This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technology in Architectural Practice and Center for Integrated Practice .
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Owners play an important leadership role on successful projects and architects can play an equally important role in raising owner awareness. As President of COAA and a second year member of the AIA Center for Integrated Practice Leadership Group, one of my goals is to bring a valuable representation of the owner's voice to the Integrated Practice discussion. That is why I am urging architects to encourage their owners to submit projects for COAA's Project Leadership Award. The Project Leadership Award is an annual awards program that recognizes Owners' excellence in project delivery. The award promotes leadership, professionalism, and management of Owners involved in the design and construction process. The award program is open to all types of construction projects, e.g. healthcare facilities, government buildings, manufacturing plants, educational/research facilities, etc. Renovation and new construction projects completed between January 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011 (the deadline for submissions) are eligible for this year's award. Visit the Project Leadership Awards Page at www.COAA.org for more details.
One of COAA's primary goals is to bring educational opportunities to owners as we feel that an educated owner is a better partner in the planning, design and construction process. COAA and AIA are developing a strong working relationship on many fronts and we are pleased to be working with the AIA to help ensure that owners and architects achieve successful collaborations that best suit each owner's situation and needs in the most efficient way possible. Spreading an awareness of COAA and encouraging participation in the Project Leadership Awards program is another way that architects can help owners become better partners (and clients) in the process.
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Boyd Black
Assistant Vice President for Capital Project Delivery
The University of Chicago / Facilities Services
Chicago IL
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