The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin announced today that it had reached almost 50% of the $1 million fundraising goal it needs to reach by the end of August on its way to independent status. The remaining $500,000 of these funds must be promised to the school by August 25 for the school’s Campaign for Independence to move forward.
In December of 2014, after an agreement between the Board of The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, the School agreed to raise $2 million, with $1 million of it by the end of this month, in order to achieve the financial autonomy necessary to become an independent organization.
Accreditation for the school has been threatened because the Higher Learning Commission changed its by-laws and would no longer accredit schools that are operating divisions of larger institutions with multi-faceted missions.
The School’s professional M.Arch degree program offers graduate students design-intensive studio experiences at campuses in Taliesin West (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Taliesin (Spring Green, Wis.). Over the last year, the school has revamped its curriculum to provide a better experimental graduate program in architecture. It focuses on learning how to make the human-made environment more sustainable and open. Students work with local communities to both design and build projects, and they make shelters that each student lives in for his or her final semester.
Accreditation for the school has been threatened because the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) changed its by-laws and would no longer accredit schools that are operating divisions of larger institutions with multi-faceted missions. Facing the possibility of the Frank Lloyd Wright School losing accreditation and potentially closing, longtime supporters suggested the possibility of raising funds to create and support an independently-incorporated school.
The Foundation Board agreed that, if the school's community could raise funds sufficient to demonstrate that the new organization would have “its own financial resources” (as explicitly required by the HLC’s by-laws), then spinning off the school would not present the same obstacles. The new, independent school organization would take ultimate fiduciary responsibility for itself.
As part of the new structure, the Foundation would donate over $1 million in facilities-related cash expenses every year, related to the school's use of Taliesin West and Taliesin as its campuses (at no cost to the school). The Foundation would also contribute an additional subsidy of $580,000 to the school in 2015, with decreasing levels of such additional transitional support over the next five years (but always continuing to cover 100% of annual facility-related expenses which total more than $1 million annually).
In order to achieve the desired independence and continue as a stand-alone School of Architecture, gifts and pledges for an initial $1 million in contributions must be received by August 25, 2015 – and gifts and pledges for a second million must be received by December 31, 2015.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 22, 2021: COVID-19's impact on multifamily amenities
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C's Robert Cassidy speaks with three multifamily design experts about the impact of COVID-19 on apartment and condo amenities, based on the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Survey.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 15, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 15, 2021: The ins and outs of adaptive reuse, and sensors for real-time construction monitoring
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders from PBDW Architects and Wohlsen Construction about what makes adaptive reuse projects successful, and sensors for real-time monitoring of concrete construction.
Architects | Apr 14, 2021
HASTINGS elevates Sara Atherton and Derek Schmidt to Principal
Hastings Architecture promotes Sara Atherton and Derek Schmidt to Principal.
Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021
BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms
BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.
Architects | Apr 2, 2021
Spring Has Sprung at Construction Specialties
Introducing a slew of sensational solids, metallic finishes that cast subtle and shimmering effects, and disposable curtains to complement our exclusive fabric line.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 30, 2021
Bipartisan ‘YIMBY’ bill would provide $1.5B in grants to spur new housing
Resources for local leaders to overcome obstacles such as density-unfriendly or discriminatory zoning.
Office Buildings | Mar 26, 2021
Finding success for downtown office space after COVID-19
Using the right planning tools can spur new uses for Class B and C commercial real estate.
Architects | Mar 25, 2021
The Weekly Show, March 25, 2021: The Just Label for AEC firms, and Perkins Eastman's Well-Platinum design studio
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders about the Just Label from the International Living Future Institute, and the features and amenities at Perkins Eastman's Well Platinum-certified design studio.
Architects | Mar 23, 2021
Design firms KTGY, Simeone Deary Design Group unite to shape future of architectural design through experiential environments
With a bold vision to reshape how people experience spaces, residential design firm joins forces with interior design group, creating fully integrated architecture, branding, interiors and planning practice.
