In this issue:

· Procrastinators’ Days 2009
· Job Opportunities at the Center for Architecture

Procrastinators’ Days 2009
By Tara Pyle, AIANY Senior Marketing and Events Manager

Each year, the AIA New York Chapter organizes Procrastinators’ Days, a continuing education conference for members to fulfill year-end education requirements. The conference, now in its sixth year, has grown from offering just a few courses to a 36-course, three-day event.

The Chapter reaches out to manufacturers, vendors, and service providers who are registered to deliver AIA CES credit courses. Registration fees from more than 20 course providers have helped Procrastinators’ Days become the Chapter’s third largest annual fundraiser. This year, Kallista and Barrier 1 served as the presenting sponsors.

For the event, AIANY accepts proposals from course providers that cover topics ranging from masonry walls to door security systems to window insulation. In 2009, the most well attended courses were “Efficient Mechanical Systems for Architects,” presented by Community Environmental Center, and “Advanced Building Technologies,” presented by AKF Engineers. The popularity of sustainability-focused courses reveals the membership’s interest in learning more about sustainable building practices.

The larger AIANY community is involved with the production of Procrastinators’ Days. Chapter staff solicited board and committee leadership to present courses on 12.05.09. Popular courses included a talk by Pat Sapinsley, AIA, on “A Little Information About A Lot of Green Products,” and a panel discussion with Frank Greene, FAIA, and Carol Loewenson, AIA, about justice facilities, titled “A Place at the Table: Hierarchy, Iconography, Anachronism.”

The course presenters set up tabletop displays on the ground floor of the Center for Architecture, allowing further professional exchange.

AIANY Programs Manager and Chapter CES Administrator Jesse Lazar cited the event as one of the Chapter’s most innovative happenings. “Putting on Procrastinators’ Days is one of our most valuable services to members in terms of the number of CES credits available, the scope of the courses, and the opportunity to network with vendors and fellow architects,” said Lazar.

To learn more about giving a presentation at Procrastinators’ Days 2010, contact Tara Pyle at tpyle@aiany.org.

Job Opportunities at the Center for Architecture

Development Consultant. The Center for Architecture Foundation (CFAF) and the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) seek an experienced development consultant with extensive grant research and writing experience to develop a grant fundraising plan for both individual organizations and the joint activities of both organizations. The position begins as a temporary position in which the consultant will create a comprehensive grants fundraising plan for both organizations, and apply for select grants. Based on the success of the fundraising plan, the Consultant may be hired to execute this development plan including writing, cultivating, and managing all new and existing grants. For more information, visit the Jobs page on AIANY’s website. Applications due January 15.

Policy Coordinator. The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter is looking for an individual to serve as the Policy Coordinator for the Chapter. The AIANY Policy Coordinator will be a motivated, passionate individual who will work with senior staff, chapter committees, and the Board of Directors to identify and develop consensus on specific policy issues of importance to the AIA. This person will manage the Chapter’s governmental relationships and strengthen them. Working together with the AIANY Policy Board, Executive Director, Director of Communications, and the AIANY lobbyist consulting firm, the Policy Coordinator will be responsible for media outreach and strategy for these positions and messages. We are looking for an individual with excellent writing and communication skills, as well as professional knowledge of architecture, energy conservation, codes, and urban policy issues. Experience with policy and political entities is essential. Read more about the position at the Jobs page on AIANY’s website. Applications due January 22.