Texas Society of Architects | AIA
Annual Report
a year
built on numbers
T S A M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t
To be the voice of the Texas architectural profession uniting AIA members to advance
the profession, serve society, and improve the built environment.
T S A V i s i o n S tat e m e n t
As an effective regional component of the American Institute of Architects with 17 local chapters, TSA is a facilitator for the community of architects in Texas. TSA envisions
a future in which it will be:
•
a champion for excellence in the natural and built environment;
•
a knowledge resource, working collaboratively with the Texas schools of architecture, to advance the skills of its members and the profession;
•
an advocate and shaper of public policy on quality of life and other issues affecting
or of concern to the profession;
•
a communicator, internally for its members and externally to the industry and the
public; and
•
an organizer of fellowship for its members and the profession.
Texas Society of Architects | AIA
816 Congress, Suite 970 • Austin, Texas 78701
512.478.7386 • texasarchitect.org
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TSA 2008
Pr e s i d e n t
The 69th year of the Texas Society of Architects will be remembered as a good year for the
Society and for the profession of architecture in our state. During 2008 our membership
increased by 4 percent, and Texas remains a great place to practice.
Without dwelling too much on the serious financial crisis that gripped our country in the
fourth quarter, it’s important to recognize the impact that this will have on our profession
for some time. We laid some good groundwork throughout the year that I believe will help
us through the recession and help us emerge stronger when it’s over.
I recently heard the Rev. Jim Rion, senior pastor of San Antonio’s Westover Hills Assembly
of God, speak on the topic of leadership and organizational change. He made a persuasive
argument that leadership equals influence and followed that proposition by stating that a
good working definition of leadership is “disturbing people, but at a rate they can absorb
it.”
Although I wasn’t thinking of leadership in exactly those words at the time, it was the starting point for the 2008 TSA Board during a fall 2007 planning retreat. The Board concluded
that it was time to revisit the TSA strategic plan, and Bill Reeves, then president-elect, organized a series of mid-year workshops that formed the genesis of a new strategic plan that
will provide guidance to our Society for many years.
I chose three key issues for our Society in 2008 and dedicated a portion of the first three
Board meetings to each topic. At the winter meeting in McAllen, we spent some time
sharing what each chapter is doing to promote sustainability to its members and to the
public. The spring meeting in Amarillo focused on advocacy, with an engaging role-playing
exercise on the topic of engineers practicing architecture in Texas. This led to a focused
workshop and broader member advocacy efforts to meet with our Texas Senators and Representatives to inform them of the issue and prepare them for potential legislative action
during the 2009 session.
At the summer meeting in Pittsburgh, we spent several hours hearing the latest update
from the AIA on Integrated Project Delivery and the key roles that Building Information
Modeling and sustainable practices play in this delivery method. We also learned what one
firm is doing with BIM to analyze energy usage in the buildings it designs, and also how the
design and construction team for a university project is using BIM along with laser scanning
to determine if the building is being built according to the model.
This investment in TSA leaders was time well spent, for I know that they will use this knowledge to influence others in their communities, encouraging and “disturbing” people to seek
excellence in architecture.
In 1939, Houston
architect Ralph
Cameron was
elected as
TSA’s inaugural
president.
Chris Hudson, AIA
2008 TSA President
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TSA 2008
L e a d e rs h i p
Chris Hudson, President; Bill Reeves, President-elect; Craig Reynolds, FAIA, Vice PresidentAdvocacy Commission; Chris Noack, Vice President-Member Services Commission; Andrew Vernooy, Vice President-Practice Commission; Brooke Sween-McGloin, FAIA, Vice
President-Outreach Commission; Lonnie Hoogeboom, Secretary; Daniel Hart, Treasurer;
Ken Ross, FAIA, AIA Senior Regional Director; Jeffery Potter, AIA Regional Director; Donald
Gatzke, Educator Member Director; Gail Thomas, Ph.D., Public Member Director; Jennifer
Workman, Assoc. AIA, Regional Associates Director; Arthur Calcaterra, Assoc. AIA, Associate Member Director; Chapter Directors: Wayland Schroeder, Abilene; Richard Constancio
Jr., Amarillo; Jacqueline Dodson, Austin; Timothy Donathen, Brazos; Bibiana Dykema, Corpus Christi; Kip Daniel, FAIA, Dallas; Hector De Santiago, El Paso; Gary Griffith, Fort Worth;
Michael Morton, Houston; Adán Alvarez Jr., Lower Rio Grande Valley; Stacey Mincey, Lubbock; Dewayne Manning, Northeast Texas; Mary Mitchell Bartlett, San Antonio; C. David
Goodell, Southeast Texas; David Wright, Waco; David Wayland, West Texas; Ralph Perkins,
Wichita Falls; David Lancaster, Hon. AIA, Executive Vice President (Ex-officio)
New Policies
With an eye toward greater transparency in governance and fiscal oversight, the Board adopted the following new policies in 2008.
Conflict of Interest: To protect the interest of the Society when it contemplates entering into
a transaction or arrangement; requires disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.
Whistle-blower: Provides procedures for the communication of a concern or grievance
voiced by volunteers and employees.
Member Contact Information: Governs the use of member contact information provided to
TSA by its members.
Revenue Surplus: Directs the distribution of any surplus funds for the fiscal year.
Selection of Board Representative to Nominating Committee: Defines process for how the
Board selects its representative to the Nominating Committee.
W i n t e r B o ar d M e e t i n g
Jan. 25-26, McAllen
Visiting with local AIA members and sharing ideas is always a highlight of the quarterly
meetings. The AIA Lower Rio Grande Valley chapter hosted a dinner and lively discussion
with state component leaders in McAllen. The focus of the meeting was on sustainability,
which consistently challenged participants to answer the question, “How can we incorporate this into everything we do?”
S p r i n g B o ar d M e e t i n g
April 25-26, Amarillo
With an “Advocacy” theme, the meeting featured a review of the Society’s recent legislative
and regulatory activities, a charette highlighting the need for architects to “tell their story”
to legislators, and guest speaker Senator Kel Seliger. The AIA Amarillo chapter hosted a
reception and then joined Board members for dinner and discussion.
S u mm e r B o ar d M e e t i n g
Three areas
of focus were
identif i ed for
the 2008 Board
meetings:
advocacy,
sustainability,
and technology.
July 18-19, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Held on the Carnegie Mellon University campus, the meeting targeted Integrated Project
Delivery, with an emphasis on Building Information Modeling as a key IPD tool. AIA Pennsylvania and AIA Pittsburgh officers attended a joint luncheon and IPD presentation by
Markku Allison, AIA, resource architect in the AIA Strategy and Business Development
division. The Board toured the Gold LEED David Lawrence Convention Center, Frank Lloyd
Wright’s Fallingwater, and the Barn at Fallingwater, a Silver LEED facility.
F a l l B o ar d M e e t i n g / A n n u a l B u s i n e ss S e ss i o n
Oct. 23, Fort Worth
The 2009 budget was approved, and 2008 volunteer leaders were recognized for their service and leadership to the Society. During the Annual Business Session, chapter delegates
approved amendments to the TSA Bylaws, which expanded composition of the Finance and
Executive committees.
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The year 2008 proved to be another financially strong period for TSA in spite of inauspicious
signs of a declining economy in the last quarter of the year. Growth in membership and
stronger-than-anticipated performance at the Fort Worth convention prevailed in producing significant net revenue, even though interest income and AIA document sales revenue
sharing declined dramatically in the last quarter. Including a contribution from 2008 net
revenue, the Restricted Reserve Account (“rainy day fund”) topped 30 percent of revenue
for the year. TSA’s stated goal for this account is 50 percent of revenue.
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TSA 2008
Financials
2008 also saw two significant Board actions that will affect the way TSA manages its financials into the future. First, the Board approved a new policy that stipulates funds into
which any year-end net income will be placed. Of net revenues realized in a given year, 50
percent will go to the restricted reserves; 20 percent will go to building a fund in anticipation of TSA’s eventual permanent home; 20 percent will go to fostering new initiatives and
reviving existing initiatives that further TSA’s mission; and 10 percent will go to addressing
TSA’s continuing technology efforts. The second Board action expanded the composition
of TSA’s finance committee to include two at-large members. Along with the treasurer, the
president, president-elect, and executive vice president, these two at-large members will
provide broadened input to the budgeting process and will increase consistency in the administration and planning of the Society’s finances.
Daniel S. Hart, AIA
2008 Treasurer
A ss e t s 2 0 0 8
L i ab i l i t i e s & E q u i t y Operating Checking
14,896.14
Restricted Reserves
714,353.17
Total Other Current Liabilities
454,468.70
Unrestricted Reserves
913,511.61
Total Current Liabilities
482,750.37
Total Liabilities
482,750.37
Other
Total Checking/Savings
Total Accounts Receivable
Total Other Currents Assets
Total Current Assets
1,315.47
1,644,076.39
4,551.07
28,281.67
Fund Balance
1,025,639.55
35,074.29
Net Income
209,312.50
1,683,701.75
Total Equity
1,234,952.05
Total Liabilities & Equity
1,717,702.42
Total Fixed Assets
30,449.60
Total Other Assets
3,551.07
Total Assets
Total Accounts Payable
1,717,702.42
Source: TSA Statement of Financial Position for Year 2008
(audited)
Unlike most volunteer organizations where
revenues derive mainly from their members,
TSA generated 55% of its funding through
non-dues resources in 2008.
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TSA 2008
M e mb e rs h i p
Membership* in TSA grew 4.2 percent in 2008. TSA represents 7.6 percent of the AIA’s total
membership of over 84,000.
T S A M e mb e rs h i p b y c at e g o r y
2006
2007
2008
Architects
4101
4275
4464
Associates
1193
1398
1468
474
475
476
5768
6148
6408
Students
130
163
147
Allieds
160
176
175
Emeritus
Total
T S A M e mb e rs h i p * 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 0 8
2004
5,298
2005
5,523
2006
5,768
2007
6148
*architect, associate, and emeritus
TSA membership*
grew by 4.2% in 2008.
2008
6408
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TSA 2008
C o mm i t t e e s / Tas k F o r c e s
TSA is organized
into 5 commissions:
Operations,
Outreach, Member
Services, Practice,
and Advocacy.
Within these 5
commissions, 25
committees and
task forces worked
on your behalf in
2008 to make a
difference in the
profession.
Less than five percent of TSA members are involved with a committee or task force at the
state component level of the AIA. This means the other 95 percent benefit from the dedicated efforts of only a few. The door to committee service is always open; please contact a
committee chair or Board member to express interest or ask a question. Committee chairs
and Board members are listed on the TSA Web site, texasarchitect.org.
Highlights
Below are only a few highlights from 2008. Other sections of this report contain additional
annual highlights and programs that were supported by the work of TSA committees and
task forces.
The Membership Services Committee tackled the issue concerning distribution of member
contact information. In July, the TSA Board of Directors adopted the committee’s policy recommendation that defines where and how member contact information can be published
and distributed. The intent is to respect the privacy of members while serving as a communications conduit to and from members and between members and potential clients.
The Radio and New Media Committee launched a new fund-raising campaign in April to
support TSA’s public radio program The Shape of Texas. The launch coincided with the 10th
anniversary of the award-winning program and the completion of more than 420 single
episodes. The committee wrote and designed a 13-page marketing prospectus (available
online for download) and distributed it to potential program sponsors.
Two task forces, Building Information Modeling and Work/Life Issues, initiated surveys to
gather responses from members and generate findings that determine factors affecting
implementation of BIM in firms and barriers to females and historically under-represented
people in the profession.
The Finance Committee gained Board approval in July of a new policy directing how revenue that exceeds annual expense will be handled. Additionally, the committee’s recommendation to amend the Bylaws to expand the size of the Finance Committee from four to
six was approved at the Society’s Annual Business Session in October. The intent is to allow
more Board participation in the budget process and in all fiscal matters of the Society.
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TSA 2008
Advocacy
In 2008, the Government Affairs Steering Committee (GASCOM) and staff stayed busy as
they prepared materials needed for TSA’s 2009 legislative program; ranked issues based
on their priority of importance; and, in conjunction with the Texas Architects Committee
(TAC), organized for a campaign to ensure every Texas legislator who would serve in 2009
received a visit from an architect on the issue of engineers practicing architecture.
Highlights
»» Awarded a $10,000 grant from AIA National to aid with the development of a green tax
incentives effort.
»» Lobbied for an interim legislative study on the need to require future public buildings to
be built to more sustainable standards. Subsequently, coordinated testimony before the
Government Organization Committee to pave the way for the high-performance standards bill during the 2009 Regular Legislative Session.
»» Coordinated an opportunity for all legislators and their staff to attend the 2008 AIA Austin
Homes Tour and Opening Night Premier Party free of charge, which resulted in a marked
appreciation for the importance of good design.
»» Obtained legislative sponsors for two of the four TSA initiatives for 2009. Both bills were
filed in November 2008 immediately after pre-filing began; one of the sponsors being the
current Speaker of the House, Representative Joe Straus.
»» Implemented a grassroots effort to educate 181 House and Senate members on the differences between architecture and engineering to head off possible attempts by engineers to amend their law giving them the authority to prepare architectural plans and
specifications by virtue of their P.E. license.
»» Filed an amicus brief with the Texas Supreme Court and helped fund the retaining of a
law firm to represent architects during oral arguments before the Texas Supreme Court
on a petition for review relating to the issue of design professionals being brought into
lawsuits as third-party defendants after the 10-year statute of repose expires.
“I am an advocate for
the betterment of the
profession, and I look to
and receive from TSA a
voice that is much louder
than my single voice.”
- W. Richard Rogers, AIA
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TSA 2008
TA C
The Texas Architects Committee was successful in both its 2008 fundraising and political
participation. Over $162,000 was contributed by 827 individuals and firms, which enabled
TAC to contribute $106,750 to 132 races. Of those receiving support, 92 percent were
elected.
While all the personal contributions that TAC receives are appreciated and used to promote
and protect the business of architecture, a special acknowledgement is due to the 268 Century Club members who contributed at least $100 during the year, especially the 207 Silver
Century ($250-$499), 92 Gold Century ($500-$999), and 35 Platinum Century ($1000+)
donors.
TSA also recognizes the extra effort of the Abilene, Amarillo, Brazos, Corpus Christi, Fort
Worth, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Lubbock, San Antonio, Southeast Texas, West Texas, and
Wichita Falls chapters who met or exceeded their local goal.
PL ATINU M CENTU R Y CLU B M E M B E R S ( $ 1 , 0 0 0 A ND M O R E )
Kyle Bacon; Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek; Craig Beale, FAIA; Gary Blanton; Bruce Carlson;
Tommy Cowan, FAIA; Nunzio DeSantis, FAIA; Timothy Donathen; Randy Gideon, FAIA;
John O. Greer, FAIA; Eric Hahnfeld; Ralph Hawkins, FAIA; Lonnie Hoogeboom; Todd Howard; Chris Huckabee; Gary Keep; David Lind; Alan Magee; Morris Architects; Thomas Oehler; Peter Pfeiffer, FAIA; Alan Roberts; Ronald Skaggs, FAIA; Tommy Stewart; Mary Walker;
Mark Watford, FAIA; Bill Wilson, FAIA GOLD CENTU R Y CLU B M E M B E R S ( $ 5 0 0 - $ 9 9 9 )
11 of 17
chapters met or
exceeded their
TAC contribution
goal in 2008.
Edward Abeyta; Jonathan Aldis; David Alvidrez; Michael Arbour; James Atkins, FAIA; Danny
Babin; Wayne Barger; Paul Bonnette; Rayce Boyter; Dick Bundy; Charlie Burris; Mike Butler;
David Calkins; Hal Caton; Edward Chauviere; B. J. Cornelius; Ronald Dennis; Gary DeVries;
Debra Dockery; Harmony Edwards; Johnnie Fields; Ted Flato, FAIA; Randall Fromberg; Duncan Fulton, FAIA; Jim Furr, FAIA; Cheryl Gajeske; Jeffrey Gerber; Mark Gerner, Assoc. AIA;
Tod Hanson; Dan Hart; Thomas Harvey; Ronald Harwick; Michael Hellinghausen; Jennifer
Henrikson; Gray Henry; Kerry Hogue; Chris Hudson; Kurt Hull; Stephen Hulsey; Michael Imbimbo; Lloyd W. Jary, FAIA; Daniel Jeakins; William Kendall, FAIA; Rodney Kroeger; Verner
Laird; David Lake, FAIA; Lisa Lamkin; Thomas Lavin; Gary Lopez; Robert Lopez; Marmon
Mok; Brian McFarlane; Richard Meyers; Michael Morton; Michael Moss; Kent Niemann; Dan
Noble, FAIA; Joseph Patti; Jeff Potter; Thomas Poweli; Calvin Powitzky; Bill Reeves; Craig
Reynolds, FAIA; Ken Ross, FAIA; Gerald Schwarz; Perry Seeberger; Marjorie Simmons; Jim
Singlelton; Stephen Souter, FAIA; B. Carole Steadham, Hon. AIA; James Strohmeyer; Allen
Swift; Margaret Vick; Rick Weatherl; Ed Werth; Stephen Winslow; Mark Wolf 2 0 0 8 E x e c u t i v e Tr u s t e e s
Randy Gideon, FAIA; Dohn LaBiche; Roy Lowey-Ball; Brian McFarlane; Martha Seng; Bill
Wilson, FAIA
2 0 0 8 A d v i s o r y Tr u s t e e s
Wayne Barger; Alan Bell; Jan Blackmon, FAIA; Paul Bonnette; Diana Bravo-Gonzalez; Todd
Brendalen; Charlie Burris; Mike Butler; David Calkins; David Collins; Tommy Cowan, FAIA;
Hector De Santiago; Jim Doche, FAIA; Elizabeth Feldman; Charles Gates; Eric Hahnfeld;
Robert Hanley; Michael Hellinghausen; Barbara Hughes, Assoc. AIA; Gary Keep; Michael
Kennedy; Ted Kollaja; Don Kubala; Dohn LaBiche; Alan Magee; Paul Maute; Tim McClarty;
Stacey Mincey; Mike Moran; Michael Morton; Glenda Ramsey; Charles Reagan; Robert
Shaw; Tommy Stewart; Carol Vick; Ronda Wang; Mark Wolf
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TSA 2008
Aw ar d s / C o n v e n t i o n
TSA Medal for Lifetime Achievement in
H o n o r o f L l e w e l ly n W. P i t t s F A I A
Velpeau (Vel) E. Hawes Jr., FAIA - Dallas
T S A A r c h i t e c t u r e F i rm Aw ar d
Marmon Mok - San Antonio
T S A Aw ar d f o r Y o u n g Pr o f e ss i o n a l A c h i e v e m e n t
i n H o n o r o f W i l l i am W. Ca u d i l l F A I A
Camilo Parra, AIA, Parra Design Group – Houston
T S A Aw ar d f o r C o mm u n i t y S e rv i c e i n
H o n o r o f J am e s D . Pf l u g e r F A I A
Robert L. Meckfessel, FAIA, dsgn associates - Dallas
T S A Aw ar d f o r O u t s ta n d i n g E d u c at i o n a l C o n t r i b u t i o n s
i n H o n o r o f E d w ar d J . R o m i e n i e c F A I A
Edward M. Baum, FAIA - Dallas
T S A A ss o c i at e M e mb e r o f t h e Y e ar
Arthur Calcaterra, Assoc. AIA, Quorum Architects - Fort Worth
T S A Aw ar d f o r E x c e l l e n c e i n t h e Pr o m o t i o n
of Architecture through the Media in Honor
o f J o h n G . F l o w e rs H o n o rar y A I A
Patsy Pittman Light - San Antonio; Tracy Self and Joe Self, AIA - Fort Worth
T S A A ss o c i at e M e n t o rs h i p Aw ar d
Jonathan Benson Smith, AIA, Lake|Flato - San Antonio
T S A A ss o c i at e S p e c i a l M e r i t Aw ar d
Professional Practice Leadership Program (2PLP) - AIA San Antonio
C i tat i o n s o f H o n o r
Friends of the Park - San Antonio; City of Tyler
T S A H o n o rar y M e mb e rs h i p
Bonnie Conner - San Antonio; J.D. Granger - Fort Worth; Martha (Marty) V. Leonard - Fort
Worth; Stephen H. Lucy, PE – Dallas
T S A D e s i g n Aw ar d s
More than
2,300
registrants,
including 1,437
TSA members,
attended
the 2008 TSA
Convention in
Fort Worth.
AMLI II Mixed-Use Development by Page Southerland Page; Burdette Keeland Design Exploration Center by GBA Architecture; Concrete Studio by Mell Lawrence Architects; Fine
Arts Center by Kell Muñoz; Friends Meetinghouse by Lake|Flato Architects; George Allen Sr.
Courthouse by Rees Associates; Indian Bean Guesthouse by Faro Studio; Karbach Residence
by Tim Cuppett Architects; Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail Restroom by Miró Rivera Architects; Lake Austin Residence by Lake|Flato Architects; Lost Pines Chapel by LZT Architects;
Oak Court Residence by Buchanan Architecture; Residence 1414 Renovation by Miró Rivera
Architects; Seton Medical Center Renovation and Expansion by Page Southerland Page; and
U.S. Courthouse by Page Southerland Page
T S A S t u d i o Aw ar d s
UT Brownsville Biomedical Science Technology Building by SHW Group; Bracken Bat Cave
Nature Reserve by Overland Partners Architects; Near Northside (Planning Study) by William Truitt; and University Research (Conceptual Drawings) by Richard Ferrier
T S A 2 5 - Y e ar Aw ar d
Fort Worth Water Gardens, 1974, designed by Philip Johnson
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Convention
Record numbers convened at TSA’s 69th Annual Convention in Fort Worth. More than 2,300
registrants, including 1,437 TSA members, enjoyed perfect weather and unprecedented opportunities for both education and inspiration. Over 80 speakers participated in workshops
and seminars, and 240 companies had booths in the Design Products & Ideas Expo. Keynote presentations by James Timberlake, FAIA, of Kieran Timberlake Associates, and Dr.
Jeff Salz captivated attendees and touched on themes of “Celebration” and adventure.
“It is empowering and quite
inspiring to stand for 90 minutes in
a standing-room-only convention
hall with 1500+ fellow architects
and witness a thunderous standing
ovation after an adventurous callto-action-living presentation (e.g.,
Jeff Salz keynote address at TSA
convention in Fort Worth).”
- Lonnie Hoogeboom, AIA
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TSA 2008
C o mm u n i c at i o n s
Important information about TSA and the profession flows to members on a timely basis
through a variety of media, and the general public’s awareness is raised through the awardwinning Texas Architect magazine, the radio broadcasts of The Shape of Texas, and the
texasarchitect.org Web site. Other TSA member benefits include the bi-monthly CheckSet
e-newsletter and the monthly Broadcast e-mail.
T e x as A r c h i t e c t
TSA’s award-winning magazine
Texas Architect continues to
grow—in content, readership,
environmental stewardship, and
advertising dollars. Dedicated to
publishing the best design by architects across Texas, the publication has expanded its feature
stories section, adding more imagery and enhanced plan graphics. In addition, the magazine has expanded
its readership to more than 3,000 architects in neighboring
states (New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana).
Texas Architect’s new printer, Royle Printing, is certified with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Standards. This certification guarantees that all of Royle’s manufactured paper will come directly from companies that legally harvest wood and support
responsible forestry practices. Our new partnership with Royle will help us to employ safe
and sustainable environmental practices as we strive to promote awareness of the benefits
of going green and reducing harmful impacts on the environment.
T h e S h a p e o f T e x as
In 2008, The Shape of Texas public radio program celebrated its 10th
anniversary and the completion of more than 420 episodes. The
award-winning series is produced through an agreement between TSA
and the South Texas Public Broadcasting System in Corpus Christi. For
a list of public radio stations that broadcast The Shape of Texas, go
to the TSA Web site (texasarchitect.org). Each two-minute episode is
written for a general audience to raise public awareness of the value of
good design and the benefits of a thoughtfully designed built environment. TSOT podcasts are now being syndicated in iTunes. Currently,
TSA has 10 TSOT podcasts available for download on the TSA Web site.
In addition, anyone may subscribe to the podcast, with new episodes
automatically downloaded and synced to subscribers’ iPods as soon as
the episodes become available.
In 2008, each issue of Texas Architect
averaged 96 pages—14 pages more per
issue than in 2007; advertising dollars
increased by 15%.
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T e x asar c h i t e c t. o r g
The TSA Web site provides both members
and the public the latest in news and information. From membership announcements, convention updates, advocacy and
legislative issue briefs to current industry
news articles and The Shape of Texas library,
the site spans a breadth of knowledge. In
2008, the online editions of Texas Architect
were graphically improved to complement
the high-quality design and layout of the
print edition. The advocacy section was also
strengthened to deliver up-to-date information on the 81st Texas Legislature Session
with the addition of the Action Center featuring TSA’s Legislation Watch List.
CheckSet
In February 2008, CheckSet went green.
Previously printed and mailed to TSA membership on a bimonthly basis, the publication is now an e-newsletter. TSA saved natural resources and over $22,500 in 2008
with the conversion. And, its popularity
rose. The December edition was viewed
more than 8,900 times.
T S A B r o a d c as t
Each month the TSA staff compiles timesensitive news briefs in an electronic format that is broadcast to members via
e-mail. The membership is alerted to impending deadlines and activities involving
volunteers and staff. Embedded links take
readers directly to online sources for more
information.
CheckSet was
viewed online
more than 26,000
times in 2008.
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TSA 2008
TA F
T e x as A r c h i t e c t u ra l F o u n d at i o n
Established in 1952, the Texas Architectural Foundation (TAF) is a non-profit organization
working through education, community initiatives, and environmental advocacy programs
to create an understanding of how architecture and planning impact our daily lives, natural
environment, and cultural legacy. As a result, more Texans will have the knowledge, skills,
and desire to create a livable future.
In 2008, the Texas Architectural Foundation continued its long tradition of supporting architectural students in Texas’ eight accredited schools of architecture by awarding 56 scholarships and grants totaling $66,600 for the 2008-2009 academic year. The Foundation’s total
funds for fiscal year-end were $1,605,698. TAF received $98,131 in total contributions. As
we weather the current economic turbulence and its effects, TAF’s investment strategy is
focused on protecting the long-term value of its endowments.
In October, the Fugro/TAF Tour des Monuments bicycle ride returned to Fort Worth, where
this fundraising event began six years ago. Riders enjoyed a beautiful day and raised funds
for “TAF Tomorrow” programs and initiatives. For a second year, platinum sponsor Fugro
Consultants provided a $15,000 gift. Ride co-chairs Ames Fender, AIA, and John Roberts,
AIA, and all the volunteers, riders, donors, and sponsors contributed to the event’s success.
In addition, the generosity of donors throughout the year enables the Foundation to realize
its goals and to advance architectural education by investing in both students and the community for the benefit of future generations.
David Richter, FAIA
TAF President
2 0 0 8 TA F B o ar d o f D i r e c t o rs
David Watkins, FAIA, Vice President; Richard Bundy, Treasurer; Jan Blackmon, FAIA, Secretary; Julius Gribou; Bob LeMond, FAIA; Joe Mashburn; Elaine Petrus, Hon. TSA; Ron Skaggs,
FAIA; Chris Hudson; Bill Reeves; David Lancaster, Hon. AIA
2 0 0 8 S c h o l ars h i p R e c i p i e n t s
Prairie View A&M University: Raheel Ahmad; Hulya Aybek; Errol Anthony Browne Rice
University: Linh Dan Do; Joseph Lim Texas A&M University: Serra Akboy; Christopher Atnip; Britney Baecker; Jennifer Brooks; Karen E. Cruickshanks; Dayna Finley; Justin Kimmich; Shima Baradaran Mohajeri; Brant Moore; Carlos A. Nome; Angela Staroba; Texas
Tech University: Martin E. Aguirre; Jesue S. Alfaro; Patrick V. Alfarone; Robert D. Diaz III;
Amanda Ann Penner; Brandon W. Smith University of Houston: Alex Lahti University of
Texas at Arlington: Joshua K. Goad; Roberto Miguel Ramirez; Carrie M.Z. Schart; Nichole M.
Schroeder; Jamie M. Wallace University of Texas at Austin: Meegan Nicole Beddoe; Brian
C. Bedrosian; Sergio Botero; Kathryn L. Cahir; Amber L. Czapski; Charles J. Franck, Jr.; William L. Huie; Kayla Michele Lyssy; Melynn Mayfield; Laura M. McGuire; Karen E. Pittman;
Manmeet Singh Sabharwal; Daniel Jay Selensky; Daniel Sylvester; Kimberly F. Tseng; Katherine A. Tucker; Erin Tyson; Ross G. Wienert University of Texas at San Antonio: Brandon
G. Melland; Sarah Jean Smith
TAF awarded
56 scholarships
to architecture
students in 2008.
“I am so thankful
for the Wichita Falls
Chapter AIA Scholarship! It has allowed
me to explore my
design projects with
different materials
and new computer
programs without
being limited financially.”
Melynn Mayfield
Freshman, 2008/09 Academic Year
The University of Texas at Austin
School of Architecture
“I am extremely grateful to be
the recipient of
the Charles R.
Adams Memorial Scholarship
as it has enabled
me to continue
my education
and achieve all
of my goals.”
Carrie M.Z. Schart
Senior, Academic Year 2008/09
The University of Texas at Arlington
School of Architecture
My 20th year as your executive vice president was one of the best ever when I consider all
the fellowship, financial, planning, and program successes enjoyed under Chris Hudson’s
leadership. Wonderful accomplishments—what a score!
In an effort to ensure broader participation and greater transparency in how the Society
operates, the TSA Bylaws were amended to expand the Executive and Finance committees,
and the Board approved policies for how any future net revenues would be reinvested to
keep the Society not only current in how it serves its members, but ahead of the times.
A dedicated staff solicited your input to solve problems, initiate change, seize opportunities,
and provide quality and value throughout TSA’s programs and services. We hope you share
our pride in and loyalty to the TSA brand, and that you will continue providing encouragement regarding how the Society can extend its reach in achieving goals that reflect your
values.
The challenges that Texas architects face—ones all Americans and the global community
share—will test us incredibly for the foreseeable future, but we are ready to lead...at the precise time state and national leaders are beginning to realize how much we can offer—and
that ‘Good Design (indeed) Makes a Difference!’
David Lancaster, Hon. AIA
TSA Executive Vice President
TSA Staff: (clockwise from top left) Kraig Becker, Andrea Exter, Noelle Heinze, Emily Speight, Julie Pizzo,
Suzette Lipford, Tammie Baumann, Stephen Sharpe,
David Lancaster, Gayle Pickering, Coti Bullard, Jeanette
Allison, Joe McGuire [Not Shown: Yvonne Castillo]
C o n s t r u c t i o n F o r e c as t
The sluggish national economy, the global credit crunch, a recent decrease in oil prices,
and Hurricane Ike have all taken a toll on the Texas economy, causing its expansion to slow.
The near-term challenges created by the financial crisis create too formidable an obstacle
for continued expansion in 2009. Despite the near-term declines, population growth, cost
advantages, and the relatively buoyant Texas economy will help the state recover more
quickly than the nation as a whole.
In 2009, Texas construction starts are expected to fall approximately 13 percent. The drop
will largely be the result of continued declines in residential construction, a retreat in nonresidential construction, and a struggle to break-even in public works.
Single-family construction will not begin turning around until the majority of the foreclosures can be resolved and the inventory that they create can be absorbed. In 2009, singlefamily and multi-family construction will continue declines, but they are expected to hit
bottom. At some point near the middle to later half of 2009, home builders will be in a
waiting period for supply to be absorbed, while multi-residential builders will have another
year before there is a recovery.
The private side of non-residential construction has been hit particularly hard by the financial crisis. The lack of liquidity has removed the lifeblood of private construction. 2009 will
continue declines in retail, office, and hotel construction. However, none of these sectors
are out of equilibrium, so as liquidity and the overall economy begin to improve, these sectors will begin to come back. The depth of the recession will dictate the timing for recovery.
As of this writing, recovery is not expected until 2010.
School construction will be a source of positive activity in 2009. Recent bond measures will
continue to fund the school pipeline of work. Healthcare is another area that looks promising in 2009. The challenges presented by an aging population create an inherent demand
that has to be addressed.
Public works construction will be further boosted by the expected passage of the Economic
Stimulus Plan. Highways, schools, and more energy-efficient buildings are objectives of the
program. “Shovel-ready” projects are being evaluated even before the legislation has been
passed. The size of the program and the timing of the release of the funds will dictate how
well 2009 does compared to 2008. Most expect the program to take a little longer to roll
out and thereby have a marginally positive impact in 2009, with a greater contribution in
2010.
Overall, Texas remains one of the healthiest markets in the country. As we work through the
recession of 2008/2009, Texas will help lead the country into a recovery.