As you begin 2025 sharing good times with families, friends and communities, I hope you will also give thanks for the warm friendships, deep learning and inspired design that results from continued engagement with the AIA network of architects and allied professionals, especially those committed to public architecture for the common good.
In 2024 the Public Architect Committee (PAC) had a terrific year of events and discussions that underscored the value of architects in delivering public infrastructure, buildings and spaces that are beautiful, sustainable and resilient, and that serve public institutions and municipalities throughout the country – in cities small and large, in rural communities, and at state and federal agencies which provide efficient public services with humanity and dignity. Here is a reminder of some of the outstanding activities of our knowledge community:
● Revision to 80-year-old 6% fee limitation rule: After many years of advocacy by members of the PAC, the DoD increased the statutory fee limit for architect and engineering services and amended the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. This increase goes into effect on August 26, 2024. The revised fee limit will allow architecture firms providing services to both horizontal and vertical construction projects, with particular benefit to those with smaller contracts, to cover labor, overhead, indirect, and other direct cost increases. Read more
● The PAC presented two AIAU courses in 2024 that offer vital information and strategic insights for current practice. Here are links to the course descriptions as well as previous PAC course listings:
o Leveraging Public Sector Projects for Small & Mid-Sized Firms
o Historic Preservation: How One Public Agency Developed a Comprehensive Preservation Planning Strategy
o PAC AIAU course listings
● Celebrating 50+ years of the GSA Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture, we held a Public Architects Symposium in conjunction with the AIA24 conference in Washington DC, that gathered18 experts from municipal, state and federal agencies to share their knowledge of developing and implementing public policies aimed at the adaptation, regeneration and repair of our built environment. 150 people attended and participated in a spirited discussion of the role that public architects play within the AIA and in the world. Follow this link to view the presentations: PA Symposium PowerPoints
● Paula Loomis, PhD, FAIA, FSAME, AICP, LEED AP, SAP was honored at AIA24 with the Award for Excellence in Public Architecture. Many of us on the committee have benefited from her vigorous leadership, optimism and sage advice. She embodies the best of public service and inspires awe and admiration for the tremendous impact she has made to the built environment and to the practice of architecture for the public good. Read more
● The AIA Chief Architect Initiative is receiving full support from PAC members who serve in government positions and are willing to mentor architects interested in civic leadership within their communities, and we support the update of the 2018 Citizen Architect Handbook. Our colleague Julia Laue, FAIA was recently appointed as the new City Architect for the City of San Francisco. Julia is dedicated to elevating the importance of civic architecture and advocating for the impact that public architecture has on enhancing the experience of government services. You can learn more about her work from her AIAU PAC courses.
Throughout the year the PAC worked on engaging with members on the PAKC discussion group, with the goal of improving communications with AIA National staff via our dedicated assistant Lisa Berretta and coordinating programs with the AIA Strategic Council and the Board of the Knowledge Communities. I look forward to working in 2025 under the newly elected Chair Phillip Neuberg, FAIA, and to collaborate with our current leadership Mahbuba N Khan, AIA, Leslie Kahn, AIA and Patricia Solis, AIA. We welcome Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA as a new member of the PAC leadership and are extremely grateful for the service of outgoing members Adam Pantelimon-Negrut, PhD, Intl. Assoc. AIA (who served for 5 years) and Jeffrey Scott, AIA (who served for 4 years). In addition, we have a strong group of Ad-Hoc and former leadership committee members who support and sustain our efforts.
If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to me, Phil or Lisa Berretta – we all benefit from our commitment to excellence in architecture and civic service.
2025 may be a tumultuous year, therefore we must recommit ourselves to the value of good design, to ensuring the highest standards of practice, and to being agents for the success of our communities and for the regeneration of the built environment. And we as architects, together, can do our best to change the world and empower the next generation to continue in harmony and prosperity.
Wishing you a healthy, happy and fulfilling 2025,
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Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham FAIA
University of Massachusetts
Amherst MA
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