Maximizing California’s Resources: Recommendations for a Stronger
Design and Construction Industry

Sacramento, CA- March 17, 2011 — In furthering past efforts to actively engage State Government in helping find ways to be more effective and efficient, The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) has published a whitepaper; Maximizing California’s Resources: Recommendations for a Stronger Design and Construction Industry. It presents a comprehensive vision which includes specific recommendations for building a stronger DSA, furthering the role and relevancy of the State Architect in California’s government. The whitepaper is intended to be a first-step toward assisting state government leaders in addressing the myriad of issues regarding planning, design, and construction affecting the quality of life for California’s citizens and its economy.

As a consequence of California’s current budget crisis, and the cuts the state is facing, which in turn will affect programs and services that benefit our communities, efficiency and effectiveness in the built environment has never been more important.

Architectural design has the inherent ability to solve problems that are physical, as well as social and economic. Without direct internal access to government decision makers, the AIACC cannot affect the transformations needed that ultimately effect the greater community at large. Transformations such as new delivery methods that are more efficient and cost effective, designs that go beyond sustainable, and post occupancy evaluation tools that impact future designs for better building performance, are key to our goal for a preferred future. Former State Architects, as well as architectural practitioners, involved in the development of this white paper, recently stated the value of its contents.

“The AIACC has shown responsible leadership in preparing this important, and much needed set of recommendations for maximizing effective utilization of the State’s design and construction resources for the benefit of California’s citizens.” Barry Wasserman, FAIA, Former California State Architect 1978 – 1983.

“I am pleased to endorse the efforts of the AIACC in producing this important white paper. The fragmentation of the State’s design and construction process over the years has increased costs to California taxpayers through over regulation and burdensome duplication of services. There is no single trusted advisor for the Governor, or the legislature, to acquire accurate advice for the industry. Now that the State of California is facing unprecedented infrastructure, budget and environmental issues, the time has come to consolidate design and construction into one entity and restore the Division of the State Architect to the role it held during the previous Brown Administration.” Paul Neel, FAIA, CDS, Former California State Architect 1989 – 1991.

“I applaud and support the AIACC’s efforts to strengthen and reinvigorate the role of the State Architect. Architecture, and its positive impact on society, reflects the values of our State. By restoring the role of the State Architect to one of leadership and prominence, we are expressing pride and an elevated standard for our public buildings and an optimistic outlook toward California’s future.” Steve Newsom, AIA, LEED AP.

This whitepaper offers some important suggestions that if considered and implemented could make a marked difference in the quality and cost effectiveness of planning, design, and construction services for future state funded and supported projects – and in many ways the future of the profession itself. Visit AIACC.org to review the whitepaper.

About Anne Laird-Blanton, AIA

AIACC President Principal of ALB Designs Anne Laird-Blanton, AIA, is Principal and Owner of ALB Designs, a small, personal Architecture and Interior Design firm located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1988, the firm specializes in providing high quality service to local nonprofit and residential clients. Anne believes that service is important not only in her relationships with her clients but also with her community and the AIA organization. She is currently the 2011 President of the American Institute of Architects, California Council. She has previously served as a member of the San Rafael Design Review Board, participated on the Wells Fargo Community Board and has served in numerous capacities on boards and committees of her homeowner's association and AIA locally and nationally.

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