NEWS (Click here for all the current news...)

Friday, 5th April
ASF Energy Forum, Click here for the pdf.

London Vauxhall – The Missing Link
International Design Ideas Competition

RIBA Competitions are delighted to announce details of an exciting new competition launching in January 2013.

The Vauxhall area of London is at the heart of an area of huge new opportunity and Vauxhall One, the new Business Improvement District (BID) for Vauxhall are seeking design ideas to improve and enhance the public realm in Vauxhall, providing the ‘Missing Link’ between the New US Embassy Quarter and London’s South Bank.

The competition is open to registered architects, landscape architects, urban designers and students of these disciplines worldwide.  As with the New York ‘High Line’ competition multi-disciplinary design teams are encouraged.

It is the intention that all entries received for the competition will be exhibited during April 2013 at both the Garden Museum and an outdoor cultural trail through the parks and railway arches of Vauxhall.

Chris Law, Public Realm and Development Director at Vauxhall One said:
“Vauxhall is changing fast and the public realm is critical. We want to create sustainable green links through the district and on to the river Thames. We want to connect the New American Embassy to London’s South Bank with new green and cultural trails, which tell the story of the area’s rich and colourful past in the architectural and landscape language of the Twenty First Century. We’re looking for creative design innovation.”
The competition will launch on 14 January 2013 when the competition website
www.ribacompetitions.com/vauxhallthemissinglink  will go live.  The closing date for Stage 1
submissions is 12 March 2013. 

AIAOC and the Royal Institute of British Architects
 ~Present~
Green Buildings & Birds
   
Green Building initiatives tend to focus on energy and material resources; however features of building design can also impact biodiversity.  An issue of growing concern is the large number bird fatalities caused by glass. Recent efforts, such as San Francisco's Standards for Bird-Safe Buildings, and a LEED pilot credit, "Bird Collision Deterrence", are designed to reduce the threat of glass in the built environment. Please join the AIAOC and RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), for an informative discussion of this topic. 
Presenter:Dr. James Karl Fischer PhD ,RIBA, AIA
Click here for more info.


AN IDEAL GARDEN CITY
An in-depth visit to the 20th century’s finest planned city
With Louise Nicholson and Candia Lutyens
Saturday March 9 – Saturday March 16, 2013

Read more on the events page
http://www.lutyens-furniture.com/INDIA_2013_EDWIN_LUTYENS_NEW_DELHI.pdf

Philip Fraser Andrews


It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of our Treasurer Philip Fraser Andrews who suffered a heart attack earlier this month while travelling in South America.

Philip was born in the English Midlands and educated at Canterbury School of Architecture where he graduated with distinction.

Philip joined the Board of RIBA-USA in 2006 as representative of the California Chapter and was elected its Treasurer in 2010. While Vice President and Managing Principal of MCG in Pasadena, Philip presided over at the first stage awards ceremony for the RIBA-supported competition “Building a Sustainable World” at the A+D Museum in Los Angeles in June 2007. There are several great photographs of him on our website handing out certificates.

He was a warm and generous colleague who was dedicated to making the best things in life actually happen, which they very often did around Philip, both in the professional and private spheres. His many talents included acting and writing and at the time of his passing he was well into a totally new career as a screenplay author.

Philip will be sorely missed by us all and our only comfort is that, having left us while on a dream-come-true adventure holiday in the Amazon Rainforest, he will have concluded his earthly duties on a very happy note indeed.

He is survived by his mother, Elise a twin sister, Julia and his inspiring partner, Leo.

Philip’s positive attitude to life is perhaps best summed up by his email signature:-
“The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true”.

TIm Clark June 16th 2012

2012 RIBA-USA Reception at the Ambassador’s Residence – Washington DC

Sir Peter Westmacott KCMG LVO welcomes
RIBA-USA members and their guests - Click here to see more images

2012 RIBA-USA AGM– Washington DC

To read more on the AGM click here.




RIBA-USA AGM AND SYMPOSIUM

Following RIBA-USA AGM and symposium at the AIA Convention in Washington DC, RIBA President Stops over in NYC .

Invited by Rick Bell (Center for Architecture NY), Angela Brady formed part of a panel discussion “Fit World: Encouraging Active Design Across the Globe” at New York’s Center for Architecture on La Guardia Place. The international panel included Kathryn Firth, MAUD, Chief of Design, London Legacy Development Corporation
Billie Giles-Corti, Director, McCaughey Centre, University of Melbourne Peter McCue, Manager, Premier's Council for Active Living NSW (Sydney, Australia)and was moderated by Jane E Brody NY Columnist

Left: Angela Brady Right: Angela with David Burney

Left: Jonathan Wimpenny, Mary Burke & Angela Brady Right: Audience


LATEST STUDENTS AND IMMIGRATION NEWS
Click here to go to the students and internship page for the latest news articles and information on immigration in the United States.

PHOTO COMPETITION

RIBA-USA PROGRAM – WASHINGTON DC - 2012

RIBA-USA Annual General Meeting
Thursday, May 17th 2012 at 10.00am
Venue: The Schnader Boardroom, Suite 550, Victor Building, 750 9th Street, NW

RIBA-USA International Practice:
“Building Global Connectivity through Local Synergy”
Thursday, May 17th 2012
Venue: AIA Convention Hall at 2.00 – 3.30pm. Tickets available through the AIA www.aia.org
2.00 pm                                    Welcome and Introduction
Moderator                               Jonathan B. Wimpenny, AIA RIBA, RIBA-USA President
2.10 pm                                    “International Practice”
Keynote Speaker                      Angela Brady, RIBA, 2011-2013 RIBA President
2.25 pm                                    “BRIC, BIM and Education in a GlobalArena”
International Practice              Joseph G. Burns. FAIA RIBA, RIBA-USA Chicago
2.40pm                                     “Green Strategy, Local Action”
International Practice              Dr Raj Barr-Kumar, FAIA RIBA, 1997 AIA National President,
Chair, RIBA-USA Washington DC
2.55 pm                                    “Professional Licenses, Entity Requirements, Local Ownership, Management Requirements and Transfer of Currency”
International Practice              Cynthia Fischer, Esq., AIA Allied member, Hon Sec RIBA-USA
3.10 – 3.30 pm                          International Panel Q & A

Evening Reception for Angela Brady, President RIBA:
Venue:  The UK Ambassador’s Residence, the British Embassy 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Thursday, May 17th 2012 – 6.00 – 8.30pm  (Invitation only)
By kind permission of the British Ambassador and Lady Westmacott

© RIBA Library Drawings and Archives Collection

The British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, built in 1928, was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869 -1944) to resemble an English Country Manor House. This drawing (showing elevation, plan and sections of the S W front) was kindly donated to the RIBA by the British Ambassador to the United States in October 2006. It is now included in the RIBA Library Drawings and Archives Collection; considered the most comprehensive architectural archive in the world. www.ribapix.com

“Shaping London” - An RIBA Event at the NY Consulate

Over 100 people attended an RIBA event on January 25th hosted by Danny Lopez, the New York Consulate General, at his penthouse residence close to the United Nations. Introduced by Stephen Philips (Chair British Architectural Trust) it gave Harry Rich (RIBA Chief Exec) the opportunity to explain the importance of the RIBA Drawings Collection and for Irena Murray (Curator)to discuss how the collection has now been thoroughly catalogued. NY architect, Donald Clinton AIA MRAIC, spoke on the topic of his early apprenticeship in the office of Denys Lasdun at the time of the design and construction of the National Theatre and welcomed this RIBA initiative to engage AIA Members who included Rick Bell FAIA, Exec Director of the NY Center for Architecture) and Joseph Aliotta (AIA NY President).

NY Consulate General, Danny Lopez,
welcoming RIBA to New York

Harry Rich (RIBA Chief Exec) and
Irena Murray (RIBA Drawings Collection Curator)

 (l-r) Joseph J. Aliotta, AIA, President, AIA New York Chapter;
 Lynn Osmond, President, Chicago Architecture Foundation;
 Mary W. Rowe, Vice President, Municipal Art Society;
Rick Bell, FAIA, FRSA, Executive Director, AIA New York Chapter.

BRITISH EMBASSY EVENT IN TOKYO

James Karl Fischer PhD (RIBA-USA Trustee and RIBA Council Member), Angela Brady (RIBA President) and Dr. Goh Chong Chia (UIA Treasurer, RIBA Council Member, RIBA Singapore President) enjoying an evening at the British Embassy in Tokyo during this year's UIA Conference. 
As practice becomes more fluid, member driven organizations such as the RIBA-USA and RIBA Singapore are gaining a presence on the world architectural scene.The UIA Conference garnered tremendous participation from a wide variety of contexts, with many programs tackling significant issues in the field.
For a detailed description of the UIA and its support systems, visit: www.uia2011tokyo.com/en/

CHINESE DELEGATION VISITS NEW YORK

November 2011
Jonathan Wimpenny RIBA-USA (center) met Professor Xiaodi Zhou of the School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing (left of center with camera in hand) and Gao Hui, Planning Director of the Taiyuan Planning & Research Center, Shanxi (right of center, viewing NYC through rose tinted glasses!) to welcome both and their student delegation to the United States. While touring the landmark area of Washington Square and Greenwich Village, they discussed the architectural program at Nanjing University, the previous RIBA-USA delegation to China and the continuing accord of architectural education spearheaded by Tim Clark (RIBA-USA founder). Accompanying them was Zhang Jianwei who is currently a visiting scholar and PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania. We wish them all ‘lucky-travel-wishes’ as they continue their US tour north to Harvard Graduate School and Boston.

GULF MEETING OF RIBA-USA TRUSTEES AND FRIENDS FROM THE REGION

While RIBA-USA members braced for winter weather, RIBA-USA Trustees, Tim Clark and Cynthia Fischer sought sunnier climes at their recent November meeting with engineers and architects in Dubai. Tim Clark Reports - The meeting was prompted by the presence of RIBA-USA Trustee, Cynthia Fischer in Dubai where she was giving a paper at the International Bar Association Annual Conference during the same week that TC was in nearby Abu Dhabi, on a routine monthly visit to his head office from his current base in Doha. The opportunity to enjoy a networking lunch proved irresistible and especially benefitted from the availability of two major figures from the GCC architectural profession who were able to join in. Discussions ranged from the future of the role of women in the GCC professions to the agenda for RIBA-USA's presentation at the 2012 AIA National Convention in Washington DC on Global Networking and Local Synergy.

LAUNCH OF “THIS IS GREAT BRITAIN”
David Cameron was in New York the penultimate week of September and attended the reception in the Wall Street Banqueting Hall for the PR launch of “This is GREAT Britain”.  Introduced by NY Mayor Mike Bloomberg, the Prime Minister said that the UK would put on “the greatest show on earth” next year when the London Olympics coincides with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and said he was sending out a message “loud and proud” that the world is invited.

RIBA-USA NEW ORLEANS AGM 2011. Click here to read more about the events...

Visit to Make It right Lower Ninth Ward Images Click here then scroll down...

A Reflection On New Orleans from Andrew Golland Click here to read his diary...
1. Two gutter punks in Jackson Square.
2. Oyster bar consultant.
3. Watching TV at the coffee bar of the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon St.
4. With Juan to the airport.
5. On the Gator Swamp Boat
6. The Architectural Visitation.
RIBA-USA AGM Events List
09-AM RIBA-USA Annual General Meeting Click here for the AGM Minutes
10-AM Keep it legal, protected and profitable – RIBA-USA symposium
11-AM Birds and Architecture
2-PM Daylighting
3-PM Llght from above, past present and future
7-PM to 10-PM Bird Safe Architecture Fundraiser
Thanks to the events platinum sponsors...



RIBA COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS
Dr James Karl Fischer (US Region) wins second term
with Nela De Zoysa (Sri Lanka)

Dr. James Karl Fischer -- RIBA-USA members welcomed the news of this year’s RIBA Elections for Council when they heard this week that Dr James Karl Fischer will be representing overseas members on Council for a second term. Indefatigable and persistent, James has been a vanguard for RIBA-USA interests and members worldwide.

Nela De Zoysa won her first term as the second overseas representative on council. As speaker at the RIBA-USA Annual General Meeting in New Orleans this year, she expressed her firm commitment to voicing the interests of RIBA members abroad. Nela is from Colombo, Sri Lanka and her vast experience covers the areas of Design, Design Development and Construction Management, and ranges from Banks, Educational Buildings to Commercial Complexes, Hotels, Sport Complexes, Personalized Housing, Projects of Renovation and Conservation and Interior Design.

RIBA-USA* MISSION STATEMENT

There are some 700 architects in the USA with professional links to the UK. Over 400 of these are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

RIBA-USA represents the professional, educational and regional interests of the RIBA-USA Chapters and members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) resident in the United States of America.

RIBA-USA seeks to:

• Establish itself among the prominent and sought-after professional bodies in the United States to represent the broad mandate of architecture as a profession and to strengthen the existing collaboration and joint initiatives with the American Institute of Architects
• Educate the public about the impact and relevance of the work of RIBA-USA members, the field of architecture and good design, serving society’s needs for resilient and sustainable environments which help to improve the quality of life
• Promote professional excellence, a diverse membership, a belief in continuing education and the maintenance of professional standards, programs, conferences and competitions.
• Encourage and support all students seeking to enter the profession.

* RIBA-USA Inc is a US registered 501(c)(3) tax exempt Non-Profit Corporation

Please help us keep your details up to date with your local US chapter by emailing
webmaster@riba-usa.org

MORE ABOUT RIBA-USA

Typically our members have trained at UK recognized schools of architecture. Many are US citizens, while others have become citizens, and we live in all the 50 US States. RIBA-USA was founded to respond to our special professional interests and provides an important link between RIBA in London and the bustle of professional life in the US. Over 100 RIBAs live along the US West Coast, so with RIBA support, the California Chapter was founded in 1995 and ran a successful events program at UCLA, the Pacific Design Center and The J Paul Getty Center.

In 1997, after electing Tim Clark to coordinate, we launched RIBA-USA itself and conducted a national survey. The survey revealed us to be an impetuous but mature body of professionals, most of whom have at least 10 years post registration experience. Since that survey, and the subsequent launch of our website members became increasingly in touch with one another and we now have a Board, with representation from each Chapter and a growing caucus of new Chapters. In 1997, following our first national mailing, the New York Chapter was founded and has enabled us to provide an imaginative forum to advance the interests of members, British Trade organizations and firms. May 8th 2003 marks the date of a famous launch for our New England Chapter, followed shortly after by another in Chicago to serve the needs of the "North Central" Region of the USA, otherwise affectionately known as the Mid-West.

We work closely with AIA, and have a lot in common with the AIA UK Chapter, whose establishment in 1994 first inspired us to start up in Los Angeles. We are working hard in the background of ongoing negotiations to revive mutual recognition on licensing between the US and EU and we announced the signing of a new bilateral commitment between NCARB and the EU in November 2005. To be effective in our position on this and other professional issues we need to involve members everywhere in the US. Check out our plan for US representation and other interesting statistics on our national survey page.

RIBA-USA assists its Chapters provide and share services to RIBA members in the USA. Since 1998 RIBA membership in the US has grown by 10% and we look forward to a further upsurge and the seeding of more US Chapters, each with its unique geographical identity, in the coming months and years. All RIBA members are automatically members of RIBA-USA, and others may join by special arrangement. Please contact webmaster@riba-usa.org for further details. Our mission is to make diversity the hallmark of our inclusive professional community, toward our ultimate goal of mobilizing excellence.

Indeed it is only through the contribution of individual RIBA members from diverse backgrounds that we continue to hold a place at the cutting edge of the world's architectural profession. We have a great future ahead of us, particularly we who are privileged to be able to enjoy the partnership and synergy of professional life that is particular to the USA.

In 2009, the RIBA-USA Board adopted Presiding Chair-elect, Jonathan Wimpenny  as Presiding Chair of RIBA-USA.

Please visit the Gibbs site by clicking on the image below to see the competitions entries for the RIBA-USA Building a Sustainable World