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Thanks to this week's sponsor!

Is ABC the Start of Something?
We certainly hope so. We're a 501c(3) organization dedicated to deploying architects and other design professionals for the betterment of their communities. As they say, "the name says it all."

Ten Design Principles for Design Excellence

1. START WITH THE ESSENCE - The purpose of the project is clearly defined with a thorough understanding of the essence and/or uniqueness of the project.

2. MEET THE UNIQUE NEEDS - Design intentions to address the uniqueness of the project are stated in a clear and concise manner and are intended to meet the needs of the client and building users.

3. SYNTHESIZE YOUR SOLUTIONS - Design solutions are translated appropriately and integrate building components/elements in a synthesized and comprehensive manner and not simply as a “check list” of issues.

4. THINK BEYOND BORDERS - The design recognizes not only immediate site conditions, but also the context, both physical and social/cultural, now and in the future. **

5. COUNT COSTS, CREATE COMMUNITY - The design is sustainable, both in terms of all energy-related issues, but also sustainability issues associated with community. It considers life-cycle costs of energy use, maintenance, and the embodied energy of materials and labor. ** (this feels like two separate issues)

6. RESPOND TO NATURE - The design responds to natural conditions of sunlight, wind, noise, soils and slope, existing vegetation, animal and bird habitats, views, drainage and disposal of stormwater and sanitary sewage, site access, etc. **

7. MULTIPLY ACCESS MODES - The design encourages and promotes alternative modes of transportation (e.g., bike, public transportation, walkability). **

8. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE - The design considers issues of expansion, flexibility, change in use, alterations, deconstruction considerations and modernization.

9. KEEP YOUR PROMISES - The design has a well-considered budget and schedule.

10. ADD BEAUTY - The design is attractive in its overall appearance, and is considered a positive addition to the community, now and into the future. **

2011 People's Choice Awards
Intent to Enter - Due Now!
We're excited about new improvements to the People's Choice Awards, held at Oveissi Rugs during the Eugene Celebration the last weekend in August. You have only a few weeks to pull together your best work to show the thousands of Celebrators. We've kept the entry fees the same as last year, hoping we can again tickle the public's eyeballs with more than 50 entries.

Here's what's new:
• No easels! We will install hanging systems from Oveissi's ceiling, using the space more efficiently while making it more family friendly and ADA compliant.
• Boards will move again to Opus VII, but we'll enjoy the exposure of two First Friday Gallery Walks.
• We're giving our volunteers responsible for setting up an extra 24 hours, but requiring boards to be delivered by Thursday, August 25 at 2:00 p.m. (not Friday afternoon, as in years past. This will allow for better coordination, placement, ballot design, etc.

Intent to Enter forms and payment are due Friday, August 12, so don't delay. Click here to download the form and get all the details.

Mayor Kitty Piercy will again be giving a Mayor's Choice Award and AIA members will again be invited to cast their own votes for the Colleagues' Choice Awards. And yes -- our awards will be announced again in a gala atmosphere at Opus VII on Sept. 21.

Call For Volunteers

Our chapter has a completely unique dues structure, offering each member a 50% reduction in local dues if they agree to do some volunteer work on behalf of the chapter.
This program has energized our members, kept our staffing hours down, has raised our profile in the community, and has brought us together to some Big Things.
According to our records, all of you, whom I am emailing, have selected the reduced rate for membership in the AIA this year.
As a condition of that fee reduction we require some volunteering with chapter events and committees to help with our member services.
Some of you are already volunteering on committees and are serving on the board. I thank those of you for stepping up. As for all the rest of you, we need you now. We have some work to do.

We have 4 months left in the year and we have some very cool things going on and we need warm thinking bodies.
We will be following up with a phone call if we don’t hear back from you.
Of course I prefer to have you call or e-mail me first and offer to help out.

Currently there are openings for the following events/tasks:
• The People’s Choice Awards, at the Eugene Celebration, August 26, with the following awards on September 21st at Opus VII. The committee is currently under way, meeting every Wednesday at noon, Richard Shugar is Chair.
• Craftsmanship Awards, slated for the November Chapter meeting: committee chair is Kurt Albrecht
• The Register-Guard Insert, an opportunity to let your layout skills shine along with assembling a great marketing tool for our chapter firms May coincide with the Craftsmanship Awards.
• A Gala event where we will celebrate with our colleagues and associates. Linn West is our chair and he'll be getting the committee up and running in short order.
• A few other fundraising and sponsorship opportunities available as well.

So please e-mail me or call me (541-338-8544) with your intent and we will help find a place for you right away.

Thank you all!

Paul Dustrud, AIA
AIA Southwestern Oregon, President. 2011
541.338.8544