Arthur O'Leary, FAIA, MRIAI

Introduction to Field Administration
How Can Intern Architects Learn How To Do It?
There is no question that all professional work in an architect's office should be performed under the direct control and supervision of qualified architects. (Note 1) All architectural and engineering offices are organized around this elementary principle. How can it be otherwise? Clients have the right to expect that their architect's services will be performed consistent with standards of professional skill and care. Read More

DCD Insights 

From Eyesore to Opportunity: Adapting an Older Building for a New Use
By Dave Clark

It is inevitable that structures will age and outgrow their original intended function. With changes in technology and lifestyle, construction design is constantly updated to meet modern demands and older structures are left in the wake of change. Read More

Cost Estimators Say It With Numbers 
By Fred Mulligan
Setting appropriate expectations and managing to them is the key to client satisfaction. If there is any doubt whether this is true, promise a child a trip to the ice cream parlor and fail to deliver. The issue will become quite clear. Read More

Construction Cost Trends 

Construction Cost Trends for 2008 Published in January/February 2008
Construction Cost Trends for 2007 Published in November/December 2007 Issue
Construction Cost Trends for 2007 Published in September/October 2007 Issue
Construction Cost Trends for 2007 Published in July/Aug 2007 Issue
Construction Cost Trends for 2007 Published in May/June 2007 Issue
Construction Cost Trends for 2007 Published in Mar/Apr 2007 Issue

DCD Sq. Ft. Cost Guides 

The DCD Educational Square Foot Cost Guide
The DCD LEED® Square Foot Cost Guide
The DCD Sq. Ft. Cost Guide for Buildings with Metal Construction
The DCD Sq. Ft. Cost Guide for Commercial & Industrial Buildings
The DCD 2007 Building Square Foot Cost Guide
The DCD Sq. Ft. Cost Guide For Medical Buildings

Just Released!
Architect's Square Foot Costbook 2008
McGraw Hill Construction and Design & Construction Resources    

The Architect's Square Foot Costbook 2008 presents detailed square foot costs for 65 buildings tailored specifically to meet the needs of today's architect. Each project gives you a complete cost breakdown of the included systems, so you can easily calculate the impact of modifications and enhancements on your own projects.
    The "theme" of this year's edition is Green Building-a concept which is rapidly revolutionizing the way buildings are being designed. Over a third of the case studies presented here feature significant green building attributes, such as materials from renewable sources, enhanced natural lighting, and energy recycling. Item #: 1588550842

Price: $54.95 plus shipping
Ckick Here to Order Yours Today
Order by Phone at: 800-997-2922
Visit us at: www.bookworkz.com

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TradeWinds 

Architecture Billings Index Continues Positive Momentum
2007 ends with historic 34 consecutive months of positive conditions
After a fall rebound from a summer slowdown, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) recorded another healthy score in December. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the December ABI rating was 55.4, up a fraction from the 55.3 mark in November (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings), and inquiries for new projects was 58.1. Read More

Nonresidential Construction Activity Expected to Soften in 2008 

Weakness in the overall U.S. economy is translating to a tempered forecast for the nonresidential construction market, and spending is expected to increase by a modest 0.7 percent in 2008 in inflation adjusted terms. Led by demand for institutional projects, the growth in 2008 is expected to be at a slower pace than recent years, with commercial projects likely to see the most decrease. Also there is expected to be continued volatility in the costs of building materials. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters. Read More

DCD Jan/Feb Issue is Online 

CV080118: Dakota County Jail
MD080120: Coordinated Health Orth. Hospital
CM080124: Mama Mexico Restaurant
EU080126: Monroe Elementary School
MD080128: Modesto Radiological Institute
CV080130: Sharonville Fire Department
OF080132: PIPS Technology, Inc. 
MD080136: Canonsburg General Hospital
RC080138: Family Recreation Center
MD080140: Carondelet Medical Mall

Builder Product Revue

Doka’s Formwork System Achieves Pristine Architectural Concrete Finish on University of Pennsylvania Campus 
As more and more building owners begin to embrace the architectural possibilities of concrete, achieving a high-end concrete finish has become a top priority on many job sites. Such is the case on a mixed-use student housing project currently under construction on the University of Pennsylvania campus, where the exposed concrete on the 14-story structure demanded an impeccable finishing job. Although “architectural concrete” or “fair-faced concrete” have been coined as the accepted verbiage to describe such a pristine finish, there is still some discussion about the best way to achieve it. Read More

    DCD Subscribers: The archives of Design Cost Data are available online at DCD.COM in the DCD Archives™. The DCD Archives contains over 1,100 completed projects, and their actual cost to build, to assist you in developing preliminary cost estimates, building type research, cost modeling and more. The DCD Archives includes cost escalators through 2010 and regional modifiers in an easy-to-use cost modeling database.
    Access the DCD Archives with your DCD Subscriber Number that is located on your DCD Magazine mailing label next to your last name. To become a subscriber of DCD, you can subscribe online at DCD.COM or call us at 800-533-5680.

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