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T h e N e b r a s k a A r c h i t e c tmember news I f yo u d o n ’ t l i k e t h e w e at h e r i n N e b r a s k a .Merrill El am ( co n t. fr o m pag e 1)She received the 1995 Academy Awardin Architecture from the AmericanAcademy of Arts and Letters and the1996 Chrysler Award for Innovationin Design. Her work has received sixNational AIA Awards for Excellence.Her current projects include the WangCampus Center and Davis Garagefor Wellesley College in Wellesley,Massachusetts; the new U.S. FederalCourthouse in Austin, Texas; the AustinE. Knowlton School of Architecture forThe Ohio State University in Columbus,Ohio; the Jean Gray Hargrove MusicLibrary for the University of Californiaat Berkeley; the Herman MillerCherokee Operations facility in Canton,Georgia; and the Bailey HouseStudio inAtlanta, Georgia.Will Bru der ( co n t. f r o m pag e 1)Winner of the Rome Prize and ChryslerDesign Award, he is currently visitingBishop Chair at the Yale UniversitySchool of Architecture.Through his creative interpretationof program and site, Will’s ability toraise the ordinary to the extraordinaryis renowned. He is a craftsman inhis concern for detail and buildingprocesses, and a sculptor in his uniqueblending of space, materials, and light.Will believes architecture is thecelebration of listening in service of thehuman spirit and senses.K r i s t i N ohave k , AIA, P.E.L i n co l n C hapter P resi d ent“If you don’t like the weather in Nebraska . wait an hour & it will change.”This slogan seemed to follow the Nebraska contingent out East to the annual AIA GrassrootsConference in Washington DC. The trip started off warm & sunny . and ended up with anairport-closing snowstorm. These two pictures of the Lincoln Memorial, taken only days apart,show how glad we were that we packed not only sunglasses, but also winter coats.The whirlwind trip found our days filled with new information, ideas, acquaintances, along withlively presentations and discussion groups. I came away with new respect & understandingabout the AIA organization. The opportunity to meet the AIA staff and to see how they workwas invaluable in understanding what they do for members and how they accomplish it. Inparticular, AIA demonstrated a clear commitment to bringing Architects together, nationally,regionally, and locally.AIA’s role in promoting congressional issues and their work tomove the issues affecting architects into the spotlight was impressive. The four key issues brought to The Hill this year were Affordable Housing / Community Revitalization / HistoricPreservation Hurricane Rebuilding: The Louisiana Recovery Corporation Sustainable Design, Energy, and the Built Environment Small Business / Association Health InsuranceAll in all it was a great trip one of the busiest, most informative, interesting weeks I have spent but it’s always goodto be home.Speaking of home the Lincoln AIA Board is excited & ready togo this year!I think that 2006 will be another good year for AIA Lincoln. We’ve got a great Board this yearthat is full of energy & ideas about how to better our organization. Our vision includes providing ample continuing education opportunities for members,increasing membership, strengthening participation among2006 AIA L incoln Chaptermembers and member firms, and developing opportunities forB oar d Memberscontribution and involvement.I would like to thank our AIA Lincoln 2005 President, RonSkoog, AIA, for his leadership over the past year. You havedriven the organization forward, with increased momentum &excitement. Your commitment will serve as our inspiration aswe strive to keep our organization moving ahead.I look forward to working with all of you in the near future. Ifyou have any questions about AIA Lincoln or are interested inbecoming more involved, please contact me or another Boardmember. We’re always open to your comments & suggestions& involvement!(Thank you to everyone who has already offered support andhelp as we enter a new year of AIA Lincoln .watch out . I’ll becontacting you in the upcoming months to take you up on it!)PresidentKristi Nohavec, AIA, P.E.President ElectJohn Badami, AIASecretaryNick Pischel, Associate AIATreasurerTim Rogers, Assoc. AIADirectorsDave Johnson, AIACleeve Reeves, AIAAssociate DirectorsMatt Kuhn, Assoc. AIADuc-Huy Huynh, Assoc. AIAAffiliate DirectorMark Mundorff, Affiliate AIAPast PresidentRonald Skoog, AIA

20 AprilStakeholders meeting with TedKnowlton, Envision Utah, 9 am tonoon, Quarry Oaks18 MayStakeholders meeting with RodneyVerhoeff, Lower Platte RiverCorridor Alliance, 1 to 3 pm, QuarryOaks1 JunePre-charrette briefing with AIAprogram participants and Metroplexstakeholders, 10 am to 1 pm,Quarry OaksJuly/AugustStakeholder meetings TBASeptemberCharrette session, week ofAIA Nebraska Annual Conference,Sept. 14-15If you are interestedin participating, please contact:AIA Nebraska402.472.1456skay2@unl.eduEnvisioning Regional DesignObjectiveIn anticipation of AIA’s 150th anniversary, AIA’s Blueprint for America will be amajor component of the AIA Nebraska fall conference. It is a comprehensivecommunity and service program initiated by AIA members and characterized inpart as a series of local forums and charrettes where architects, citizens andcommunity leaders come together to address a region’s distinct needs. To thisend, AIA Nebraska has joined with the Joslyn Castle Institute for SustainableCommunities (JCI) in creating a graphic education program that will engage theBlueprint’s smart growth goals with regional growth challenges identified in JCI’sFlatwater Metroplex Initiative, including critical issues affecting the I-80 Corridor.AIA members will engage regional stakeholders in a collaborative program tocreate smart growth visions that promote sustainability in five domains:1)environment, 2) society/culture, 3) technology, 4) economics, 5) public policy.FocusThe Flatwater Metroplex is roughly defined as 60-mile, concentric zones aroundthe Lincoln and Omaha metro areas. Participants will graphically envisionscenarios that 1) reflect the possible negative consequences of proceedingwithout a plan, and 2) possible positive consequences of proceeding with smartgrowth initiatives. These visioning tools will be used for the framework ofdiscussions with regional stakeholders of how thinking and acting regionally canbe in the best interests of all who reside in this large region.InvitationAIA Nebraska invites you to join in a visioning process that will help regionalstakeholders and leaders preserve and promote quality of life in an environmentof rapid change and growth. Monthly stakeholder meetings include speakers,open discussions and charrette sessions. Your involvement is essential to thesuccess of this project.

T h e N e b r a s k a A r c h i t e c taias newsN e w Id e a s , N e w AIASAIAS – Nebr ask a Chapter2006 Executive TeamWith new student leaders and continued commitment from ourmembership, I am excited to tell you about our programs thissemester. My name is Brad Zuger; I am a fourth year student andwill be serving as the 2006 AIAS President. Transitioning into newoffices, the 2006 executive team has many things in store for theupcoming year and it is important that our involvement with theAIA continues to be a significant part of our programs.Members from our chapter attendedour annual FORUM, the nationalconference of the AIAS, in Cincinnati,Ohio. The conference titled “Buildingfrom Crisis,” discussed the everincreasing need for architecturalprofessionals to become aware oftheir role as public servants at atime when disasters of unprecedented scale are affecting manyareas of the world. The tsunami in Asia, the hurricanes alongthe Gulf of Mexico, political struggle in the West Bank, and theearthquake in India were just a few of the topics that made forgreat conversations at the conference. It became clear at theconference that architectural students and professionals areresponsible for taking a leading role in rebuilding these devastatedcommunities. Attendees departed Cincinnati with a new awarenessand inspiration in how to make a difference as a designer.This past month a group of AIAS members attending The QuadConference in Boulder. The conference titled “Ethical Design,”revolved around design ethics; a broad topic with a directrelationship to architectural education and practice. Studentsexplored examples of ethical design as well as visit with firms andpractitioners who produce such work.Upholding another tradition, March 3rd was the annual Beaux ArtsBall hosted by the AIAS in the link of Architecture Hall. We wereexcited to have Groove Puppet performing this year. You mayrecognize the name as Ron Skoog, AIA is a part of this band.Freedom by Design is still ongoing. AIA Nebraska has made asignificant donation in which we are deeply grateful. However, weare alsoasking localfirms andBrad Zugerarchitects toA I AS P r e s i d e n tget involvedin this program. Our project, whichis in the design completion stage,involves a kitchen remodel andexterior ramp for a local disabledwoman with extreme financialdifficulties. Without these donations,we would not be able to continuethis program, which not only aimsto improve the quality of life forthis individual, but also gives ourmembers design-build experience.We ask that every firm get involvedin some way, whether volunteeringtime to oversee construction, givinga small donation, or helping withthe design documents.PresidentBrad ZugerVice PresidentJay AndersonDirector of InformationKatie SchmidtDirector of FinanceMary KaiserDirector of MediaPaul BeckerMentorship CoordinatorMatt SmithBrown Bag CoordinatorAshley ByarsFreedom by DesignEvan Gunn & Luke KielionPast PresidentBrian TiemannWe are also looking for AIAmembers interested in presentingtheir work or the work of their firmat a Brown Bag Lecture sponsoredby AIAS. Our theme is “Architectson the Edge: Progressive Ideas for a Changing World” and we arelooking for professionals with on-going work to present over alunch time. One of the most important aims of our organization isto create a link between the profession and the students.With all this said, I can say I am excited about this busy year forAIAS. I hope that AIA members will continue to keep us in mind asyour past support is what makes our organization as strong as it is.It will be a pleasure to share our group’s experiences andadvances over the next year. As always, thanks for your continuedsupport and enthusiasm toward the students of the AIAS.W h h h h h h h at ? ! ! I ’ m b ac k !JE FF D OLEZALI don’t know if you remember me, but I’mthat guy who used to be the AIA NebraskaAssociate Director, now helmed by theillustrious Nicole Ludacka. Have you eversaid her last name out loud? LUDACKA. Manthat’s such a powerfully cool name. Anyway,where was I? Oh yes I’m that slacker loser who waited 7 yearsto take the Architectural RegistrationExams. That dude who tried (and possiblysucceeded) to encourage you associatesto take your exams? Did I just say “youassociates”? That’s right baby, I’m DONE!!!Look out Mike Brady, there’s a new daddyin town.Passing the ARE and getting my license (yesthat does sound scary) has been a hugepersonal victory for me. It took so long Ididn’t think I’d care once I finished, but Ikind of ’ freaked out. Even got a tattoo Astory I shall save for another time.Sara asked me to write a quick blurbconcerning my journey with the ARE. Letme tell you guys, it wasn’t bad. The hardestpart is committing to schedule the exams.Just do it. Don’t put it off. They are not thatbad. You just walk outthinking you failedthem. But you won’tfail, you will pass eventually.J e ff D o l e z a l , A I AMy advice is to studyhard and stay the course. After the initial(7 year) procrastination scheduling theexams, I finished in just under 18 months.No excuses Just keep scheduling thoseexams! Until next time,I look forward to giving you the secrethandshake

The Nebraska Architectlegislative newsAIA Nebr as k a Government2006 L e g i s l at i v e F o r u mChair, Ron Hughbanks, AIAHDR / OmahaOver half of the 49 members of the Nebraska Unicameralparticipated in this year’s AIA Nebraska Legislative Forum/Luncheon, February 21, 2006, at the Nebraska State Capitol/Cornhusker Marriott.AIA Nebraska members began their day with the opportunity tovisit one-on-one with their respective Senator. The Forum at theState Capitol, was led by Ron Hughbanks, AIA, Government AffairsChair. An overview of legislation of interest to AIA Nebraska wassummarized by AIA Nebraska lobbyist, Mary Campbell. Mary’sdiscussion focused on bills which have been designated aspriorities and the probability that these bills have the greatestchance for advancing in a short (60-day) session. She also spokeof the impending effects of term limits; this year twenty newNebraska Senators will be elected.Campbell’s presentationwas followed by SenatorDon Pederson, District42 / North Platte, Chairof the AppropriationsCommittee. SenatorPederson spoke of LB605, his priority forS e n a t o r D o n P e d e r s o n , Di s t r i c t 4 2 a n d R o nthe session; LB 605H u g h b a n k s , A I A , G o v e r n m e n t Aff a i r s C h a i restablishes a 2nd phaseof funding for (renovation and replacement) projects for theUniversity of Nebraska and Nebraska State Colleges. Memberswere motivated and energized by his vision and leadership forNebraska and the built environment. “If Nebraskans don’t strivefor quality, then we’ll be forced to be content with mediocrity. Wedeserve better,” said Senator Pederson. He also said “Your group(AIA Nebraska) has always been progressive, and supportive ofimproving the quality of life in our state.”Affairs Commit teeSenator Gwen Howard, District 9 /Omaha, made compelling argumentsin support of LB 967, whicheliminates the construction laborsales tax on residential home repairson primary residences. SenatorHoward is also the introducer of LB1245, the interior design registrationlegislation.John Sinclair, AIASinclair Hille / LincolnLowell Berg, AIAThe Clark Enersen Partners / LincolnLloyd Meyer, AIALeo A Daly / OmahaGreg Smith, AIADavis Design / LincolnDave Johnson, AIAStudio 951 / LincolnAIA Nebraska was privileged to haveMelinda Pearson, AIALincolnparticipation from the AIA NationalGovernment Affairs Team, consistingof Paul Mendelsohn, Senior Director,State and Local Affairs and Adam Melis, Manager, GrassrootsAdvocacy.Paul focused on the history between AIA and the interior designcoalition, the adverse consequences of title and/or registrationof interior designers, in addition to trends in other states. He alsoanalyzed and spoke of issues pertaining specifically to LB 1245, theinterior design legislation introduced in Nebraska.Adam Melis discussed the importance of architects and grassrootsadvocacy, making relationships with the Senators and the benefitsand value of establishing a Nebraska Pac.AIA Nebraska members meet with Senators at the Cornhusker Hotelfor a luncheon in their honor. The Senators had the opportunityto view the 2005 design award winner boards and view allsubmissions through a presentation throughout the luncheon. TheBoards were on display at the Nebraska State Capitol February 22– February 28.Paul Mendelsohn briefed the Senators on the interior designlegislation. A record number of Senators were in attendance.

T h e N e b r a s k a A r c h i t e c tlegislative newsAIA N e b r a s k a L e g i s l at i o n o f Int e r e s t 2006Bi l l # P ositionS e n a t o r Gw e n H o w a r d , Di s t r i c t 9S a r a K a y, E x e c u t i v e Di r e c t o r p r e s e n t s “ N e b r a s k a ”t o k e n s o f a pp r e c i a t i o n , t o A I A N a t i o n a l G o v e r n m e n tAff a i r s s t a ff, A d a m M e l i s a n d P a u l M e n d e l s o h n .Change provisions relating to the NebraskaConstruction Lien ActLB 75MONITORAuthorize certain cities to make public improvementsand assess the costLB 102MONITORAuthorize natural resources districts, counties, andcertain cities to establish and fund storm watermanagement areasLB 166MONITORChange provisions relating to contractor registrationLB 542MONITORCreate the Tax Policy Reform CommissionLB 605SUPPORT Establish a 2nd phase of funding for (renovation andreplacement) projects for UNL and State CollegesLB 608SUPPORTAdopt the Thermal System Insulation and Firestop ActLB 660MONITORAdopt the Home Inspector Licensing ActLB 906OPPOSEChange applicability of the Contractor RegistrationAct and Provide for a surety bondLB 924MONITORChange provisions of the Community DevelopmentLaw. Restrict the use of eminent domainLB 959E d Vi d l a k , A I A , a d d r e s s e s N e b r a s k aL e g i s l a t o r s a n d A I A N e b r a s k a m e mb e r s d u r i n gl e g i s l at i v e lu n c h e o n .L e g i s l at i v e S u mm a ry –Key IssuesI nterior De s i g n L e g i s l at i o n I n d e f i n i t e lyP ostpone d i n Co m m i t t e eLB 1245 did not see the light of day duringthe 2nd session of the ninety-ninthLegislature. LB 1245 would have providedfor registration and regulation of interiordesigners; to define terms; to create theInterior Design Advisory Board.Fun d ing f or Pr oj e c ts Adva n c edFunding for a 2nd phase of funding forrenovation and replacement projects forUNL and State Colleges was advanced by theLegislature and signed by the Governor.H ome R epair Ta x e sThe sales tax on labor for renovationsof single-family homes and duplexeswould be repealed as of July1. Housingauthorities would not be subject to the tax.Condominium owners could get a refundsales tax they paid on renovation labor.DescriptionLB 42MONITORSUPPORT Exempt construction labor from sales taxLB 967MONITORTerminate the construction labor sales tax onresidential home repairs on primary residencesLB 991Require registration for home inspectorsMONITORLB 1030MONITORProvide for notice of inspection of public parkbuildingsLB 1121MONITORAppropriate funds to the Department of EconomicDvp Act for an environmental study relating to ahydroelectric damLB 1143MONITORChange public-offering statements and rights oftenants under the condominium lawLB 1234MONITORChange provisions relating to redevelopmentproject areasLB 1241MONITOREliminate an exception relating to annexation of ,redevelopment project areas by deleting reference tocertain provisionsLB 1

Jasper stone Company Janet sonnichsen neWly registereD Jeff Chadwick, AIA Jeff Dolezal, AIA eric Maxwell, AIA in memory Lynn Vermeer, AIA In conjunction with Grassroots, AIA Omaha received an AIA National Component excellence Award in the area of Component outreach Communication: overall Program for Natural Capitalism: Fueling the Next Industrial