Interior Design & Architecture - News

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Architectural billings up

WASHINGTON, D.C.—During the first two months of 2011 the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) is not exhibiting the strength of business conditions that were seen in the final quarter of 2010.

As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the February ABI score was 50.6, up slightly from a reading of 50.0 the previous month. This score reflects a modest increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.4, compared to a mark of 56.5 in January.

For more information, see www.aia.org

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Architectural firms merge

NEW YORK—Design and architecture firms Perkins Eastman and Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects (EE&K) have agreed to merge their practices.

The combined international practice will total nearly 600 employees, adding expanded capabilities and client value.  The firms will consolidate their New York, Washington D.C., and China practices.

For more information, see www.perkinseastman.com

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AIA identifies Fellows

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The 2011 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated RTKL’s Nathan Cherry FAIA, AICP, LEED AP; Rod Henderer FAIA, LEED AP and David V. Thompson FAIA, BSCP, LEED AP to its prestigious college of fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession.

The AIA Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Out of a total AIA membership of over 80,000, there are fewer than 2,700 distinguished with the fellowship and honorary fellowship.

For more information, see www.rtkl.com

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Architects receive prize

LOS ANGELES—Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, partners in the architectural firm, SANAA, have been chosen as the 2010 Laureates of the Pritzker Architecture Prize.

For more information, see www.pritzkerprize.com

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Mancini Duffy adds staff

NEW YORK—Mancini•Duffy announces that Mark Harbick, AIA, IIDA, has joined the firm as Design Principal in the New York corporate interiors group.

Harbick has an impressive portfolio that covers a broad range of project types, from the headquarters for Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California; to Denihan Hospitality Group’s corporate headquarters at 551 Fifth Avenue, New York City.

For more information, see www.manciniduffy.com

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Kroc Center opens

JASPER, Ind.—The first campus-based Kroc Community Center opened in Dayton, Ohio, including four buildings on more than 17 acres near downtown. This building is the latest project stemming from the donation of Joan Kroc, heiress to the McDonald’s fortune, to The Salvation Army. Kroc gave left more than $1.5 billion to the organization, the largest gift ever donated to the organization.

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