The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced its “punch list” for Congress that, if completed, will ignite the construction economy by spurring much needed improvements in energy efficiency, infrastructure and resiliency and create jobs for small business
“America needs to create more jobs, to strengthen communities, and find help for millions of young people to succeed in the new economy,” said Robert Ivy, CEO of the American Institute of Architects, "so we've created a punch list—a term that enumerates unfinished items in a construction contract."
“The AIA’s Congressional punch list will help Congress satisfy its implicit contract with the American people to spur growth and create jobs,” Ivy said. “Our legislative agenda reflects the interests of our members, which not so coincidentally reflects the priorities of the American people.”
“America needs to create more jobs, to strengthen communities, and find help for millions of young people to succeed in the new economy,” said Robert Ivy, CEO of the American Institute of Architects. A punch list is a list of actions that need to be taken to satisfy the terms of a contract.
“The AIA’s Congressional punch list will help Congress satisfy its implicit contract with the American people to spur growth and create jobs,” Ivy said. “Our legislative agenda reflects the interests of our members, which not so coincidentally reflects the priorities of the American people.”
The AIA’s Punch List for Congress:
1. Re-enact Expired Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives
Congress left town in December without extending several important tax incentives that expired on New Year’s Day. Of most significance to the design and construction industry is the expiration of a tax break enacted in 2005 for energy efficient commercial buildings. The 179D deduction allowed building owners to claim a tax deduction of $1.80 per sq. ft. of building area to install systems that reduce the total energy and power costs by 50 percent or more when compared with a reference building. As Congress continues to debate long-term tax reform, it can boost the economy and create jobs today by reinstating this deduction.
2. Help Businesses by Reforming Government Procurement Rules
More than 97 percent of architecture firms employ 50 or fewer people; every project they design leads to job opportunities for millions of construction workers. But too many laws and regulations block innovative solutions that maximize the government’s return on its investment. Congress must reform procurement rules so that architects and designers can deliver projects that are safe, productive and sustainable. In 2014, the AIA is aggressively pushing for passage of The Design-Build Efficiency and Jobs Act of 2013 (H.R. 2750), introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) in July, which would reform of the design-build contracting process so that more design and architectural firms can bid on federal contracts without fear of losing money in the process.
3. Invest in the Next Generation of Design Leaders
Millions of young people aspire to help their communities build a better future – but a lack of opportunity and the crushing cost of education hold them back. As a result, the design and construction industry faces a severe shortage of talent, at exactly the moment we need to start rebuilding for the future. The AIA urges Congress to pass the proposed National Design Services Act (NDSA), which will give architecture students the relief from crushing student loan debt as that granted young lawyers, doctors and others – in return for pro bono community service.
4. Invest in Infrastructure
Just as the Capitol dome, the symbol of American democracy is undergoing a multi-year renovation, so too must our nation’s infrastructure. Congress should pass a multi-year transportation reauthorization, which would allow for long-term planning that not only repairs roads and bridges but helps communities prosper; and enact a National Infrastructure Bank to finance the design, construction and repair of buildings and other vital infrastructure. Such moves would help free up capital for private sector building projects, and new ways to invest in public sector buildings, providing jobs in the short term and a more competitive economy in the long run.
5. Pass a Common-Sense Energy Efficiency Bill
Last session, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved a bipartisan bill, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013 that would encourage families, businesses and the government to save energy. The Senate should take up the legislation, sponsored by Ohio Republican Rob Portman and New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, in 2014, and oppose efforts by the fossil fuel industry to repeal existing policies that save energy.
6. Help Communities Weather Natural Disasters
Each year, natural disasters kill tens of thousands of people worldwide and inflict billions of dollars in damage. Many parts of the United States are still recovering from tornadoes and hurricanes like Superstorm Sandy. Congress can help communities fortify themselves from such disasters by passing the Safe Building Code Incentive Act, introduced by New Jersey Democratic Senator Robert Menendez and Florida Republican Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart, which encourages states to voluntarily adopt and enforce nationally recognized model building codes.
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well being. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.
Related Stories
| Nov 27, 2013
University reconstruction projects: The 5 keys to success
This AIA CES Discovery course discusses the environmental, economic, and market pressures affecting facility planning for universities and colleges, and outlines current approaches to renovations for critical academic spaces.
| Nov 26, 2013
7 ways to make your firm more successful
Like all professional services businesses, AEC firms are challenged to effectively manage people. And even though people can be rather unpredictable, a firm’s success doesn’t have to be. Here are seven ways to make your firm more successful in the face of market variability and uncertainty.
| Nov 26, 2013
Design-build downsized: Applying the design-build method in an era of smaller projects
Any project can benefit from the collaborative spirit and cooperative relationships embodied by design-build. But is there a point of diminishing return where the design-build project delivery model just doesn't make sense for small projects? Design-build expert Lisa Cooley debates the issue.
| Nov 25, 2013
Electronic plan review: Coming soon to a city near you?
With all the effort AEC professionals put into leveraging technology to communicate digitally on projects, it is a shame that there is often one major road block that becomes the paper in their otherwise “paperless” project: the local city planning and permitting department.
| Nov 22, 2013
Kieran Timberlake, PE International develop BIM tool for green building life cycle assessment
Kieran Timberlake and PE International have developed Tally, an analysis tool to help BIM users keep better score of their projects’ complete environmental footprints.
| Nov 20, 2013
Architecture Billings Index slows in October; project inquiries stay strong
Following three months of accelerating demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index reflected a somewhat slower pace of growth in October. The October ABI score was 51.6, down from a mark of 54.3 in September.
| Nov 19, 2013
Pediatric design in an adult hospital setting
Freestanding pediatric facilities have operational and physical characteristics that differ from those of adult facilities.
| Nov 18, 2013
6 checkpoints when designing a pediatric healthcare unit
As more time and money is devoted to neonatal and pediatric research, evidence-based design is playing an increasingly crucial role in the development of healthcare facilities for children. Here are six important factors AEC firms should consider when designing pediatric healthcare facilities.
| Nov 18, 2013
Lord Aeck Sargent opens metro D.C. office, updates brand
Architecture, design, and planning firm unveils its sixth office, plus a new visual identity system and website
| Nov 18, 2013
How do construction professionals use social media?
LinkedIn is the social network used by most construction professionals, according to the results of a newly released national survey conducted by the Construction Marketing Association.