This article was originally published on aia.org, authored by Michael Heinsdorf. You can view the original article here.

As data privacy concerns make headlines, architects should consider how much they share when specifying products
Building products have always made up a significant portion of construction project budgets, and the specification of those materials takes up a large amount of architects’ time. But while product selection was once generic and took place in a closed environment, today it happens in increasingly transparent ways, such as via the internet or BIM. Information gleaned from this process is very valuable to the construction ecosystem. As an architect, do you know who is collecting and using your data? (more…)

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
~Coretta Scott King

Compassion is no stranger to Detroit. In fact, it is the actions of compassionate individuals that have not only sustained its people through tough times, but fortified Detroit in the international community as a UNESCO City of Design in 2015.

This month, AIA Detroit celebrates those efforts, and recognizes the people whose creative works are having a positive impact throughout Detroit’s neighborhoods. From policy makers and city officials, community stakeholders and residents, to local architects and designers, May is filled with opportunities to dive deep into the endeavors that look to shape our communities for the better. (more…)

The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) would like to inform you that the Administrative Rules for Architects were promulgated effective May 4, 2018.

Below is a summary of the significant changes to the rules: (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ghafari Associates Acquires Leading Grand Rapids Commercial Design Firm,
Concept Design Group

The Combined Resources Strengthens the Firm’s Corporate and Commercial Design Strategic Direction

Dearborn, Mich. – April 30, 2018 – Ghafari Associates, Engineering News-Record Midwest’s “2017 Design Firm of the Year,” is proud to announce that it has acquired Concept Design Group, an award-winning architectural and interior design firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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IN BOTH COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SPACES, PAINT IS ONE OF THE LEAST EXPENSIVE MEASURES WITH THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL IMPACT.
This article was originally published on aia.org, authored by Benjamin Moore. You can view the original article here.

With indoor air quality a crucial component of design, AIA partner Benjamin Moore examines how paint is evolving to reduce pollutants while preserving aesthetics.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people spend the majority of their time indoors, including homes, offices, schools, and other environments, where they may face significant health risks due to repeated exposure to air pollutants. A major contributor to indoor air pollution is volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals emitted from certain building materials and household products such as paint, carpeting, interior furnishings, and cleaning and personal care products. (more…)

For the sixth day of National Architecture Week, our focus shifts to the future with a look at Architecture Education. Various organizations in Detroit are developing innovative new programs with goals ranging from youth architecture education, to shortening the path to licensure, to teaching kids the power of music, lyrics, and dance to describe—and advance improvements to—the built environments in which they live, play, and learn.  (more…)

Today marks the midpoint of National Architecture Week 2018, and a day of focus on Affordable Housing—a subject of much discussion around the country, but with a particular importance here in Detroit. As the city experiences the growing pains of a rebound from bankruptcy to ambitious redevelopment, spread unevenly across almost 140 square miles, the inevitable struggle between supporting the city’s existing population while also appealing to new residents has become the subject of much debate. But developers and nonprofit organizations alike are making room for Detroit’s low-income residents, and some of them in very innovative ways. (more…)

The third day of National Architecture Week 2018 is focused on Cities and Public Spaces, and Detroit’s recent history stands as a powerful case-study on the many approaches being employed in partnerships between private entities, the City of Detroit, and nonprofit organizations to ensure that both residents and visitors alike have unhindered access to public space that is inviting, safe, and contributes to the localized sense of community that makes Detroit such a rich and vibrant tapestry of unique cultures.

Below is just a sample of some of the recent projects being undertaken to create or revitalize Detroit’s public spaces:
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Today marks the second day of National Architecture Week 2018, focusing on Architects & Communities. AIA Detroit is proud to use this opportunity to announce the new AIAD Service Network, a database of Detroit-area AEC professionals and allies across the region looking for ways to give back to the diverse and vibrant collection of distinct communities that make up the Detroit region. Joining the AIAD Service Network is easy—-simply go to AIADetroit.com/SignUp and complete your profile to let us know what kind of service opportunities you’re interested in hearing about. Already on the AIAD Mailing List? Simply click “Update My Preferences” at the bottom of any AIA Detroit email, and you’ll be directed to a page where you can update your communications preferences, including those for the new AIAD Service Network.

AIA Detroit will be spending the entire month of May focusing on Community, and our first volunteer opportunity for the new AIA Detroit Service Network will support both Commerce Design: Detroit, a new neighborhood-focused design-impact competition in partnership with Design Core Detroit, and our May AIAD:COMMONS, presented by AIAD’s PechaKucha Night Detroit at the May Drinks by Design! (more…)

The AIA is celebrating the kickoff of National Architecture Week today, April 22nd, in alignment with Earth Day 2018! As such, the first of seven daily themes for National Architecture Week will focus on Sustainability, including the announcement of the AIA National Committee on the Environment 2018 COTE Top Ten Awards!

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