washington companies to create anything made only of parts from the United States because so many "rely on global supply chains."

The biggest concern for Washington State is retaliation from Canada and/or the inability to use Canadian materials. The article notes that Canada was "the state’s largest trading partner last year" and exported over "$9.1 billion in exports."

The PSBJ states that the "issue is likely to pick up steam as more stimulus money ripples out across the nation this summer, and may be a concern in trade-dependent but relatively union-friendly Washington."

Read the article here.

On a lighter note... Making Pizza with Peter

2009-06-25T16:57:00.001-07:00

"Former Seattle City Council member Peter Steinbrueck has been making pizza since he was ten—which, by my rough count, means he’s spent nearly four decades perfecting his pizza technique. Recently, Steinbrueck invited FoodNerd over to his house—a modest rambler near Northgate with an envy-inducing backyard garden—to make and share a few pies."

Click here to read the rest of this pizza making adventure published on Publicola.

Revenue Forecast Predicts Another Decrease

2009-06-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

A press release published yesterday, June 18, by the State of Washington Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), states that it “appears that we are finally approaching the end of this Great Recession.” This prediction regarding the end of the financial is based on “claims for unemployment insurance” peaking and “monthly job losses are diminishing.”

However, the release states that the bottom is still lower than predicted in March. The forecast goes on to state that “job losses will likely continue through the end of this year.” And, according to the EFRC, when the economy does rebound the improvement is likely to be gradual.

The predication also stated that the General Fund forecast for the biennium is “$27.2 billion” which is $185 million less than projected. Many newspapers have noted that Governor Gregoire intends to make even deeper budget cuts, payroll cuts, and to cap hiring because of the decrease.

Paperless Reporting is Now Mandatory

2009-06-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) will not accept paper employment verifications (Form 123) from interns in the Intern Development Program postmarked on or after 1 July 2009.

All interns will be required to use the online electronic Experience Verification Reporting (e-EVR) system to document their IDP experience after this date.

Please spread the word to your interns. You can contact us with questions at info@aiawa.org or you can visit the NCARB website.

Desperate times equal low bids on public works

2009-06-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

An article on TDN.com highlights how “public works contracts are coming in well below agency estimates, even in cases were estimates were adjusted downward for the lousy economy.”

The TDN.com quotes Kurt Henthorn, president of the Lower Columbia Contractors Association, saying, “contractors are not taking any real profit margin. They’re just trying to keep the doors open and people working. Everyone is just down to their core people.”

But, according to the article, what is a crisis for the construction industry is seen as a boon for others. The article states that the public is “getting a respite from high construction prices earlier this decade.” And, it goes on to note that “statewide, lower bids are allowing transportation officials to stretch federal stimulus dollars and undertake extra infrastructure projects.”

However, according to the story, stimulus dollars aren’t creating as many jobs as was hoped for. Henthorn states, “It has not seemed to get people off the dime like we thought it would.”

Read the whole story here

It's Filing Week for 2009 Primary & General Election

2009-06-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the first day of filing for the 2009 elections. This includes local government, municipal and county offices (except in Pierce County), cities, school districts and special purpose districts.

There are also mayor's elections in Seattle and Tacoma, county executive in King County and a special election for auditor in Pierce County. Filing ends Friday. The primary is August 18 and the general election is November 3.

You can see who has filed at these links:

Secretary of State
Pierce County
King County

Summary of New Tax Legislation Available Now

2009-06-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

The Department of Revenue issued a summary today detailing new tax legislation enacted during the 2009 legislative session.

The Department generates the tax summaries annually to help make businesses aware of changes to the state tax system. The 2009 summary covers 43 bills and their projected fiscal impact over the next four years. You can read it here.

Additional information on specific legislation that replaces resale certificates with sellers’ permits, clarifies the taxation of digital products, and requires monthly taxpayers to file and pay their taxes electronically, is available at http://dor.wa.gov/.

The 2009 CDA Winners are Part of a Nation Wide Trend

2009-06-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

The AIA Washington Council held it's annual Civic Design Awards (CDA) on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the ACT Theater in downtown Seattle. Eight awards were handed out to local firms and agencies. Each design was praised for its transparency which was especially noted as a grand contribution to schools, where vibrant design can be a tactile encouragement of children's growth.

This exciting focus on sustainable design of schools is leading a nation wide trend. According to a recent article in the New York Times, “school districts across the county are experimenting with new construction and renovations that save energy as well as improve educational facilities.”

The 2009 CDA winners continue to demonstrate how environmental awareness can still function beautifully for a community. For more information about the winners, and to see pictures of the winning projects please visit our website.