WHAT'S IT LIKE IN EUGENE?

November 22, 2007
Eric Gunderson, AIASWO President
AIASWO November Newsletter - Happy Thanksgiving!

Summer day at a friend’s cabin

Not long ago, I received an email from a young architect in California.  He wanted to know about architecture, economy and life in Eugene.  I put the email aside for a day or two since it was not an easy question.  In fact, as I reconsidered the issue, I realized I sometimes asked myself why I’m here.  For what it is worth, here is our conversation.

Question,

I saw your name on the AIA website and would like to ask you a big favor.  I am hoping to get some insight into the local architectural market.  How are things in the local building industry?  Is the area growing?  Are there positions available with local firms?  If so, where are positions generally posted?  What are salaries like in the area?  Any advice that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

The reason I am asking is that my family and I are considering a move to Eugene.  Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to offer.

Response,

Thanks for your interest in the Eugene Springfield area.  It is no easy thing to give a brief description of our place in the world and, predicting the future is a bit speculative, but here are my thoughts.

The building industry is currently healthy and busy.  Local architects and construction related businesses are all booming and have been for some time.  Our own firm of 25 people has been seeking to hire architectural staff for well over a year.  We have added 4 people since January.  One of our new staff moved here from Florida for reasons much like those you describe.  They wanted a mid size town to raise their family.  There are job postings on our local AIA SWO website www.aiaswo.org as well as AIA National.  The local newspaper, the Register Guard, sometimes has job postings in the help wanted section.  You can also send resume's to local firms using the members list on the AIA SWO website.

Eugene is not a prosperous area, although it is possible to make a good living.  Salaries are generally below those published nationally for design professionals.  You will see higher salaries in larger metro areas such as Portland or Seattle, along with commensurate higher cost of living.  There is no current survey of local pay scales.  I would describe the cost of living in Eugene is moderate.  The area is growing.  The long term growth rate in population is about 2 to 3% annually.  While things are booming now, we are starting to hear speculation that the home loan crisis will result in a downturn in the construction industry.  This sounds like a national issue and would not be isolated in the northwest.

I feel lucky to live here.  U of O is one of the top 10 architectural programs in the country adding depth to local practice and continual professional renewal opportunities.  Design quality is all over the map.  We have a new Federal Courthouse by Morphosis, plans for a new city hall, redevelopment of downtown is a hot topic, and land use and development issues always draw a crowd. 

It is one hour to the Oregon coast to the west and one hour to the high Cascades Mountains to the east.  Sustainability is a strong value particularly around environmental issues.  Politically we are healthy mix of progressives and conservatives, although we are generally a blue state.  Oregon is only a generation away from its pioneer roots and resource based attitudes about timber and agriculture.  But everyone is pretty united about what a wonderful - wild place Oregon still is.  Eugene is of a size where you can have access to leaders and make a difference in your schools, local and state government.  I almost never wear a tie.  I raised 3 daughters here who have stayed in the Northwest.  Winters can be a bit grey but there is nothing on earth like summer in Oregon.

If you decide to head this way, please give me a call and we can talk further.
Good luck,
Eric

Eric Gunderson AIA SWO President,
PIVOT Architecture, 72 West Broadway, Eugene, OR 97402. 
Phone 541 342 7291  Email egunderson@pivotarchitecture.com  
You can also find out more about AIA SWO at  www.aiaswo.org.

AIA SWO Meeting Calendar 2007 and 2008

November 21, 2007
University Connections
Frances Bronet, Dean of the School of AAA &
Christine Theodoropoulos, Head of the Department of Architecture
Location:  Actors Cabaret

December, 2007
Holiday Party
Location:  Midtown Arts Center

January 2008
CSI / AIA Construction Forecast
Location:  Hilton

February 2008
Subject Pending
Location:  Pending

With thanks to Jody Heady, and the AIA SWO Program Committee
Meetings start at 5:30, Dinner at 6:30 followed by the program

What is going on at AIA SWO?

Architects & Designers as Artists

DIVA invites Architects and Designers to submit works of art of an exhibit to be held January 10 through March 1, 2008.  Entries are due November 30th.  Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interns are welcome to submit up to 2 works per person in digital form.  A jury will select finalists for the exhibit.  The exhibit welcomes “non-architecture” art in any media.  You should have received an application form and information by separate email.  If you need more information contact Eric Gunderson, 541-342-7291 or egunderson@pivotarchitecture.com or Carolyn Kranzler at ckranzler@clearwire.net   This is an exciting opportunity to show the artistic side of our profession.

AIA Newspaper Tabloid

By now all of you should have received in the mail a copy of the 2008 AIA SWO Architecture tabloid published in the Register Guard.  A survey form was included along with the tabloid.  We are eager for your feedback on this year’s effort and to see how many people are interested in being sponsors for next year.  Sign up now and get a discount for next year.

Elections Results

Last month I commented on AIA support for two ballot measures.  As you know measure 49 regarding state land use laws passed with rather strong voter support.  The local measure 20-134, which sought approval to spend urban renewal funds on downtown redevelopment was overwhelming defeated.  Following my newsletter I received a couple of emails reminding me that my positions were not unanimously supported by AIA SWO members.  One person in particular strongly opposed both measures.  Knowing that we all rise to discussions of land use and development issues, I welcome lively discussion of issues related to our field and of interest to the quality of life in our state.  It would be great if more of you would offer comments.  I strongly believe that open debate and strong advocacy of public issues is vital to the rapidly changing future of our profession.

I specifically challenge us to be part of the discussion about downtown development.  Following the defeat of 20-134, where should we go next?  The issue to me is not whether to have development; it is and will continue to happen at the perimeter of the urban area.  The issue is what is the nature of our downtown?  Do we seek compact and sustainable development?  If not urban renewal funds, then how?

Building Code Lunch Features - November 28, 2007

The next Designer/ Plan Reviewer Sack Lunch will November 28th 12:00 noon to 1 pm.  Louranah Singer-Janeski will provide an update on the storm water management plan and then be available for discussion regarding requirements and plan submittals.  There will also be a brief update on appendix N of the residential code.

Steve McGuire
City of Eugene
Plan Review Supervisor
(541) 682-6800
Email:  Steve.w.mcguire@ci.eugene.or.us

Post Earthquake Building Inspection Course

When:  Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm And
            Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 8:30 - 12:00pm
Where:  Fire Station 1, 13th and Willamette, Eugene, Oregon
Registration:  PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED *** SPACE LIMITED
Cost:  $50 per person, includes breaks
            $20 for optional book - ATC-20-1 FIELD MANUAL:
            Procedures for Earthquake Evaluation of Buildings

The ATC-20 Procedures for Post earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings presentation is typically an 8 hour talk with slides as visual aids and the pocket-sized version, the ATC-20-1 Field Manual, with an added section on structural basics. The presentation includes several examples for attendees to evaluate building damage conditions shown on slides, assess the overall risk from the damage, and posting of the building or portion of the building for immediate use or entry.  This training is recommended for plans examiners, inspectors, architects, engineers, and facility staff familiar with the specific
buildings.
             
Steve McGuire graduated in 1976 from the University of Oregon with a Bachelors of Architecture degree. From 1978 through 1990, Steve McGuire managed a design department for Oregon Dome, Inc. providing construction design service throughout the United States, applying various building codes for buildings that incorporated several types of construction. In 1990 Steve McGuire became employed by the City of Eugene as a plans examiner. Currently, Steve McGuire is the Plan Review Supervisor for the City of Eugene Building Permit Services.
           
Bill Lemons holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon, was a practicing Architect for 17 years, and has worked for the City of Eugene as a residential and commercial plans examiner for the past 10 years.

For more information contact Steve
Steve McGuire
City of Eugene
Plan Review Supervisor
(541) 682-6800
Email:  Steve.w.mcguire@ci.eugene.or.us

CSI Offers Winter Classes

The Willamette Valley Chapter of CSI offers two sets of classes for 2008.  One series covers Construction Contract Documents with a second on the subject of Construction Contract Administration.  Each series includes 9 to 10 sessions of 2 hours each.  If you sign up before December 21, classes cost from $60 to $80 per person depending on whether you are a CSI member or not.  Rates for students and interns are as low as $30.  To register or learn more contact Paul Edlund at 541-485-1941.

News from the Oregon Board of Architect Examiners

It is not yet official, but it is pretty certain our own James Robertson will be appointed by the governor to serve on the Oregon Board.  Jim will replace Bill Seider who has served since before his hair turned grey.

The Oregon Board of Architect Examiners is considering two new rule amendments. 

• ARE/IDP – this proposal would allow candidates to begin taking the ARE as soon as they establish an NCARB IDP record.  This rule amendment proposal also provides for a transition to the newest version of the ARE (to version 4.0).

• Renewals/CPE – this proposal would change the annual renewal cycle for individual architects registered in Oregon to a staggered two-year renewal cycle.  It is anticipated that these rules would take effect in 2009, so that when licensees renew in 2009, those with odd-numbered licenses would renew for a two-year period (expire 6/30/2011), and those with even-numbered licenses would renew for a one year period (expires 6/30/2012) and then every two years thereafter.  This means that half of Oregon’s licensees would renew each year.  After the initial transition, this would mean sending in renewal application and fees and reporting CPE for a two-year period instead of one.  In addition, the 12 hours per year of CPE would be in HSW subjects. 

More information about these rule amendment proposals can be found at the Board’s web site:  www.orbae.com under rulemaking.

Green Roofs Seminars

"Eugene Branch Cascadia GBC" is offering courses on Eugene Green Roofs Design 101 Introductory Course to be held December 4, 2007

Course Location:
Courtyard by Marriott Eugene Springfield
Mackenzie Room
3443 Hutton Street
Springfield, OR   97477

Date and Time:  December 4, 2007, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Space is limited - sign up now.
To register online go to:   <http://www.greenroofs.org> www.greenroofs.org

Housing Policy Board Seeks Members

HOUSING POLICY BOARD

MEMBERSHIP VACANCY NOTICE

DATE: November 6, 2007

CONTACT: Richie Weinman, Urban Services Manager, City of Eugene, 682-5533 or Richie.d.weinman@ci.eugene.or.us

Applications are requested from citizens interested in serving on the Lane County Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board.  Application forms are available on the Internet at
http://www.co.lane.or.us/BCC/AdvisoryCommittees.htm  
The Lane County Board of Commissioners= Office, located on the Plaza Level of the Public Service Building at 125 E. Eighth Avenue, Eugene.   For additional information, or to request an application, please contact Richie Weinman at 682-5533 or richie.d.weinman@ci.eugene.or.us.

HOUSING POLICY BOARD: The Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board acts as a forum for public input into the community issues related to affordable housing.  It reviews low-income housing issues and makes policy, funding, and other recommendations regarding affordable housing to Eugene, Springfield and Lane County governments.  The Mission of the HPB is to increase the availability of decent, affordable housing, for low and very low income families and individuals in Lane County. 

MEETING: Monthly, or as necessary.  (Currently it is a lunch meeting, typically on the first Monday of the month).  The HPB does not meet every month.

MEMBERSHIP:  Overall board membership consists of one representative from the Lane County Board of Commissioners; one representative from the Springfield City Council; one representative from the Eugene City Council; six citizen at-large members; and ex-officio members as appropriate.  One at-large position is reserved for a low-income representative.

VACANCIES:  Housing Policy Board terms are for two years.  The HPB is seeking an at -large member.  The elected officials from Lane County, Eugene, and Springfield are charged with making appointments.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Friday December 14, 2007 to the Lane County Board of Commissioners= Office, 125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401.

News from AIA National

Free AIA Convention in Boston?

Considering AIA Membership? Join Now and Get Free Registration for the 2008 Convention!  All first-time architect and associate members who join the AIA between May 6, 2007, and May 17, 2008, are invited to attend the AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition free of charge. See www.aia.org.

What’s a Soloso?

It’s free. Sign-in at Soloso.aia.org to use this valuable tool every day.  Check it out.

New AIA General Conditions

The AIA A201™­2007, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, are the backbone of the A201 family of documents because it forms the relationship between the owner, contractor, and architect. Changes include:

• Parties are no longer required to resolve disputes through arbitration.
• New provisions allow for one multiparty arbitration as long as certain conditions are met.
• Owners and contractors may hire a third-party initial decision maker for dispute resolution
• A new numbering system provides consistency in document numbering and establishes a meaning for each number.
• New digital practice documents have been added, as have new owner/architect agreements.

For a web broadcast on the new documents to be held at 10:00 am on December 4 check out the website at: 
http://online.krm.com/iebms/coe/coe_p1_all.aspx?oc=10&cc=0016978

The 2008 AIA/HUD Secretary Awards
ENTRY DEADLINE: DECEMBER 14, 2007
AIA Housing and Custom Residential, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), recognize excellence in affordable housing architecture, neighborhood design, participatory design, and accessibility.  To contact AIA National Honors and Awards directly, call 202-626-7586 or send an e-mail to honorsawards@aia.org.

How’s the Economy Doing?

Now is the time to stay on top of things.  If you are interested in economic news AIA national puts out a great newsletter that every member should be receiving.  AIArchitect This Week includes a connection to the Kiplinger Letter.  See: