Architects Issue Statement on Architecture for Humanity
Robert Ivy, FAIA, CEO of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement on the closing of Architecture for Humanity (AFH).
“Architecture for Humanity popularized social impact design and engaged a generation of architects, including many AIA members, in helping people worldwide. We worked alongside AFH in strengthening efforts in resilience and helping communities recover from Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, Japan earthquake, and Superstorm Sandy. We have long supported the work of Architecture for Humanity and we are saddened to see the organization close its doors.
“Resilience, social impact and public interest design will continue to grow in importance for the AIA and its members and endure through AIA’s partnerships with the Clinton Global Initiative, the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities, Public Architecture and others. The AIA will proactively seek opportunities for our members, through our programs and collaborations with other allied organizations, to advance the mission that Architecture for Humanity so strongly embodied.”
Section 179D: Energy Efficiency Tax Credit Extension Passes Congress
Congress approved an extension of the 179D tax credit retroactively for work completed in 2014. In addition, they approved continued tax credits/incentives continuation, including 45L Tax Credit, Bonus Depreciation, and the Research & Development Tax Credit for the tax year 2014.
The incentives include:
179D tax Credit - $1.80/SF deduction for energy efficient upgrades to commercial buildings
45L Tax Credit - $1-2K rebate for completing an new, energy efficient homes with greater than 50% energy savings than the 2006 energy code (those following the current 2012 code in Illinois are already approximately 30% more efficient)
Bonus Depreciation - allows most types of “tangible personal property and computer software” acquired and placed in service during 2014 to have the regular depreciation allowance that is normally available plus an additional 50%.
Research & Development Tax Credit - allows designers to be given a tax credit for development of “unique” or “customized” building components or material assemblies
Click here for more information or ask your accountant to determine how these can be utilized for your 2014 tax return.
AIA President and CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA, said, “This win results directly from a heightened advocacy presence from AIA members who responded to our calls for action on this issue, testified on Capitol Hill, met with their local representatives, and supported the AIA’s champions through ArchiPAC, the AIA’s political action committee. Their efforts prove what the AIA can accomplish when we speak with a strong, unified voice.”
Read a May article about the bill>
This article is culled from the AIA Illinois e-newsletter;thanks to AIA Illinois Board Member Steve Kismohr for this overview.
AIA CEO Bob Ivy, FAIA, to Keynote 4th Annual Affordable Housing Design Leadership Institute (AHDLI) in Chicago
From July 23-25, Enterprise Community Partners will convene the fourth annual Affordable Housing Design Leadership Institute (AHDLI) in Chicago. The Institute will facilitate an exchange of ideas and knowledge between national leaders in the community development field.
Hosted by Cannon Design, the Institute explores the role of design through the lens of seven development projects and intensive dialogue between developers and architects.
The Institute will begin with a keynote on Tuesday, July 23 by Robert Ivy, FAIA, the Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The night will feature the first national presentation of the AIA/HUD Secretary’s Award Winner for Design Excellence in Affordable Housing. The winning project team will be joined by winners of the Richard H. Driehaus Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design.
The partnership of Jonathan Rose Companies and Grimshaw Architects will present their national AIA/HUD award winning project, Via Verde, a new model for affordable, green and healthy urban living in the Bronx. The recipients of Chicago’s Driehaus award, The Resurrection Project and UrbanWorks, will showcase La Casa, an innovative model in student housing. These two development and design teams will engage in a discussion with Robert Ivy on the role of design awards in community development. Together, the panelists and audience will explore how design can contribute to improved health outcomes and stronger neighborhoods.
The presentation of the Design Excellence Awards is a first at the Institute, marking the new partnership between HUD, the AIA, and Enterprise. This exciting event at the Chicago Cultural Center is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so registration is required.
See more by clicking here.
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Robert Ivy, FAIA, to Deliver Public Keynote at AHDLI Tuesday, July 23, 2013, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theatre
AIA/HUD Secretary’s Award Winner for Design Excellence in Affordable Housing Winners
LA CASA The Richard H. Driehaus Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design Winner
Developer: Guacolda Reyes of The Resurrection Project
Architect: Patricia Saldaña Natke of UrbanWorks
VIA VERDE The AIA/HUD Secretary’s Awards for Design Excellence in Affordable Housing Winner
Developer: Paul Frietag of The Rose Companies
Architect: Nikolas Dando-Haenisch of Grimshaw Architects
