Vol 18 No. 3i 18 No_ 3Lo-Res1a(1).pdf · Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture....

LicensedArchitectAssociation ofLicensed Architects

$6.00Volume 18, No. 3 Fall 2014 A Publication of the Association of Licensed ArchitectsWhat’s Inside:◆ 16th Annual Architecture Conference and Product Show◆ CE Article: The Ins and Outs of Engineered and

Composite Wood Doors◆ Featured Architects◆ 2014 Student Merit Winners◆ Why Condo Projects are so Risky

2 LICENSED ARCHITECT • VOL 18 NO. 3 • FALL 2014

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LICENSED ARCHITECT • VOL 18 NO. 3 • FALL 2014 3

On the Cover

Kean University Green Lane BuildingUnion, NJ

Firm: Gruskin Group™

Kean University’s newest addition, a 102,275 SF aca-demic building composed of glass, stone, concrete,and brick, serves as a gateway icon to its Union,New Jersey campus. The six-story building includesa café/retail space on the first floor, the Robert BuschSchool of Design and the university’s expandingbusiness programs on floors two through five, and aconference center on the sixth floor. The buildingoffers students and faculty numerous opportunitiesto learn, socialize, and engage outside the classroomvia its numerous lounges, breakout spaces, intimatenooks, outdoor terraces, and even corridors that areno longer wasted space, but are now prime placesfor educational gatherings.

Photography:© Kenneth A. Gruskin/Gruskin Architecture + Design, P.C.

14 ADA Advice

6 ALA New Members

8 Architect Interview

44 Chapter News

10 Code Corner

33 Continuing Education

26 Firm Management

31 Insurance Info

12 Legal Issues

27 Membership

6 President’s Letter

24 Second Chances

Architect Interview: T. Gunny Harboe 8Talking with T. Gunny Harboe, FAIA, Harboe Architects, an award-winning leader in historic preservation.

Got Code Questions?? Ask Kelly 10Answers to frequently asked code questions

by Kelly P. Reynolds, ALA Code Consultant

Statue of Limitations Accrual 12Provisions as a Way to Reducethe Time Allowed to File Design Error Claims

The question of when a claiming party "knewor should reasonably have known" of its claimcan be the subject of much litigation.

by Shawn E. Goodman, Sabo & Zahn,Attorneys at Law

What is Considered an 14Accessible Route Within A Type B Dwelling Unit?

This article addresses the intent of requiring an "accessible route" within a Type B unit.

by Kimberly Paarlberg, RA, Senior Staff Architect, ICC

Critical Brick Masonry Restoration 24Considerations – Selecting anAppropriate Mortar

When repairs involve rebuilding or repointing, mortar selection must be carefully considered.

by: Timothy M. Crowe, ALA, SE, PE; Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Design Your Practice, Practice 26Your Design

Read how to apply design thinking to your business plan process.

by Rena M. Klein, FAIA, RM Klein Consulting

Why Condo Projects are So Risky 31Whether you are currently doing condo work or may consider it in the future, it would be wise to recognize the inherent risks of condo projects.

by Dan Buelow, Managing Director of Willis A&E

Continuing Education Article: 33The Ins and Outs of Engineered and Composite Wood Doors

Earn 1.0 LU in HSW and learn about construction techniques, ideal requirements and testing parameters of engineered and composite wood doors.

by Yuri Nekrasov, Business DevelopmentManager, Doors For Builders Inc.

Record Keeping Roulette 41Managing and preserving your professional credentials is an important priority for licensed built environment professionals.

by Lexi Selvig, President of LS Credentialing Services

Economics of Ergonomics 47Ergonomics in the workplace is not just a trend in office furniture, but hasan impact on overall productivity ofa work force.

by Ruth Minnick, LEED Green Associate, ASID

FEATURES

16 Featured Architects

37 Student Merit Winners

ARTICLES

ALA Midwest Architecture Conference and Product Show 42

Vol. 18, No. 3 Fall 2014

PUBLISHER’S INFO

PUBLISHERALA, Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJeffrey N. Budgell, FALA - PresidentJames K. Zahn, Esq., FALA,

Vice PresidentMark Van Spann, FALA - SecretaryPatrick C. Harris, FALA - TreasurerJoanne Sullivan, Executive DirectorSteven H. Pate, FALA Past President

DIRECTORS:James J. Belli, FALAJudith Brill, FALADavid Dial, ALADoug Gallus, FALARick Gilmore, FALATom Harkins (Affiliate)Kurt Hezner, FALADarrel LeBarron, ALAPat Manley, ALAJeff Whyte, ALA

EDITORSLisa BrooksJeffrey N. Budgell, FALARobert Davidson, FALAPatrick C. Harris, FALASteven H. Pate, FALA

ADVERTISING SALESJoanne Sullivan

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MAGAZINEMidwest Type and Imaging

ALA, Inc. serves the architectural pro-fession. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced or transmitted, inany form without the express writtenconsent of the publisher. Published inthe U.S.A.,© 2014 by ALA, Inc. Allrights reserved.

Opinions expressed in articles are notnecessarily those of ALA, Inc. Any ref-erence to a product or service is notto be construed as an endorsement ofsame.

Advertising published in LicensedArchitect does not constitute nor implyan endorsement or recommendationof the advertiser’s products by ALA,Inc., or any of its members. ALAreserves the right to review all adver-tising for acceptability.

For advertising, or membership infor-mation, call or write Joanne Sullivan at:

ALA, One East Northwest Highway, Suite 200, Palatine, IL 60067Phone: (847) 382-0630;Fax: (847) 382-8380;E-mail: [email protected]

Web Site: www.alatoday.org

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Calling all Architects! It’s time to register forthe 2014 ALA Midwest Conference andProduct Show on September 30th at DruryLane. Secure your reservation now!

We have 80-plus exhibitors and a full day ofseminars. This year you can register for thecomplete package or a modified day of activ-ities. Additionally there is an evening social,

and you will receive an hour of CE credit for visiting the exhibitors.New this year - there will be a photographer available to take headshots for social media at no charge.

We are thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker will beGordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Per thefirm’s website, "Gordon Gill is one of the world’s preeminent expo-nents of performance-based architecture" and will speak on "TheBeauty of Utility". See our conference website at ALA2014.com formore information and registration.

This issue of "Licensed Architect" is a great one! There are four fea-tured Architect firms and the exciting commercial projects that theycreate. We have a couple of contributed articles in addition to ourregular featured articles on Insurance, ADA, Code, BusinessPlanning, and Legal Issues. Plus there is an interview with ChicagoPreservation Architect Thomas "Gunny" Harboe. Gunny’s workincludes the renovation / restoration of the Rookery, Sullivan Center(Carson Pirie Scott building) and the Burnham Hotel. Gunny wasone of Chicago Magazine’s Chicagoans of the Year in 2010.

I look forward to seeing you at the conference!

Jeffrey Budgell

Jeffrey N. Budgell, FALA, LEED APPresident

ALA THE PRESIDENT’S LETTER ALA Welcomes New Members - Fall 2014

Professional MembersMr. Rod Cox ALA Wausau, WIMr. Mark Cryderman ALA West Bloomfield, MIMs. Elaine Fitzgerald ALA Mount Prospect, ILMr. Jeffrey Funke ALA Chicago, ILMr. Michael Halflants ALA Sarasota, FLMr. Glenn Hoffrichter ALA Franklin, MIMr. Mic Johnson ALA Minneapolis, MNMr. Stephen Kelley ALA Kankakee, ILMr. Jeffrey Keppler ALA Sycamore, ILMr. Jeff Klymson ALA Chicago, ILMs. Graciela Maldonado ALA Chicago, ILMr. John McCarthy ALA Chicago, ILMr. Scot Schmidt ALA Elm Grove, WIMr. J.Thomas Seymour ALA Peoria, ILMr. Rodge Taylor ALA Milwaukee, WI

Senior MembersMr. Vincent Fontana ALA Chicago, ILMr. John Skujins ALA Minneapolis, MN

Associate MembersMr. Jonathan Kuzynowski Lake in the Hills, ILMr. Robert Schildgen Park Ridge, IL

New GraduateJames Addison Charleston, ILVanessa Abin-Fuentes Minneapolis, MNJonathan Clark West Dundee, ILCharles Dana Urbana, ILKayla Fuller Quincy, ILAlex Jaskowiak Oxford, OHRichard Martz New Albany, OHSamuel McBride Brooklyn, NYDavid Morales Melrose Park, ILAndrew Ng Ann Arbor, MIJacqueline Oberlander Glenview, ILMatthew Ollmann Popular Grove, ILAubree Park Milwaukee, WIPankil Patel Schaumburg, ILThomas Savoca Deer Park, ILAdam Strobel Lake Forest, ILJulia Suriano Lombard, ILNichole Tortorici Chicago, ILAshleigh Walton Galveston, TXAllison Wilke St. Charles, MODante Wilkins Chicago, ILDaniel Zweig Occidental, CA

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Introducing Modern Euro Collection


Gunny Harboe’s work in historicpreservation reads like a Who’s Whoof landmark architecture. From hisaward-winning restoration of The

Rookery Building and the Reliance Buildingin Chicago while at the architecture, engi-neering and construction firm McClier (Nowpart of AECOM), to more recent projects ashead of Harboe Architects, Gunny Harboehas a singular feel for what he calls "the his-tory that resides in old structures."

Harboe spent nearly 18 years at McClier,before starting his own firm in 2006. Recentprojects include Holabird and Roche’sMarquette Building, Mies van der Rohe’sCrown Hall, Louis Sullivan’s Carson PirieScott Building and Holabird and Root’sChicago Board of Trade Building, all nationalhistoric landmarks.

He was named Chicagoan of the Year byChicago Magazine in 2010. He has served onthe national board of the AIA, as a regionaldirector from Illinois and is also a past pres-ident of AIA Chicago.

His other volunteer activities includeserving as current Vice President of the ICO-MOS ISC on 20th Century Heritage, pastVice President of the LandmarksPreservation Council of Illinois; and pastVice President of DOCOMOMO-US, where hecurrently remains a board member. He isalso a current board member of the FrankLloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

He received his M. Arch. Degree from MIT,which included study at the Royal Academy ofFine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 1998he completed the course in ArchitecturalConservation at ICCROM in Rome, Italy.

Where were you born and raised? Whatevents or experiences influenced your deci-sion to become an architect?

I grew up in Northfield, Illinois. In the mid-1960s my family moved to New Providence,New Jersey for several years. Then we returnedto the Chicago area and my parents actuallybought back our old house in Northfield. Igraduated from New Trier West High School.

After college (an A.B. in history fromBrown University), I had my first full time jobbuilding post and beam houses in Vermontfor $3.50/hr. I then applied to ColumbiaUniversity to obtain an M. Sc. in HistoricPreservation. After finishing school I got ajob working at the Metropolitan Museum ofArt in New York rebuilding the Frank LloydWright Room (from the Francis Little House)and the Greek Revival and Rococo parlors inthe American Wing. It was the restoration ofthe Frank Lloyd Wright room that was a rev-elation for me. It was so impactful. Two fac-tors influenced my decision to become anarchitect. First, it was the beauty of thatroom, and second, it was the way the projecthad been defined by the architects. I wantedto be in a position to define what should bedone and how the work should be carried outby the contractors and trades people.

Historic or modern?I admire great design of every era, and a lot

of our practice is devoted to preserving mod-ern architecture.

What’s your favorite building? One of my favorites is certainly The Rookery

Building. Not only is it a fabulous building,but it was my first real preservation project. Itwas originally designed by Burnham and Rootin 1888 and renovated in 1905 by Frank LloydWright. Continental Bank had been planninga major rehab in the late 1980s and then wentbankrupt and the building had to be sold.Thomas Baldwin III purchased the building in1988 and McClier was given the job of over-seeing the upgraded project, which took threeand a half years. We found the original shopdrawings in the basement and used them toauthentically replicate Wright’s interiors.

Talking with...

T. Gunny Harboe, FAIA, Harboe Architects

Robie House

ARCHITECT INTERVIEW


What inspires you?I love art – modern as well as traditional -

painting, sculpture, photography; basicallyeverything. I particularly like modern sculp-ture such as the work of Henry Moore,Louise Nevelson and Alexander Calder. Ouroffice is across from Federal Plaza which hasthe "Flamingo" by Calder. It is a delight. Ienjoy walking by it every day.

Who are your favorite architects? Of course for many reasons I would have

to say Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van derRohe. I also really like the work of Eliel andEero Saarinen. Because of my heritage, I likeDanish architecture, particularly the work ofArne Jacobsen and his classic modern furni-ture designs.

Do have a message for young architects – howdo you succeed as an architect in today’s world?

They need to have passion and believe inwhat they are doing. Second, they shouldhave an understanding of the general waythe business of building buildings works. It’salso important to recognize that clients(building owners) have needs and wants andthat you are there to serve them. The role ofthe architect is to get everyone to have thesame vision.

Tell us about your firm?We have a staff of five architects. Two of

them, Bob Score and Mark Kasprzyk,worked with me at McClier, so we have beentogether a long time. I like the size we are,because it means that I am still engaged inall of the projects.

What has been your biggest challenge?Every project is different – sometimes the

hardest work is getting the next project. Wehave been really lucky and have worked onsome great buildings. What’s often difficult

is getting clientsto understandthe importanceof doing thework to theright level ofauthenticity – tobe true to thebuilding. In thisworld of cheaperand faster, weneed to helpthem balancewhat is the bestthing to do forthe long termpreservation ofthe building

with their own needs which of courseinclude schedule and cost issues.

What are you working on now? We’re working on Robie House, Unity

Temple and Taliesin West, all by Frank LloydWright. We’re also working on restoring theexterior of Wrigley Field with VOA.

What do you do to relax?I like to read, travel and take photographs.

When I go on vacation, I like going to CapeCod to the beach. I also ride my bike to workregularly – I have been doing that for thepast 25 years.

Plans for the future?Stay in business (laughs). We want to con-

tinue to work on iconic buildings of the pastbecause we understand their value and wantto preserve them for the next generation. Wewant to have a positive impact.■

Taliesin West

Unity Temple

Sullivan Center Rotunda


QUESTION? - "In a fully fire sprinkleredbuilding, are they also required in elevatorhoistways and machine rooms?"

ANSWER: Fire sprinklers can be omittedunder the following conditions:

◆ The room is dedicated for elevator equip-ment only;

◆ The room is protected by an approvedsmoke detector system;

◆ The room is separated from the remainderof the building with two hours (one-hourfor buildings three levels or less);

◆ No unrelated materials stored in the eleva-tor room;

◆ The elevator machinery is not the hydraulictype;

◆ Sidewall sprinklers required at the bottom ofeach hoistway no more than two feet abovethe floor of the pit. A fire sprinkler at the bot-tom of the hoistway is not required if theroom is enclosed, noncombustible shaftsand does not contain any hydraulic fluids.

QUESTION? - "What is the differencebetween emergency and standby power?"

ANSWER: Emergency power systems are forsuch life safety systems as egress lighting,emergency communications, fire pumps,high-rise building elevators and hazardousprocesses. Standy power systems are forloads not as critical and emergency powersuch as smoke control systems, certain ele-vators, certain hazardous processes, HVAC,and sewage systems.

QUESTION? "When is a unisex bathroom per-mitted? Must it be handicapped accessible?"

ANSWER: The International PlumbingCode permits a unisex (single) bathroom foran occupancy of 15 or less people. Thisoccupant load of 15 people includes theaggregate total of both employees and cus-tomers. If only one restroom is permitted,then it must meet the handicapped require-ments and be accessible.

QUESTION? "We have a pizza parlor (A-2)that wants to add seating by renting the spacenext door and removing the demising wall. Theonly problem is that when you calculate the"allowable" area, it exceeds 100 persons andtherefore requires fire sprinklers. The architectwants to reduce the number of seats to under100 persons. Is that method acceptable?"

ANSWER: No, that concept does not work. Thecode is based on "allowable area" in Table1004.1.1 of the IBC. The code does permit cal-culating occupant load by "actual area", but thatdoes not apply to this situation. Who wouldmonitor the daily occupants load if tables andchairs are added during a busy dinner time? The"actual area" concept would be an occupancysuch as a movie theater with fixed seats.

QUESTION? "What are the opening require-ments for duct inspection access required bythe International Mechanical Code?"

ANSWER: The duct opening must be identi-fied with a exterior label of a minimum of 1/2-in. lettering "FIRE/SMOKE DAMPER, SMOKEDAMPER" or "FIRE DAMPER". The minimumaccess door is 18" x 16" when duct size permits.For dampers that are too large for an ordinaryperson’s arm to reach from the outside of theduct to reset the damper and replace the link,then the access must be at least 24" x 16" to

allow a person to enter the duct. Refer to NFPANo. 90A (Air conditioning and VentilationSystems) for further details.

QUESTION? "When the IPC requires a drink-ing fountain, can the faucet from an employeekitchen be an alternative for compliance?"

ANSWER: NO. Neither a kitchen sink faucetor dispenser on a refrigerator meet the stan-dards for drinking fountains.

QUESTION? "Can an electrical outlet box beplaced in a fire-rated gypsum system?"

ANSWER: If it meets certain requirements.Metallic outlet boxes can be installed in woodand steel stud walls and partitions having gyp-sum board facings and rated of 2-hours or less.Individual boxes surface area cannot exceed 16sq. in. The aggregate surface area of all theboxes is limited to 100 sq. in. per 100 sq. ft.Backed to back boxes on the same wall mustbe separated at least 24-inches diagonally. Nomore than one outlet is permitted per studcavity in a fire-rated system. Approved non-metallic boxes are only permitted whereallowable by local code.

QUESTION? "We have a residential duplexthat requires a two-hour fire-separationbetween units. The designer had proposedusing two, one-hour walls back-to-back. Isthat acceptable?"

ANSWER: The intent of the code is to providea two-hour fire separation between units.Using two, one hour rated walls back to backis acceptable. However, each wall must meetall the requirements for a one-hour rating,including the finish ratings for both sides.

CODE CORNER

(continued on p. 45)

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Statute of Limitations AccrualProvisions as a Way to Reduce theTime Allowed to File Design Error Claims

very jurisdiction has certain time limits,known as statutes of limitations, whichserve to limit the time within claims can befiled. If filed beyond the time period man-

dated by the statute of limitations, claims are timebarred and subject to dismissal on that basis alone,regardless of their merits. Most jurisdictions alsohave what are known as “discovery rules” whichdictate when the statute of limitations period,whatever that time period is, begins to run. Forexample, the Illinois statute which governs designand construction claims provides:

Actions based upon tort, contract or otherwiseagainst any person for an act or omission ofsuch person in the design, planning, supervi-sion, observation or management of construc-tion, or construction of an improvement toreal property shall be commenced within 4years from the time the person bringing anaction . . . knew or should reasonably haveknown of such act or omission.1

Thus, in Illinois the statute of limitations isfour years, but that four years does not beginto run until the time that the party bringingthe claims “knew or should have reasonablyhave known of such act or omission.”Furthermore, Illinois also allows that partyup to ten years to make that “discovery,” i.e.,that it has been injured and may have a causeof action available to it.2 So, the injured partyhas up to ten years to “discover,” then up tofour years after its “discovery” to actually filesuit. In other words, it’s possible that a causeof action could beat the statute of limitationseven if it was not filed until up to fourteenyears after the project was completed. Notonly is that obviously a rather long period oftime, but the question of when a claimingparty “knew or should reasonably haveknown” of its claim can be the subject ofmuch litigation. If there is any room for dis-agreement on that question, the case will

have to proceed all the way through trial,both on that and all other matters in dispute.Only when there is no reasonable room fordisagreement about when the party “knew orshould reasonably have known” will amotion, either to dismiss or for summaryjudgment, succeed in knocking out the claimprior to all the time, trouble and expense of afull-blown trial.

Importantly, parties can deviate from thestatute of limitations adopted by the legisla-ture. They can do this by adopting their own,privately negotiated “statute of limitations” intheir contract. The AIA form contracts, as ofthe 1977 versions, included terms which didnot alter or shorten the actual statutory limi-tations period. They did better than that byeliminating the discovery rule altogether andproviding a mandatory start date on whichthe applicable statute of limitations wouldbegin to run, regardless of when theaggrieved party discovered the allegedlyactionable “act or omission.”

The owner-architect agreement, B141-1997, provided in section 1.3.7.3:

Causes of action between the parties to thisAgreement pertaining to acts or failures toact shall be deemed to have accrued and theapplicable statutes of limitations shall com-mence to run not later than either the dateof Substantial Completion for acts or fail-ures to act occurring prior to SubstantialCompletion or the date of issuance of thefinal Certificate for Payment for acts or fail-ures to act occurring after SubstantialCompletion. In no event shall such statutesof limitations commence to run any laterthan the date when the Architect’s servicesare substantially completed.

In Illinois, this meant that the four-yearstatute of limitations began to run at substan-

tial completion for the vast majority of claims,no matter whether the owner could have dis-covered the problem within those four yearsor not. The beauty of this clause is that it didaway with all of the uncertainty which canarise in applying the discovery rule, fighting itout in court over when the owner knew orshould have known of a defect.

The AIA accrual provision was the subject ofvarious appellate court opinions. One promi-nent one was the case of Gustine UniontownAssocs. v. Anthony Crane Rental, 892 A.2d830,836 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2006). In that case, theplaintiff, Gustine, purchased thirty-five acresto construct a mall. The mall was built over afunctioning coal mine. Gustine contractedwith Architectural Services Group (ASG) as thearchitect for the project and entered into sepa-rate contracts with various contractors. OnSeptember 8, 1993, ASG certified that all thestructures in the shopping center were sub-stantially complete. Eventually, some of thestores’ floor slabs began to buckle, and cracksappeared in walls, sidewalks and parking lots.The plaintiff did not file suit until 1999. Manyof the defendants moved to dismiss based onthe applicable four-year statute of limitationsfor breach of contract in Pennsylvania, and thetwo-year statute of limitations for tort. Gustineargued that any applicable statute of limita-tions had been tolled, or legally suspendedfrom starting to run, by the discovery rule,among other defenses.

ASG was the sole defendant to succeed withits motion to dismiss, based upon the AIAaccrual clause. The trial court was thenupheld twice, first by the mid-level appellatecourt, then by the Pennsylvania SupremeCourt, which specifically noted that the clausein question “precludes application of the dis-covery rule; indeed, that is its obvious intent.”

It took several more years before Illinois

by Shawn E. Goodman,Sabo & Zahn, Attorneys at Law

(continued on page 30)

LEGAL ISSUES


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What is Considered an Accessible Route Within a Type B Dwelling Unit?

CC technical staff answers questions overthe phone or through email as part of theirservice to Members. The title of this article

is a common question that comes up:So, by requiring an "accessible route" within

a Type B unit, is the intent to require turningcircles in every room and/or maneuveringclearances at all doors? There are allowancesfor institutional and residential buildings tonot have elevators between floors (IBC 1107.7),but for this article, we will assume that eithera building elevator is provided, or we will focusonly on the ground floor where the Accessible,Type A or Type B units are provided.

An accessible route intended to be fullyaccessible to a person using a wheelchair isdescribed in Chapter 4 of the A117.1.Elements include walking surfaces, doors,ramps, curb cuts, elevators and platform lifts(ICC 402.2). The route has to be wide enoughto allow for a person using a wheelchair tomove throughout the space. A maneuveringclearance is provided at doors to allow some-one to reach the door hardware, maneuverout of the swing of the door so the door canopen and then move into the openingthrough the doorway (ICC 404). Floor sur-faces must be firm and stable (ICC 302). Thickcarpets with thick padding make it very diffi-cult for a person using a wheelchair to

maneuver, similar to trying to move throughloose stones or sand. When dealing with achange in level, there are options of curb cuts,ramps, elevators and, where permitted by IBC1109.8, platform lifts.

Accessible, Type A and Type B units arescoped in Group I and R (IBC 1107). When aperson walks or rolls into a residential orinstitutional facility, all public spaces and cor-ridors would be required to comply with theaccessible route provisions in ICC Chapter 4.This includes a route from any arrival points,(such as the accessible parking or drop off), toan accessible building entrance; and fromthere to the shared areas in the building (e.g.,

lobby, cafeteria, mail room, laundry, activityrooms) and to the front door of all theAccessible, Type A and Type B dwelling orsleeping units. The self-same accessible routeis also required within any Accessible or TypeA units (ICC 1002.3 through 1002.8, 1003.3through 1003.8). However, the "accessibleroute" requirements within a Type B unit areless stringent and are defined in ICC 1004.3through 1004.8. To fully understand therequirements, it is important to look at thelimits of the references:

Type B units are defined in the IBC as "con-sistent with the design and constructionrequirements of the federal Fair Housing Act

Note: References throughout this article are from the 2012 International Building Code(IBC), or the 2009 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities (ICC).

by Kimberly Paarlberg, RA Senior Staff Architect, ICC

Photo 1 – Maneuvering at a door

ADA ADVICE


(IBC 202)." The basic idea is that a Type B unitis required to be useable by a person in awheelchair, but it is not necessarily wheel-chair friendly. Sections 1004.3 through1004.8 provide specific references as to whatis considered a Type B accessible route.

The front door to the unit must provide a32-inch clear width (typically a 3’-0" door),have maneuvering clearances on both sides(to allow for ingress and egress), have leverhardware and a smooth bottom surface onthe push side (ICC 404, 1004.5.1). The otherdoors within the unit have to provide only a31-3/4" clear width (ICC 1004.5.2.1). Thiscan be met with most standard 2’-10" doors.Door hardware can include door knobs thatmeet the general egress provisions for doorhardware (IBC 1008.9.1).

The route does not have to reach every liv-ing space within the Type B unit. Non-acces-sible areas can include areas such as a raiseddining area, a sunken seating areas in a living

room, or a mezzanine sleeping loft, as longas you can get around those non-accessibleareas to reach the other areas within the unit(ICC 1004.3.1). While the route throughoutthe unit does have to be at least 36 incheswide (ICC 403.5, 1004.4.1), the floor surfacecould be anything, including a shag carpetwith double padding, if desired. Turningspaces are not required in any room withinthe unit. The bathrooms that provide clear-ances at fixtures (either Option A or OptionB) have to have a 30-by-48-inch wheelchairspace past the swing of the door (ICC 305.3,1004.11.2.1), but not a turning space. Whilethe standard thresholds at doors or atchanges in floor materials are 1/2-inch max-imum, a 4-inch step down between the inte-rior and exterior surfaces is permitted to anexterior deck (ICC 1004.4.2), and a 3/4-inchthreshold is permitted at sliding doors (ICC1004.5.2.2) providing access to that deck.

If a Type B dwelling or sleeping unitincludes a change in level from a step to astory, there are several options: Ramp require-ments within the unit are the same as a rampanyplace else in the building (ICC 405, 1004.6).However, given the size requirements, rampsare not common within a dwelling or sleepingunit. Any type of passenger elevator can beused to provide an accessible route within adwelling unit (IBC 1109.7, ICC 407, 408, 409,1004.7). The elevator safety standard, ASMEA18.1, allows for private residence elevators tobe used to provide a route between storieswithin or serving an individual dwelling orsleeping unit. A private residence elevator isnot permitted in other uses. Platform lifts,either inclined or vertical, can be used to pro-vide a route between levels within a dwellingor sleeping unit (IBC 1109.8 Item 4, ICC 410,1004.8). The platform lift safety standard,ASME A18.1, does limit the rise of a platformlift to 14 feet maximum. A platform lift doesallow for a person in a wheelchair to move

their device onto thelift. A chair lift thatprovides only a seat,while it may aid per-sons who have mobil-ity issues, is not per-mitted as part of arequired accessibleroute.

A multi-story unitin a building with ele-vator access outsidethe unit is permittedto be accessible only

on the level with elevator access (IBC1107.7.2), provided that level has a livingspace and a toilet room. The 2015 IBC addsthat if the Type B unit includes a kitchen, thekitchen also must be on that level. The intentis that if someone has a temporary disability,they can at least have access to the minimumfacilities in the unit. Best design practicewould allow for a bedroom area and full bath-room on the accessible level, however, this isnot a requirement. Many designers doinclude this feature for homes where the ideais to allow for "aging-in-place." A familycould have such a need for a variety of rea-sons while living in their home, such as for afamily member recovering from an opera-tion, injury or illness that does not allow orlimits the use of stairways; or a visiting fam-ily member or friend who cannot use or hasdifficulty using stairways.

Type B units, while consistent with FairHousing Act requirements, do not provide,nor are they intended to provide, the samelevel of access for a person using a wheel-chair as that which is found in public area,Accessible or Type A dwelling or sleepingunits. IBC 1107.2 recognizes this in allowingfor elements of Accessible or Type A units tobe permitted within Type B units since theyoffer a higher level of accessibility. The ICCA117.1 has a special study group that pro-posed changes to make the requirementsbetween the different types of dwelling andsleeping units in the 2009 edition have aclearer "step-down"’ of requirements.■

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Photo 2Private Residence elevator

Photo 3Access in a kitchen in a Type B unit


F e a t u r e d A r c h i t e c t

EwingCole, in practice for over 50years, is a nationally recognized,fully integrated architecture, engi-neering, interior design, and plan-

ning firm of more than 300 professionals with headquartersin Philadelphia and offices in New York and Irvine, California.

Our success is based on creating relationships and trust,with an underlying emphasis on communication, designexcellence and a dedication to client advocacy.

EwingCole is an industry leader in design of:1. Healthcare Facilities2. Pharmaceutical and Science & Technology labs3. Sports, Athletics & Recreation Facilities4. Cultural and Academic Facilities5. Corporate & Workplace Facilities

Our practice is based on the idea that a multi-disciplinaryteam of architects, engineers and interior designers pro-vides the best value to achieve quality projects that meetbudget, schedule and respond to client goals andrequirements.

Philosophically, we approach every project as a collabora-tive process, based on developing consensus amongstakeholders and providing the tools and knowledge forinformed decision making. For each of our markets, weinvest in developing and maintaining a high level ofunderstanding of our clients’ business, operations andtrends for both today and in the future and using thisexpertise, focus on integrating functionality, technologyand great design for buildings, site and environment. Westrive to minimize depletion of natural resources andimprove our resource efficiency.

National Lab: Thomas JeffersonNational Accelerator Facility

Technology & EngineeringDevelopment (TED) Building

Newport News, VA

The 70,000 SF facility provides space fornuclear physics, research and testing onbehalf of the US Department of Energy.

The challenge was to consolidate and inte-grate multiple functions spread over thecampus into one environment to foster

communication and collaboration amongscientist, engineers and technologist aspart of the new direction established by

the National Labs.

The building provides an open armsentrance for the diversity of users and a

new front door to the community toaccommodate their changing direction andmission. The exterior image acts as a sym-bol to reinforce the move to an open envi-

ronment to peer into the activities inside.

A geothermal well field, outdoor air energyrecovery system and solar domestic hotwater contributed to the project’s LEED

Gold certification.

Photos: Ron Blunt Architectural Photography



Bayhealth Medical Center Patient PavilionDover, DE

The new Pavilion is a visible expression of Bayhealth’s ongoingcommitment to serve patients and their families with the highestlevel of care supported and enhanced by advances in technologyand design. The program includes a full service Cancer Center andan Emergency Department accommodating 60,000 annual visits.

The design softens the institutional image of healthcare with formand landscaping working together to provide a welcoming entrywhile presenting non rectilinear spaces inside. Natural lighting isintroduced inside to keep the connection to the outside.

Photos: Ron Blunt Architectural Photography

New York Football Giants and New York Jets MetLife StadiumEast Rutherford, NJ

The 2.1M SF stadium, site of Super Bowl XLVIII, is the only venue thatis home to two professional teams in the same sport: The New YorkJets and The New York Football Giants. The challenge was to designthe best, most technologically advanced stadium, with an intimateseating bowl offering the best sightlines and an intimidating experi-ence for opposing teams. The stadium is team-neutral on non-footballdays but transformable on game days to reflect the colors and logos ofthe respective home team.

The stadium facade is composed of a continuous array of aluminumlouvers which create a sleek, unified, monolithic appearance. The lou-

vers, which are the size of small airplane wings and visible from Manhattan, will be uniformly washed in colored light – green onJets’ home games and blue on Giants’ home games.

Photo: © David Sundberg / Esto.

Anne Arundel Community College

Andrew G. Truxal LibraryExpansion & Renovation

Arnold, MD

The complete renovation and 32,000 square foot addition to theAndrew G. Truxal Library, an underutilized relic from the 1960’s, trans-

forms it into a 21st Century Learning Center, with less emphasis onwarehousing the College’s print collection and more on technology

innovation, study options and accessibility of information. The center-piece of the addition is the two-story Technology Learning Center, a21st Century equivalent of the 19th Century grand reading room of

traditional libraries. The TLC, as it is called, is surrounded by full-height glass which is imbedded with a ceramic pattern to control

sunlight and reduce glare on the individual and collaborative com-puter work stations contained within it. This space has become both

symbolically and functionally the heart of the transformed library.Complementary positioning of the LEED Gold addition created anew and dramatic image for the campus from the entrance drive.

Photos: Halkin Architectural Photography, LLC



Gruskin Group™ (GruskinArchitecture + Design, P.C.)is an integrated design firmthat creates unified brandexperiences through the use

of architecture, interior design, brand develop-ment, visual communications, web/interactive,industrial design, strategic consulting, and sustain-able design. The success of our integratedapproach to developing solutions is evident in thelong-term relationships we continue to maintainwith our clients.

Licensed nationwide, Gruskin Group Principal,Kenneth A. Gruskin, AIA, co-founded the firm in1984 as AGM Architecture + Design, P.C. Underhis leadership, the firm’s direction evolved intoone of the first design firms in the U.S. to offerintegrated design.

In 2014, Gruskin Group was named among theNew York Region’s top 100 design firms by ENR;among the top retail design firms nationally byVMSD (#19); and among the top 25 design firmsin New Jersey by NJBiz. In addition, the firm hasbeen ranked among the top firms nationally byArchitectural Record, Design: Retail, andCommercial Construction Magazine, and hasbeen named to the prestigious Inc. 5000. Thefirm and its professionals’ award-winning workhas been recognized by AIA, The AmericanConcrete Institute, the Retail Design Institute,Chain Store Age, ICSC, ASID, New York Ad Club,New Jersey Ad Club, Graphis, and theAssociation of Graphic Communications. Foradditional information, visit www.gruskingroup.com.

Photography: © Kenneth A. Gruskin/Gruskin Architecture + Design, P.C.

Kean University Green Lane BuildingUnion, NJ

Kean University’s newest addition, a 102,275 SF academicbuilding composed of glass, stone, concrete, and brick, serves

as a gateway icon to its Union, New Jersey campus. The six-story building includes a café/retail space on the first floor, theRobert Busch School of Design and the university’s expanding

business programs on floors two through five, and a conferencecenter on the sixth floor. The building offers students and fac-

ulty numerous opportunities to learn, socialize, and engageoutside the classroom via its numerous lounges, breakout

spaces, intimate nooks, outdoor terraces, and even corridorsthat are no longer wasted space, but are now prime places for

educational gatherings.



Double Wide GrillMars, PA

Double Wide Grill, designed as a vintage gas station-turned-restaurant, suggests a 1950's sensibility while cap-turing the country's newfound fascination with 'the openroad' and adventure travel in the family car, trailer in tow.The stylistic approach evokes a nostalgic feel that con-nects to the public's love for 'motorabilia.' The designfeatures the flowing 'Airstream' curves of a 1950's fillingstation complete with gas pumps and trailers, typical ofthat era. The goal was to offer diners the experience, fun,and sense of adventure of a road trip 'Route 66' style,even if only for the duration of a meal.

Verizon FiOS StoreNew York, NY

Verizon Communications asked us to develop a showroom and dedi-cated customer sales area for their FiOS service for the Peter Cooper

Village community in New York City. This resulted in an award-winningdesign that immerses customers in the FiOS experience with all of the

excitement one expects from their home entertainment. Our designcreated a personal connection to the community by including large

lifestyle graphics depicting local customers actively using Verizonproducts in their neighborhood.

Photography: ©Kenneth A. Gruskin/Gruskin Architecture + Design, P.C.

Photography: ©Kenneth A. Gruskin/Gruskin Architecture + Design, P.C.



LVDA offers the personalized attention you expect from a small design studiocombined with the established expertise and history of a large, full-service firm.

Established by several executives of the prolific Chicago architecture firm DeStefano Partners, Lothan Van Hook DeStefano Architecture LLC (LVDA)focuses on service and design excellence. Working together for decades onprojects with a proven track record of success, LVDA founding Principals AvramLothan, Mary Ann Van Hook and James DeStefano have been practicing architecture together for nearly 30 years. Led by Lothan as the Design Principaland Van Hook as the Managing Principal, this new generation consists of theprevious firm’s respected senior thought leaders in the Education, Residential,Community and Commercial market sectors.

Peace Corner Youth CenterChicago, IL

The economical and sustainable design forthe new building successfully represents the

goals of this community organization whileproviding a sense of place and belonging for

at-risks youths.

This youth center in one of the roughestneighborhoods on Chicago’s west side is

underserved by public parks and recre-ational programs. The client required a safeCenter to encourage an alternative to street

life and gangs.

Transparency and color invite kids into thebuilding in an intimate and non-threateningway. The “floating boxes” of luminous poly-carbonate house the program components

to support courses in GED, computer literacyand work internships, while providing visual

interest to occupants and passersby. Throughthe use of durable and economical materialsand minimal finishes, the streamlined design

creates a compact suite of spaces that arevisually united yet functionally independent.

A range of spaces from computer lab togymnasium, are provided to channel youthful

energy into productive pursuits.

Built on an unsightly and unsafe empty lotnext to its previous location, the one-story,

8,000 sf infill building preserves an urbancenter. Conceived as an inexpensive and

fast-to-build construction effort, the simplebuilding fills an urgent need while bringing a

community together.



Northwestern University Kresge Centennial Hall Renovation

Evanston, IL

The project involves the complete renovation and select reconstruction of the 90,000sf Kresge Centennial Hall and the demolition and expanded reconstruction of a wingthat connects Kresge Hall with an earlier addition. The project will fulfill ongoing pro-

grammatic and building systems’ needs to provide an efficient, functional and contemporary academic environment.

Central to the University’s goal for the facility is the integration of modern technol-ogy and teaching methods specific to art and language. The renovation will utilizemultimedia applications and provide access tobroadcasts via satellites. These technologically

intensive spaces combine not only labs andtesting facilities, but language immersion

opportunities as well. LVDA’s task is to provide adetailed and comprehensive analysis of the vari-

ous stakeholders’ space and program needs.The final design will be a collaborative effortbetween stakeholder groups and the design

team that ties the complex together into a sin-gle, visually coherent structure. It will incorpo-

rate ‘third’ spaces; improve utilization, buildingorganization, sustainable design; and establish a

strong sense of identity for the WeinbergCollege of Arts and Sciences.

Legacy Charter SchoolChicago, IL

The independent Charter School is one of the top performingcharter schools in the Chicago area. The new education centerwill accommodate comprehensive curriculum. In addition toplanning and programming the new 72,000 sf school, LVDAworked with representatives from Legacy and several benefac-tors to test a range of potential sites before finally selectingthis site on Ogden Avenue in the North Lawndale community.Adjacent to North Lawndale College Preparatory High School,Catalyst Howland Charter, and a police station, the site inte-grates a range of educational and community resources.

The client desires a sustainable building that provides a state-ment and a safe, enriching environment. The structure also hasto be easy to maintain and built under a tight budget.Inexpensive, minimalist materials in bright colors and energyefficient systems support citizenship and civic responsibilitiesas well as the student-centered education central to Legacy’sphilosophy. The school boasts small class sizes and an array ofsocial and educational services. Therefore the design featuresgroup study and work rooms, private breakout space, and tra-ditional and specialty classrooms. The variety of learning envi-ronments and services ensures that each child’s strengths,needs and learning style are nurtured.



Whitney Architects, a 30-year-old company, is a diverse group of archi-tects and interior designers. Their studio-based approach embracesthe collaboration of disciplines, expertise, and experience. Throughproviding a full-range of interior architecture services, from

Programming through Construction Administration, Whitney develops innovative, personalized solutionsthrough focused listening and creative problem-solving. A strong client relationship is their priority, withmore than 43% recurring for 10+ years. These long-term relationships are developed by creating spacesattuned to each client’s individual needs and work styles, thus contributing to their continued success.

Whitney recently celebrated their second year in new offices, which have enhanced collaboration and per-formance more than ever before. The restructuring has continued to foster an emerging transformation inthe firm’s culture, and developed solid partnerships with a growinglist of major global corporations. This past year, Whitney placednumber ’91’ on Interior Design Magazine’s list of ‘Design Giants’,was named ‘Interior Design Firm of the Year’ at the Chicago RealEstate Awards, and was given the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at theIIDA Red Awards.

Adjustable FormsLombard, IL

Adjustable Forms, a cast-in-place concrete company,looked to Whitney to renovate their dated facility

with an eye towards reuse of existing materials andLEED accreditation. Collaborating with DLR Group,

Whitney created a modern, minimalist 8,000 SF officefeaturing an employee lounge, collaboration area,

BIM room, grand reception, and trellised courtyard.

Photos: James Steinkamp / Steinkamp Photography



Titan ElectricItasca, IL

Titan Electric, looking to expand their facilities, askedWhitney to design an open space to promote collaborationand showcase Titan’s abilities. The design includes a customreception desk with a backlit conduit front, full-height glasswalls, and an open ceiling with exposed HVAC, conduit, andelectrical work by Titan.

Photos: James Steinkamp / Steinkamp Photography

Photos: Christopher Barrett / Christopher Barrett Photography

Catamaran HeadquartersSchaumburg, IL

Catamaran recently doubled their headcount and engaged Whitney todefine a new aesthetic for their relocated corporate headquarters. Thefinal product includes a two story lobby and water feature, commercialkitchen and café, onsite clinic and fitness center, 25,000 SF full service

conference center, 2 Network Services floors, and 6 staff floors.


mproper repairs and poor masonry main-tenance practices can often be the cause ofdamage or accelerate deterioration of

exterior masonry assemblies. Masonry repairefforts need to accurately identify the causeof distress conditions and the system proper-ties in order to develop appropriate repairs.This may sound like a statement of the obvi-ous, but it is all too common in the industryto see masonry restoration efforts thatapproach problems, in a one size fits allapproach, which, in some cases can do moreharm than good. Prior to performingmasonry remediation work, there should be athorough examination of the existing assem-bly and distress patterns to accurately iden-tify the causes of the distress and to selectappropriate repair methods and materials toaddress these causes. When the repairsinvolve rebuilding or repointing, mortarselection must be carefully considered.

In simple terms, masonry assem-blies are comprised of either solid stone, firedclay or shale, or cementitious units that arelaid with a mortar. The mortar in turn iscomprised of a fine aggregate, usually a wellgraded sand, and a binder. Different bindershave been used over time and included vari-ous combinations of cement and hydratedlimes. Other mortars utilized a non-hydrauliclime (or lime putty) and sand with nocement. When selecting mortar for repairs, itis essential that the masonry units and mor-tar components work together. Clay brickmasonry system, discussed herein, have beenmanufactured for thousands of years andhave been shown to have serviceable livesthat can go on for centuries with proper care.For the purposes of this article, we will dis-cuss mortar selection for the repair of claybrick masonry assemblies of the 19th andearly 20th centuries.

In addition to having adequatestrength to resist gravity and environmental

loads, masonry assemblies need to be ableto dissipate moisture and to accommodateexpansion and contraction due to tempera-ture and moisture. Mass masonry walls,that utilize multiple wythes of brick withinthe wall construction, control water fromrains by absorbing and storing variousamounts of moisture throughout the sea-sons. These systems must be permitted todry out, typically both to the exterior andto the interior. Masonry wall systems uti-lized in the late 1800s and early 1900s haveincluded multiple wythe assemblies com-prised of solid brick units that include anair space, approximately 2 inches wide, andare historically referred to as hollow walls.Hollow walls were used to prevent the trans-fer of excessive moisture from the exterior tointerior wall finishes. These systems includedcombinations of double or single wythe exte-rior walls and single or double wythe innerwalls (or any one of a number of variationson this theme) that were separated by airspaces. The inner and outer wythes of masswalls are typically tied together with headerbricks (although metal ties were also in useby the mid-19th century, this was moreprevalent in England at that time).

From a material basis, there aresignificant differences between clay brickunits, depending on the method of manufac-turing. Clay bricks from the 19th century orearlier, were typically molded or pressedunits fired in beehive kilns. The temperatureranges in these kilns were not easily con-trolled and, as a result, units were not fireduniformly throughout the clay body. Brickslocated in different areas of the kiln wouldalso experience different firing temperaturesand their corresponding strength character-istics would also differ, depending upon theirpositioning within the kilns. The softer (low-fired) materials were typically utilized at inte-rior walls or portions of the building that

required less durable bricks. Brick units ofthis age typically have lower compressivestrengths than clay bricks fabricated in thelater 20th century and today. Based on expe-rience with compressive strength testsresults from various projects, clay masonryunits fabricated in the 1800s seldom hadcompressive strengths in excess of 2,500 to3,000 psi (which generally fall into the lowend of acceptable compressive strengths perASTM C216 for compliance with face brickmasonry requirements). It is also not uncom-mon to encounter brick masonry units withstrengths as low as 1,500 psi for bricks of thisera. Modern bricks are fired at higher tem-peratures, can achieve compressive strengthsin excess of 7,000 to 10,000 psi, and also havea greater propensity to expend in service incomparison to older bricks.

Similarly, mortar used in masonryconstruction in the 1800s and before had alower compressive strength that those com-monly used today.

Typically, lime based mortars wereused in masonry construction, with somenatural cements and portland cements com-ing into play in the later 19th century. Theseolder lime mortars (especially those withoutcements) are also more flexible and more

Critical Brick MasonryRestoration Considerations -

Selecting an Appropriate Mortar Timothy M. Crowe, ALA, SE, PE

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Figure 1. View of Morrill Hall, a 1890s university building at IowaState, during an investigation prior to renovation.

SECOND CHANCES


vapor permeable than modern mortars.Modern mortars include a greater amount ofportland cement and have been more preva-lent through the 20th century.

The strength of the original brick unitsand mortar need to be recognized duringrepairs. More specifically, masonry wallsundergo volumetric changes in service. Ifpointing mortar is of a much greaterstrength than that of the underlying mortar,the non-uniform strength and/or resistancewithin the mortar joints between masonryunits can occur with the harder mortar pres-ent in the outer surface of the wall, andstress concentrations at the edge of themasonry can contribute to masonry spalls asshown in Figure 2.

The permeability of the repair mortar canplay a role in holding moisture withinmasonry walls. As noted above, mass wallswill absorb moisture in rain events and storethis moisture until it has time to evaporateto the interior and the exterior through boththe masonry units and the mortar. Whenrepointing mortar is selected, a soft perme-able mortar can assist in facilitating evapora-tion to the exterior. Hard mortars containingportland cement can have lower water vaporpermeability and may result in the path ofleast resistance for the escape of moisture tobe through the face of the masonry unit(Figures 3 and 4). This can also allow mois-ture to remain within the softer originalmortar behind the repointing mortar. Whenmoisture is held in the softer original mortar(especially if the depth of mortar removal wasnot extended to sound mortar), the bindercan be leached over time and the mortar mayexperience more frequent freeze-thaw cycles,further accelerating the deterioration of thissoft original mortar (Figure 5). This trappedmoisture can also lead to the deterioration ofembedded metal components, resulting in

further distress conditions within themasonry facade.

The use of high compressive strengthmortars with masonry repairs that use newbrick units can also be a problem. New claymasonry units undergo permanent moistureexpansion as they acclimate over their ini-tial years of service. If repairs includereplacement of significant regions ofmasonry with new clay units and new highcompressive strength mortar, expansion

within themasonry repaircan damage thesurroundingconstruction.Care is neededto ensure thatthe replacementmaterial charac-teristics forolder masonrysystems, whichcan be relativelysofter (of lowercompressionstrength) thanmodern materi-als, are properlyconsidered.

The current building code for masonryconstruction, is ACI-530-13, which was origi-nally developed by the Masonry StandardsJoint Committee of The Masonry Society,American Concrete Institute and StructuralEngineers Institute and is currently main-tained solely by The Masonry Society. Theweakest mortar recognized in this code isType N. Consequently, architects may tend tofall back on this mortar type to help ensurecode compliance. However, for masonry con-structions that date back to the 1800s andearly 1900s, the use of Type N mortar willmore than likely be too hard for these appli-cations, both for use in repointing and foruse with replacement masonry. Type N mor-tar has a significant amount of portland

cement, compared to historic mortars, thatcan result in reduced permeability and leadto new deterioration potentials that did notpreviously exist.

Within the standards developed by ASTMInternational (ASTM), ASTM C270 is theStandard Specification for Mortar for UnitMasonry. The appendix of C270 also recom-mends the use of Type N mortar for exteriortuckpointing, and also designates Type O mor-tar as an alternate material for exterior tuck-pointing above grade. More importantly,ASTM C270 recognizes that tuckpointingmortar should be of the same strength orweaker than that of the original mortar. ASTM

E2260 (reapproved in 2012) is the StandardGuide for Repointing (Tuckpointing) HistoricMasonry. This standard provides better guid-ance on repointing processes, and althoughintended for historically significant buildings,is appropriate for use on most buildings as areasonable practice to help minimize damageto the existing masonry and provide appropri-ate long term repairs.

When repairing older masonry structures,it is important to identify the original mortarand to select a new mortar of comparablestrength to the existing mortar. This canreadily be accomplished via a petrographicanalysis so that existing mortar characteris-tics, including the binder type and aggregategradation can be identified per ASTM C1324.Successful masonry assemblies utilizerepointing and replacement mortar withlower compressive strength and greater per-meability than the masonry units. To reducethe risk of problems, mortar selected forrepair should be a softer material that alsoseparates (cushions) the individual masonryunits in the wall, can accommodate expan-sion of new brick units, and can help facilitateevaporation to allow moisture to escape.■

Figure 3. Close-up view of an imper-meable repair mortar in an 1884 build-ing in Chicago Illinois. Note the efflo-rescence deposition on the brick. Thiscan be an indication that more mois-ture is escaping through the masonryunits than through the mortar.

Figure 4. Deteriorated masonry due to a combination of ahard mortar and apparent application of sealer applied tothe masonry surface at a building in Urbana, Illinois.

Figure 2. Close-up view of distressed masonry arch within a1907 factory building in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Figure 5. Deteriorated masonry in the 1884 theater andoffice building located in Danville, Illinois. Note theeroded mortar and displaced bricks.

Tim Crowe is an Associate Principal, with WissJanney Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) in

Northbrook, Illinois, with over twenty-five years ofexperience in the design, investigation, and repairof archaic and contemporary building structures.

He can be reached at [email protected].


Business planning should be a no brainer forarchitects, who apply their design abilities to ahost of different problems needing to be solved.Nevertheless, few firm owners actually plantheir businesses, especially at start-up, which isoften more opportunistic than strategic.

So, why write a business plan for your firm?You could similarly ask, "Why do architecturaldrawings before constructing a building?"Sure, you can figure it out as you go alongwhen building something, but most architectswill say it’s a good idea to have a plan. Havinga vision and a holistic view of how all the partsfit together can help anticipate problems,avoid mistakes, and is more likely to producean outcome that works, no matter what youare building.

When you think about it, business planningis actually a design process. You would neverdesign a building without knowing it’s pur-pose, it’s location, and at least somethingabout the budget. The same should be true ofyour firm. It’s possible to develop "design cri-teria" for your firm, similar to the process ofprogramming. Figure 1 shows the stages ofbusiness planning in relation to the stages ofdesign. It is easy to see how they run parallelto one another.

In business, having a plan gives you a basisto evaluate what is happening in real timeagainst what you thought would happen,make adjustments as necessary, and have aguide to help make strategic business deci-sions. Like building design, business planningincreases the likelihood of manifesting yourvision for your firm and for your work-life.

What Makes A Good Business Plan?As a way of exploring this question, business

plan competitions have been around for a longtime. Used for decades as part of education inbusiness, in recent years business plan com-petitions have been popular in the technologysector. This makes sense given the number ofstart-ups and the opportunity for innovationin the marketplace.

This year, an Architecture Business PlanCompetition was launched by CharretteVenture Group and another round is plannedfor 2015. Offering a prize of $10,000 to the

Design Your Practice,Practice Your Design

by Rena M. Klein, FAIA


FIRM MANAGEMENT

Figure 1: Business Planning Parallels Building Design

Pre-Design

SchematicDesign

ConstructionDocuments

ConstructionPhase

Vision &Intention

AssessExisting

Goals(long-term)

Strategies(mid-term)

Action Plans(short-term)

Evaluate& Adjust

Building Design

Business Planning

DesignDevelopment


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winner, the competition garnered hundreds ofapplicants from firms in business less thanfive years. From those, six finalists were cho-sen who presented to the jury live in Chicagoin June 2014. First and second place winners,as well as an honorable mention, were chosenand awarded cash prizes.

What made the winning business plansstand out? Two qualities were most important:

1. Identifying a problem and providing aninnovative solution that works in themarketplace.

2. Understanding market position, financialrealities, and how to deliver projects toclients.

First Prize went to Scott Larrick of eleven:59 studio from Austin, Texas. Austin is cur-rently experiencing a boom in high-tech jobsand an in-flux of highly paid tech industry

workers. As a result, housing prices are sky-rocketing and many neighborhoods that usedto be affordable are now out of reach to themajority of Austin residences. As one strategyto help alleviate the situation, the city ofAustin allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs)to be built on lots in single-family zones.

These backyard structures can become rentalunits that provide both affordable housingwithin existing neighborhoods and extraincome to the current homeowners.

Seeing the opportunity to merge good

design and benefit to the community, Scottand his team have devised a plan to producestylish, modular, and highly sustainable back-yard cottages. Built in a factory, delivered andinstalled on site, the company is planning twounits that are priced to be affordable to theaverage homeowner. In addition, for everyfour units sold, the company intends todonate one ADU to a local non-profit that willplace it where it is needed the most.

The plan exhibited excellent market researchand understanding of the problem that needed

to be solved. Then it presenteda solution that is simple,focused and doable. It exhibitspotential for social benefit,while simultaneously provid-ing job creation and the possi-bility of profit for the company.In addition, the idea can beapplied to other communitiesthat have similar circum-stances – it could even becomea franchise operation, if thecompany was inclined in thatdirection.

To illustrate the secondimportant aspect of a goodbusiness plan - understanding

market position, financial real-ities, and how to deliver proj-

ects to clients - consider the plan submitted bythe honorable mention winner, AscentArchitecture of Bend, Oregon.

This plan demonstrates a solid understand-ing of the firm’s position in the marketplace,its business model, and its target clients/proj-ect types. The owner’s history in the commu-

nity and his understanding of the competitivelandscape is evident in the business plan,which emphasizes the market segments thatare available to the firm. Of these, senior hous-ing is the most promising and the plan demon-

strates how the firm can build on its experi-ence in the project type to acquire more work. Although the aspirations to solve social prob-

lems are less evident in this plan than the onepreviously described, the traditional aspects offirm development are treated with thoughtfuland realistic analysis. How many projects, howmuch revenue, and how much overhead it willtake to support a staff big enough to serveclients effectively are carefully outlined. Howthe firm is differentiated from its competitionand how potential clients will be reached isalso presented with clear understanding of thefirm’s position in the marketplace.

Building a Business PlanAspects of an effective business plan are out-

lined on the Architecture Firm Competitionwebsite as follows:

1. Strategy / Vision – what your vision is foryour firm

2. Marketing & Client Acquisition – how youfind clients, who you will target, the size ofthe market

3. Competition – who the competitors are &how you will compete effectively

4. Operations – how you will deliver for yourclients

5. Management – who will run the firm

6. Financials – pricing your services, income& expense forecasts, and cash flow

Another way of looking at the parts of abusiness plan is to group these 6 sections intofour main sub-plans:

1. Purpose – why are you in business?

(continued from page 26)

Figure 2: Cover Page from Winning Business Plan (courtesy Charrette Venture Group)

Figure 3: Mission Statement of eleven: 59 studio (courtesy Charrette Venture Group)

At its best, design is the artof solving problems.

Our mission is to meetAustin’s skyrocketing demand

for affordable housing byspecializing in the design andconstruction of prefabricatedsustainable homes between

500 and 850 square feet.

“In business, having a plan gives youa basis to evaluate what is

happening in real time against what you thought would happen,make adjustments as necessary,and have a guide to help make

strategic business decisions.”

FIRM MANAGEMENT




addressed the AIA accrual clause, but thathappened with the case of FDIC v. Konstant,902 N.E.2d 1213 (Ill. App. 1st Dist. 2009). InKonstant, an insurance company, on behalf ofthe owners, brought suit against an architec-tural firm alleging breach of contract withrespect to design and construction of a resi-dence. The parties had entered into an AIAcontract with the standard contractual statuteof limitations accrual clause. The project wasbuilt and substantially completed in 1997. Theowners discovered mold and water damage in2002, and filed their complaint in 2005. Thearchitect filed its motion to dismiss based onthe passage of time. The court agreed, holdingthat the contract controlled the accrual dateof the applicable statute of limitations andprecluded application of the discovery rule.The correct accrual date was 1997, so the caseshould have been filed no later than 2001.

In addition to Pennsylvania and Illinois, theAIA accrual provision has been enforced byother courts across the country, includingCalifornia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, NewJersey and New York.3 However, a recent caseout of Oregon showed the importance of beingsure to issue a certificate of substantial com-pletion. In Sunset Presbyterian Church v.Brockamp & Jaeger, 325 P.3d 730 (Or. 2014),the owner, a church, hired the defendant,Brockman & Jaeger, to act as general contrac-tor. The parties signed a standard AIA con-tract. Construction started in 1998, with thecounty issuing a certificate of final occupancyon May 28, 1999, additional work continuingduring the summer of 1999, and the architectapproving final payment on November 19,1999. However, no certificate of substantialcompletion was entered into evidence.

In early 2009, the plaintiff discovered waterdamage, and on March 16, 2009, filed its com-plaint against a multitude of defendants. Thegeneral contractor filed an affirmative defenseon statute of limitations grounds, relying onthe accrual clause in the AIA contract to havestarted the running of the statute at substan-

tial completion. The trial court granted thecontractor summary judgment, but this wasreversed by the appellate court, and thatreversal was upheld by the Oregon SupremeCourt. Even though the church had occupiedand used the property beginning in February1999, that did not establish the date on whichthe plaintiff’s claims accrued under the con-tract. Instead, those claims only accrued onthe date that the certificate of substantialcompletion was issued by the architect.Because the contractor did not introduce evi-dence proving that the architect had everissued a certificate of substantial completion,Brockamp & Jaeger could not rely on the AIAcontract section which sets the date of sub-stantial completion as when the statute of lim-itations begins to run as the basis for obtain-ing summary judgment.

With the issuance of the 2007 AIA formscame a drastic revision to those clauses deal-ing with statute of limitations. “In making thechanges to the relevant provisions, the AIADocuments Committee was primarilyresponding to complaints from owner groupsthat the B141-1997 and the B151-1997 causedthe statute of limitations to run too quickly.”4

The result can be found at section 8.1.1 of theB101-2007, owner-architect agreement:

The Owner and Architect shall commenceall claims and causes of action, whether incontract, tort, or otherwise, against theother arising out of or related to thisAgreement in accordance with the require-ments of the method of binding dispute res-olution selected in this Agreement withinthe period specified by applicable law, but inany case not more than 10 years after thedate of Substantial Completion of the Work.The Owner and Architect waive all claimsand causes of action not commenced inaccordance with this Section 8.1.1.

The discovery rule is back. Whereas, under the1997 documents, in Illinois by way of example,the statute of limitations would run out four

years after the end ofthe job, it now wouldrun out four yearsafter the owner knowsor reasonably shouldknow of the basis for acause of action, pro-vided that suit mustbe filed within tenyears of substantialcompletion.

Obviously, thechange implementedby the 2007 AIA

form agreements represents a substantialexpansion of the time period within whichdesign professionals can now be subjected toclaims of errors and omissions. Even worse,all of the uncertainty involved with applica-tion of the discovery rule is now fully eligibleto come into play, even in cases in whichthere is a viable statute of limitations defense.

It would be wise for any design professionalinterested in limiting, as opposed to expand-ing, exposure to lawsuits to propose contractterms which include an accrual provisionalong the lines of the 1977 AIA forms. Thatcould mean revising a 2007 AIA form beforepresenting it to a potential client for consider-ation. It could also mean using the old, 1997,forms in lieu of the 2007 versions.5 A third,and very good, alternative is to make use ofthe ALA forms. ALA Document OA3-2007, forexample, provides at section 17.0 that the“Statute of Limitations period shall com-mence to run on the Date of SubstantialCompletion of the project. In no case shall theStatute of Limitations period commence torun later than the date when the Architect’sservices are substantially completed.” OA3-2007, just as did B141-1997, waives the dis-covery rule, and in even simpler terms thandid the AIA form, begins the running of thestatute of limitations on the date of substantialcompletion. In the absence of an accrual pro-vision like that found in OA3-2007, the archi-tect will literally be exposed to potential claimsfor years longer than would be the case had theparties agreed to have the statute of limitationsaccrue at substantial completion.■

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 735 ILCS 5/13-214(a) (West 2012) (emphasis added.)

2 See 735 ILCS 5/13-214(b) (West 2012) (“No action . . . maybe brought against any person for an act or omission . . .in the design, planning, supervision, observation or man-agement of construction, or construction of an improve-ment to real property after 10 years have elapsed from thetime of such act or omission.”).

3 See In re Arbitration between Oriskany Central SchoolDist. v. Booth Architects, 206 A.D.2d 896 (N.Y. App. Div.1994), aff’d, 654 N.E.2d 1208 (N.Y. 1995); Old Mason’sHome of Ky., Inc. v. Mitchell, 892 S.W.2d 304 (Ky. Ct. App.1995); Harbor Court Assocs. v. Leo A. Daly Co., 179 F.3d147(4th Cir. 1999); College of Notre Dame of Maryland v.Morabito Consultants, Inc., 752 A.2d 265 (Md. Ct. Spec.App. 2000); Schultz v. Cooper, 134 S.W.3d 618 (Ky. Ct.App. 2003); Newman Mem’l Hosp. v. Walton Constr., 149P.3d 525 (Kan. Ct. App. 2007); Trinity Church v. AtkinOlshin Lawson-Bell, 925 A.2d 720 (N.J. 2007); BrisbaneLodging, L.P. v. Webcor Builders, Inc., 157 Cal. Rptr. 3d467 (Cal. Ct. App. 2013).

4 http://www.aia.org/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab078767.pdf

5 Of course, using the 1997 forms is easier said than done,because AIA “retired” them as of May 31, 2009, and theyare no longer available for purchase.


LEGAL ISSUES


INSURANCE

WhyCondo

ProjectsAre SoRiskyby Dan Buelow,Managing Director of Willis A&E

ost insurance carriers that specialize in Architects and Engineers’ Professional Liability (PL)would agree that condominium projects are one of, if not the most hazardous project types whenit comes to claims against design firms. In fact, many of the more seasoned carriers would tell

you that the average loss ratio on condo projects is in excess of 300%. In other words, for every one dol-lar in premium earned these carriers are paying out three dollars in losses. No wonder A&E firms doingmuch work in this area are finding themselves in a severely constricted marketplace and paying a muchhigher rate than most other firms for their Professional Liability insurance. Whether you are currentlydoing condo work now or may consider it in the future, it would be wise to recognize the inherent risksof condo projects.

So, why are condo projects so risky?

1. Third Party Exposure – Most PL claims against A&E’s come from their Clients versus Contractorsor Third Parties. Condo projects however, are unique in that they have a significant third party expo-sure. While the Design Professional will negotiate their contract with their Client, and hopefullymake the effort to establish and manage their client’s expectations, on a condo project they ultimatelyend up in bed with a lot of condo owners - that they most likely never even met.

INFO



2. Residential Exposure – All residentialprojects are inherently risky given the con-sumer is typically unsophisticated. TheA&E is tasked with interpreting the dreamsof their unsophisticated client - which cre-ates an emotionally charged exposure.Condo projects have this element of riskwhich is further increased by the fact theA&E never had the opportunity to select orestablish any expectations of these residen-tial condo owners.

3. Multiple Potential Claimants – Everynight these emotionally charged un-sophisticated condo owners are lying intheir beds looking at their ceilings and, ifthere is a problem in unit #1, there mostlikely is the same problem in Unit #301.

4. The Homeowner Association – After arestless night sleep these 301 or so unitowners get together for a favorite pastime,the HOA meeting. This invariably escalatesinto a discussion about the cracks in theirceilings and the faulty design of their units.

5. The Plaintiff Attorney – It’s safe toassume that there are a bunch of plaintiffattorneys that have in their docket systemthe statute of limitations of every condoproject that has ever been built. It’s alsoreasonable to suggest that these good folkwill contact the manager of the condo/HOAjust before the statute of limitations runsout the Plaintiff Attorney to advise themthat it is the HO Manager’s "fiduciaryresponsibility" to advise their HOA mem-bers that time is running out if they wantnew ceilings, etc. - and to bring legal actionto collect for any design flaws….

6. The Single Purpose LLC –When it hitsthe fan, the developer is often nowhere tobe found - leaving the A&E team holdingthe proverbial bag.

7. The Developer – Not all Clients are cre-ated equal and developers have proven tobe on the more hazardous end of the spec-trum when it comes to lawsuits againstA&E firms.

Managing Condo RiskIn 2008 I was asked to present a risk man-

agement program at the National AIAConvention in Boston titled, "Managing TheCondo Craze". By the time I showed up for mypresentation the condo craze was over. Whilewe are not at the moment in the midst of acondo craze, it’s safe to assume that condoprojects aren’t going anywhere and we’vealready seen this market pick up. I have anumber of A&E clients that do a fair amountof condo work and have been successful at it.I believe the key to their success is that thatdon’t dabble in this work but rather are wellversed in and do a good job managing theinherent risks of condo projects. This beginswith having well thought out "go/no-go" pro-cedures in place when evaluating prospectiveclients, the contract(s) and a firm’s team capa-bilities. The following are some risk manage-ment considerations I would encourage anyfirm doing condo work to address:

■ Client Selection – try to select a client whowill be around after the completion of theproject. Be wary of the single purpose LLCand be diligent in qualifying your prospec-

tive client. Find out how the developerplans on marketing the project. Will thepromotion be realistic and will your firmname be included?

■ The Contract – This is one project type youshould strive to most if not all your "dealmakers" and "deal breaker" contractual provi-sions are adequately addressed. You want anagreement that is fully insurable and ideallyincludes a waiver of consequential damagesand limitation of liability clause. Work withlegal counsel on your contract and include a"condo rider" that would address the ownerand HOA obligations specific to mainte-nance. Develop a Maintenance Manual – andhave it incorporated into the HOA’s bylawsbinding the HOA and individual purchasers.

■ Require a project peer review and con-structability review of the design.

■ Make sure there are adequate contingencyfunds budgeted for the project.

■ Insist on providing full-service constructionobservation and administration.

■ Require the developer have each purchaserinspect the unit and common areas fordefects and sign a certificate of satisfaction.

■ Require the developer to incorporate anADR by Covenant provision.

And….if you are going to design a condo project,design it without a common meeting space!

“Most PL claimsagainst A&E’s come

from their Clients versus Contractors

or Third Parties.”

KELLY P. REYNOLDS & ASSOCIATES, INC.BUILDING CODE CONSULTANTS

NATIONWIDEPHONE 1-(800) 950-CODE (2633)

Fax (866) 814-2633Email: [email protected]

www.kellypreynolds.comFree hot lines (members only)

Corporate Office616 Executive Drive 16182 W. Magnolia StreetWillowbrook, IL 60527-5610 Goodyear, AZ 85338-5518

Dan Buelow is Managing Director of WillisA&E, a specialty unit of Willis Inc.,

aninternational brokerage firm. For more information on this topic

or Willis A&Econtact Dan at [email protected] or

visit www.WillisAE.com


INSURANCE INFO


Association ofLicensed ArchitectsContinuing Education

by: Yuri Nekrasov, Business Development ManagerDoors For Builders Inc.

The Ins and Outsof Engineered and

Composite Wood Doors

Industry-leading architects are constantly searching for ways to enhance people’slives through innovative technology and design. When selecting entry doors,

architects are faced with a broad variety of choices. More often than not, residen-tial construction requires heightened attention to aesthetics on top of superior

performance. Due to such requirements, aesthetics of wood, combined with mod-ern engineering techniques, countless customization options that complement a

broad range of architectural styles, are preferred.




ENGINEERED WOOD DOORS:■ Intro

For centuries, natural wood has been usedto create a perfect combination of beauty anddurability. Each piece of wood is truly uniqueand naturally becomes the best choice for asophisticated and individual look. Wood isalso a practical choice, known for its naturalinsulation qualities, and being a renewablematerial. When properly finished and main-tained, wood is exceptionally durable andresistant to time and elements.

■ Construction Techniques andMaterialsThe best engineered wood doors are built

from premium kiln-dried (10%+/-2%) gradewood components. All stile and rail compo-nents must be engineered for durability andstability. The finger-jointed and edge-gluedcore construction creates a system that ismore stable than solid wood, reducing the pos-sibility of the door warping, splitting, shrink-ing or expanding. For enhanced stability, thecore of engineered wood doors must containthe same solid wood species as the outer plyi.e. Mahogany, Cherry, Teak, Knotty Alder, Ash.The outer-facing ply of 1/4" thick is preferredas it will allow for multiple refinishing andthere is no veneer to delaminate.

For optimal performance, the panels shouldbe free-floating, allowing for slight movementand natural adjustment as the unit ages. This

will greatly reduce the risk of the panel crack-ing. The panels should be completely prefin-ished and sealed on all six sides before beinginstalled; making sure that no unfinished partof the panel will show up with time.

A factory-finished product, which is stainedimmediately following door completion, is farsuperior to alternatives, as it will not allow formoisture penetration. Despite manufacturers’stringent requirements, most architects andbuilders will agree that it is next to impossible toimmediately finish the door system upon instal-lation. In addition, there is no sure knowledge oftransportation and storage conditions of yourdoors prior to delivery. All these factors will neg-atively affect ultimate durability of your doors.

The best engineered wood doors in the sizeof 42’’ wide, 96’’ tall, and 2-1/4’’ thick or smallerwill optimally perform with a standard mortiselock set; no reinforcement by a multi-pointlock system should be required. For the doorexceeding the above parameters, the multi-point system is recommended.

■ Ideal RequirementsDirect exposure to extreme weather condi-

tions including direct sun light, rain, andsnow will have a negative effect on even themost advanced engineered wood doors overtime. A proper overhang is recommended toprotect the unit. The proper overhang shouldproject outward at the minimum of one halfof the door’s height. If there is Western orSouthern exposure, direct sun light mightstill be received. In such cases, the recom-

mended overhang should project outward attwo thirds of the height of the unit.

FLUSH / COMPOSITE DOORS:■ Intro

Composite or sandwich constructiondesigned doors are especially perfect for archi-tecture with little or no overhang. Such doorscombine the high-end look of a wood doorwith superior performance and durability.

■ Construction Techniques and MaterialsLeading sandwich design units include

stiles and rails made from hard woodspecies that are finger-jointed and edge-glued; very similar to the construction ofengineered wood doors described above. Ontop of this, however, layers of aluminumsheets and plywood are applied for superiorperformance and durability. A real woodveneer would finish off the unit with to giveit a desired look. These doors also contain arevolutionary green extruded rigid poly-styrene product core.

As a thermal insulation it makes a signifi-cant contribution to climate protection byreducing CO2 emissions. It is free of ozone-depleting CFC, HCFC, and HFC. The key fea-tures of such materials are high compressivestrength, low water absorption, and outstand-ing thermal insulation. It is also rot-proof.

Extruded rigid polystyrene is a superbinsulator for high and low temperatures,making it a desirable application in doorconstruction.



Sandwich construction doors are typica3lythicker when compared to wood doors, meas-uring 2-3/4’’ thick. Most American hardwarecompanies will be compatible with suchdoors across their product lines.

Due to construction techniques these unitshave a flush surface and are best fitting withmodern and contemporary architecture.

■ Testing ParametersMore and more people are conscious of

energy efficiency today. Leading architectsand builders are constantly looking forproducts that answer and exceed EnergyStar requirements.

Leading sandwich design units that aremade in the fashion described above will haveU-Value as low as 0.17 for a Blank unit, defi-nitely surpassing national current standardrequirements as well as set forth year 2016requirements. Units containing glass insertsare as highly regarded at U-Value factor of 0.20for 1/4 Lite unit, 0.22 for 1/2 Lite unit, 0.24 for3/4 Lite unit, and 0.26 for Full Lite unit.

Such doors have also shownimpressive results in Solar HeatGain Coefficient (SHGC) testingwith 0.01 for a Blank unit, 0.07for 1/4 Lite unit, 0.12 for 1/2 Liteunit, 0.15 for 3/4 Lite unit, and0.20 for Full Lite unit.

■ Ideal Requirements Absence of moving parts and

layered construction make com-posite or sandwich constructiondoors ideal for architecturalstyles that have no or very littleoverhang. Manufacturers of such doors typi-cally provide industry-standard limited-timewarranty on such units without the require-ment of an overhang.

FINISHING:Many manufacturers do not have water-

based finish product lines.Water-based finish, such as by the manu-

facturer ICA, is always advisable for exteriorapplications as it has numerous advantages:reduced emissions of solvents into theatmosphere; short application times; superbelasticity of the coating film and resistanceto temperature changes and atmosphericagents; and maximum coat ability.

Application methods play as of importantof a role as the finish product itself. It is rec-ommended for any unit to be factory-fin-ished by a professional. The proper finishingprocess is an 8-9 step process that requiresmultiple sanding and product applicationsas follows:

1. SANDING (p 180# recommended)

2. STAIN (Manual Wiping)

3. DRY (Ambient drying: 25°, H.R.60%. 4 hrs)

4. PRIMER (Application by Spray Gun. Twocoats of100g/m2, time between coats 1hr, no sanding)

5. DRY (Ambient drying: 25°, H.R.60%. 4-6 hrs)

6. SANDING (Manual with p 320#)

7. COLOR "RETOUCHING" (Manual Wiping)

8. TOP COAT (Application by Spray Gun)

Quantity of top coat applied is a compromisebetween design of the pore and protection ofthe wood. Higher application quantity willprovide for more protection and durabilitywhile resulting in a more closed pore look.Leading waterbased stain manufacturerssuggest to work with as high of quantity aspossible with a minimum of 180g/m2.

9. DRY. (1. Ambient conditions (25°,60%H.R), 45-60 min | 2. Static Oven 30-35°, H.R.40%. 4-6 hours | 3. Ambient con-ditions (25°, 60%H.R), 24h-48h)

The above example should be seen only asan overview presentation, designed to showthe complexity of the proper stain applicationtechniques. Actual recommended applicationflow will vary from manufacturer to manufac-turer and from application professional toapplication professional.

CONCLUSION:When properly built and finished, engi-

neered wood doors and composite sandwichconstruction doors are optimal products whenlooking for high-end look, flexibility in design,and superior performance. The cost of usingsuch doors will be quickly offset by reducedenergy consumption. These products will pro-vide for a healthier living environment, andwill increase the value of any home.■

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Your test will be scored. Those scoring 80% or higher will receive 1 LU HSW Credit.

Fax: 847-382-8380Address: Association of Licensed Architects,

One East Northwest Highway, Suite 200 Palatine, IL 60067Attn: ALA/CEP Credit

Certification: (Read and sign below)I hereby certify that the above information is true and accurate to thebest of my knowledge and that I have complied with the ALAContinuing Education Guidelines for the reported period.

Signature: Date:

Program Title:

The Ins and Outs ofEngineered and

Composite Wood DoorsALA/CEP Credit: This article qualifies for 1.0HSW LU of State Required Learning Units andmay qualify for other LU requirements. (Validthrough September 2016)

Instructions:• Read the article using the learning

objectives provided.• Answer the questions.• Fill in your contact information.• Sign the certification.• Submit questions with answers, contact infor-

mation and payment to ALA by mail or fax toreceive credit.

QUIZ QUESTIONS1. The best engineered wood doors are built

from premium kiln-dried (15% +/-2%) gradewood components.

a. True b. False

2. Engineered wood doors should not require theassistance of multi-point lock system for stabil-ity and optimal performance if door size is:

a. 36’’ X 96’’ X 2-1/4’’b. 42’’ X 96’’ X 2-1/4’’c. 46’’ X 96’’ X 2-1/4’’d. All of the above

3. Free-floating panels in engineered wooddoors are superior to fixed panels due to:

a. Superior insulation b. Ease of staining/finishing the unit

after installationc. Minimized risk of panel cracking as the

unit agesd. All of the above

4. Calculate the minimum overhang length/hor-izontal projection requirement for engineeredwood door that faces North and is 42’’ X 96’’X 2-1/4’’ in size.

a. 64’’b. 48’’c. 96’’d. 32’’

5. Calculate the minimum overhang length/hor-izontal projection requirement for engineeredwood door that faces South and is 36’’ X 96’’X 2-1/4’’ in size.

a. 64’’b. 48’’ c. 96’’d. 32’’

6. Composite doors are mostly chosen due to:a. Absence of overhang in the design of

the entry of the homeb. Superior insulation qualitiesc. Light weight constructiond. All of the above

7. Leading composite doors can reach andexceed the following values:

a. U-Value of 0.20 for 1/4 Lite unitb. U-Value of 0.17 for Blank / No Lite unitc. SHGC of 0.01 for Blank / No Lite unitd. SHGC of 0.07 for 1/4 Lite unite. All of the abovef. a. and d. only

8. Staining/finishing the entry unit with water-based product is a simple 3-step processthat should be done after the unit hasbeen installed.

a. Trueb. False

9. Water-based finish is advisable for the fol-lowing reasons:

a. Superb elasticity of the coating filmb. Outstanding resistance to temperature

changes and atmospheric changesc. Reduced emissions of solvents into

the atmosphered. None of the abovee. All of the above

10. Quantity of the top coat applied is a com-promise between design of the pore andprotection of the wood.

a. True b. False

Learning Objectives:Learn the following about engineered and composite wood doors:

ALA Continuing Education Questionnaire -The Ins and Outs of Engineered and Composite Wood Doors

by Yuri Nekrasov, Business Development Manager Doors For Builders Inc.

1. Construction techniques and materials.2. Review the ideal requirements.

3. Explore testing parameters for energy efficiency.4. Review the proper finishing process.


The Association of Licensed Architectscongratulates the following students for

their academic excellence, numerousawards, honors and significant achieve-

ments in the schools of architecture. Webelieve these winners will be assets to the

profession of architecture in the future,and continue to excel in their education

and professional pursuits.

2014Student

Merit AwardWinners

ALA Announces


ALA NEWS


Samuel McBride Drury University, MO

Sam’s love and passion for architecture, andmany of the other arts, was fabricatedthrough his studies at Drury University.Throughout his studies he has been blessedwith many opportunities and awarded withincredibly mindful mentors and teachers. In

addition to this recognition from ALA, he has received the Henry AdamsAIA School Medal, Alpha Rho Chi Bronze Medal, and the LibrariumAward – most distinguished fifth year thesis project 2013-2014. Aftergraduation he is joining Freecell Architecture of Brooklyn, New York.

Alex JaskowiakMiami University, OH – Graduate Program

Alex was born, raised and educated in Ohio.He recently graduated with his Masters inArchitecture degree from Miami University.He has developed a sensibility for digitaldesign methodologies and wishes to pursuea career in advanced building systems and tectonics.

Kayla FullerSouthern Illinois University – Graduate Program

Kayla would like to thank all those whohave supported her during her academiccareer. Following the completion of herMaster’s degree, she intends on seekingemployment in the field of architecture.After becoming licensed, she would like toopen her own firm specializing in historicpreservation and sustainable design.

Richard MartzThe Ohio State University – Knowlton School of Architecture

Richard Martz received his Master’s degreein May of 2014 from The Ohio StateUniversity, from which he earned hisBachelor’s degree as well. As a graduatestudent he was awarded a fellowship andGA position. Richard holds a full-time posi-

tion in Columbus. His interests include being outdoors, reading, andworking with his hands.

Jonathan Kyle ClarkJudson University, IL

Jonathan Clark recently graduated witha B.A. in Architecture from JudsonUniversity. He is grateful for all of thementorship and guidance received fromthe professors at the University. Alongwith architecture, he has a passion forfishing. Jonathan is excited to be work-ing in the Chicago- land area. He thanksALA and Judson University School ofArchitecture for the award.

Charles DanaUniversity of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign – Graduate Program

After working 5 years in high-end residen-tial landscape design, Charles returned toschool and achieved numerous honorswhile obtaining his Master of Architectureand MBA from UIUC. He has interned atPerkins+Will in New York and will bestarting a career in healthcare architectureat RTKL in Chicago.

James AddisonUniversity of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign – Undergraduate Program

While studying architecture at the Universityof Illinois, James followed his passion fortravel as he studied abroad in Switzerland,attended a Fulbright Summer Institute inNottingham, UK, and pursued observationalresearch across the US in behavioral psy-chology. James is currently pursuing aMasters in Architecture at MIT.

Vanessa Abin-Fuentes University of Minnesota

Vanessa Abin-Fuentes was born in MexicoCity and throughout her 26 years, has livedin Mexico, Venezuela and the US. She grad-uated with a Masters in Architecture fromthe University of Minnesota. Within thatperiod she traveled and lived in India,China, and Europe. She values her time

abroad, and considers it a significant and crucial part for a creative andhard working mind. She is planning on moving to Seattle. She isthankful and appreciative to receive this distinguished award.


Aubree Park University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Aubree graduated with a Bachelor ofScience degree in Architectural Studies andcertificate in high honors from theUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Schoolof Architecture and Urban Planning(SARUP). She was awarded two full-ridescholarships upon entering college. A spon-

sored Building Information Modeling Studio, where she traveled toNew York City, and the Marcus Prize Studio with Sou Fujimoto wereamong two of the program's distinguished courses Aubree had theprivilege to work with while at SARUP. She volunteers with BigBrothers Big Sisters and holds the Presidential Position for UWM'sAIAS chapter. She is currently working at HGA Architects andEngineers. Within a couple years, she plans to move to New York City.

Pankil PatelWilliam Rainey Harper College, IL

Pankil just received his Associates inApplied Arts from William Rainey HarperCollege. This fall he will be attendingSouthern Illinois University where he planson completing his undergraduate studies.Post graduation, Pankil has high ambitionsto work in an architecture firm in Chicago.Jacqueline Oberlander

University of Notre Dame, IN

Jackie is a Graduate of Architecture fromthe University of Notre Dame with a minorin Sustainability and a member of theGlynn Family Honors Program. She hasbeen selected for several awards, includingreceiving the Brian Crumlish Scholarshipfor excellence in structures and buildingtechnologies. She has been involved innumerous campus organizations as well as

acting as a Teaching Assistant for multiple courses.

Matthew OllmannSouthern Illinois University -Undergraduate Program

Matt finished his undergraduate Bachelor’sdegree majoring in Architectural Studieswith a minor in Business Management atSouthern Illinois University, with honorsand Magna Cum Laude status. He hasworked as an Undergraduate Research

Assistant, the PCI Student Organization President as well as an officerin the AIAS chapter. He is also a member of the Tau Sigma DeltaArchitectural and Allied Arts Honors Society. He plans to attend gradu-ate school to receive a Masters of Architecture degree as well asMasters of Business Administration concurrently. He is honored toreceive this award from ALA and would like to thank the faculty at theSIU School of Architecture and his family.

Tom SavocaWilliam Rainey Harper College, IL

Tom Savoca is currently working onobtaining his Associates in AppliedScience Degree at William Rainey HarperCollege. In the future, he plans onattending the Illinois Institute ofTechnology in pursuit of a Bachelor'sDegree in Architecture. He is very hon-

ored to receive this award and would like to thank the ALA and thefaculty at William Rainey Harper College.

Andrew Ng University of Michigan

Andrew Isaac Ng is an architectural designerbased in both Ann Arbor and New York City.He received his M. Arch. from the Universityof Michigan, and he received his B.S. inArchitecture at the University of Waterloo inCanada. He is currently working on variouspublications -- one in particular whichinvestigates the diminishing efficacy of tra-

ditional architectural representation with regard to contemporarybuilding practice.

David MoralesTriton College, IL

It has been two years since David AndreMorales came to the United States when hewas eighteen years old. His biggest passionhas always been architecture. In order topursue his goal of becoming an architect,he began to study architecture in highschool in Guatemala. He is currently anarchitecture student at Triton College.

Adam Strobel Washington University in St. Louis, MO

Adam Strobel graduated from WashingtonUniversity in Saint Louis with a Bachelor ofArts in Architecture and Anthropology.Outside of studio, he is a member of thePhilon Chapter of Alpha Rho Chi and wasinvolved with the Performing ArtsDepartment through acting and set design.


Allison Wilke Miami University, OH -Undergraduate Program

Allison Wilke graduated with herBachelor of Arts in Architecturefrom Miami University withdepartmental honors. Over thepast summer she was an internwith the Lawrence Group in St.Louis. This fall she will attend the

University of Kansas to pursue a Master of Architecture degree. She isvery appreciative of this award.

Nichole TortoriciUniversity of Illinois Chicago

Nichole graduated with aBachelors of Science inArchitecture from the University ofIllinois Chicago. Some of her high-lights at UIC were studying abroadin Berlin and Rome, working inthe office, and helping with facultyprojects. She is looking forward tomaking a move to LA in the fall foran internship.

Julia SurianoCollege of DuPage, IL

Julia just finished her secondyear in the pre-architecture pro-gram at the College of DuPage.This fall she will attend theIllinois Institute of Technology,where she will complete herBachelors in Architecture. Anactivity that has been a huge part

of her life is dance. For the past 18 years she has been takingdance classes and finding different ways to share her passion fordance in her community.

Daniel ZweigIllinois Institute of Technology, IL

Daniel Zweig graduated with hisBachelor’s degree in Architectureand a minor in StructuralEngineering from Illinois Instituteof Technology. He is an aspiringIIT architecture student leader ofAIAS, SEAOI, EWB, SPE, and IIT'sRock Climbing club. He is activelyapplying to firms from New Yorkto San Francisco.

Ashleigh WaltonAndrews University, MI

Ashleigh is a graduate of AndrewsUniversity School of Architecture,Art, and Design's M. Arch. Program.She is the Past President of AIASchapter. Her interests includesketching, reading, and running,having completed the Bank ofAmerica Chicago Marathon twice.Ashleigh is excited about her futureworking with a New UrbanistDeveloper in Galveston, TX.

Dante WilkinsSchool of the Art Institute ofChicago, IL

Dante is a Masters of Architecturecandidate concentrating onInterior Architecture. He is deeplycommitted to excellence in designpractice in the field and leadershipon campus as President of theUSGBC Student chapter at TheSchool of the Art Institute ofChicago. Upon graduation he

plans to join a local design studio and begin his journey to becoming alicensed Architect and NCIDQ certified Interior Designer.


CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

RecordKeepingRoulette

by Lexi Selvig,President of LS Credentialing Services

ecuring and preserving professionalcredentials serves as the foundationfor successful career developmentand effective practice managementfor architects, engineers, landscape

architects, and all other licensed built envi-ronment professionals. Managing your profes-sional credentials is an important priority.

The last few decades have seen an increasein the demands and challenges of staying cur-rent with varying state protocols and require-ments. Some of these complexities includedifferent renewal cycles, differing continuingeducation requirements, and inconsistentreporting processes. Additionally, states andprofessional organizations require differentfees, payment options and systems of recordretention in the event of an audit.

What recordkeeping method are you usingto stay on track with your license/s renewal,your continuing education and maybe evenyour professional memberships in ALA, AIA,NSPE, ASLA, IIDA among others? Are youshuffling spreadsheets and file folders? Do youas a Principal of your firm assume responsi-bility for credentials management, or do youdelegate the task to an executive assistant? Isthere an administrative assistant assigned toyour project team? Or, maybe you rely on yourmembership benefits within a professionalaffiliation to record your continuing educa-tion on a transcript.

Typical methods of recordkeeping mayhave unlimited potential for failure and mayresult in serious repercussions. Among themany documented examples are, "My base-

ment flooded and all my records weredestroyed", "I lost my job and I was forced toleave all my records behind and I have noaccess to the files", "I didn't receive myrenewal postcard because the state licensingboard data base failed".

Tony Whitt, Continuing EducationCoordinator at the Texas Board ofArchitectural Examiners quoted in his col-umn, CE Documentation in the June 2012biannual Licensing News: "A common prob-lem I hear when I fail to get the proper docu-ments is that: ‘I went to a brown bag lunchand learn and they don't give out certificates.’To be blunt, if you can't provide the proof ofattendance, then (from my auditing stand-point) you were not in attendance."

Staying current with your continuing edu-cation, license renewal and professionalorganization membership requirements isobviously best before negative issues anddestructive consequences occur. Are you pre-pared to endure major financial losses forfailed recordkeeping like fines in access of$20,000 and public exposure on a state licens-ing board website?

Violation, or the voiding of contracts due toan expiring license, is different from state tostate. Some states have statutes that treat res-idential contracts differently from commercialcontracts - and hold the residential contractvoid for lack of a license.

It's best to know what the laws are in thestates where you practice. Or better yet --don't let your licenses lapse!

Some states hold that the unlicensed con-

tractor or professional can recover no fees forthe services performed without a license.

The following excerpt taken from an article,"Architect Not Entitled to Recover Fee forServices on Foreign Embassy Because NotLicensed in Washington, D.C.", written by JKent Holland, Jr., Atty of Construction RiskCounsel, PLLC and the ConstructionRisk.comReport, Vol. 13, No. 7 (July 2011), demon-strates the severe consequences when creden-tials are not properly managed.

"An architect licensed in the state ofMaryland but not in Washington, D.C. enteredinto, and won, a competition for the architec-tural design of a new embassy and chauncerybuilding in Washington, D.C. for the UnitedArab Emirates ("UAE"). Because she was notlicensed in Washington, she was found by thecourt to have violated the licensing statuteand therefore not entitled to recover any feefrom the UAE for the services she had per-formed. The architect argued that she was notrequired to have a license as of the date sheentered into the competition but that shewould have obtained the license once she hada signed contract. In rejecting that argument,the court stated that the architect wentbeyond submitting bids and actually per-formed architectural services without alicense. The court concluded: "District ofColumbia law bars an architect from recover-ing (i) on a contract to perform architecturalservices in the District or (ii) in quantummeruit for architectural services rendered inthe District, if the architect lacked a District ofColumbia architect's license when he or she

(Continued on page 46)


Tuesday, September 30th


Advanced Building Products, Inc.Aetna PlywoodALCOA Architectural ProductsAll About AccessAllegionAmbiance Lighting Systems AmerimixAmeristar Fence ProductsAndersen Windows, Inc.Arc Imaging ResourcesBuilding & Fire Code AcademyCFI FOAM Chicago Plastering InstituteChicago Regional Council of CarpentersChicagoland Roo� ng CouncilCook County LumberCounty Materials CorporationCPI DaylightingCustom Building ProductsCustom TVISDaltileDoors For BuildersDuPont Tyvek/ParksiteEHLS/To The Top Home ElevatorsFasten MasterFinancial Security GroupGACO WesternGraphisoftHenry CompanyHoover Treated Wood Products, Inc.Huber Engineered WoodsIcyneneIKO MidwestIllinois BrickImage GrilleIndiana Limestone CompanyInPro CorporationInternational Beams

International Masonry InstituteJ.N. Lucas & Associates Inc.Konica Minolta Business Solutions, USA Inc.LeafGuard Chicago LLCLP Building ProductsM.G. WelbelMajor Industries, Inc.Marvin Windows and DoorsMetl-SpanMoenMorinNCARBNorth� eld, an Old Castle CompanyNSG Group-Pilkington North AmericaOldcastle BuildingEnvelope Pella Windows & Doors, Inc.Pittco Architectural Metals, Inc.Polyglass USA, Inc.Professional Underwriters Agency, Inc.Rauch Clay Sales Corp.Royal Aluminum & Steel, Inc.S. J. Mallein Company Scranton ProductsShaw IndustriesSimpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.SPEC MIX/QUICKRETE ChicagoStone Design Inc.The Blue Book and ConstructionTOTO USA, Inc.Tremco Barrier SolutionsTrim-TexTubelite Inc.Water Furnace InternationalWeyerhaeuserWorld DryerXypex Chemical Company

Exhibitor list

Sponsors:

Lanyard SponsorM.G. Welbel & Associates

www.mgwelbel.com

Coffee & Cookie Break SponsorPrecast/Prestressed Concrete Institute of WI/IL

www.pci-iw.org

Keynote SponsorsUSI Insurance Services/A-E ProNet

www.aepronet.org

Bag SponsorSJ Mallein Company

sjmallein.com

Name _______________________________________Company ______________________

Address_____________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________________ State_________Zip_________

Phone (_____) ___________________E-Mail _____________________________________

Mail form and payment to:

Association of Licensed ArchitectsOne East Northwest Hwy., Ste. 200Palatine, IL 60067Tel: 847-382-0630Fax: 847-382-8380or register online at www.ala2014.com

Total enclosed $ ___________

Credit card payment:CC# ___________________________Exp. Date ______________________Security Code ______Signature _______________________

(Badge Name)

(for con� rmation)

FULL DAYEarly Bird, Until September 12th Member: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150 Non-Member: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175 Students: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35 New Graduate Member: . . . . . . . $35 Student Non-Member: . . . . . . . . $45

After September 12th Member: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175 Non-Member: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200 Students: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45 New Graduate Member: . . . . . . . $45 Student Non-Member: . . . . . . . . $55

MODIFIED DAY Early Bird, Until September 12th Member: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85 Non-Member: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110 Students: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 New Graduate Member: . . . . . . $25 Student Non-Member: . . . . . . . $35

After September 12th Member: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110 Non-Member: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $135 Students: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35 New Graduate Member: . . . . . . $35 Student Non-Member: . . . . . . . $45

SHOW ONLYThe Product Show is . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE

Check box for each seminar you plan to attend(only one seminar per time period)

Cancellations must be received by 5 PM September 12, 2014. “No Shows” are responsible for applicable fees, and will be billed in not pre-paid.

REGISTRATION FORM

SESSION 1: 8:00am – 9:00am 1A: IL Energy Code for Roofs - Now and into the Future

1B: Understanding Moisture Dynamics in Building Envelopes

1C: Daylighting with Electrochromics

1D: BIM for Small Firms

1E: Terrazzo: The Original Recycled Floor SESSION 2: 9:30am – 10:30am

2A: Selected Changes to the 2015 I-Codes

2B: Heat Recovery Ventilation: Why E� ciency Matters

2C: Contracts and Claims in Green Construction

2D: Self-Adhered Modi� ed Bitumen Technology

2E: ComEd and Nicor Gas New Construction

SESSION 3: 11:00am – 12:00pm 3A: Meeting Fire Codes with OSB

3B: ALA Contracts: Analysis & Interpretation

3C: Air/Vapor Barriers - Success is in the Details

3D: Understanding Fenestration U-Factors

3E: Energizing Outdoor Environments with Usable Space

SESSION 4: 1:00pm – 2:00pm 4A: Wall Performance by Design: The Role of Rainscreens

4B: High Performance Precast Concrete Envelope Systems

4C: Current Home Technology and Infrastructure Options

4D: PDF Construction Doc. Management & Collaboration

4E: Moisture and Concrete Floor Slabs

SESSION 5: 2:45pm – 3:45pm 5A: 2012 Illinois Energy Code - Compliance Overview

5B: Air Barrier Performance Levels vs. Building Envelope

5C: Designing With Tile

5D: Performance Glazing – Coatings, Layers & Gases

5E: IL Energy Code for Roofs - Now and into the Future

KEYNOTE 4:15pm – 5:30pm “The Beauty of Utility”

EVENING SESSION: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

6A: Selected Changes to the 2015 I-Codes

6B: NCARB & You: IDP, ARE and Certi� cation

6C: Wall Performance by Design: The Role of Rainscreens

6D: Heat Recovery Ventilation: Why E� ciency Matters

Name _______________________________________Company ______________________Name _______________________________________Company ______________________

Register Now at ala2014.com


ALA ILLINOIS

ALA MISSOURI

ALA WISCONSIN

CHAPTER NEWS

Todd Wenger and JohnLatko of the Schweikher

House Preservation Trustspoke to ALA membersat a luncheon meeting

and tour of the historicSchweikher home.

Upcoming Events:

September 30: 2014 ALA Midwest ArchitectureConference - Oakbrook, IL

October 21: SC Johnson Research Tower Tour,Racine, WI

October 22: Illinois Accessibility with DougGamble, Bloomington/Normal, IL

November 12: Marketing Your Firm – Jean Leathers,Maggianos, Schaumburg, IL

November 14: ALA Design Awards Banquet,Metropolis Ballroom, Arlington Heights, IL

December 9: ALA Annual Meeting and HolidayParty, Pete Miller’s, Wheeling, IL

Registration and more information on these and other ALAevents can be found at www.alatoday.org.

(L) Director Jeff Whyte,ALA, led guided tours

of the SchweikherHouse in Schaumburg,

IL. All attendees,including ALA DirectorRick Gilmore pictured

with Jeff, enjoyed asummer afternoon on

the grounds of thisbeautiful estate.

Forty ALA members enjoyed this unique opportunity to view thelatest in wood research at the USDA Forest Laboratory

Tour in Madison, WI.

Upcoming Events:

October 14: "Round Table Discussion: Architect Liabilities"

December 9: "The Importance of a Professional Geotechnical Report"

ALA Missouri presents its 2014 Continuing Education Series. Thisseries allows architects to acquire 12 Learning Units per year in 6 con-venient sessions. The sessions are scheduled every other month over anextended 2-hour lunch period – a boxed lunch is included. All seminarsare held at the Masonry Institute of St. Louis, 1429 Big Bend Blvd., St.Louis, MO 63117.

Online registration is available at alatoday.org or call the ALA office at 847-382-0630.

Please see the ALA website at www.alatoday.org for registration and moreinformation on all upcoming events.

Upcoming Events:

September 30: 2014 ALA Midwest Architecture Conference -Oakbrook, IL

October 21: SC Johnson Research Tower Tour, Racine, WI

November 13: Marketing Your Firm – Jean Leathers, ItalianConference Center, Milwaukee, WI

December 9: ALA Annual Meeting and Holiday Party, Pete Miller’s, Wheeling, IL


Wisconsin

Legal Services for ArchitectsIllinois

Minnesota

Heley Duncan&Melander PLLP

Mark J. Heley, Attorney at Law

Eric Heiberg, Attorney at LawDirect (952) 841-0219Main (952) 841-0001

8500 Normandale Lake Boulevard Fax (952) 841-0041Suite 2110 Toll Free (866) 841-0080Minneapolis, Minnesota 55437 [email protected]

If you are an ALA member and have a code question, you can call me at 1-800-950-2633 or e-mail at [email protected].


QUESTION? "When is rooftop accessrequired for mechanical equipment access?"

ANSWER: The IBC requires a stairway to theroof where the building is located 4 or morestories above grade. Where the building isless than 4 stories the IBC does not requireaccess to the roof. The IMC requires access toa roof that exceeds 16 feet in height fromgrade where mechanical equipment andappliances are installed on the roof. This sec-tion also has the minimum design criteriafor permanent ladders.

In a building that is less than 4 stories butgreater than 16 feet in height with mechan-ical equipment installed on the roof a per-manent approved means of access must beprovided to the roof. That access can be via aladder that meets the requirements of IMC.If the building is 4 or more stories in heighta stairway is required by the IBC.

QUESTION? "What is ponding and how doyou design for it?

ANSWER: Ponding is the accumulation ofwater or the build up of ice on a roof. Themodel codes require the design professionalto consider loading that could result fromthe ponding of water on the roof. In 1998,the roof of a casino in Las Vegas collapseddue to the weight of the accumulated wateron the roof.

The designer has two options for solvingthe ponding problem: 1) Install a secondaryroof drainage system to relieve the accumu-lation of water through scuppers, overflowweirs or secondary drains; 2) Design the roofstructure to support the water load.

QUESTION? "What is slip-resistant flooring?The code calls for it, but how is it measuredor determined?"

ANSWER: Slips and falls are the secondmost work related injury. In 1999, theyaccounted for $12 billion in lifetime costs.The standard established by OSHA for deter-mining proper slip resistance of floors is 0.5

static coefficient of friction (SCOF) and ismeasured under dry laboratory conditions.The ADA recommends the standard beraised to 0.6 SCOF, but that is not a statute.Tests have shown that floors having a highcoefficient can actually cause more prob-lems as trip hazards. One of the most fre-quently cited standards in U.L. where theirbenchmark is 0.5 SCOF. However, U.L. doesnot certify products as slip resistant. Threefactors actually affect the slipperiness offlooring: 1) The Surface - flooring material;2) The Individual - footwear, weight, veloc-ity, vision; 3) The Environment - tempera-ture and humidity.

QUESTION? - "Does a walk-in or freezer foremployees only have to be accessible?"

ANSWER: Section 1103.2.15 of the 2012 IBCexempts these locations from havingto be accessible.■

CODE CORNER


2. Marketing Plan – what is your strategyfor acquiring work?

3. Operations Plan – how will decisionsbe made and projects executed?

4. Financial Plan – how much revenuewill it take to support a profitable firm?

Although both these lists make theparts of the business plan seem as if theyare separate and distinct, in reality theyare interconnected. Each aspect is a partof a whole firm system and as such, theyimpact each other continuously. Forexample, marketing efforts must linkclosely with aspirations, which oftendetermine operational choices; opera-tional effectiveness will impact financialgrowth, and market position may deter-mine what is possible financially.

Figure 4 illustrates the interwoven relation-ships between the parts of a business plan byusing a fractal model. Each aspect of the busi-ness plan has the others within. For example,consider the Marketing quadrant in the lowerleft hand corner of the diagram – each quarterof the Marketing quadrant is related to one ofthe major quadrants. The finance aspect ofMarketing is a marketing budget (upper rightcorner); the purpose aspect of Marketing isalignment of the marketing message withvision (upper left corner); the operationsaspect of Marketing has to do with improvingjob acquisition processes such as the proposalwriting (lower right corner); and finally, themarketing aspect of the Marketing quadrant isoutreach to new prospects and relationshipmarketing (lower left corner).

Similarly, each of the four sections in eachmain quadrant can be assigned to their corre-sponding quadrant. So the operational aspectsof Finance may be to reduce waste or conserveenergy and the operational aspects of Purposemay be to deliver jobs ethically and to con-sider the firm’s social responsibilities, and soon, with each lower right hand quarter in eachquadrant relating to operations. Each of thesixteen items named in Figure 4 could be seenas a strategic project in itself. Firm owners cancustomize this diagram as they consider, forinstance, what is the "marketing aspect offinance?" (Shown here as community givingor pro-bono work.) These strategic firm devel-opment projects will change as some are com-pleted and some are altered by external cir-cumstance. This fractal diagram can be used

as a tool to plan and track firm develop-ment activities over time.

Continuous PlanningFigure 4 illustrates another important

connection between business planningand design. Like design, business plan-ning is an iterative process – not one thatis done, complete, and never adjustedagain. On the contrary, the business plangives firm owners a basis by which tomake strategic decisions in the course ofdaily business operations. Should I acceptthis commission even though it is offtrack from my stated purpose? Whenshould I hire someone and how will thatimpact my financial goals? How can I bestposition myself in a changing market?

Strategic thinking and innovative solu-tions to business dilemmas start with

planning for a preferred future rather than justbeing opportunistic in the present. As therecovery continues, established firms andstart-ups will be able to choose projects,clients, and forward thinking strategies thatare reflective of the owners’ highest aspira-tions. Applying design thinking to businessprocesses is the key to this transformation.Design is not adversarial to business. Designthinking is business thinking.

Figure 4: All Aspects of Business Planning are Interconnected

Align w/business Financial

model goals

Image Ethical &reputation Socially& brand responsible

Alignmessage

Marketing

w/purposebudget

Outreach Improveto new marketingprospects processes

BudgetFinancial trackingplanning and

control

Community Reducegiving Waste

Alignoperations

Operations

w/valuesbudget

Market Improveoperational productionsuccesses processes

Purpose Finance

Marketing Operations



FIRM MANAGEMENT

About the AuthorRena M. Klein, FAIA is the author of The

Architect's Guide to Small Firm Management(Wiley, 2010) and principal of RM Klein

Consulting, a firm that specializes in helpingsmall firm owners run their firms better.

began negotiating the contract, entered intothe contract, or performed the architecturalservices, even if the architect was licensed topractice architecture in another jurisdictionat such times . . . There is no exception forinternational design competitions or the sub-mission of bids to perform architectural serv-ices for foreign embassies (or public buildingsor monuments) in the District."

The future of professional development forlicensed professionals of the built environ-ment, includes additional challenges. Forexample the requirement of "proof of compe-

tency" upon completion of continuing educa-tion courses/credits. As the global economydraws us in to practice internationally, licens-ing requirements and processes differ.Jurisdiction issues such as the statute changesin Kansas as of July 1, 2014 and the interdisci-plinary practice competition studied and tem-porarily enacted in Texas represent the mostrecent challenges.

The 21st century means consistent changeand more vigilant attention to education andprofessional credentials management. Toavoid some of the major consequences

described plus the forthcoming challenges forlicensing, the question is:

Are you prepared?

Lexi Selvig, President of LS CredentialingServices, provides a solution to A/E profes-sionals and firms for organizing, maintain-

ing and managing licenses and certifica-tions, continuing education requirements,

and professional affiliations. She can bereached at [email protected] andyou can check out her company's website

at www.aecredentialing.com.

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE


Ergonomics in the workplace is not just atrend in office furniture – it not only has thepower to impact the health and happiness ofemployees, but also the overall productivity ofa workforce. Besides employee retention, pro-viding non-ergonomic furniture to employeescould negatively impact your bottom line.Which is a total pain.

So let’s start with the basics. Ergonomics is thestudy of how employees interact with their workenvironment. Most of the time it pertains to howoffice furniture can impact the productivity andhealth of the employees. According to GlobalTotal Office, one of the largest furniture manu-facturers in the world, an ergonomic office spaceprovides a reduced risk of injury, and increasedsafety, comfort and overall productivity.

Health RepercussionsIgnoring ergonomics in the workplace can

have severe health implications for employees,including headaches or eye strain, neck andback pain and the development of CarpalTunnel Syndrome. But it doesn’t stop there.

According to James A. Levine, M.D., Ph.D.with Mayo Clinic, researchers have linked sit-ting for long periods of time with a number ofhealth concerns, including obesity and meta-bolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions thatincludes increased blood pressure, high bloodsugar, excess body fat around the waist andabnormal cholesterol levels.

In addition, recent studies show that sittingin a desk for multiple hours a week can limitone’s life expectancy by fifteen years. But thetruth is that office ergonomics can help employ-ees be more comfortable at work, including low-ering stress, increasing productivity and pre-venting long-term injuries overall.

Impact on ProductivityA workplace that incorporates ergonomic furni-

ture has an increased rate of productivity. Steelcaseconducted a wide-scale study in 2010 with over 450employees using their ergonomically equippedLeap chair. After one year, the group using the Leapchair, with ergonomic training, showed a 17.8%increase in productivity.

In the study, the research team from W.E.Upjohn Institute for Employment Research con-cluded that it is not surprising that workers do abetter job when they experience fewer aches andpains while sitting in front of the computer.

Ultimately, the benefits of providing anergonomically sound office space for employ-ees far outweigh the expense. It can improveemployee productivity, enhance worker reten-tion and lead to increased profits. Applyingbest practices in ergonomics can truly impactthe success of a workplace.

Furnishing an Ergonomic WorkspaceFurniture manufacturers are paying atten-

tion to the value of ergonomics and developinga wide range of new products that afford theutmost in comfort and aesthetics. Architects,interior designers and furniture dealers have aresponsibility to educate their clients abouteconomics of ergonomics. The long-term con-sequences of reduced productivity andemployee wellness might not be worth theshort-term financial impact of purchasingnon-ergonomic, cost-effective furniture.

When recommending the purchase ofergonomically-friendly office furniture,make sure the client has the opportunity toexamine the options before making any pur-chases. And be sure to focus on the followingareas to help your client achieve a moreergonomic workspace.

Office ChairArguably the most critical piece of furniture

in the world of ergonomics is the desk chair.Make sure that the desk chair has a comfort-able cushion, arm rests and adjustable seatand backrest height. The armrests should below enough that shoulders are relaxed andelbows bend at about 90 degrees. The chairheight should be adjusted so that your thighsare parallel to the ground with feet flat on thefloor. Lumbar support for your lower back isalso a key feature to look for.

Desk Set UpWhen getting situated at your desk, the

order of the materials does make a difference.Start by placing your mouse and keyboard asclose together as possible. Adjust your moni-tor so that it’s about an arms length awayfrom your seat to prevent eyestrain. Youcould have a perfectly ergonomic desk andchair, but if you don’t have your desk properlysituated, it won’t do as much good over thelong-term.

Adjustable Height DesksWhen it comes to ergonomics, adjustable

height desks are a great option to provideemployees. There is an increased demand in themarket for these types of desks, and more andmore manufacturers adding these to their prod-uct catalogs. These desks can be raised or low-ered to accommodate the height of the individ-ual employee. And for those who want to take ita step further, there are standing desks thatallow workers to stand while they work.Research shows that there are numerous healthbenefits for standing up even for just 15 min-utes each hour so this option might be highlyencouraged to those clients who have strongemphasis on employee wellness. Another optionis to create pods of standing desks in hotelingspace where employees can step out of theiroffice, stretch their legs to increase blood flow,but continue to be productive.

PosturePoor posture can lead to several muscu-

loskeletal disorders, which include injuries tothe lower back, right shoulder and left lowerlimbs. Be sure to sit up straight to promoteblood circulation and reduce muscle pain. Afterpurchasing ergonomic chairs, some businessesmay consider providing ergonomic training toteach employees how to properly adjust theirpositioning, which can help aid in establishingposture that is much more effortless.

Lighting and VisibilityA poorly lit office space can have the same

negative impact as an uncomfortable chair,both in terms of employee health and satisfac-tion. Make sure that work areas are well lit toprevent eye strain. If possible, invest in largemonitors to make it easier for employees toread their computer screens.

Take breaksStaying in the same position all day long can

negatively impact blood flow and cause musclepain. No matter the amount of ergonomic fur-niture purchased, employers still need toencourage their employees to stand up, stretchand walk around the office at least every hour.Creating a healthy culture at work is morethan just providing comfortable working con-ditions — which at the end of the day is whatan ergonomic environment is all about.■

Economics of ErgonomicsHow your office furniture can be a real pain in the neck

by Ruth Minnick, LEED Green Associate, ASIDChicago Loop Team Leader at Rightsize Facility Performance

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

In today’s economic climate, the investments you make are more important than ever. And with the

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is a smart choice. WaterFurnace geothermal systems tap into the clean, renewable energy found in your

own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. For more information

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