eOCULUS 01.07.2005

Editor's note: Happy New Year! After the holiday break, we're gearing up for a very busy year. Don't forget that submissions for the spring issue of Oculus magazine are due January 20! And please note that e-Oculus is going to post every other Friday. Events, announcements, and news must be received (via e-mail) by the previous Monday to be included.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(For those reading eOculus via email, please note that clicking on a link in the Table of Contents will open this issue in your Web browser).

eCalendar
We have moved our email-based calendar updates to their own publication, eCalendar. Click the above link to go to to eCalendar on the Web.

American Institute of Architects New York Chapter and New York New Visions
Call for Response to Tsunami Disaster
People from around the world opened their hearts to New York after 9/11. The tsunami tragedy in SE Asia demands a similar response, either through cash help or, if possible, in-kind services. Following the lead of AIA National, the AIA New York Chapter is making an initial commitment of $5,000 for relief efforts. AIA National is providing seed money to architectural societies in the affected area to assist them in the beginning stages of organizing the response efforts by their architect members.

We encourage everyone, including members of the AIA New York Chapter and participants in New York New Visions to contribute to organizations such as Architecture for Humanity (AFH), which has started collaboration on "modules of potential development" with a Sri Lankan organization interested in recreating destroyed villages on government-owned land inland of the coast. AIA National is "developing a coordinated response to the tsunami disaster," and has posted a page "Tsunami – Victim Relief: How to Help Now" with links to aid efforts already underway. An article in the New York Times of Thursday, 30 December 2004, "Architects Offer Help after Tsunami," describes a number of other organizations such as Architects Without Borders and Shelter for Life. There is also a website, www.architectureasia.com that provides links to AIA-type professional organizations in Asia; some of these describe relief efforts in SE Asia.

The initial private response for short-term aid has been magnificent. Over the coming months and years, what is needed is to mount similar, but in some ways more complex, responses that address issues of rebuilding communities in collaboration with professional organizations and educational institutions (including architecture schools) in place, or those able to form effective partnerships in impacted areas. AIA New York Chapter President Susan Chin, FAIA stated: "It is a tragic beginning to a new year. Thanks to all for helping to get aid where it is so desperately needed." You can assist by identifying resources that can be brought to bear in coordination with the AIA national component so that the design community "may offer the most appropriate and timely help to those in need."

Please send your thoughts on helping with long-term needs to tsunamiaid@aiany.org

AROUND THE CENTER
All of the events in this section take place at the Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY

Reader Inquiry
A correspondent from Northern Ireland asks what unbuilt architectural projects New Yorkers most regret not seeing built in our city (Westway, Venturi's Clock, Nouvel's Bridge Hotel, THINK's WTC Towers, etc.)? Please send your thoughts by e-mail to Chapter Executive Director Rick Bell at bell@aiany.org with e-mail subject field: Unbuilt Projects.

POSTPONED – ~~January 11: NYNV Open Meeting/Forum: Lower Manhattan: Context and Connections~~
The New York New Visions open meeting/forum will focus on urban revitalization strategies for Fulton Street, Greenwich Street, and Park Row. Panelists are Chris Glaisek, LMDC; Michael Samuelian, NYC Department of City Planning; and Steve Weber, NYC Department of Transportation. NYNV moderators are Marcie Kesner, Frank Braconi, and Ernie Hutton, Assoc. AIA. 8:00–10:00am: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place. No RSVP necessary. $10 per person contribution; AIA CES: 2 credits.

Friday, January 14, 6:30-9:30pm: EI/AIA Film Series: Leisurama - A Documentary Leisurama documents the realization of the quintessential American dream home in the 1960's. In 1963, two hundred and fifty Leisurama vacation houses were built in Montauk, Long Island. These houses, designed by Andrew Geller at Raymond Loewy-William Snaith Inc., were fully furnished down to the toothbrush by Macy's Department Store. The owner just had to show up at his new house with the clothes on his back. Followed by panel discussion by Andrew Geller (architect), Alastair Gordon (Architectural Historian & author), and Jake Gorst (Filmmaker) and screening of Dr. Strangelove (1963). $10, Free for Center for Architecture Students.

February 9, 11:30am: Meet John F. Spencer, CEO of the NJ Schools Construction Corporation
Get a first-had update how the NJ SCC has evolved since our meeting a year ago on the school design and construction program. This year's focus will be on the NJSCC's recently-issued Design Manual and how it relates to the "Schools for the 21st Century" initiative. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Sponsored by the AIANY Architecture for Education Committee.
Tkts: $10/AIA/Center members; $15/non-members. RSVP or call 212.358.6111. CES HSW: 1.5
Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place

February 16: Read a Good Book Lately? COTE Wants to Know
The AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) is creating a "green" reading list. Send COTE your top three favorite books related to: Land Use; Site Ecology; Community Design and Connection; Water Use; Energy Performance; Energy Security; Materials and Construction; Light and Air; Bio-Climatic Design; Long Life, Loose Fit; Process; Economics and Finance.

Your submission should be books you've actually read. Please include the title, author, date of publication, and category. E-mail information to LaKysha Barnes at lbarnes@aia.org by February 16. The list will be posted as recommended reading on COTE's web page.

January 20: Ideas/Submission Deadline for Spring Oculus: Think Green
Green concerns that shape design. Panels, interviews, and stories examine such subtopics as sustainability, energy conservation, the impact (good and bad) of LEED certification, first and life cycle cost factors. Contact Kristen Richards: kristen@ArchNewsNow.com

February 4: Call for entries: "New York Now" at the Center for Architecture
The AIA New York Chapter is seeking submissions for "New York Now" (PDF), an exhibition to showcase recent work by Chapter members. Projects must be located within the five boroughs of New York City and currently be in design or construction; projects completed after January 1, 2004 are also eligible. Entrants must be members of the AIA New York Chapter (non-members may enter if they join the AIA). Click on link for details.

BSA/AIA New York Chapter 2005 Award Programs Deadlines
February 23: Sustainable Design Awards
March 18: Urban Design Awards
Click here for submission guidelines for these and other BSA awards programs.

January 10-11, 9:00-5:00pm: Leveling the Media Field: How/Why Some Architects Become Media Icons Public Relations/Marketing Workshop for Architects & Engineers
The Pratt Institute Center for Professional Studies program is presenting a comprehensive, hands-on public relations/marketing course covering the realities of subjects such as developing and executing publicity/public and media relations, marketing strategies, branding, press releases, and special events. The course includes a roundtable on Tuesday, January 11, 3-5pm, with Kristen Richards, Editor-in-Chief, ArchNewsNow.com and Oculus; Jan Lakin, Media Director, Gensler Curtis Aluk, 69A.D. District Leader; and Lois Lazarus, Journalist. Course PMPD 850; cost: $595. AIA CES: 14. For more information, 212.647.7199
Pratt, 144 W. 14 St.

Tuesday, January 18, 6:30pm: "Edward Durell Stone: The Evolution of an Architect"
Stone's son and the last surviving partner of his firm will present an illustrated talk appraising the life and work of the American Modernist. Hicks Stone is principal of Stone Architecture, and Raymond Gomez, AIA, is president and managing director of RGA Architects and Planners. The event is co-sponsored by LANDMARK WEST! and the Makor/Steinhardt Center of the 92nd Street Y. Tkts: $15. Call 212.415.5500 or click on link.
Steinhardt Building, 35 W. 67 St.

January 20, 6:00pm: Unsung Urbanist: Robert C. Weinberg New Yorker Behind the Scenes
The New York Preservation Archive Project and The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation present an illustrated lecture about Robert C. Weinberg (1902-1974), an influential behind-the-scenes player in numerous planning and preservation issues. The program, presented by Rudie Hurwitz, the Archive Project's Kress Fellow, will focus on his efforts to preserve the character of Greenwich Village. Admission is free. RSVP: Liz McEnaney lmcenaney@nypap.org or 212.861.4993 x246.
Neighborhood Preservation Center, 232 E. 11 St.

January 21: Deadline Extended: September 11th Families Association
RFQ for Lead Architectural Consultant Services for a visitors' center adjacent to the WTC site. Click on link for details.

February 4: Deadline for the Young Architects 2005: Situating
The Architectural League of New York is inviting young architects to submit projects of all types, either theoretical or real and executed in any medium. Winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000. For entry form (required) and information, click on link or call 212.753.1722.

February 10: RFP Deadline for Poe Park Visitors' Center
The NYC Parks & Recreation Department is seeking proposals for a Visitors' Center in Poe Park, the Bronx. The RFP will be posted on the agency's web site beginning Tuesday, January 11. The project PIN number: 8462004X040D01

March 4: Deadline for the Deborah J. Norden Fund
The Architectural League invites students and recent graduates to submit proposals for research projects in the fields of architecture, architectural history, and urban studies. The fund awards a total of $5,000 per annum in travel/study grants. Click www.archleague.org or call 212.753.1722.

Obituary: Alice Paul, Honorary AIA NYS
Alice Paul, who served from 1982 to 1992 as the Public Member on the New York State Board for Architecture, died unexpectedly December 20, 2004, in Brooklyn, after a relatively short illness. She received an Honorary AIA New York State in 1992. At the time of her death, she was the Executive Director of the Sirus Fund, following more than 15 years with the Uris Brothers Foundation, providing guidance for their funding program, focusing on housing and community development needs. Paul was most effective in the development of low-income single family housing in Coney Island in the 1970s and ‘80s, and maintained this social commitment throughout her professional life.

GSA's Edward A. Feiner, FAIA, and Marilyn Farley Move On
On Monday, Edward Feiner, FAIA, announced his resignation as GSA Chief Architect effective January 31. Marilyn Farley, Director, Design Excellence and the Arts, has also announced her retirement at the end of the month.

In his note to "friends, associates, and colleagues," Feiner said:
"Everything has its time. This is the right time for me to try new things and to provide an opportunity for new leaders to build upon what has been accomplished. I have had the honor and privilege to enjoy a public service career of almost 35 years. I truly believe ! [sic] that public service is an excellent career option for design professionals who want to make a difference.

"You have clearly demonstrated that the quality of the built environment can have a positive effect on society and raise the expectations of what we can accomplish together as a people... GSA has a wonderful staff of dedicated and talented professionals and public administrators who I know will carry on in an exemplary manner."

Farley's e-mailed note to Design Excellence architects, with the subject "Me too!!!," wrote:
"As most of you know, Ed and I have been partners in this wonderful "Design Excellence" adventure for a long time, and we have always had what Ed calls a "suicide pact." We decided that now is a good time to move on. Recently, I realized that I wasn't as young as I kept thinking... You have made the difference and your contributions are immeasurable. Our clients and GSA managers nationwide have had the benefit of your expertise, and communities across the country have been enriched through the high quality buildings that you have helped us produce... I will miss not working with you. It has been an honor and a privilege..."

Jean G. Miele, AIA, has retired from Miele Associates LLP after 40 years, but will continue an active practice from home; new contact info: jgmiele@earthlink.net / 718.622.9391... Lisa Kersavage has been named the first Executive Director of the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation; she serves concurrently as the Kress/RFR Fellow for Historic Preservation at the Municipal Art Society... G. Michael Ritchie, PE, PLS, PSM, CP, has been elected Chairman of the Council on Federal Procurement of Architectural and Engineering Services (COFPAES) for 2005.

01/10 – 02/05: "Coming to Light: The Louis I. Kahn Monument to Franklin D. Roosevelt for New York City"
First public viewing of Kahn's personal sketchbook and working documents for the FDR Memorial on Roosevelt Island. Cooper Union Arthur A. Houghton Jr. Gallery, 7 E. 7 St., 2nd floor

AIANYS and the Emerging NY Architects (ENYA) committee sponsored a panel discussion on the Intern Development Program (IDP) at the Center for Architecture on November 22. The invited speakers provided a well-rounded perspective, with Jeffrey De Gregorio from Payette Associates in Boston (2004 IDP Firm of the Year) discussing how his firm developed an excellent education program for its interns. Kate Bojsza, Assoc. AIA, talked about the "9 Myths of IDP" from the interns' point-of-view. Scott Siegel from NCARB explained the structure, guidelines, and development of IDP. And Thom Penn, NYS IDP Coordinator, discussed IDP issues specific to New York State.

Both interns and employers were well-represented in the audience. The evening featured excellent questions from the audience - challenging the logic and necessity of the three-year minimum New York State work requirement, when other States (such as Texas) allow students to start taking the ARE immediately after graduation.

To make matters worse, Siegel emphasized that interns may only earn training units while supervised by an Architect holding a current license in the state where they are practicing. Penn noted that in most cases, only candidates with a professional architecture degree are qualified to sit the NYS exam.

We have moved our email-based calendar updates to their own publication, eCalendar. Click the above link to go to to eCalendar on the Web.

Oculus 2005 Editorial Calendar and Ideas/Submissions Deadlines (projects can be anywhere, but architects must be New York-based). Contact: Kristen Richards kristen@ArchNewsNow.com.

January 21 (deadline extended): RFQ – WTC Visitors Center: Lead Architectural Consultant Services. September 11th Families Association

March 1: Registration deadline for Independent Projects Grants, Architecture, Planning and Design Program/New York State Council on the Arts

Would you like to get your message above the fold? Spotlight your firm, product, or event as a marquis sponsor of eOCULUS, the electronic newsletter of the AIA New York Chapter. Sponsors receive a banner ad prominently placed above the table of contents. Your message will reach over 5,000 architects and decision-makers in the building industry via e-mail every two weeks (and countless others who access the newsletter directly from the AIA/NY web site). For more information about sponsorship, contact Brian Hartmann: bhartmann@aiany.org or 212.358.6118.

Senior Designer
Meltzer/Mandl Architects, P.C., a well-known, award-winning architectural design firm focusing on innovative multi-family housing seeks a talented architect to join our growing firm and expanding team of designers. Working directly with the principals, new hire will be responsible for design of primarily new construction from building image through detailing. Minimum 10-12 years experience. Autocad computer and rendering skills preferred but not as important as design skills. Fax resume with salary requirements to Dan Heyden (646) 654-2801.
Visit our website at www.meltzermandl.com.

Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership is seeking the following positions:

Senior licensed architect with 8 – 12 years experience working on the design of
mid-scale institutional and/or cultural facilities.
Candidates should possess:

The position requires a highly motivated, self-starting individual that is
both design and detail oriented. Excellent leadership skills, a strong
knowledge of various construction technologies and a demonstrated ability to
translate design concepts into well-crafted and coordinated construction
documents are essential.

Mid-level architect for the position of designer/project architect.
Candidates should have approx. 5–8 years experience in high-end custom
residential design and possess a demonstrated ability to translate design
concepts into well- crafted built projects. Candidates must have strong
organizational skills, be enthusiastic, and possess strong design and
Auto-Cad production skills.

Please submit letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to
Paul S. Alter, LHS A+DP Principal via e-mail to Palter@Skolnick.com

Architectural Space for Rent
Full floor architectural office ready for occupancy. Move in immediately. 4400 sf, corner of Park Avenue South and 31st Street. High windows, light filled. 10 drafting stations, 3 private offices, plus. Bathrooms and freight elevator. E-mail kzlee@hotmail.com, thelistman@aol.com
or call Michael Shuster; 917.359.4181, 212.730.5600 (office)

Architectural Project Manager
Vollmer Associates LLP, a multi-disciplinary E/A design firm seeks PM in our Flatiron district office. Our collaborative and varied metro-area practice includes projects for education and transportation. RA with 8+ years experience in design, documentation and construction admin for public, commercial and institutional projects. Proficiency in design, detailing and code compliance, and comfort with multiple assignments are essential. Excellent growth opportunity for assertive, creative, practical team player. Send resume to resume@vollmer.com or fax to 212.366.5629. EOE M/F/H/V www.vollmer.com

Architecture Faculty Positions
New Jersey School of Architecture at New Jersey Institute of Technology

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs - This position will be primarily administrative but it includes a teaching component. NJIT's New Jersey School of Architecture is a complex organization with multiple programs including a graduate & undergraduate professional program in architecture, an undergraduate architecture major, programs in Infrastructure Planning & Industrial Design (starting 2005). Requirements include a terminal degree in architecture or related field, administrative experience & knowledge about architectural education. Previous teaching experience preferred. Must show potential for managing an academic unit. Send resume to attn: Personnel Box NJSOA-ADAA.

Computer Applications in Design - NJSOA seeks applicants for an opening as Assistant or Associate Professor. Requirements include a terminal degree in architecture or related field, specialized knowledge about parametric design & its application to a studio setting. Previous teaching experience preferred. Must show potential for research & contribution to the field of knowledge. Send resume to attn: Personnel Box NJSOA-APCAD.

Integration of Technology & Design - NJSOA seeks applicants for an opening as Assistant or Associate Professor. Requirements include a terminal degree in architecture or related field, specialized knowledge & expertise in the integration of technology into the design process & its application in a studio setting. Previous teaching experience preferred. Must show potential for research & contribution to the field of knowledge. Send resume to attn: Personnel Box NJSOA-APITD.

The university reserves the right to substitute equivalent education and/or experience at its discretion. Send resumes to the specific personnel box number indicated to: New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102-1982. EOE/AA

Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) seeks superlative candidates for new position: Vice President for Planning, Design and Preservation. The VP will assume strategic planning and design responsibilities throughout the master planning and development phases for 150-acre historic island property. Masters Degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture or urban design required, seven years experience in large-scale urban revitalization. Must be excellent manager, demonstrate creative and analytical strengths, strong writing skills. See. www.govisland.com. E-mail resume to resumes@empire.state.ny.us. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Allied Works Architecture (www.alliedworks.com) is seeking talented, energetic, and self-starting designers /architects for the following positions for their New York office:

Junior Designer
0-3 years experience, BArch or MArch to assist with presentations, design and model making. Candidates must show strong skills in 3D rendering and model making, as well as drawing experience pertaining to construction documents. Responsibilities will require knowledge of computer programs such as Form-Z, Photoshop, Cinema 4D (or other 3D rendering programs), Vector Works, Illustrator, and other graphic and drawing programs.

Intermediate Architect
Minimum 5 years experience, BArch or MArch, demonstrated abilities to work on projects during Schematic Design through Construction Administration. Candidates must have a thorough understanding of the construction documents process, as well as project oversight including client contact, programming, coordination of consultant work, and job tracking. Candidates must also show strong design experience and the ability to facilitate design intent through the drawing phases.

Lead Project Manager
Minimum 10–15 years experience, with strong skills in overseeing projects and teams, client interaction, budgets, and schedules. Lead and manage all AWA Project Leads in both Portland and New York offices; develop and refine firmwide project management systems and practices o n nationally recognized projects; also manage 1-2 projects. BArch or MArch required.

If interested, please do not call, but send your resume and any salary requirements to Mazie Huh at Allied Works Architecture, 156A Reade Street, NY, NY 10013.

Handel Architects
Award-winning, design-oriented West SoHo firm seeks responsible, self-motivated intermediate & junior designers to work in an energetic, informal studio on ground-up, institutional & mixed-use projects. INTERMEDIATE: Minimum 4–6 years of professional experience on all phases of mixed-use & institutional projects, BArch or MArch, strong computer visualization skills (modeling and animation). JUNIOR: Minimum 3 years experience, BArch or MArch, strong physical & digital modeling skills required. Resume, samples of work, & references to 150 Varick St., 8th Floor, NYC 10013.

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