vol 17 no 4clo res

LicensedArchitectAssociation of

Licensed Architects

A Publication of the Association of Licensed Architects

$6.00Volume 17, No. 4 Winter 2013

See Inside for:◆ 2013 ALA Design Award Winners◆ Continuing Education: 5 Ways to Optimize Framing◆ Limitation-of-Liability Clauses Effective When Enforceable◆ The Contractor Two-Step◆ Thriving in the New Norm: Strategies For Small Firm Success◆ Playing The Occupant Load Game

See Inside for:◆ 2013 ALA Design Award Winners◆ Continuing Education: 5 Ways to Optimize Framing◆ Limitation-of-Liability Clauses Effective When Enforceable◆ The Contractor Two-Step◆ Thriving in the New Norm: Strategies For Small Firm Success◆ Playing The Occupant Load Game

2 LICENSED ARCHITECT • VOL 17 NO. 4 • WINTER 2013

Exteriors That Last!

For information about exterior systems and theright professionals to install them, call us.

Traditional stucco orexterior insulation andfinish systems.

Either way, you needqualified plasterers tobe sure the job isinstalled correctly.

Our highly trainedplasterers know how towrap openings, Identifycorrectly flashedwindows and doors,and prepare surfacesfor proper caulking toensure the integrity ofany stucco or EIFSsystem.

Chicago Plastering Institute5611 West 120th StreetAlsip, IL 60803Ph. (708) 371-3100Fax (708) 371-8290

Vol. 17, No. 4 Winter 2013

ON THE COVER

Giovannetti Community ShelterUrbandale, IA

Firm:ASK Studio, Brent Schipper, ALA, Kurtis Wolgast

The project is a community shelterdesigned to meet FEMA safe roomrequirements. The architecturalsolution is a transparent buildingsitting on the knoll of the park,connecting all of the park’s elementsat the locus called “shelter”.

FEATURES

7 ADA Advice

36 ALA New Members

47 Chapter News

6 Code Corner

40 Continuing Education

12 Firm Management

18 Insurance Info

16 Legal Issues

14 Membership

4 President’s Letter

Playing the Occupant Load Game 6Helpful tips for calculating occupancy load.

by Kelly P. Reynolds,ALA Code Consultant

Fire Service Access ElevatorsCoordinate with Accessible Means of Egress 7 Review provisions of the 2012 International Building Code for Fire Service Access Elevators.

by Kimberly Paarlberg, RA, ICC

The Additional Insured Conundrum 9This article focuses on the potentiallyhazardous and surprising consequences of adding clients and others as additionalinsured to the A/E’s general liabilityinsurance policy(s).

by Michael G. Welbel, M.G. Welbel and Associates

Thriving in the New Norm: 12Strategies for Small Firm Success As firms move into 2014, there is anopportunity to reboot and thinkexpansively about future possibilities.

by Rena M. Klein, FAIA, RM Klein Consulting

Limitation-of-Liability Clauses 16Effective When EnforceableLearn why you should consider including limitation-of-liability clauses in your contracts.

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

The Contractor Two-Step 18Concerns related to specification writing in contract documents.

by Robert Stanton, CPCU, RPLU, ARM,Willis A&E

Economic Update 38Reed Construction Data takes a look back at last year and at the forecast for 2014.

by Bernard Markstein, Ph.D., U.S. Chief Economist, ReedConstruction Data

5 Ways to Optimize Framing 40Earn 1.0 LU in HSW while learning howadvanced framing can save materials and time while boosting your homes’efficiencies.

by Bob Clark, APA – The Engineered Wood Association

2013 ALA DesignAward Winners 19

ARTICLES

LICENSED ARCHITECT • VOL 17 NO. 4 • WINTER 2013 3

ALATHEPRESIDENT’SLETTERALATHEPRESIDENT’SLETTER

It is year end and thatmeans Holiday time!It also means it istime for the ALAAwards Banquet.This year there were41 winning projectsout of 96 totalentries. This year theALA Banquet washeld at theMetropolis Ballroom

in downtown Arlington Heights, Illinois.Geoffrey Baer was again our Emcee for theevening and once again did a terrific job.The event was a spectacular success!

Our 2013 ALA Conference and Tradeshow at Drury Lane in Oak Brook, Illinois wasalso a success. In fact, it was our most suc-cessful show to date with a sell out onvendor booths and one of the largest attendeeturnouts in the history of the event. Ourkeynote speaker, Kai-Uwe Bergmann, fromBjarke Ingels Group (BIG) was outstanding!

Additionally in this issue, we have anotherarticle from Rena Klein entitled "Thriving inthe New Norm - Strategies for Small FirmSuccess", our Reed economic update, legalissues and a contributed insurance article byMike Welbel on A/E firms facing new andpotentially growing exposure.

Lastly, it is membership renewal time.YOUR association continues to provide manyvaluable services and is constantly seekingand adding new benefits for our members!Membership renewals are in the mail andyou can renew online at ALATODAY.org orvia US Mail. Should you have any questionson renewal or any other topic contact theoffice at 847-382-0630.

Happy Holidays to all!

Jeffrey Budgell

Jeffrey N. Budgell, FALA, LEED APPresident

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, ALADavid 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 architecturalprofession. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced or transmitted, inany form without the express writtenconsent of the publisher. Published inthe U.S.A.,© 2013 by ALA, Inc. Allrights reserved.

Opinions expressed in articles are notnecessarily those of ALA, Inc. Anyreference to a product or service isnot to be construed as anendorsement of same.

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 alladvertising 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

- Advertisers -Thank you to our Advertisers. They make this magazine possible.

Baird’s Drapery Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6CertainTeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Chicago Plastering Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Chicagoland Roofing Council . . . . . . . . . . . . 37GM Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Heley Duncan & Melander, PLLP . . . . . . . . . . 39

Crivello, Carlson, S.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Kelly P. Reynolds & Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 6Moshe Calamaro and Associates. . . . . . . . . . 36SABO & ZAHN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Tee Jay Service Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8The Hill Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

If you have an address correction, wish to submit news items, press releases, or an article, contact:

Joanne SullivanOne East Northwest Highway, Suite 200, Palatine, IL 60067

Phone: (847) 382-0630 • Fax: (847) 382-8380E-mail: [email protected]


ALA Continuing Education ProvidersPlease call upon our CEP Providers to provide seminars

for you and your office.

Brick Industry AssociationBoral Stone Products

Chicago Roofing Contractors Assoc.Energy Center of Wisconsin

Frantz Ward, LLPGraphisoft

Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc.Interline Creative Group, Inc.International Leak Detection

Kelly P. Reynolds & Associates, Inc.Ohio Stormwater Assoc.

Pittsburgh Corning CorporationReading Rock

Schuyler, Roche & Crisham, P.C.The Vinyl Institute, Inc.

To the Top Home ElevatorsTremco Barrier Solutions


ccupant load can have a critical effect on what isrequired in a building. It can determine use group,number of plumbing fixtures, number of exits, and fireprotection system thresholds. The "rule of thumb" hasbeen that if the building services more than 50 people,then a second exit is required. If the corridors serve less

than 30 people, then no rating is required. But, thoserules are not always the case. Let us examine two examples forcalculating occupancy load.

◆ THE BASICS - There are 10 basic use group definitions inChapter 3 of the IBC. However, when calculating occupancyload, you must go to Table 1004.1.2 of the Code. There youwill notice that the use groups are expanded by "function ofspace". The "occupant load factor" (floor area in sq. ft. per

CODECORNER

occupant) is then determined by gross or net figures. GROSSis measured within the exterior walls without deduction forcorridors, stairways, closets or thickness of walls. NET is the"actual occupied area" not including unoccupied accessoryareas such as corridors, stairways, restrooms, equipment roomsand closets. The NET references in Table 1004.1.2 are forassembly-type uses.

◆ ACTUAL NUMBER - An automated pharmaceuticalwarehouse is 50,00 sq. ft. However, there are only five peoplewho work there in a control room. They do not go into thewarehouse because all products are bar coded and RFIDmarked. Everything is stored and shipped by robotics.Therefore, the actual occupant load is 5 persons. It would beposted and the exits and number of restrooms would bebased on that "actual number".

◆ ALLOWABLE NUMBER - A restaurant wants to avoid thefire sprinkler requirements for A Use Group of 100 or morepersons. Based on the NET floor area using Table 1004.1.2,over 100 persons could occupy the restaurant. However, theowner claims he will not provide seating for that thresholdnumber of 100 persons. This concept is not permitted due tothe fact of who is going to monitor the occupancy load whenit is able to accommodate 100 or more persons? Theallowable number refers to the number of persons who couldoccupy the building.

These are some of the games played by building owners toavoid code threshold requirements. Call me if you need furtherconsulting on the situation at Kelly P. Reynolds - 1-800-950-2633or e-mail: [email protected]

by Kelly P. ReynoldsALA Code Consultant

Residential, Commercial, Institutional

ROBERT D. ZANK, ALA Licensed Architect10 Year ALA Professional Member

Wholesale manufacturer to the trade for over 60 years

Custom draperies • bedding • shades • blindsreupholstery • shutters

MOTORIZATION SPECIALISTSProfessional Measure and Installation

14007 S. Bell Road, #305Homer Glen, IL 60491

Phone: 312-226-3300 • Fax: 312-226-3605www.bairdsdrapery.com • [email protected]

Playing The Occupant Load Game

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


he 2009 and 2012 editions of the InternationalBuilding Code® (IBC) include provisions for Fire ServiceAccess Elevators (FSAE). This article will focus onprovisions of the 2012 IBC.

The intent for requiring FSAE was twofold: 1) to provide for anelevator system useable for a longer period of time during a fireevent; and 2) to provide for a system that would increase thecomfort level of and the usability for firefighters using thatelevator system. Since the fire department uses elevators forboth staging to fight the fire and for assisted evacuation, theaddition of this system is also beneficial for those occupants ofthe building who need assistance to evacuate.

The basic requirements in Section 3007 for the FSAE are as follows:

All elevators, including the FSAE, are required to comply with theASME A17.1/CSA B44 (3001.2, 3007.1) elevator safety standard.

Two FSAE are required to serve all floors where a building hasan occupied floor more than 120 feet above the street level (i.e.,lowest level of fire department vehicle access) (Section 403.6.1).If the building has only one elevator, the code would allow forone FSAE (403.6.1). The FSAE can be the same elevator usedfor normal circulation in the building. This is not intended to bea specially reserved elevator. The FSAE has to be identified by afire hat symbol (3007.7.5).

The FSAE is required to have a capacity not less than 3,500pounds (403.6.1). The FSAE also can be the elevator sized toaccommodate the ambulance stretcher (3002.4), but it is notspecifically required to be the same elevator.

Typically, an elevator goes into Phase I recall when smokeactivates the smoke detectors in the lobby, hoistway or elevatormachine room; or when the fire department initiates recall.FSAEs must go into Phase I recall immediately upon activationof any building fire alarm. If there are more than two elevators inthe same bank, the elevators that are not FSAE can continue tooperate until they are recalled by the typical means. This isespecially important if a building also has Occupant EvacuationElevators (3008). It is not the intent to override Phase I recall orPhase II emergency operation, but rather to be in addition tothose requirements.

The building sprinkler system must not include sprinklers inthe elevator machine room/space or the shaft for the fire serviceaccess elevators (3007.3.1). In addition, these spaces should beprotected by smoke detection that would initiate Phase I recall(903.3.1.1.1Exception 6). Each floor of the building must have asprinkler control supervisory switch and a water flow-initiatingdevice. The intent is to find the origin of the fire so the stagingarea can be determined (3007.3.2).

There is a concern that water from the sprinklers would getinto the hoistway, either under the elevator doors and hoistwaywalls by flooding, or by the sprinklers spraying on the elevatordoors. Solutions include trench drains at the elevator doors andcurbs around the rest of the hoistway; sloped floors that drainaway from the hoistway; gasketted opening and sealing cracksat the base of the hoistway walls (3007.4). Shunt trips typicallyturn off an elevator when water gets into the hoistway.Protecting the hoistway from water infiltration means the shunt

Fire Service Access ElevatorsCoordinate with AccessibleMeans of Egressby Kimberly Paarlberg, Senior Staff Architect and Beth Tubbs, Senior Staff Engineer, ICC

ADAADVICE


trip is not necessary in the FSAE (3007.5).Hoistways for the FSAE are required to be fire-resistant and

meet structural integrity requirements for shafts in high-risebuildings (403.2.3, 708, 3007.6, 3007.6.1). In addition, lightingmust be provided within the hoistway (3007.6.2). The lightallows firefighters to check for fire, smoke or water in thehoistway and aids the firefighters’ escape through the top of thecab if the elevator stops.

A key component for the FSAE are the lobby requirements.The same lobby used for the FSAE also can be used as thelobby for normal building circulation. This lobby will contain thetwo-way communication required for persons who cannot usethe stairway to communicate with emergency responders(1007.8). Evacuation information signage in the elevator lobbycan direct people for accessible means of egress (1007.10).Persons with mobility impairments may be waiting in this lobbyfor fire department evacuation assistance. Fire officials willdetermine whether to move these individuals into the elevatorsimmediately, or carry them down the stairway to another leveland use the elevators from there. Fire and Safety evacuationplans will address how this will be handled. (1001.4, IFC 404).

The lobby must be enclosed with a smoke barrier having afire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour (3007.7.2). Thesmoke barrier wall can terminate at the elevator hoistway; thus,the walls of the elevator hoistway form part of the enclosurearound the lobby. Therefore, no protection is required on thedoors between the elevator hoistway and the lobby. Since thereare lobbies at all floors other than the floor at the level of exitdischarge, the chance of smoke moving up the elevatorhoistway will be minimized. Other than the elevator doors,openings into the lobby shall have a fire protection rating of notless than 3/4 hour and meet smoke and draft control assemblyrequirements (3007.7.3).

The minimum lobby size for FSAE is not less than 150 squarefeet, with a minimum dimension in either direction of 8 feet.This will result in a lobby at least 8 feet by 18.75 feet, a fairlystandard lobby size. This will allow space for the fire departmentto stage firefighting operations. The lobby size requirements arethe same whether you have one or more FSAEs. It is thedesigner’s choice to provide additional area for the generalmeans of egress through this lobby, or additional area forpersons who need assistance to wait within the elevator lobby.Additional area may not be needed if it assumed that once thefire department arrives, the first trip back down for firedepartment equipment also can take persons who needassistance to the level of exit discharge or another safe placewithin the building.

The exit stairway must be directly accessed from the lobby(3007.7.1). The occupant of the fire floor should have begun

evacuation before the fire department has arrived; however,there may still be building occupants evacuating through theFSAE lobby to get to the stairway. A Class I standpipe will belocated within that stairway enclosure (3007.10). Typically, thefire department stages two floors below the fire floor and movesup to the fire floor through the exit stairway. Using a hose fromthe standpipe will keep the door to the enclosure open. Sothere will not be a risk of getting smoke into the elevator lobby,there must also be a door out of the stairway that does not leadthrough the FSAE lobby (3007.10).

There will be a system to monitor the FSAE from the firecommand center (3007.8). Standby power must be provided forthe elevator equipment, elevator hoistway lighting, the HVACsystem in the elevator machine room and the elevatorcontrolling cooling equipment (3007.9). All wires outside theshaft shall be protected by 2 hour fire resistance ratedconstruction or a circuit integrity cable (3007.9.1).

The key to the success of FSAEs is that the criteria wasdeveloped through a committee which included representativesfrom the elevator industry, firefighters, members of the buildingdesign community, and of the building codes and standardsindustry. The result is an elevator system that can be constructedto serve the needs of the general circulation and emergencyresponders; will be used by the fire service effectively; and is atrue benefit for persons who need assistance in evacuation. Theconcept of a FSAE was supported by research through theGovernment Service Administration (GSA) and the NationalInstitute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The ICC CodeTechnologies Committee (CTC) continues to have a codedevelopment study group that looks at issues such as elevatorlobby design, FSAE and occupant evacuation elevators that willimprove the functions of such systems. One of the items theytook on as part of Group A code changes was how an exitstairway could be more remotely located from the FSAE lobbyin high-rise buildings without a central core design. You canreview Group-A information at www.iccsafe.org

This article originally appeared in the August 2013 issue of the Building Safety Journal Online, copyright International Code Council, and is reprinted with permission.

Fire department staging to fight a fire.

TEE JAY SERVICE COMPANYPEDESTRIAN DOOR EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE

• Automatic Swing Door Operation951 N. Raddant Road • Automatic Sliding DoorsBatavia, IL 60510 • ICU/CCU Manual Sliding DoorsPhone (800) 6546144 • Automatic Revolving DoorsFax (630) 4061456 • Automatic Windows

http://www.TeeJayDoors.comEMail: [email protected]

HORTON AUTOMATICS AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR(Northern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana)


CONTRIBUTEDARTICLE

THE ISSUE

Recent court decisions and increasingly onerousclient demands are creating substantialinsurance related difficulties for design firms.

This article will focus on the potentially hazardousand surprising consequences of adding clients andothers as additional insureds to the A/E’s generalliability insurance (CGL) policy(s).

TheAdditional

InsuredConundrum

A/E Firms Face aNew and Potentially

Growing LiabilityExposure

by Michael G. Welbel, M.G. Welbel and Associates

A recent Illinois Appellate Court Decision illustrates thisthreat: Patrick Engineering Inc. (Patrick) v. Old Republic GeneralInsurance Co (Old Republic). The basic facts are:

Patrick was retained by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) toprovide engineering services in connection with relocation ofutility poles. While working on the project, ComEd smashedthrough an underground sewer in at least four separatelocations. Subsequently, the local municipality, Village ofLombard, sued ComEd alleging that it acted negligently.

Patrick’s contract with ComEd required that Patrick secureCGL insurance naming ComEd as an additional insured. Patrickcomplied, or at least thought it complied. ComEd soughtcoverage for the Village’s claim under Patrick’s insurance policyrather than its own. ComEd therefore tendered the lawsuit toPatrick on the basis that it was an additional insured on Patrick’sCGL policy issued by Old Republic. Old Republic deniedcoverage to ComEd citing the professional services exclusionand the fact that ComEd’s liability did not arise out of thenegligence or fault of Patrick. Old Republic’s refusal to coverComEd caused ComEd to file a breach of contract action againstPatrick for its failure to provide the required insurance coverage.

Patrick found itself in a very unenviable situation. First itneeded to defend itself in the breach of contract action due tothe coverage position taken by its insurer over which it likelyhad limited, if any control. It was then forced to sue its owninsurer in an effort to establish coverage under its own policyfor a problem that it did not cause. At the end of the day,Patrick wins its case against Old Republic. This, however, is aPyrrhic victory for Patrick. On one hand Patrick is able to satisfyits contractual obligation to its client but on the other hand it willcarry the burden of the loss under its own coverage for years.

The Patrick court did a couple of things that seem inconsistentwith common expectations. In the first instance it held that theprofessional services exclusion did not apply to ComEd sinceComEd was not providing professional services. CuriouslyComEd could claim coverage as additional insured for its role inthe problem even though Patrick, as the named insured, couldnot. The court briefly addressed the issue of whether or notPatrick also needed to have some liability in order to triggeradditional insured coverage and concluded that the "arising outof" language in the additional insured endorsement allowedComEd to claim status as additional insured and that ComEdwould be covered for its sole negligence.

Arising Out OfThis court followed the decisions of courts in various

jurisdictions that have held, "arising out of" creates coveragefor additional insureds when only an indirect causal relationshipexists between the service provided by the named insured andthe liability of the additional insured. Some of these decisionsdetermined that the phrase "arising out of" was either broadenough or sufficiently vague to cover the additional insured’sown negligence. In many cases the mere fact that the namedinsured was involved in the project was sufficient to triggercoverage for the additional insured. In response, ISO1changedthe standard additional insured endorsement language in 2004.At that time ISO advised that the additional insured’s solenegligence was never intended to be covered under the


standard additional insured endorsement (ISO CG 20 10). Thelanguage of this endorsement was substantially changed in aneffort to narrow its application consistent with its original intent.

Additional Insured Endorsement ISO CG 20 10The ISO CG 20 10 is the most widely used standard

endorsement to create additional insured status under the CGLpolicy. The pre-2004 language is as follows:

■ Who is an insured is amended to include as an insured theperson or organization shown in the Schedule, but only withrespect to liability ARISING OUT OF YOUR ONGOINGOPERATIONS (emphasis added).

The 2004 version has the following changes:

■ Who is an Insured is amended to include as an additionalinsured the person(s) or organization(s) shown in theSchedule, but only with respect to liability for "bodily injury","property damage" or "personal and advertising injury"CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART"(emphasis added), by:

1. Your acts or omissions; or2. The acts or omissions of those acting on your behalf

The operative change was replacing the words "arising outof" with "caused in whole or in part". The effect of the 2004revision has been characterized as the elimination of coveragefor the additional insured due to its sole negligence.

It should be noted that once an edition has been changedprior versions are typically no longer available.

However, for reasons that might seem obvious, clients of A/Efirms want additional insured coverage under the old language.Despite the fact that the 2004 version corrects an error ormisunderstanding, insurance specifications written in 2013oftentimes continue to require the pre 2004 language. It istherefore not unusual to see an insurance requirement that readssomething like, "Client shall be named as Additional Insuredunder CG 20 10 (85) or equivalent". This creates two problems.First, in practice, the pre 2004 endorsement language is verydifficult, if not impossible, for many A/E firms to secure. Insurersunderstandably do not want to pick up the liability of otherswhen the named insured is not at fault. In addition to owners,contractors oftentimes seek additional insured coverage underthe A/E’s CGL policy. A contractor presents a far greater CGLexposure than an A/E. Consider as well the fact that the insurertypically has no information about the additional insured and istherefore not in a position to evaluate the added exposure. Thiscreates a conundrum: If the A/E is unable to provide therequested coverage, it faces a potential breach of contract actionlike Patrick. If the A/E is successful in securing the requiredcoverage however, it might pay the price for insuring its client orothers for a problem that the A/E did not create. Thus the snareis set when the contract is executed.

Those reviewing insurance requirements might either miss thissubtle issue entirely or not understand the significance of theedition date. One must also not assume that the term"equivalent" satisfies the contract obligation if the policycontains the current version of the CG 20 10. Non-compliancemight also arise in a more subtle context. One recentlyreviewed contract provides, "Designer shall add Owner andother such parties as is required under the ContractDocuments to be named as additional insureds with respect toliability arising out of…" The drafters of this agreement usethe "arising out of language" which, as indicated above, is nolonger in line with current standard additional insuredlanguage. Even though a specific endorsement is notspecified, the use of the current wording would likely notsatisfy the above contract requirement opening up thepossibility of a breach of contract action. The danger ofcourse is amplified when one is faced with an additionalinsured requirement that includes multiple parties.

What to DoWhen reviewing and executing contracts, one must take care

and pay particular attention to the additional insuredrequirements. If the contract requires pre-2004 wording, theA/E should attempt to have it changed to the current version.The pre-2004 language creates a difficult burden. Like Patrick,the A/E might find itself paying, albeit indirectly, for thedamages arising out of the sole negligence of an additionalinsured. In addition, as stated above, it is very likely that anypre-2004 wording requirement is inconsistent with the currentcoverage provided to the A/E and it is very unlikely the A/E willbe able to secure coverage to meet the requirement.

1 ISO is the Insurance Services Office which promulgates wordings and standardscommonly used by the Insurance Industry.


FIRMMANAGEMENT

Thriving in the New Norm:Strategies for Small Firm Success

by Rena M. Klein, FAIA

here is no doubt that the last five yearshave been hard. Many firms thatspecialized in one project type saw their

market disappear overnight. Others that hadbuilt their firms on long standingrelationships watched as their bread andbutter projects were scooped up by newcompetition that would never haveconsidered these projects before. Manyhave struggled to survive, often reduceddown to the founder plus one or two.

Most firm owners who had theseexperiences did not have faulty strategy orpoor execution, and it is important toremember that management of a firmthrough the economic crisis was extremelydifficult. Throughout the hard times, basedon my observations, many firm owners haveshown remarkable respect for their staff andhave exhibited enviable resilience.

As firms move into 2014 and apresumably improving economy, there is anopportunity to reboot and think expansivelyabout future possibilities.

The good news: technology and newways of collaborating have made theflexibility of small firms an asset and isreducing the negatives of having a verysmall organization.

The bad news: many firm owners aretraumatized and don’t know where to gofrom here. They want to rebuild but are notsure how.

THE STATISTICSAccording to the AIA’s The Business of

Architecture: 2012 Firm Survey Report,firms that managed to survive the recessionhave, for the most part, gotten smaller.Times have been tough and Figure 1 showsjust how bad it has been. It seems as if theold yarn, "the bigger you are, the harderyou fall" is apropos here. But almosteveryone suffered. The fact that there are

Is your firm among the many that were hurt in the Great Recession?If your firm is now half the size that it was in 2008, you are not alone.

T percent percentshare of share of

firm size number of firms all firms all firms

2009 2012 2009 20121 4,501 4,636 24% 26% Up from 24% in 20092 to 4 6,876 6,450 37% 37%5 to 9 3,475 3,115 18% 18%10 to 19 2,011 1,727 11% 10% 91% of firms under 2020 to 49 1,167 1,018 6% 6% 9% of firms over 2050 to 99 396 348 2% 2%100 or more 312 237 2% 1% Down from 2% in 2009total 18,738 17,531

Figure 1: Change in AIA member firm size since 2009

more solo practitioners today than in 2009 isn’t exactly great news for theprofession, although the opportunities for the one-person shop are better thanever. Firms under five people fared better than the larger firms only because firmsnewly downsized replaced some of those that went under.

IS THE RECOVERY REAL? According to the AIA’s Architecture Billing Index,the recovery seems to be in full swing. Anecdotally, it is spotty, depending uponwhere you are and the market in which you work. Figure 2 shows the typicalbusiness cycle as it applies to the construction industry. If rents in your area arebeginning to increase and construction activity is picking up, you know that youare already in therecovery phase of a cycle.Figure 3 charts the overallbusiness cycle in the U.S.since 1990. When changein GDP is +3-4% orabove, we will beexperiencing good times.The boom marketpreceded the GreatRecession, interruptedonly by 911, was thelongest expansionaryperiod in the modern era.This expansion was unusual in that it was not accompanied by inflation althoughsalaries for architectural staff did take a long overdue jump. The extreme nature ofthe Great Recession and the long years that have followed are shown clearly inthis graph. Percent change in GDP for 2012 was an anemic 2.2%, up only a bitfrom the 1.8% of 2011. Overall, at the time of this writing, the recovery is lessthan robust.

Nevertheless, if you practice in a locale or market sector that is recovering, andeven if you’re not, this is the perfect time to reboot and re-launch your practice.

Figure 2: Construction Business Cycle

BOOMMARKET

RECOVERY

EXCESS FUNDING

INCREASEDCONSTRUCTION

FUNDING AVAILABLE

INCREASED RENTS

OVERBUILDING

RENT CONCESSIONS

SATURATED MARKET

TIGHTENING FUNDS

LESSCONSTRUCTION

REDUCED FUNDING

RECESSIONINCREASEDCONSTRUCTION

STABILIZEDRENTS

MINIMALCONSTRUCTION


There is an opportunity now to become thoughtful and strategicin how to grow your firm in a sustainable manner, in contrast tothe opportunistic whirlwind common to boom times.

DESIGN YOUR PRACTICEBy using a strategic planning process that is based on design

thinking, firm owners can identify their aspirations and goals andhelp chart a path to achieving them. Basically, strategic businessplanning involves three main phases:

■ Assessment• Understanding core values and vision for the firm’s development• Examining existing conditions, including capabilities, market

position, and financial health• Identifying goals with a long-term time horizon

■ Planning• Scenario plan (Financial) • Organizational development plan• Marketing plan• Operations plan, including knowledge management • Ownership transition plan• Action plan outlining specific steps with short term time-line

■ Implementation and Evaluation• Action plan continuous refinement and updating as actions

are completed• Determine Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and track

against milestones• Adjust action plans as conditions change

Many firm owners find it useful to have the help of amanagement consultant in the strategic planning process. Anoutside and unbiased voice with information on best practicesand industry trends can be invaluable in forming both pragmaticand inspired strategy. Look for a consultant familiar with smallfirm design practice.

The key to the process is to use your abilities as a designthinker to approach the strategy for your firm. Look at the"design criteria" –what is important to you, how big a firm doyou want, what market sectors are a match to your interests, etc.Be creative and pragmatic: look for new ways of doing things.

Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the phases ofbusiness planning and the phases of the building design process.

Note that both building design and business planning areiterative, ending with evaluation that brings the process full circleback to assessment. Implementation without evaluation is similarto designing a building and never stepping inside the builtstructure to see what you think. Truth is, in business planning youdon’t actually have a choice because fast changing andunpredictable conditions require constant evaluation andadjustment. Circumstances will force you to re-evaluate yourgoals, strategies and action plans annually, at a minimum. Design

Figure 4: Business Planning Parallels Building Design

Figure 3: Percent change in GDP from 1965 - 2011

of your firm is a continuous process in which you are alwayslooking for what is working and what isn’t. What are not likely tochange are your values and your vision, and you would be welladvised to stay constant and loyal to these.

A word about the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which areneeded to track progress toward your goals. What you measurebecomes what is important, so choose carefully. Typical KPIsrelated to marketing might include: hit rate (percent of inquiriesthat become jobs); direct award rate (work acquired throughreferral or repeat clients - without competition); and the numberof significant new relationships formed (ones that have goodlikelihood of leading to work). Key operational and financialindicators include overhead rate, budget vs. actual expenditures,project profitability and staff utilization rates.

PRACTICE YOUR DESIGNAlthough it may be tempting to throw away past strategy that

seemingly led to downsizing and financial stress, it is notnecessarily the prudent approach. It is important to rememberthat your firm’s pre-recession market position was likely built onyour core competence, your relationship network, and yournatural proclivities. The question now is how can you build onthese to reboot your firm and position it to grow as theeconomy recovers?

Instead of rejecting your past as failed, consider adopting atwo-prong approach as you engage with the strategicplanning process:

1. Use what you know and whom you know to get the kind ofjobs you did before the recession. If the market you are in isstill too competitive or still non-existent, look for related workin a market that is active. For example, no more affordablehousing projects? Ask yourself, whom do you know who isbuilding retirement communities or senior housing?

Even if you have an aspiration to do different kinds of work, orthink you should diversify, acquiring work that is familiar and youare good at can provide the basis for rebuilding. Once you havesome bread and butter jobs, it will give you capacity topotentially move into different work. Or perhaps, it will makeyou appreciate your strengths and enable you to "own" whoyou are in the marketplace. Work you did before the recession isalso the work you are most likely to get in the short-term.Leverage every relationship you have, especially former clients,and take someone to lunch at least once a week.

2. Expand your possibilities by participating in new trends insmall firm practice. This may require building capacity,

(continued on page 36)


Connect. Benefit.Join.

Become a member of our dynamic, affordable, growing organization of architects.

Member BenefitsProfessional, Senior & Emeritus Members

◆ Professional Designation

◆ Membership Wall Certificate

◆ Online listing in searchable member directory

◆ Job postings

◆ Quarterly Magazine – "Licensed Architect"

◆ FREE unlimited access to 15 short form legal contracts

◆ Educational programs offered throughout the year.

◆ Free Consultant Hot Lines – Legal, Code, Insurance, Fire,and ADA

◆ Logging of ALA CEU hours

◆ Annual Events: Summer – Golf Outing; Fall – Conferenceand Product Show

◆ Design Awards Program for Members Only

◆ Member Discounts

◆ Networking

◆ Legislative Monitoring

◆ Volunteer opportunities

◆ Mediation Services

◆ Voting Privileges

◆ Disability insurance at a substantial discount

◆ Project Leads

Associate, Student, New Graduate and Honorary MembersSame benefits as professional members with the exception of voting

privileges, professional designaion and short form electronic contracts.

Affiliate Members◆ Same benefits as professional members with the exception

of voting privileges and professional designation

◆ Advertising Opportunities

◆ Special member rates at the Annual Conference andProduct Show

◆ Lunch and Learn and “After 5” programs hosted by ALA

◆ Sponsorship Opportunities

◆ Free listing in Annual Buyer’s Guide

TERRI NIELSEN Dealer Account Rep Andersen Windows

Member since: 2002

"I value the networking opportunities. It hashelped us get business. This is a nice

organization to be a part of that gets us in frontof architects. The architects are involved

and engaged with ALA.”


ALA is . . .focused on meeting your needs. Committed to You.

Determined to make a significant and positive impact on the Architecture Profession.

Our aim is to help you succeed today and into the future. Join ALA, and put the power of ALA membership to work today.

ALA Membership Category

Choose one. Make checks payable to: ALA■■ Professional–Licensed Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 150.00■■ Senior–(65 years or older) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 65.00■■ Affiliate–Industry or related professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 250.00■■ Associate–Those who are Non-Licensed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 65.00■■ Student–Full time/Accredited Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25.00■■ International Members–add for postage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 40.00

■■ New Graduate-1 year free membershipMust provide copy of diploma

All dues may be deducted as a business expensebut not as a charitable contribution

Association of Licensed ArchitectsOne East Northwest Hwy. Suite 200Palatine, Illinois 60067

For more information contact:Joanne Sullivan, Executive Director,T: 847.382.0630, F: 847.382.8380E: [email protected]: www.alatoday.org

Stay current and involved in your profession.ALA delivers value at affordable rates.

Join Us!

You may join online at www.alatoday.org. Click on "Membership".

Full Name (Please print) Last First Middle

Current Professional Status (Check one) ■■ Partner/Principal ■■ Firm Architect ■■ Academic ■■ Other

(Please check one box for desired mailing address)

■■ Office ■■ Residence

Firm Name

Work Address Home Address

City State Zip City State Zip

Telephone (Include area code) Telephone (Include area code)

Fax Fax

E-mail Address/Business Website E-mail Address

Corporate Affiliation (for Industry and Professional Affiliate Members)

State of License (Professional Members) Registration No.

Project types

Current Membership in other Professional Organizations

Referred by

ApplicationForm

■■ Check Enclosed

■■ Pay by Credit Card

Credit Exp. Card # Date

Signature

Association of

Licensed Architects

✄

You may join online at www.alatoday.org. Click on “membership”.


LEGALISSUES

Limitation-of-LiabilityClauses Effective When Enforceable

Limitation-of-liability clauses consist of contractual provisions which simply limit the extent of liabilityfor which the design professional will be responsible in the event of any problems on the project relatedto the services provided by that design professional. The purpose of such a provision is straightforward:apportion the risk so that it bears a rough relationship to the benefits obtained by the respective partiesfrom the project. The idea is that, while the design firm certainly obtains its own benefit, in the form of afee, the architect’s client ultimately gets a much larger benefit, the profits received from the project, andtherefore the risk to be borne by the architect should be proportioned so as not to be altogether out of

whack when compared to the benefit received.

by Shawn E. Goodman, Sabo & Zahn,

Attorneys at Law

Negotiating a limitation-of-liability clause in most, if not all,professional agreements should be a goal. It is true that not allclients will agree. However, many firms are asking for and gettinglimitation-of-liability clauses in their contracts. They have come tothe realization, and are having some success convincing theirclients, of the reasonableness of such agreements in attributingthe level of responsibility to which an architect will be held if aproblem arises. These clauses also serve to recognize, and arejustifiable, considering that there are many circumstances inwhich, even though the designer has little or no fault, thedesigner nevertheless can be dragged into costly litigation.

While not universally accepted by courts, a limitation-of-liabilityclause stands an excellent chance of being upheld if it is carefully,properly drafted and negotiated. A landmark limitation-of-liabilitycase came down in California in 1991.1 The plaintiff in that casewas a developer which sued the engineers who had designed, aspart of a housing project, a man-made lake. When the liner ofthe lake failed, what followed was a suit for $5 million against thedefendant engineering firm.

The engineer put forward a clause which had been included inthe contract limiting liability to the amount of the fee, $67,640.The trial court agreed and enforced that clause. The developerappealed, challenging the clause as supposedly not having beenspecifically agreed to or negotiated. However, the Californiaappellate court upheld the trial court, and cited a letter oftransmittal conveyed by the engineering firm along with itsproposed contract as having provided the developer theopportunity to have reviewed the agreement and to havenegotiated any aspect of it.

Limitation-of-liability clauses have, over the last twenty years orso, come to gain ever-increasing acceptance by those courtswhich have reviewed them. Most reasonable, well-drafted suchclauses, agreed to at arms length by two parties of relatively

equal bargaining power, stand an excellent chance of beingenforced if tested. By the same token, contract terms which arevague, or which call for unreasonably low limits that would comeclose to eliminating altogether a design professional’s liability, arefar less likely to be endorsed by a reviewing court.

A prominent example of a limitation-of-liability clause beinginvalidated arose in Oregon.2 In that case, the plaintiff had hiredan engineering firm for a "limited visual review" of a house hewas looking to buy. The entire contract consisted of one page,including four paragraphs, called for a $200 fee, and alsoincluded a one-sentence limitation-of-liability clause: "Theliability of MEI [MacKenzie Engineering] and the liability of itsemployees are limited to the Contract Sum."

The plaintiff signed off on the proposal, MacKenzieEngineering went to work, delivered a two-page report, and theplaintiff eventually went forward with the purchase of the home.Not long thereafter, problems were discovered including slantedfloors and a broken water pipe, respectively. The plaintiff hired adifferent engineer, undertook repairing the house, and thenturned around and sued MacKenzie Engineering for $340,000based upon its failure to identify the problems.

The defendant moved for, and obtained, summary judgmentin its favor, the trial court noting that, considering the brevity andsimplicity of the contract, a "reader would have to make a realeffort for the limited liability clause to escape his or herattention." On appeal, the Oregon appellate court agreed.However, the Oregon Supreme Court reversed. In doing so, itstruck down the limitation-of-liability clause as being excessivelyvague, and found that the amount specified, $200, was too lowvis-a-vis the actual damages, $340,000.

Much more recently, a federal appeals court, the SeventhCircuit, upheld an Indiana district court which had enforced alimitation-of-liability clause against a hotel developer.3 In that


matter, the architect, the defendant, agreed to design for theowner a six-story hotel in exchange for a $70,000 fee. About ayear after the hotel was built, defects began surfacing which wereso severe that the building actually, eventually had to bedemolished. The case went to trial, and while the ownerobtained a judgment in its favor, its damages were limited to$70,000, the contract price for the architectural servicesprovided, even though the owner had asked for some sixty timesthat amount.

The case went up on appeal, and the Seventh Circuit, applyingIndiana law, ruled that parties are free to contract, bargaininghowever they see fit. Because the architectural firm and the ownerwere sophisticated business parties with equal bargaining stature,the court enforced the contract as written and specifically enforcedthe clause which limited the architect’s liability to $70,000. Theowner asserted that the limitation-of-liability clause effectivelyinsulated the architectural firm from liability for its own negligence,and that Indiana law mandated that such indemnity language bespecifically, clearly spelled out in the contract terms. The appellatecourt disagreed, and distinguished indemnification from limitation-of-liability clauses. The lattermerely "serve to establish acontractual ceiling" ondamages, while the formercompletely insures a partyagainst its own negligence.While, with indemnity, thecontract must "clearly andunequivocally" set forth thatone party will have to payfor another’s negligence,with limitation of liability, no such specific language is required.

SAMS stands strongly in favor of the enforcement of alimitation-of-liability agreement signed off on by two partiesbased upon those parties’ freedom to contract. Still, theenforcement of any limitation-of-liability provision is dependentupon the applicable laws of the particular state as well as theunderlying facts.

One common way of structuring a limitation-of-liability clauseis to limit the exposure to a dollar amount, as was done in SAMS,either by setting forth that dollar amount, or by correspondingthat amount to the fee for professional services. The following isan example of such a clause:

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Owner agrees, to the fullestextent permitted by law, to limit the liability of the Architect tothe Owner for any and all claims, losses, costs, expenses ordamages of any nature whatsoever, including reasonableattorney’s fees and costs, and those of expert witnesses, fromany cause or causes so that the total aggregate liability of theArchitect to the Owner shall not exceed the Architect’s totalfee received for services rendered on this Project. It isintended that this limitation apply to any and all liability orcauses of action however alleged or arising, unless specificallyprohibited by law.

Note that this language references to "the fullest extentpermitted by law" and "unless specifically prohibited by law."This helps to adapt the provision so as to fit within any state-specific limits or prohibitions against such limitations on liability,and makes it more likely to be upheld. Note further that it alsolimits the liability to the amount received, as opposed to the

full amount of the fee agreed upon pursuant to the contract.That way, if the owner fails to pay some percentage of thearchitect’s fee, the owner’s damages can be limited by thatsame percentage.

An alternative way of limiting liability is to tie the amount tothe extent of insurance coverage. Such a clause, if done right,ensures that the professional will not be exposed to personalliability to pay any judgment. The following is an example of aclause which does this:

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Notwithstanding any otherprovision herein to the contrary, the Owner may recover fromthe Architect on account of any negligent act, error or omissionon the part of, or breach of any implied or express terms ofthis Agreement by, the Architect, its agents, employees,partners, officers, directors or consultants, which arise or are inany way related to any services performed hereunder by any ofthem, only that amount equal to the insurance proceeds thenavailable from the Architect’s professional liability policypayable with respect thereto on the date any judgment is

entered, it being the intentof the parties hereto thatthe Architect’s total liabilityto Owner be capped by theavailable proceeds fromsuch insurance policy.

From the standpoint ofthe design professional,every contract would containa limitation-of-liability clauseif the owner would agree to

the sharing of the potential liability for claims of faulty design. Ofcourse, in the real world, owners may balk at such a concept. Still,there are projects in which this approach not only is fair, but shouldbe considered an absolute necessity. One concerns when thearchitect offers to work for free, e.g., on behalf of a church,condominium association or other nonprofit organization. Asecond is where the architect is working for a friend or relativeeither at no or minimal cost. Thirdly, and similarly, are thoseprojects on which the architect performs services at greatlyreduced rates. Unfortunately, in all three of these types ofsituations, it is often the case that no written contract at all isentered into by the parties. However, the need for a well-draftedcontract, one which will limit for good reason the architect’sliability exposure, should be considered no less necessary for thearchitect who undertakes a project in which the fee to be earnedis either limited or nonexistent.

Limitation-of-liability clauses can be used with any type ofowner-architect agreement, including standard industry forms.Architects should generally consider including such clauses, andinsist on using them when it comes to certain projects.

1 Markborough v. Superior Court, 227 Cal. App. 3d 705 (Cal. Ct. App. 1991)

2 Estey v. Mackenzie Eng’g, 927 P.2d 86 (Or. 1996)

3 SAMS Hotel Group v. Environs, 716 F.3d 432 (7th Cir. 2013)

Shawn E. Goodman • SABO & ZAHN, LLC401 North Michigan Ave. • Suite 2050 • Chicago, Illinois 60611(312) 655-8620 • Fax: (312) 655-8622Website: www.sabozahn.com • Email: [email protected]

“Limitation-of-liability clauses have, over thelast twenty years or so, come to gain ever-

increasing acceptance by those courts whichhave reviewed them.”


INSURANCEINFO

The Contractor Two-Stepby Robert Stanton, CPCU, RPLU, ARM – Willis A&E

couple of months ago I attended a contractor-orientedworkshop. One of the speakers was from anindependent specification writing firm who declaredthat the quality of the Contract Documents prepared

by the design community had been declining over the pastseveral years. Given the fact I had been an Architects andEngineers Professional Practice Claims Handler for insurancecompanies who seemed to have to pay a fortune for contractorissues, my cockles were most definitely raised. To add insult toinjury, in a previous presentation I had attended a presenter forthe construction community had declared, "You wouldn’t believehow much we contractors have to pay for the mistakes of thearchitects and engineers." I had to be restrained when I tried tocounter with, "And you wouldn’t believe the amount thedesigners have to pay for contractor gaffs too."

Being a staunch supporter of the design community andbelieving this discussion was an excuse for the plethora of RFI’sand Change Orders contractors produce to document their delayclaims when they fall behind on the construction schedule, Idecided that this time I would not be silenced. I made a snideremark to the guy sitting next to me, who was an attorney Ithought maintained neutrality when it came to the interactionbetween contractor and designer. Much to my surprise…heimmediately agreed with the presenter. Discretion became thebetter part of valor and I held my tongue until my attorney friendand I could discuss the matter more fully.

Before the next speaker could present his materials, myattorney friend explained to me the documents were indeeddeclining in quality, and that area in which the ContractDocuments are creating problems relates predominantly to thespecifications. Given that his practice included defendingdesigners, I figured it was time to listen. He explained, "Thespecification writers for a large number of firms were the firstemployees let go by design firms when the market turned bad inan effort to save expenses. Spec writers are usually the moreexperienced designers in the firms who garner a higher salary."

When I challenged him about the RFI and Change Orderdiscussion which had just taken place he pointed out, "It’s in thespecifications that most contractors find the designersvulnerable. Lack of attention to detail in the specifications allowthe contractors to generate the RFI’s and Change Orders that arethe basis of most of the delay claims against the designers.Whether the design community wishes to believe it or not, thecontractors’ arguments are gaining validity in recent years. Thedetails are lacking." I added, "So you’re telling me this is howthe contractors get traction when they begin the RFI and ChangeOrder dance, which I called the "Contractor Two-Step." Hereplied, "Yes, it is." I walked away from the discussion realizingthat perhaps it does take two to tango.

Walking away from the discussion, it was clear there was morechecking to do. I had recently done an in-house presentation forone of my clients. In the past, the principal of the firm asked if

my presentation could address the issues and concerns relativeto writing specifications as part of the Contract Documents,stating, "Sometimes there is a disconnect between the designersand spec writers at times, which drives my spec writer right upthe wall." With the permission of the principal, I contacted thespec writer to get some input.

You can imagine my surprise when the firm’s chief spec writertold me he absolutely agreed with the spec writer/speaker thatthe quality of the Contract Documents being generated by thedesign community were declining, and concurred with the ideathat the area in which the decline is mostly noted (and wherecontractor’s take the most advantage) is in the area ofspecification writing. "A lot of the time I receive documents fromother design firms," he stated, "and it’s clear the specificationswere prepared by a junior level associate in the firm who haslittle or no experience in specification writing. Specificationwriting should be done by the more senior members of thestaff." His point on this dovetailed with the discussion with myattorney friend. However, he added more to the argument.

Probing further, the spec writer identified two main reasonswhy the specifications in Contract Documents were creating theproblems. First, as has already been mentioned, the lack ofseasoned and experienced specification writers in the firm leavesthe duty of specification writing to the junior members of the firmwho do not have enough experience to determine things likewhether "an adhesive will actually work in bonding two differentmaterials together." He went on further to indicate that even ifthe firm had a seasoned specification on staff, the specificationwriting has become "secondary to the design function, often thelast consideration when it comes to budgeting for professionalservices." In many cases, only a small portion of the overallservice fee and design scheduleare allocated for theperformance of specification writing and review. He went on tosay spec writers are not being given enough time to do anadequate job in the preparation of the specifications. This resultsin things being missed, and given the fact that specificationsoften take precedence in the interpretation of the design intent;it seems strange that such a vital function would be relegated toa secondary role in the design process.

The bottom line of this discussion is that if a design firm isencountering a series of delay claims, perhaps it is time to stepback and review their own procedures relative to time and feeallocation for specification writing. If the firm does not have adesignated specification writer, there are firms out there whichdo nothing but specification writing. Whether if handled in-houseor out-services, it appears the design community needs to focusmore attention on specification writing.

Willis A&E is "Different by Design". A specialty unit of Willis(NYSE:WSH), Willis A&E is the leading broker specialized inproviding risk management and insurance solutions toArchitects and Engineers.


Bob Davidson, FALA, AIA, LEED AP Bob Davidson, FALA, AIA, LEED AP is Chief Architect for The Austin Company in Cleveland, Ohio. As Director ofDesign Science & Technology, he is responsible for more complex projects in the Food, Pharmaceutical, Aviationand Nuclear type facilities. He holds licenses in over 30 states and has spent a considerable amount time in PuertoRico, Santa Domingo and the UK. Bob is past president of ALA Illinois and served as Program Chairman for manyyears where he organized hundreds of CEU seminars for ALA membership. Having recently moved to NE Ohio,he hopes to expand ALA membership in Cleveland.

Cheryl A. Ciecko, ALA, AIA, LEED APCheryl A. Ciecko, ALA, AIA, LEED AP is a licensed architect specializing in sustainable design issues, buildingscience and innovative uses of wood materials. She is President of CCG + Architects, Inc. and Midwest RegionDirector for WoodWorks, an initiative of the Wood Products Council. A member of the Illinois Board of Directorsfor ALA, Cheryl is a LEED AP as well as a Green Globes Professional (GGP) and has presented on wood andsustainable design issues around the United States. Cheryl has been involved in a wide variety of project types.She has a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, and a Masters of Architecturedegree from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis.

Mike Breclaw, ALA, AIA, LEED APMike Breclaw, AIA, LEED AP is a Principal and Director of Design with OKW Architects. With OKW, Mike has ledthe design of several large and complex mixed-use projects, including the Uptown project in Park Ridge, and theNew City development at Clybourn and Halsted in Chicago.

Prior to OKW, at GEC Design Group and Epstein, Mike led design efforts of two large facilities for Motorolain Libertyville and Harvard Illinois. Mike began his architectural career in Chicago with Carol Ross Barney, and SOM.Mike received his under-graduate degree in English from Wabash College and a Masters in Architecture fromPrinceton University.

Keelan Kaiser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Keelan Kaiser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is an architect and educator. He practices with Serena Sturm Architects inChicago and is a Professor of Architecture and Chair of the Department of Architecture at Judson University. Hespecializes in education and higher education design as well as high performance building design.

2013 Design Award Program

Stephen Cavanaugh ALA, LEED APStephen Cavanaugh ALA, LEED AP is a Principal and Regional Design Leader with DLR Group. Steve earned hisdegree from the University of Illinois School of Architecture in 1985, and has practiced with renowned designfirms, including 10 years with Helmut Jahn. Steve’s passion for creative design and environmental sensitivity isdriven by his understanding of building systems and contextual issues. His hands-on approach and attention todetail has resulted in many award winning designs, often within the constraints of conservative budgets andaggressive schedules. Steve recently designed the Patterson Technology Center, recipient of the 2012 ALA DonErickson Presidential Award.

On September 20th, five well-respected architects studied every entry and selected the winning projects for the 2013 ALA DesignAward Program. Out of 96 entries, 23 projects were awarded an Award of Merit, 13 projects were awarded a Silver Medal, and 5projects a Gold Medal, with the top honor being the Don Erickson Presidential Award.

Projects were entered in eight categories: Residential I, Residential II, Commercial/Industrial, Interior Architecture, Institutional,Religious, Renovation and Unbuilt Design. Each entry was judged on its own merit based on: Program Solution, Site and SpacePlanning, Overall Design Solution and Construction System and Details. LeRoy B. Herbst III, FALA of L.B. Herbst & Associates servedas jury chairperson. Rich Barnes, ALA of Barnes Architects, Ltd. and Matthew Kramer, ALA of Matthew Kramer Architects wereassistant chairpersons.

ALA would like to thank our Design Award Banquet Sponsors:• Andersen Windows • IMAGINiT Technologies • Marvin Windows and Doors • Moen/Creative Specialties Int’l

ALA wishes to thank the following judges for their hours of volunteer time and their dedication to the program and profession.


Giovannetti Community Shelter, Urbandale, IACategory: CommercialFirm: ASK Studio, Brent Schipper, ALA, Kurtis WolgastContractor: Rochon Corporation

The project is a community shelter designed to meet FEMA safe room requirements. The architectural solution is a transparentbuilding sitting on the knoll of the park, connecting all of the park’s elements at the locus called “shelter”.

Photo: Cameron Campbell

Don Erickson Presidential Award


ASK Studio, Des Moines, IACategory: Interior ArchitectureFirm: ASK Studio, Michael Kastner, Brent Schipper, ALAContractor: Munro Construction Company

The Studio is a representation of our abilities . . . and the paradigms and processes that we embrace . . . and a place for coffee . . .highly energy efficient with all LED lighting. There are no offices, no rooms with doors except for the toilets. It’s that simple.

Photo: Timothy Hursley

Gold Award


Photo: Christopher Barrett

Galewood School, Chicago, ILCategory: InstitutionalFirm: UrbanWorks, Ltd.Contractor: FH Paschen

A three-story concrete structure punctuated by a soaring glass and wood panel-clad multi-use space creates a vibrant, visuallyappealing school identity which reflects the strong community-based vision for aspiring achievement within the Hispanic community.

Gold Award


John C. Dunham Pavilion at Aurora RIverEdge Park, Aurora, ILCategory: InstitutionalFirm: Muller & Muller, Ltd., David SteeleContractor: R.C.Wegman Construction

This project is the first phase of the new RiverEdge Park, located on the banks of the Fox River. The project consists of park spaceand landscape features surrounding a new outdoor music pavilion and its support buildings. The buildings are arranged to embracethe riverside location, provide high quality sightlines and to shape and control the sound and acoustics of the venue.

Photo: John Faier

Gold Award


Midvale Courtyard House, Madison, WICategory: RenovationFirm: Bruns Architecture, Stephen Bruns, ALA

Balancing the introverted nature of a courtyard with the bold personality of an extrovert all while managing matters of privacy, therenovation and addition of Midvale Courtyard House pierces and stretches solid forms to create connection between indoor andoutdoor spaces.

Photo: Tricia Shay Photography

Gold Award


New Faith Baptist Church International Worship Center, Matteson, ILCategory: ReligiousFirm: Harding Partners, Paul Harding, FAIA, ALAContractor: Powers and Sons

The new Worship Center composes structure, transparency and light to create an ethereal space for a growing congregation.The 2,300-seat, fan-shaped sanctuary is configured to draw congregants close to the platform and choir reinforcing the senseof community.

Photo: Dave Burk, Hedrich Blessing and Christopher Barrett Photographer

Gold Award


Cedar Falls Public Works Complex,Cedar Falls, IA

Category: CommercialFirm: INVISION Architecture; Brad Leeper,

Jeff Oltmann, Tim TurnisContractor: Cardinal Construction

The design team developed a concept toconsolidate multiple departments into a single

facility, improving workflow and efficiency for thecity of Cedar Falls. The project is designed toobtain LEED Silver certification and employsgeothermal heating and cooling strategies.


Country Club Hills Wellness CenterChicago, ILCategory: Residential 2Firm: Harley Ellis Devereaux,Susan King, FAIA, LEED APContractor: Walsh Construction

The Country Club Hills Wellness Center by HarleyEllis Devereaux rises on the prairie as the anchorof a 17 acre mixed-use municipal campus inChicago, Illinois. The clean line of the Centerestablishes the language and context for thefuture buildings on the site.

Cathedral of Saint Paul Organ Case,St. Paul, MNCategory: Interior ArchitectureFirm: Duncan G. Stroik Architect, LLC,Duncan Stroik, ALA, Forest WaltonContractor: JE Dunn Construction

The Cathedral of Saint Paul, by French architectEmmanuel Louis Masqueray, never had an organcase fitting for its grand interior. The new organcase, with hand carved architecture and details inwalnut, reflects the sophisticated “modern French”classicism of the cathedral.

Silver Award

Photo: Liam Flahive, Tim Schindler, Duncan Stroik

Silver Award

Silver Award

Photo: Anthony May


Hillshire Brands Corporate HeadquartersRedesign & Redevelopment,

Chicago ILCategory: Renovation

Firm: Proteus Group LLCContractor: Leopardo Companies, Inc.

With the understanding that the building needed tobe occupied in 12 months, Proteus Group was able

to deliver an unprecedented schedule ofrequirements; through due diligence, design,

permitting, demolition, and core/shell construction.

Photo: kimitre photography, Robert R. Gigliotti, Jacob Clary

First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights, ILCategory: RenovationFirm: Jaeger, Nickola, Kuhlman & Associates, Ltd.Contractor: Efraim Carlson & Son, Inc.

This church renovation included the demolition ofan existing balcony structure to allow a 180°rotation of the sanctuary and a new curvilinearchancel platform with integral choir seating, A/Vscreens, and full view of the existing stained glasswindow-wall.

Photo: Monika E. Benitez

CVS Caremark Advanced Technology Pharmacy,Mt. Prospect, IL

Category: Interior ArchitectureFirm: Heitman Architects Incorporated

Contractor: Skender Construction

The CVS Caremark ATP (Advanced TechnologyPharmacy) repurposed a typical 170,000 square-

foot speculative industrial building, which hadbeen sitting on the market vacant for 3 years, intothis flagship CVS mail order fulfillment pharmacy.

Silver Award

Silver Award

Silver Award

Photo: Patsy McEnroe Photography


Livingston County Courthouse Interior Renovation,Pontiac, IL

Category: RenovationFirm: Dewberry Architects Inc.

Contractor: Frederick Quinn Corporation

Built in 1875, this Second Empire style courthouse isthe centerpiece of Pontiac and the pride of Livingston

County. In the 1970s, the original courtroom wasdivided into three smaller ones along with other

insensitive interior alternations. Now, the restoredcourtroom serves as the County Board Room after

reclaiming its former beauty.

Photo: Mariuz Mizera / McShane Fleming Studio

Terry Trueblood Lodge, Iowa City, IACategory: Commercial

Firm: ASK Studio,Michael Kastner, Amber von Arb

Contractor: Tricon Construction Group

Located on the edge of a placid lake, the lodgeprovides a scenic indoor space for the community to

hold large gatherings and business functions. Itslanguage is intended to be familiar, with common

materials harmonious to the natural setting.


INVISION Waterloo, Waterloo, IACategory: Interior ArchitectureFirm: INVISION ArchitectureContractor: Cardinal Construction

This project renovated a street-front building. Designing with thepurpose of creating a modern space with a nod to history, many ofthe discovered elements were left uncovered. The result contributesto a feeling of modern elegance.


Silver Award

Silver Award

Silver Award


White Oak Library District - Romeoville Branch Renovation,

Romeoville, ILCategory: Renovation

Firm: Dewberry Architects Inc., Brian Meade, ALAContractor: The Lombard Company

The White Oak Library District wanted to create acommunity knowledge hub which provided lifelong

learning resources and opportunities to all itspatrons. Dewberry developed improvements to anexisting 47,000 square foot two level building that

would succeed in enhancing patron experience,streamlining staff activities, and become a vessel

of knowledge.

Tioga School, Bensenville, ILCategory: InstitutionalFirm: STR PartnersContractor: Gilbane Building Company

Designed to facilitate learning beyond theclassrooms, this elementary school addition hasmultiple informal and formal learningenvironments. Students wirelessly connect witheach other and the world in their grade levelLiving Room, a shared Contemplation Bridge,an Innovation Lab, Learning Gardens and aLearning Center.

The Glass Cube, Skokie, ILCategory: Commercial

Firm: JGMA, Juan Moreno, ALA,Jason Nuttelman, Cosmin Vrajitoru,

David Ruffing and Linda ChavezContractor: Graycor Construction, Inc.

The Glass Cube is located at Westfield OldOrchard Mall in Skokie, Illinois. It stands out asa modern stand alone building enhancing the

landscape of the mall. The venue will provide aclimate-controlled area for signature events,special community performances, interactive

displays and live entertainment.

Photo: Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

Photo: JGMA

Silver Award

Silver Award

Silver Award

Photo: Mariuz Mizera


Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award

Bieniek Residence, Napervillle, ILCategory: Residential 1Firm: JGMA, Juan Moreno, ALA

Jason Nuttelman, Cosmin Vrajitoru, Michael Cady, David Ruffing, Linda Chavez

Contractor: Muellner Construction, Inc.

Sited in an atypical suburban lot in the heart ofNaperville IL, the Bieniek Residence ascends fromthe ground like the surrounding vegetation. Takingadvantage of its isolation from neighboringhouses, serene views are framed to overlook thesite’s preserved wetlands and mature foliage.

City Colleges of Chicago - Wright College MathTutoring & Electronics Labs,

Chicago, ILCategory: Institutional

Firm: RADA Architects Ltd.,Rada Doytcheva, Ph.D, AIA, ALA, LEED AP BD+C

Contractor: Friedler Construction

The Labs for Math and Electronics at WrightCollege represent collaborative learning studios

within a technology intensive and stimulating“Nature-Indoor” environment. The seatingarrangements provide a variety of teaching

groups and settings, allowing flexible and multi-purpose use of the spaces.

Clariant Colorworks Lab, West Chicago, ILCategory: Interior ArchitectureFirm: The Jenkins Group, David Olsen,

Kevin BochenekContractor: JC Harris and Sons, Inc.

The Jenkins Group utilized large open ceilings, daylighting,modern materials and splashes of bold color to create theClariant ColorWorks™ Lab, a resource center where brandmanagers can develop high-impact color concepts for theearly stages of product development.

Photo: The Jenkins Group

Photo: JGMA

Photo: Steinkamp Photography, RADA Architects


Guest House, Lakeside, MICategory: Residential 1Firm: SMNG-A Architects, Jack Murchie, AIAContractor: Jack Murchie

The 448 sf guest house provides private space for guests. The guesthouse, inspired by an Anselm Kiefer chalk drawing, is rotated 45degrees over its foundation, creating cantilevered corners floatingjust above the ground.

Photo: Tom Rossiter

Kelly Scott Madison, Chicago, ILCategory: Interior Architecture

Firm: Harley Ellis DevereauxLeonora Georgeoglou, Enrique Suarez, ALA

Contractor: Interior Construction Group

What was once a private office workplace is now an openoffice that effectively communicates the energy and creativity

of Kelly Scott Madison’s advertising business which allowsthem to “set” the perfect stage when entertaining clients.

Photo: Christopher Barrett

J&J Arnaco Monroe Building Rehabilitation, Chicago, ILCategory: RenovationFirm: Holabird & Root LLCContractor: Bulley & Andrews, LLC

Holabird & Root's meticulous restoration and rehabilitation of thehistoric Monroe Building returned the building to its originalprominence as a historic architectural gem, while integratingmodern infrastructure and amenities typical to new office buildingsin the city center.

Photo: Mark Ballogg Photography, Noel Davis

Koch Facial Plastic Surgery, West Des Moines, IACategory: Commercial

Firm: INVISION Architecture; Mark Nevenhoven, ALA,Cheung Chan, Jason DeVries

Contractor: Henning Construction

The design for this plastic surgery clinic reorganized thesequence and proportions of an outdated material palette

to provide a modernized exterior aesthetic. Updatedmaterials help distinguish the building

from its surrounding context.


Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award


Photo: © 2012 balloggphoto.com

Mazak Midwest Technology Center Renovation,Itasca, IL

Category: RenovationFirm: Heitman Architects IncorporatedContractor: Paul Hemmer Companies

Responding to the continuous upswing in US manufacturing,Mazak, a global supplier of advanced manufacturing equipment

took a bold step to expand and completely update their existingregional offices and technology showroom.

Mercy Children's Hospital Renovation,Des Moines, IA

Category: InstitutionalFirm: INVISION Architecture; Mark Nevenhoven, ALA,

Jill Goedken, Tonia HouseholderContractor: Graham Construction

The INVISION team worked with Perkins+Will to transform the first phase of Mercy Medical Center Pediatrics north tower and E-Zone from a somber and dated

treatment facility to a light-filled, modern, healing environment.


Private Residence, New Buffalo, MICategory: Residential 1Firm: Fraerman Associates Architecture, Inc.

James Fraerman, ALAContractor: Highgate Builders

A weekend retreat is distinguished by light-filled, open livingareas which flow effortlessly into one another. To takeadvantage of the site, the rear of the house is punctuated bytwo large curving bays which capture sweeping views of Lake Michigan.

Photo: Eric Hausman Photography

Ragdale House Restoration, Lake Forest, ILCategory: RenovationFirm: Johnson Lasky Architects

Walker Johnson, FAIA, ALAContractor: Bulley & Andrews, LLC

Work included major structural corrections, replacement ofelectric, plumbing, sprinkler, and mechanical / geothermalsystems, restoration of exterior stucco, trim, wood windows,and treatment of historic interiors, including woodwork, plaster,and period wallpapers, which were recreated for the project.

Photo: Hendrich Blessing

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award


Razorfish, Chicago, ILCategory: Interior ArchitectureFirm: NELSON, William Hollander, AIA, ALA, LEED AP BD+CContractor: Clune Construction

Creating greater community and interoffice collaboration was the goalof Razorfish Chicago. The concept features a “downtown” district withlarge avenues of circulation that connect the neighborhoods ofbordering office areas. The overall feel is an open and united spacethat gives employees a sense of place and purpose.

Photo: Jamie Padgett

Salvation Army College for Officer Training Playground,Chicago, IL

Category: InstitutionalFirm: Harding Partners, Paul A. Harding, FAIA

Contractor: W. B. Olson

The new playground at the Salvation Army’s College for OfficerTraining brings a playful oasis to the congested urban site. Varied

textures, colors, fragrances, and materials support passive andactive recreation in a way that stimulates multiple senses beyond

the oversimplified imagery typically found in children’s spaces.Photo: Dave Burk, Hedrich Blessing and Christopher Barrett Photographer

Renaissance Place, Milwaukee, WICategory: RenovationFirm: Korb Tredo ArchitectsContractor: Catalyst Construction

The design of the new building envelope highlights and illuminates the 100 foot long, 10 foot deep, clear span, existing wooden trusses. The original brick facade on the north was deemed salvageable andrestored with new fenestration.

Photo: Korb Tredo Architects

Schaumburg Township District Library Teen Place, Schaumburg, ILCategory: Renovation

Firm: Dewberry Architects Inc., Eddie Davis, Denelle WrightsonContractor: FBG Corporation

Schaumburg Township Main Library wanted the most technologically advanced,State-of-the-art Teen Space, with built-in flexibility. The idea of a Teen Place,

where teens could relax, study, and socialize, was the result of a brainstormingsession with the teen focus groups.

Photo: Mariuz Mizera

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award


The Armitage Collection, Chicago, ILCategory: Residential 2

Firm: Hanna Architects, John Hanna, ALA, Tomasz SokolowskiContractor: BMUK Enterprise, Inc.

The Armitage Collection is a 9 unit project incorporatingstucco wood & bronze into a contemporary façade to

complete a warm, clean lined friendly building. The shadowbox interpreted though the use of these traditional materials

highlight the building and its' outdoor spaces.

Photo: John Hanna

The Hermitage Block, Chicago, ILCategory: Residential 2

Firm: Hanna Architects, John Hanna, ALA, Tomasz SokolowskiContractor: Phoenix Builders

The Hermitage block is a 15 dwelling unit Chicago urban infillproject turning the corner. Protruding balcony boxes use glass,

metal panels & colorful wood ornament to pull together 5separate buildings into one colorfully coordinated complex.

Photo: John Hanna

UIC Soccer Stadium, Chicago, ILCategory: UnbuiltFirm: JGMA, Juan Moreno, ALA

Jason Nuttelman, John Rausch, Dan Spore, Jose Garcia

The new UIC Flames Soccer Stadium relocates the spectator area and press booth to the west side of the field, providing shade for spectators as well as panoramicviews of downtown Chicago.

University of Illinois - Chicago, Douglas Hall, Chicago, ILCategory: InstitutionalFirm: The Architects Enterprise, Ltd & Harley Ellis Devereaux in

collaboration, Jack Bullo, AIA, LEED AP; Architect ofRecord - The Architects Enterprise, Ltd.

Contractor: Barton Malow

The original building envelope of concrete and glazing infill wasreplaced with curtain wall, providing exceptional light and views.This renovation also provides interactive, flexible learning spacesfor students.

Photo: Anthony May

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award


University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign - Lincoln Hall,Champaign-UrbanaCategory: RenovationFirm: Cannon Design: Architect of Record and Design

Bailey Edward: Associate ArchitectContractor: Williams Brothers Construction, Inc.

The design of Lincoln Hall modernizes a beloved historic structure byproviding flexible classrooms, informal collaboration spaces andenhanced offices while overhauling building systems. As home to theCollege of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Lincoln Hall has been aclassroom setting for nearly every U of I student.

Wayne State University Chemistry Building,Detroit, MI

Category: RenovationFirm: Harley Ellis Devereaux, Sam Bayne, FAIA, LEED AP

Contractor: DeMaria Building Co. Inc.

Wayne State University commissioned Harley Ellis Devereaux fordesign services to create an identifiable “front door” for their

Chemistry building which serves as a gateway onto campus.

Photo: Justin Maconochie

W.A. Johnson School, Bensenville, ILCategory: InstitutionalFirm: STR PartnersContractor: Gilbane Building Company

A modern and bright school embodying 21st Century learningprincipals throughout. White brick facades contrast withcolored glass windows. This theme is continued throughoutthe interior. Shared spaces, such as the light filled learningcenter and cafeteria, are the connecting anchor for theclassroom wings.

Photo: Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

ZenithOptimedia, Chicago, ILCategory: Interior Architecture

Firm: NELSON, William Hollander, AIA, ALA, LEED AP BD+CContractor: Clune Construction

ZenithOptimedia, an advertising firm based in London,commissioned NELSON to design their new Chicago headquarters.

All private offices are located inboard off the window walls toprovide natural light and views to the Chicago skyline for all users.Two “Idea Avenues” populated with collaboration and communityspaces connect the workspaces of the office and allow for project

teams to work together. Photo: Jamie Padgett

Photo: Wayne Cable Photography

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award

Merit Award


About the AuthorRena M. Klein, FAIA is the author of The Architect's Guide to

Small Firm Management (Wiley, 2010) and principal of RMKlein Consulting, a firm that specializes in helping small firmowners run their firms better

FIRMMANAGEMENT(continued from page 13)

ALA Welcomes New Members - Winter 2013

Professional MembersMr. Timothy Artman, ALA Arlington Heights, ILMs. Elizabeth Ballman, ALA Chicago, ILMr. Michael Breclaw, ALA Chicago, ILMr. Michael Cady, ALA Chicago, ILMr. Joseph Carroll, ALA Chicago, ILMs. Tammis Donaldson, ALA Royal Oak, MIMrs. Sandra Friedman ,ALA Glenview, ILMr. James Gooden, ALA Marion, ILMr. Sebastian Jaromin, ALA Orland Park ,ILMr. Kirk Jiannacopoulos, ALA Madison, WIMr. Dennis Kimme, ALA Champaign, ILMr. Mark Nevenhoven, ALA Des Moines, IAMs. Janice Ninan, ALA Chicago, ILMr. Jason Nuttelman, ALA Chicago, ILMr. Robert Rowe, ALA Whitefish Bay, WIMr. Michael Scott, ALA Marietta, OHMr. Joseph Simeo, ALA Chicago, ILMr. James Smith, ALA Crown Point, IN

Mr. Dominick Tringali, ALA Auburn Hills, MIMr. Augie Vega, ALA Menomonee Falls, WIMs. Carissa Wendt, ALA Hoffman Estates, IL

Senior MembersMr. Richard Fleischman, ALA Cleveland, OHMr. Michael Medina, ALA St. Paul, MN

Affiliate MembersMr. Kent Brown GraphisoftMr. Greg Huntley Shaw Contract GroupMr. John Potts World Dryer

Associate MembersMr. Griffen Herne Barrington, ILMr. Ivan Tomic Carpentersville, IL

New GraduateMr. Alexander Petrakos Burr Ridge, IL

MOSHE CALAMARO& A S S O C I A T E S , I N C

structural engineersYOUR STRUCTURAL DREAM TEAM®

• Design of New or existing Buildings’ Modifications• Resolutions of Building Code Violations• Façade, Iron & Porch Inspections• Evaluation of buildings’ Distresses & Accidents• Consultants to Building, Fire & Police Dept’s.• Peer & Plan Reviews

930 Pitner Ave., Suite #7, Evanston, IL 60202

847-733-0015 www.moshecal.com

learning new skills, or partnering with those that havecomplementary experience. Consider alternative projectdelivery options, such as joint ventures and architect-leddesign build. There are also various new technical specialtiesneeded in the marketplace, everything from BIMcoordination to net-zero energy consulting.

Most importantly, consider your firms place in the current trendtoward specialization – individuals and firms becoming experts ina narrow area of knowledge, technology, or design. Much isdriving this trend - the complexity of the building process, thevalue of advanced knowledge or talent in the marketplace, andthe power of a simple branding message.

Small firms who cultivate a specialty may have the opportunityto become team members on large projects and workinternationally if they are so inclined. As independent operatorswho contract on a project-to-project basis, expert specialists canhave more control of their workload and their overhead.Alternatively, there are other specialists who perfect efficientdelivery of routine projects, which can lead to a lower stress andmore lucrative practice.

Intuitively, specialization seems at odds with the commonsense notion that diversification is needed to weather an

economic downturn. Despite the inherent paradox, it’s likelyyou will need both specialization and diversification. In thenew normal, your firm must be better than anyone elsearound in some aspect of practice, which requires somespecialization. At the same time, consider how you mightdiversify by adding flexibility to your project delivery methods,by integrating new technology, and by expanding yournetwork of relationships. Diversity can also come byleveraging core competence, residential design for example,to pursue closely related project types.

THE TIME IS NOWFor firm owners who are discouraged and just plain worn-out

by the struggle of the last few years, this is the time for action. Ifyour area or market segment is not yet experiencing recovery,consider using this time to acquire new knowledge and capacity.Whether that means becoming an expert in building envelopedesign or learning advanced BIM software, think about whatknowledge you need to compete in the 21st century.

If you are considering new partnerships as a way to expandyour possibilities, don’t delay. Try out submitting a joint ventureproposal with a prospective partner and test the power ofcombining your complementary abilities. You may findcollaboration is a way to expand your reach, be it geographicallyor in project size.

Although the generally slow recovery is difficult for many, thesilver lining is the time it provides for crafting thoughtfulbusiness strategy. Boom times often demand "fast-track"development of a firm and the result is often not sustainable inthe long term. The time is now for crafting a way forward to alasting reinvigorated firm.


Economic Updateby Bernard Markstein, Ph.D., U.S. Chief Economist, Reed Construction Data

Every time the United States economy appears to beimproving, another stumbling block arises. Sadly, many of theseimpediments are created right here in the USA. The latest hurdle,the failure of Congress to pass a budget, resulted in the partialshutdown of the federal government from October 1 throughOctober 16. The shutdown disrupted economic growth in the real(inflation adjusted) gross domestic product (GDP), which had risenfrom first quarter’s 1.1% at a seasonally adjusted annual rate(SAAR) to second quarter’s 2.5% and third quarter’s 2.8%. The lastfigure is a first estimate that will be revised as more data come in.

Most reputable sources estimate that the shutdown reducedfourth quarter real GDP growth about 0.5%. Some, but not all, ofthis loss will be recaptured in the first quarter of 2014. Someconcerns about the then-looming shutdown of the governmentmay have shown up in what at first glance appears to be a strongreading for the third quarter. Most notable in that GDP number isthe jump in inventories, which added 0.8% to growth. The jumpappears to be unintended inventory accumulation, as consumersreacting to economic uncertainty throttled back their purchasesbelow expectations. Consequently, companies will lower theiroutput in the fourth quarter as they seek to bring their inventoriesback in line with sales.

In line with this view is the slowdown in consumer spending.Real personal consumption expenditures growth slipped from2.3% in the first quarter to 1.8% in the second quarter to 1.5% inthe third quarter.

The shutdown ended when Congress passed a continuingresolution (CR) to fund government operations. The CR simplyextended last year’s budget through January 15, leaving in placethe sequester (the across the board reduction in spending formuch of the government). The legislation also lifted the debtceiling, allowing the government to continue to borrow until earlyFebruary by most estimates, at which time the debt ceiling wouldprevent borrowing and spending for the government - except tothe extent that new revenues flow into government coffers.

The partial shutdown of the federal government did not savemoney: it cost money. Federal employees received back pay forthe time they were furloughed. During the shutdown, some taxesand fees were not collected and will not be collected retroactively.

The shutdown proved disruptive to several governmentconstruction projects—stopping or delaying them and driving upcosts. There was spillover to private construction and the privateeconomy as uncertainty about the future economic climate (yet tobe fully resolved) resulted in many businesses delaying hiring andinvestment. Many government contracts were delayed or put onhold, forcing the contracted private firms to furlough or lay offemployees. Unlike furloughed government workers, they will notreceive back pay.

Congress and the administration have until January 15 topass a budget for this fiscal year or to pass another CR—a

poor solution, but better than a shutdown. It is not clear whatthe outcome will be. Failure to pass a budget or CR wouldmean another partial shutdown, although most pundits believethat is unlikely.

Failure to raise the debt ceiling would be an even bigger threatto the economy and the nation. The impact of hitting the debtceiling would be widespread, meaning more governmentoperations would be affected. The result would be the delay ofnumerous payments, including payments for Social Security andMedicare, federal payrolls, contractors, tax refunds, and debtpayments (a technical default of U.S. government debt).

The sometimes struggling economy has produced variedemployment reports—some good and some bad. Non-farmseasonally adjusted (SA) payroll employment increased by204,000 jobs in October, a reasonably good, but somewhatquestionable number because of the disruption in data collectiondue to the government shutdown. Employment gains averaged174,000 jobs per month from July through October, down fromthe average gain of 195,000 jobs per month for the first half ofthe year.

SA construction employment showed some life recently,increasing by 11,000 jobs in October after rising by 18,000 jobs inSeptember. From January through October, the economy added123,000 construction jobs. The not seasonally adjusted (NSA)construction unemployment rate for October was 9.0%, downfrom 11.4% in October 2012.

Even as the economy faces several impediments, numerouspositive forces are propelling economic growth. Included arehistorically low interest rates, continuing improvement in thehousing market, which has resulted in rising home prices in muchof the country, the improved consumer balance sheet (aided byrising home values) and the need for many companies to increaseemployment and investment in plant and equipment to meet

ECONOMICOUTLOOK

Construction Spending andits Components

History Forecast

Residential Nonresidential Building Heavy Construction

Source: History - U.S. Census Bureau; Forecast - Reed Construction Data

$ Billions1,400

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

002 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

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) 841-0041Suie 2110 Toll Free (866) 841-0080Minneapolis, Minnesota 55437 [email protected]

rising demand. The Federal Reserve has indicated it will continuewith its $85 billion per month purchase of long-term assetsthrough the end of the year. Tapering (i.e., reductions in themonthly purchase program) is unlikely to begin before March andmay not start until summer.

For most of this year, nonresidential construction has struggled.Seasonally adjusted current dollar (not inflation adjusted)nonresidential building construction spending increased fromsecond quarter 2011 through third quarter 2012. For the nextthree quarters, nonresidential construction spending fell. Fromsecond quarter 2012 to second quarter 2013, nonresidentialconstruction spending declined 2.6%. The decline is due to a lackof confidence in future economic growth and, consequently, manybusinesses putting their expansion plans on hold. There was a bitof light at the end of the tunnel with a 3.0% increase in July.Meanwhile, spending held steady in August.

Heavy non-building (civil) engineering construction spendingbegan to show signs of life starting in second quarter 2010,mainly due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act(ARRA) of 2009. The real recovery in spending began in secondquarter 2011 and continued through fourth quarter 2012. As ofAugust, heavy engineering spending has increased for sixconsecutive months.

Some state and local governments are beginning to considernew infrastructure projects and are reviving old projects put onhold during the recession. Thus, heavy engineering constructionspending will improve in 2014 and 2015.

The Reed forecast is for total construction spending to increase

5% this year, with nonresidential construction spendingdecreasing 2%, heavy engineering decreasing 3%, andresidential increasing 18%. For 2014, the Reed forecast is fortotal construction spending to rise 7%, nonresidentialconstruction spending to rise 4%, heavy engineering to rise 6%,and residential to rise 11%. The outlook for 2015 is even better,with a forecast of total construction spending up 11%,nonresidential construction spending up 8%, heavy engineeringup 8%, and residential up 15%.

The U.S. economy and commercial construction face severalrisks that could lower the growth forecast and increase the riskof recession:

■ Failure to provide funding for the federal government by January 15

■ Failure to raise the federal debt ceiling by the first week of February

■ Significant additional cuts to spending as part of anagreement to fund federal government operations or as part of a deal to raise the federal debt ceiling

■ Sovereign debt default by one or more major European countries

■ One or more countries abandoning the euro

■ Significantly higher oil prices (roughly 50% a barrel or higher) for a sustained period (two months or longer)



Association ofLicensed ArchitectsContinuing Education

5 Ways toOptimize Framing

by Bob Clark, APA-The Engineered Wood Association

Advanced framing can save materials and time whileboosting your homes’ efficiencies.

Here are 5 techniques that can be adopted independently.

s building pros look for ways to cut costs while meeting ever-more-stringent energy codes, many are turning to advancedframing methods. Also known as "optimum value

engineering (OVE)," advanced framing techniques optimizematerial usage to cut down on waste, eliminate redundancies,reduce labor, and increase a home’s energy efficiency, whilemaintaining structural integrity.

APA-The Engineered Wood Association recently published a 24-page Advanced Framing Construction Guide that provides anoverview of some of the techniques, including those that can beused toward Energy Star certification. In addition, architects candownload CAD details for advanced framing from www.apacad.org.

Benefits to Advanced FramingAdvanced framing produces energy efficient, structurally sound

homes with lower material and labor costs than conventionallyframed houses. The key advantages of advanced framing include:

■ Energy EfficiencyAdvanced framing is a proven method for cost-effectively

meeting energy code requirements. By maximizing space for cavityinsulation and minimizing the potential for insulation voids,advanced framing delivers significant energy performance and costsavings for the builder.

Walls built with 2x6 wood framing spaced 24 inches on centerhave deeper, wider insulation cavities than conventional 2x4framing spaced 16 inches on center. Increasing the amount ofinsulation inside the wall improves the whole wall R-value (resistanceto heat flow).

In addition to maximizing space for cavity insulation, advancedframing simplifies the installation of insulation and air sealing.Conventional framing can leave voids and small cavities in theframing at wall intersections and corners that can be difficult to

insulate and seal effectively. By installing fewer framingmembers, it is easier for the builder to apply completeinsulation coverage and achieve a tighter building envelope.

■ Cost EffectivenessAdvanced framing is less expensive because it is more

resource efficient than conventional framing. By optimizingframing material use, the builder can cut floor and wallframing material costs by up to 30 percent while reducingframing installation labor.

Advanced framing can help to increase the efficiency ofother trades as well; more space between framing membersmeans fewer studs for plumbers and electricians to drillthrough and fewer cavities for insulators to fill. Additionalsavings may result from a reduction in construction waste andDumpster costs.

■ Structural IntegrityThe advanced framing method combined with continuous

wood structural panel sheathing delivers an optimal solution:

Learning Objective:

By the completion of this educational unit, you should be able to:

• Explain the benefits of Advanced Framing as compared toconventional framing.

• Understand five or more techniques that are consideredAdvanced Framing.

• Develop a plan to implement Advanced Framing details one-at-a-time

• Explore why advanced framing is a proven method for costeffectively meeting energy code requirements.


corners (sometimes referred to as California corners) (Figure 2) ortwo-stud corner junctions with ladder blocking, drywall clips, oran alternative means of supporting interior or exterior finish(Figure 3).

3. Ladder Junction Tee IntersectionsAdvanced framing ladder junctions are used at wall

intersections with 2x blocking at 24-inch o.c. vertical spacing(Figure 4). This method requires less than 6 feet of blockingmaterial in a typical 8-foot tall wall. In conventional walls,interior wall intersections include a stud at each side of theintersecting wall, which can require as much as 16 feet of studlumber plus additional blocking material. Blocking can alsooften be made up of lower grade lumber or lumber scraps(cutoffs from plates or other framing), thus reducing waste anddisposal costs.

The advanced framing ladder junction method, when usedat junctions between interior and exterior walls, provides acavity that can be easily insulated, versus conventional three-stud interior wall intersections that may contain voids that arerarely insulated.

a cost-effective framing system that will produce more energyefficient homes without compromising the strength or durabilityof the structure.

Where builders align the vertical framing members under theroof trusses or rafters, a direct load path is created in whichcompression and tension loads are directly transferred throughthe vertical framing members. The result is a stronger structurewith fewer framing members subject to stresses.

When properly constructed, advanced framed walls that arefully sheathed with wood structural panels provide the structurewith the strength to safely withstand design loads. Of all theavailable wall sheathing products, wood structural panels areafforded the most flexibility within the building code for 24-inchon center wall framing, providing solutions to code limitationsthat restrict most other wall bracing materials and popularsiding products.

■ SustainabilityWood construction systems such as advanced framing

techniques fit well with green building strategies. Wood is arenewable resource that is manufactured in efficient processesthat require less energy than is required for other buildingmaterials, such as steel and concrete.

Wood-frame construction that utilizes advanced framingtechniques delivers even greater environmental dividends byoptimizing material usage and reducing construction waste. Manyof the construction techniques presented in this guide may beeligible for points under the leading green building standards andguidelines, such as the National Green Building Standard (ICC700-2008) and LEED for Homes.

5 Advanced Framing TechniquesTo help make the transition to new building methods,

advanced framing can be implemented in stages. Here is a lookat five advanced framing techniques that can be adopted one ata time. Each of these concepts focuses on increasing cavityinsulation and reducing thermal bridging, thereby providingoverall higher whole-wall R-values.

1. 2x6 Framing Placed 24 Inches On-CenterFraming members are traditionally spaced 16 inches on-center

(o.c.). Advanced framing methods increase member spacing,typically to 24 inches o.c., effectively trimming the number ofrequired studs by about one-third (Figure 1). Walls built with 2x6wood framing spaced 24 inches on center have deeper, widerinsulation cavities than conventional 2x4 framing spaced 16inches on center, thereby increasing the amount of insulationinside the wall and improving the whole-wall R-value. Forexample, an advanced-framed R-20 code-compliant wall systemprovides a greater whole-wall R-value than conventionally framed2x6 walls with studs spaced 16 inches on center or code-minimum 2x4 walls sheathed with foam.

If a builder is switching from a 2x4 stud wall to a 2x6 stud wall,the decreased number of pieces typically offsets the cost of thedeeper framing member, providing more efficient insulation,often for the same or less cost.

2. CornersInsulated corners eliminate the isolated cavity found in

conventional three- or four-stud corners, making it easier to installinsulation and providing for more cavity insulation space.

Advanced framing wall corners can include insulated three-stud

Figure 2

Figure 1

(continued on page 42)

WALL FRAME COMPARISON

Singletop plate

Wood structural panel boxor single-ply header

Single studs atsides of opening

Ladder blocking(optional)

Redundant cripple studs eliminated2x6 studs 24" o.c.

Advanced framing Conventional framing Advanced/conventional framing

Two-stud corner or California corner

THREE-STUD CORNERS

INSULATED THREE-STUD CORNER(CALIFORNIA CORNER)

CONVENTIONAL CORNER

Outside cornerIsolated cavity(difficult to insulate)

INSULATED THREE-STUD CORNER(INSIDE CORNER)

ALTERNATE INSULATED THREE-STUDCORNER (WITH DRYWALL CLIPS)

Inside corner

Drywall clip to holddrywall in place

Drywall


Wall intersections that feature a continuous drywallapplication minimize air infiltration by reducing the amount ofjoints in the drywall.

Drywall clips can be used in place of ladder blocking. Drywall isnot fastened to the clips; it is held against the clips by theinstallation of drywall to the adjacent wall. In all cases it isrecommended to install at least one ladder block at the mid-height of the wall to restrain the adjacent stud in a straight plane.

4. Insulated Headers Advanced framing headers offer increased energy efficiency by

replacing framing materials with space for cavity insulation insidethe header. Advanced framing headers are sized for the loadsthey carry and are often installed in single plies rather thandouble, as shown in Figure 5. Sizing for single-ply lumber headersis covered prescriptively in the 2012 IRC Table R602.7.1. Single-ply engineered wood headers may be calculated based ontributary loads applied to the header: determine the live load andtotal load in pounds-per-linear-foot and refer to a publishedstandard, such as the American Wood Council’s Wood FrameConstruction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.

Headers at openings in non-load-bearing walls are notrequired (Figure 6). The top of the opening can typically beframed with a flatwise member the same dimensions as thewall studs.

Site-built wood structural panel box headers are anothersimple code-prescribed header solution often overlooked bybuilders that provides full-depth cavity insulation. They may beused as load-bearing headers in exterior wall construction, whenbuilt in accordance with 2012 IRC Figure R602.7.2 Typical WoodStructural Panel Box Header Construction and Table R602.7.2Maximum Spans for Wood Structural Panel Box Headers.Typically built with 15/32 Performance Category wood structuralpanel sheathing installed over minimum 2x4 framing, woodstructural panel box headers provide more cavity insulationspace than dimensional lumber headers. Types of woodstructural panel box headers are shown in Figure 7.

Wood structural panels can be installed on one side (panel

Figure 5Figure 4

Figure 3


TWO-STUD CORNERS

Corner stud

2x ladder blocking at24" o.c. or drywall clips

2x ladderblocking at 24" o.c.or drywall clips

Outside corner

Outside corner

Drywall clipto hold drywallin place

Drywall

Sheathing installed by wall panelizer

Use plywood orOSB sheathing forsiding attachment

per sidingmanufacturer's

ES Report

TWO-STUD CORNER(WITH DRYWALL CLIPS)

TWO-STUD INSIDE CORNER(FOR WALL PANELIZATION)

INTERIOR WALL INTERSECTION OPTIONS

LADDER JUNCTION

JUNCTION FOR CONTINUOUSDRYWALL APPLICATION

Single top plate3" x 6" x 0.036" galvanized steel plate(see: PRESCRIPTIVE AND ALTERNATECONNECTION DETAILS, Figure 6)

Interior wall plate tight toexterior wall plate

2x ladder blocking at 24" o.c.Install blocking with wide facevertical for maximum backing towall finish materials and formaximum insulation to exterior walls.

3" x 6" x 0.036" galvanized steel plate(see: PRESCRIPTIVE AND ALTERNATECONNECTION DETAILS, Figure 6)

Drywall

Interior stud set in 1/2" fromexterior wall studs

Single top plate

Detail courtesy of NAHB Research Center.

ENGINEERED WOOD AND LUMBER HEADERS

SINGLE-PLY HEADER

Top plate

Single-ply load-bearing header(flush outer face of header with outeredge of studs)

Cavity insulation space(to stud depth less single header thickness)

Header bottom plate(to complete rough opening at header)

For many one-story buildings,single studs at sides of rough openingsmay be adequate.See 2012 IRC Table R502.5(1).

LARGE OPENING SINGLE HEADERS

Top plate

Cavity insulation space

Jack studs as required

3-1/8" or 3-1/2" glulamor multiple-ply SCL or lumber

APPROVED FRAMINGCONNECTION OPTION(SINGLE- OR DOUBLE-PLY HEADERS)

Cavity insulation space

Header hanger or equivalent

Single stud at sides of rough openings(most openings up to 48" wide)

Outside of wall

Outside of wall

Outside of wall

2012 IRC Section R602.7.1

Jack stud or approvedframing connector (2012 IRCTables R502.5(1) & R502.5(2))


hundreds of lineal feet of lumber per home to further reducethermal bridging and increase cavity insulation, requires verticalframing alignment, in which framing members are "stacked" tocreate a direct load path. This approach requires a single-or master-framing layout for all members at all framing levels (Figure 8).

When designing a master framing layout, start with the layoutof the roof framing members, which is generally dictated by roofdesign and geometry, followed by the layout of the framingmembers below. Although this will be a change in approach for

framing carpenters who are accustomed to working up from thefoundation, addressing the roof first will simplify load calculation for the designer and maximize material efficiency. The type ofroof design will impact the master framing layout. For example,hip roof design will usually require a different starting point forframing member layout than gable roof design. In hip roofconstruction, common rafters and hip jack rafters typically layoutfrom the nominal center line intersection of the hip(s) with theridge. In gable roof construction, common rafter layout typicallycommences from one of the end walls of the structure.

Framing member layout will also be dictated by the type ofroof construction. Truss roofs will often require a different framingmember layout than framed roofs. When trusses are specified,the trusses should be stacked directly above the wall studs.There is no member offset, hence the truss and wall stud layoutwill be the same.

installed on the exterior side) or both sides of the header. Inmost cases, one-sided is the best option (if meeting thestructural requirements specified in the IRC Table) because

installation of interior finishes may be impaired by woodstructural panels on the interior side of the wall. On the exteriorside, wood structural panel box headers are a perfectcomplement to continuous wood structural panel wallsheathing, as the sheathing for the header also acts as part ofthe continuous sheathing.

2012 IRC Table R602.7.2 allows a 15-inch one-sided woodstructural panel box header to span 4-foot-wide openings forhomes up to 28 feet wide, and 3-foot-wide or narroweropenings for homes up to 32 feet wide in single-storyconstruction with a clear-span truss roof or two-storyconstruction with floor and roof supported by interior bearing

walls. Openings up to 4 feet wide require only a single stud atthe sides of the rough opening, eliminating the need for jackstuds and thereby providing another opportunity to replaceframing members with cavity insulation.

Where nominal ceiling height is 8 feet or higher, an overallheight of 15 inches allows for installation of 6-foot-8-inchinterior and exterior doors.

5. Single Top Plate/In-Line Framing Single top plate construction, which in a single step eliminates

(Continued on page 44)

Figure 6

Figure 7

For more information on these and other advanced framingtechniques, download APA’s Advanced Framing ConstructionGuide at www.apawood.org and download advanced framingCAD details at www.apacad.org. See other resources at APA’swww.performancewalls.org.

Bob Clark is a senior Engineered Wood Specialist for APA.

STACK FRAMING AND 24” O.C. MEMBER SPACING

Framing members are stack framed and vertically aligned to create direct load path.

Figure 8

OPENING IN NON-LOAD-BEARING WALLS

Conventional headers not required

Opening innon-load-bearing

wall

Single top plate

Cripple studs as required

Opening top plate may bedoubled for openings widerthan 8"

Single opening top plate

Note: Use jack studs as required.

WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL BOX HEADER FOR LOAD-BEARING WALLS

The top and bottom plates of the wood structural panel box header shall becontinuous with no vertical joints in the wood structural panel over opening.For construction details and maximum spans, see 2012 IRCSection R602.7.2, Figure R602.7.2 and Table R602.7.2.

TWO-SIDED WOOD STRUCTURALPANEL BOX HEADER

Insulation

Cripple studs on stud layout

Min. 15/32 Performance Categorywood structural panel or thicker(sanded or MDO plywood may be usedon inside surface in lieu of drywall)

ONE-SIDED WOOD STRUCTURALPANEL BOX HEADER

Cripple studs on stud layout

Min. 5/32 Performance Categorywood structural panel or thicker

Header bottom plate(to complete rough opening at header

9" or15"

wide

3" 3" 3"

Single bottom plate(no joints)

NAIL PATTERN

Single top plate(no joints over opening)

Wood structural panel faceshall be single piece of15/32 Performance Category orgreater sheathing

Cavity insulation space(behind wood structural panel)

Single stud at sides ofrough opening to 48" wide

Jack stud required if span > 48"

Single top plate

Cavity insulation space(to full width of wall studs)

Drywall interior finished

Single stud at sides of roughopenings to 48" wide.Jack stud required if span > 48".

Notes:1. Framing fastening per code.2. For engineered box headers with wood structural panels, refer to Nailed Structural-Use Panel and Lumber Beams. Form Z416.

APA plywood or OSB roof sheathing (omitted for clarity)Roof trusses (energy heelroof trusses shown) 24” o.c.

Single top plats

Framing members “stack”to create direct load path

APA plywood or OSB wall sheathing

2x6 studs 24” o.c. supporting one floor, roof and ceiling. Height limitations per code requirements.

APA Sturd-I-Floor®

minimum 24 ocAPA Rim Board®

APA wood I-joists or SCL 24” o.c.


Contact Information:

Last Name:

First Name: Middle Initial:

Firm Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Tel.: E-Mail:

Credit Card No:

Expiration Date:

(VISA, MASTERCARD or AMEX)

PAYMENT: ALA/CEP Credit or Certificate of Completion: Cost: $15 (ALA Members) $20 (non-members)

■■ Check or ■■ Credit Card

■■ Please send me a certificate of completion (required by certain states& organizations) that I may submit.

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:

5 Ways to Optimize Framing

ALA/CEP Credit: This article qualifies for1.0 HSW LU of State Required LearningUnits and may qualify for other LUrequirements. (Valid through Dec. 2015)

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 information and payment toALA by mail or fax to receive credit.

QUIZ QUESTIONS

1. Other names of Advanced Framinginclude optimum value engineering(OVE), stacked framing, andballoon framing.

a. True b. False

2. Four advantages of AdvancedFraming include Energy Efficiency,Cost Effectiveness, StructuralIntegrity, and Sustainability.

a. True b. False

3. Advanced Framing can be used tohelp meet the Energy Star require-ments for reduced thermal bridging.

a. True b. False

4. Advanced Framing can be definedas techniques that increase wholewall R-values, reduce thermalbridging, and optimize buildingmaterial usage.

a. True b. False

5. Walls built with 2x6 wood framingare always more expensive thanwalls built with 2x4 wood framing.

a. True b. False

6. The model building codes allowcorners to be constructed with onlytwo studs.

a. True b. False

7. Ladder junction tee intersectionscreate a cold spot or void in the wall.

a. True b. False

8. Wood structural panel box headersare prescribed in the InternationalResidential Code.

a. True b. False

9. The International Residential Codeallows for the use of single top plateswhen certain conditions are met.

a. True b. False

10. To use Advanced Framing, all of thelisted techniques must be usedsimultaneously.

a. True b. False

Learning Objectives:• Explain the benefits of Advanced Framing as compared to

conventional framing.

• Understand five or more techniques that are consideredAdvanced Framing.

• Develop a plan to implement Advanced Framing detailsone-at-a-time

• Explore why advanced framing is a proven method for costeffectively meeting energy code requirements.

ALA Continuing Education Questionnaire -

5 Ways to Optimize Framing


Congratulations to our Raffle Winners and Thank You to the Donating CompaniesWinner: Raffle Item: Donated by:Henry Castro, HOC Consulting LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two Bears Tickets for vs. Super Bowl Champion,

Baltimore Ravens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J.N. Lucas & AssociatesJohn White, Harris Architects, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sears Craftsman 26" Heavy-Duty Top Chest 6-Drawer . . . ALAAki Mishima, AMZOR Architects Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two theatre tickets to the Drury Lane Theater . . . . . . . . . Drury LaneRobert Kolososki, Prairie Tech Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two theatre tickets to the Drury Lane Theater . . . . . . . . . Drury Lane Christopher English, Concept 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100 Lettuce Entertain You Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Huber Engineered Woods Bob Ganofsky, R.B.G. & Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Gas Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IKO MidwestPatrick Luzadder, Patrick Luzadder, Architect . . . . . . . $100 Home Depot Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Steve Rohr, Thornton Tomasetti Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kohler Moxie® Showerhead + Wireless Speaker . . . . . . KohlerScott Kozak, Scott John Kozak Architects, Inc. . . . . . . Kohler Moxie® Showerhead + Wireless Speaker . . . . . . KohlerRyan Bloom, FGM Architects Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Visa Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M.G. Welbel & AssociatesSam Salahi, Architectural Planning & Services, Ltd. . . . Starbucks Mug and Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marvin Windows and DoorsWalter Matusik, Walter H. Matusik Architects . . . . . . . $50 Amazon.com Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morin Corporation Lori Prosnitz, Lori K. Prosnitz Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Visa Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NSG Group-Pilkington North America Jeremy Lew, Jeremy Lew & Assoc., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . Two Bulls Tickets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pella Windows & Doors, Inc. Jean Leathers, Practice Clarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Best Buy Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPEC MIX/QUIKRETE ChicagoArif McAlpine, McAlpine Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Best Buy Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPEC MIX/QUIKRETE Chicago Anthony Wachniak, R.B.G. & Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . $50 Visa Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tate, Inc. Don Sowa, Donald F. Sowa, Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Visa Gift Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOTO USA, Inc. Robert Witte, Robert J. Witte Architect . . . . . . . . . . . Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise tickets (2) . . Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Alan Schneider, Alan R. Schneider Architects . . . . . . . Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise tickets (2) . . Chicago’s First Lady CruisesJanice Ninan, FGM Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One Year ALA Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALA

he day began with seminar classes as architects areable to earn up to 6 learning units throughout the

day. Architects had the opportunity to choose threeclasses out of a panel of thirteen in various disciplines. In

addition, over 30 students from area colleges and universitiesjoined us to hear Harry M. Falconer, Jr., IDP Director fromNCARB, speak on the changes and steps necessary to achievelicensure and how to get the most out of your career inarchitecture. Students stayed afterwards to visit the productshow and to hear the keynote presentation.

Our keynote speaker, Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Partner at BjarkeIngels Group (BIG), spoke to their "Yes is More" philosophy. Withoffices in over 10 countries, Mr. Bergmann took the audience onan international tour. His inspirational and dynamic presentationillustrated some amazing projects demonstrating how to bring apositive approach to designing sustainable and innovative

buildings and cities. Over eighty companies and manufacturers were on hand

to showcase new products and demonstrate availabletechnology in the building and architectural fields. We lookforward to a continued partnership with all of the exhibitorsand hope to continue to bring both architects and exhibitorstogether to exchange new developments and informationthroughout the industry.

Our show would not be complete without the loyal sponsor-ship of several companies as well as the generous contributionsof raffle items. Be sure to see our list of sponsors, exhibitors andraffle winners on these pages.

Next year’s show will be onTuesday, September 30, 2014 at Drury Lane.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank You to our 2013 Conference Sponsors:Bag Sponsor: Breakfast Co-Sponsor: Breakfast Co-Sponsor:

Hamill-Mullan Group, Inc. Custom Building Products Cook County Lumber/Roseburg

2013 Architecture Conference and Product Show

ALA hosted our 15th Annual Architecture Conference and Product Show on October 22nd at the Drury Lane Conference Center.

Over 330 attendees enjoyed the day visiting exhibitors at the product show,networking, and attending educational seminars.

Coffee and Cookie Break Sponsor:WaterFurnace

Lanyards:M.G. Welbel & Associates


September2014

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

Save the Date for next year’s Conference:Tuesday, September 30, 2014

at Drury Lane Conference Center, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Attention Exhibitors! Call Pam at 847-382-0630 to reserve your booth for 2014.

Abatron, Inc.ALCOA Architectural ProductsAll About AccessAmerimixAmeristar Fence ProductsAndersen Windows, Inc.ARC Imaging ResourcesARC InsulationAtlas Roofing CertainTeedChicagoland Roofing CouncilChicago Plastering InstituteChicago Regional Council of CarpentersChicago Steel InternationalCook County LumberCPI Daylighting, Inc. ConcealiteCosella-Dorken Products, Inc.Custom Building ProductsDaltileDoors For Builders, Inc.Dow Building SolutionsDupontTyvek/ParksiteFinancial Security GroupFlameproof CompaniesFox Valley Associated General ContractorsGAFGraphisoft

Hamill-Mullan Group, Inc.Henry CompanyHoover Treated Wood Products, Inc.Huber Engineered WoodsIcyneneIKO MidwestInPro CorporationInternational Masonry InstituteIngersoll Rand Security TechnologiesIllinois Brick CompanyImage GrilleJames Hardie Building Products, Inc.KohlerKonica Minolta Business Solutions,

U.S.A., Inc.LiveRoof, LLC.Locinox USALP Building ProductsM.G. Welbel& AssociatesMajor Industries, Inc.MarketNet AssociatesMarvin Windows and DoorsMasterGraphics, Inc.Metl-SpanMoen IncorporatedMorin CorporationMortar Net USA, Ltd.NexGen Building Supply

Northfield, an OLDCASTLE CompanyNSG Group-Pilkington North AmericaPella Windows & Doors, Inc.PerMar, Ltd.Pittco Architectural Metals, Inc.PPG Industries, Inc.PROSOCO, Inc.Rauch Clay Sales Corp.Raynor Garage DoorScranton ProductsSimpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.SJS Components, LLCSPEC MIX/QUIKRETE ChicagoTate, Inc.Tesko Custom MetalThe Blue Book Building and

ConstructionThe Sherwin Williams CompanyTremco Barrier SolutionsTOTO USA Inc.Tubelite Inc.USP Structural ConnectorsWater Furnace InternationalWeyerhaeuserWoodWorks - Wood Products CouncilWorld DryerW.R. Meadows, Inc.

Thank You to our 2013 Exhibitors

Keynote Speaker:Mr. Kai-Uwe Bergmann,

Partner atBjarke Ingels Group (BIG)


ALAMISSOURI

Upcoming EventsFebruary 11: "Need A Roof?"

April 8: "Egress and Accessibility"June 10: "What Is the ‘IEBC’ and Why Would I Use It?"

August 12: "Liens, Collections and Document Ownership"October 14: "Round Table Discussion: Architect Liabilities"

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

ALAILLINOIS

ALA Missouri presents its 2014 Continuing Education Series.This series allows architects to acquire 12 Learning Units peryear in 6 convenient sessions. The sessions are scheduledevery other month over an extended 2-hour lunch period – aboxed lunch is included. The seminars can be reservedindividually or for the entire series. Members are eligible for amembership discount, and anyone is eligible for the Seriesdiscount. All seminars are held at the Masonry Institute of St.Louis, 1429 Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63117.

Upcoming Program:Monday, January 13, 2014

"EXPLORING THE WORLD OF HIGH PERFORMANCE GREEN CONCRETE"with Dr. Andreas Tselebidis at Meridian Banquets, Rolling Meadows, IL

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

This seminar will demonstrate how High Performance Green Concrete is an integral part in the drivetoward sustainability worldwide in buildings today. Case studies will include the NYC Freedom Tower,432 Park Avenue and the Burj Khalifa.

Attendees earn 1.5 LU ALA & AIA approved.

Cost: $45.00 Members / $55.00 Non-membersincludes appetizers, 3-course dinner and program.

Online registration and more information can be found at alatoday.org or call the ALA office at 847-382-0630

CHAPTERNEWS

ALAWISCONSIN

Matt Brown of Energy Diagnostics explained"Pathways to Compliance" for the new IllinoisEnergy Conservation Codes for Commercial

Building at Maggiano’s in Schaumburg.

November Program

The ALA-Wisconsin Chapter recently hosted two programs thatprovided for members to personally interact and get to know oneanother coupled with the opportunity to learn of two very dynamicbusinesses that are moving forward on a global basis with strongties to our local economies and the region.

Our annual “ALA-Wisconsin Cookout” took place in mid Augustat the South Shore Yacht Club. “Captain” Doug Gallus hosted ourevent for the evening. The featured speaker was Dean Amhaus,President & CEO at The Water Council. Appropriately, ourprogram focused on water related issues and the emergence ofMilwaukee and the region being recognized among the world’smost significant hubs for water research and industry.

The Water Council is the only organization of its kind in theUnited States. It was created by leaders in both business andeducation to convene the regions existing water companies andresearch clusters to develop education programs to train our talentand build partnerships that cut across all sectors and geographicboundaries. It is striving to establish Milwaukee Region as a leaderin the role of water issues that will continue to dominate economicand political considerations worldwide.

A wonderful day trip took place in late September as we hadthe good fortune to visit and tour The Kohler Company. Twobuses carried our Wisconsin and Illinois members to a day longtour of this world famous manufacturing facility. It is remarkable tonote that while a large number of products today are massproduced by machines without much interaction of “humantouch”, Kohler continues to have the majority of its products madeby hand as there is no other way to deliver the quality productsthat have made them famous since 1873. A gracious “Thank You”to our sponsors, Studio 41 and Kohler for arranging the tour andan enjoyable experience.

For 2014, ALA-Wisconsin’s Board is focusing on promotingprograms that are inspired by “Office Practice” and therealities that face each one of us each day as we derive ourlivelihood from our own creative profession. Relevant topicsof contracts, fees and getting paid for our work are on thetable. We are targeting the 2014 calendar to offer chapterprograms and meetings on a regular basis at a pace of everytwo months.

The 2014 calendar will offer a program in February dedicatedto “Mistakes Architects Make”. A round table discussion will beoffered at our March Meeting to address our daily challenges of“Contracts, Compensation and Collections”. April will feature aprogram on masonry construction. We are coordinating a visit inJune to the Forest Products Lab in Madison, Wisconsin to behosted by our favorite “wood man” and one of our ALA-Wisconsin Board members, Archie Landreman.

The third Thursday of August, (August 21) will mark our nextannual “ALA-Wisconsin Cookout” at the South Shore Yacht Club.Rest assured, the topic will be wet and the beverages will beflowing. We will complement our spring “Office Practice”program with another relevant topic to be determined. All ideasare welcomed, so we want to hear from our members as to thethings they wish to delve into that will be of value to their ownpractice. Our annual ALA 2014 Architecture Conference andProduct Show will take place in September. The year will roundout with the annual awards dinner in November.

A year of activities have been proposed for your participation.We cannot do it without you. This is your organization. Yourinvolvement is key to making ALA a most relevant part of yourprofession and we look forward to seeing you, as well as hearingfrom you this coming year.

"No Architect Left Behind Series" – Season VI

Online registration and more information can be found at alatoday.org or call the ALA office at 847-382-0630

From the desk of:David J. “Koz” Koscielniak, President, ALA-Wisconsin

Why Join Us?

HOWARD HIRSCHPresident, Hirsch Associates LLC

Member of the Association of Licensed Architects since: 1999

“I like the idea of a smaller organization–with more of a personal feeling. Being a member offers timely and

engaging educational offerings and supplier access for technical questions relating to projects I am working on.”

One East Northwest Highway • Palatine, IL 60067 • Tel 847-382-0630 • Fax 847-382-8380 • www.alatoday.org

• A 15 year history of success• Representing architects internationally• Free downloadable short form legal

contracts (16 to choose from)

• Professional designation and membership certificate

• Network with your peers• Continuing education opportunities

• Hotlines for questions on ADA,Insurance, Legal, and Code

• Quarterly magazine• Annual design award program

A SMART IDEA FOR 2014Join ALA now and get a full year of benefits starting in January!

Become a member of our dynamic, affordable, growing organization of architects. The cost for aprofessional membership is only $150/year. See page 15 inside to apply by mail or go online to

www.alatoday.org. Call us so we can answer any questions at 847-382-0630.

Association of

Licensed Architects

Join ALA2014

Our Mission: To advance the Architectural Profession through education and by supporting and improving the profession’s role in the built environment.

in