DRAFT MINUTES

 

WESTERN CONFERENCE OF ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION BOARDS

MINUTES

 

March 17 and 18, 2006                                                          Tucson Omni National

                                                                                                Tucson, Arizona

 

 


March 17, 2006          REGION 6 MEETING

 

Greg Erny, Region 6 Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:30.  A quorum was established with 11 jurisdictions present.  Only Hawaii and the Northern Marianas were absent.

 

It was moved and seconded to approve the meeting agenda.  The motion was approved.

 

Greg appointed Barbara Sestak to chair the Elections Committee.  Roger Lujan will help her with the elections.  Roger Meyer and Ben Nielsen were appointed to the Resolutions Committee and Peter Rasmussen to the Laudatory Committee.

 

Three positions will be vacated on the Executive Committee.  Roger Basarich will have completed his first term in June and is running for a second term.  Greg Erny and Barbara Sestak will have completed their second terms in June.   After the elections, a vote will be held to elect the Chair of the Executive Committee.

 

Ken Naylor, present Regional Director, is planning on running for Regional Director again.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.  The education portion of the meeting will follow at 9:15 a.m.

 

March 18, 2006          JOINT REGIONAL MEETING

 

THOSE PRESENT:

 

Region 6 Delegates:

 

ALASKA :                   Harley Hightower, Board Member                                                        \                                   Ginger Morton, Board Executive

ARIZONA:                  Gary Nelson, Board Member

                                    Rich Pawelko, Board Member

                                    Ronald Dalrymple, Board Executive

CALIFORNIA:            Jon Baker, Board Member

Kirk Miller, Board Member

Denis Henmi, Executive Committee

Jeffrey Heller, Board Member

                                    Doug McCauley, Board Executive

COLORADO:             Michael Oney, Board Member

                                    Angie Kinnaird Linn, Board Executive

GUAM:                        Jun Moguel, Board Member

                                    Andrew Laguana, Board Member

HAWAII:                     None Present

IDAHO:                       Paul Jensen, Board Member

                                    Nels Reese, Board Member

                                    Alan Giltzow, Board Member

                                    Stan Cole, Board Member

                                    Shelly Servick, Board Member                        

                                    Carmen Westberg, WCARB Ex. Dir.

NEVADA:                   Greg Erny, WCARB Chair

                                    Judith Fermoile, Board Member

                                    Derrell Parker. Board Member

                                    Larry Tindall, Board Member

                                    John Klai, Board Member

                                    Gina Spaulding, Board Executive

                                    Stacey Hatfield, Staff

NEW MEXICO:          Roger Lujan, Board Member

                                    Roger Basarich, Executive Committee

                                    David Sloan, Board Member

                                    Robert Calvani, Board Member

                                    Jim Oschwald, Board Member

                                    David Knauer, Board Executive

N. MARIANAS:          (Not Represented)

OREGON:                   Kim Arbuckle, Board Member

                                    Bill Seider, Board Member

                                    Barbara Sestak, Executive Committee

                                    Jim Chaney, Board Member

                                    Roger Meyer, Board Member

                                    Carol Halford, Board Executive

UTAH:                         Ken Naylor, Region 6 Director

WASHINGTON:        Charles Farrell, Board Member

                                    Henry Hardnett, Board Member

                                    Ben Nielsen, Board Member

                                    Blaine Weber, Board Member

                                    Joe Vincent, Board Executive

 

Region 1 Delegates:

 

Connecticut:                 Edward Jeter, Board Member

Maine:                          Doug Engebretson, Board Member

                                    Bill Bisson, Board Member

Massachusetts:             John Miller, Region 1 Director

New Hampshire:           Chris Williams, Board Member

                                    Patricia Sherman, Board Member

Rhode Island:               James Carlson, Board Member

                                    Dana Newbrook, Board Member

                                    Mark Saccoccio, Board Member

Vermont:                      Robert Meyer, Region 1 Chair

                                    Chris Liddle, Board Member

 

NCARB:                    Carleton Godsey, President

                                    Bob Luke, 1st Vice President

                                    Peter Rasmussen, NCARB Secretary

                                    Lenore Lucey, Executive Vice President

 

AIA:                            Paul Mendelsohn

                                   

CONVENE: 

 

Greg Erny, Chair of Region 6, convened the joint NCARB Region 1 and Region 6 meeting at 9:00 a.m.  He next introduced the dignitaries of Region 1 and Region 6 to the delegates.  Rich Pawelko, Chair of the Arizona Board, welcomed all the delegates to Arizona.  He gave a brief presentation on Arizona.

 

NCARB PRESENTATIONS:

 

Carleton Godsey, President of NCARB, gave a preview of NCARB’s presentation this morning.  They will begin with the usual NCARB discussions on the upcoming annual meeting, resolutions and certificates.  Denis Henmi and Doug Engebretson will give a presentation on the Governance Task Force.  NCARB will close their session with a Town Meeting.

 

Bob Luke, 1st Vice President, helped Carlton with the presentation of the certificates of appreciation for those who served on NCARB committees.

 

Carleton Godsey went over the election procedures for those running for office in June.

 

Doug Engebretson, 1st Vice President

Gordey Mills, 2nd Vice President

Andy Prescott, Treasurer

 

Bob Luke briefly went over the resolutions to be voted on at the NCARB national meeting in June and the process called for by the bylaws.  He also requested that the delegates withhold comments or questions until the Town Meeting.

 

Bob Luke commended Carleton Godsey for challenging the board to work on a strategic plan.  Every January the board meets to update the plan.

 

Bob Luke does not believe IDP is broken, but needs studying.   He plans to initiate a task force to define NCARB’s role on regulating health, safety and welfare.  He also wants to work on customer service.  He believes we are not doing a bad job, but wants the service to be faster and more responsive.  He finally thanked the delegates for the opportunity to serve.

 

Lenore Lucey, Executive Vice President of NCARB, invited everyone to the national meeting in Cincinnati from June 21 – 24, 2006.  The meeting will be held at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

 

Lenore discussed how the regions were formed.  Initially Region 6 and Region 1 established regions.  The other regions worked around many formations until the present regions were formed.

 

Carleton Godsey spoke to the delegates about his year as President and the work accomplished by the committees.  He specifically discussed the Governance Task Force and the guidance on governance that they provide to the jurisdictions.

 

He stated that IDP has been evaluated for competency and mentorship.

 

One of Carleton’s goals was to move forward resolutions that have been on the books for some time.  International agreements have been brought back on the table.  An agreement was signed between Mexico, Canada and the United States.   All these Mutual Recognition Agreements (MREs) are set up to protect the countries. 

 

The Professional Development Committee developed a monograph on senior living.  Carleton quipped that he would need that after this year.

 

 A separate charge has been set to work on the ARE.  A few instances of cheating lead to a “no talk” policy and guidelines on how to deal with cheating in the future.  There have been very few instances of cheating in all the time the ARE has been administered.

 

The Member Board Chairs asked for some guidance on the process of the education, internship and exam.  Carleton believed that it should be taken in sequence.  As he got to be in his position as President of NCARB, he wanted to be sure that the process was thoroughly evaluated and looked at for proof that the sequence was the right policy.  He developed a task force to evaluate this issue.  He also appointed a special board task force to develop a policy on this sequence and when an individual could take the ARE.

 

There was no data found to prove one way or another whether there is a right sequence or not.  The pass rate is significantly higher when the candidates complete IDP, but it is not known if that relates to the protection of health, safety and welfare.  The board met and tried to come up with a policy.  There was no data, so there was not a consensus of the board.  The Executive Committee did come up with a policy it hopes we can all agree on.

 

Education, Experience (IDP) and Examination are the three legs of the stool.  Each is imperfect, but together they are the best assurance that the most perfect result is achieved.

 

The policy they developed is that the sequence is the best way, and that the three legged stool should be maintained.

 

Denis Henmi gave a report on the Governance Task Force.  The NCARB leadership time demands are great beginning with 45 days for the Regional Director up to over 200 for the President.

 

The discussions revolved around what can be done to attract and develop future leaders and how can diversity among appointees to Member Boards be enhanced.

 

Carleton had a special presentation for the benefit of David Knauer.  Roger Basarich has been delegated to keep David Knauer in shape.  He was presented with some duck tape.  Earlier Alan Giltzow was made NCARB Commissioner of Baseball.

 

The NCARB Town Hall meeting began with Angie Kinnaird Linn asking about the discussion about appointing a public member to the board.  Denis responded that there has been discussion about what type of public member should be appointed.  Angie asked them to consider appointing a public member from an existing board because of their experience and the ability to get involved in NCARB.  She understands that they can be involved, but that is a rare occurrence.

 

David Knauer asked if they have considered video conferencing as a method to reduce costs. Carleton said they have considered it, but it is not very efficient with 12 people; it works better with a couple of people.  With changes in technology it could be reconsidered.

 

A suggestion was made by a delegate from New Mexico to seriously consider putting a board executive on the board because they are the liaison between the board and the public.  All board executives present who believed they could be away from the office for 20 or so days a year to raise their hands. Two board executives indicated they could.

 

A question was asked if the task force had considered having a rotating MBE attend the board meetings without appointing one to the board. 

 

Carleton said the philosophical idea of adding an MBE to the board can be considered, but then there is the logistical matter to consider.   For instance, how does NCARB persuade California to turn loose of Doug for 20 plus days a year. 

 

Ron Dalrymple asked if he could give his MBE report now because the issues are pertinent to Region 1 also.

 

The MBE’s request that the Task Force consider the benefit versus the cost of having an MBE on the board, and whether there are MBE’s who would be able to serve that function.

 

Carleton was asked to discuss the next step in the ARE timing.  Bob Luke has appointed a task force to look into the effects of this policy, when it would be implemented and what would be the effect on the jurisdictions.  A resolution may be introduced to change the model law to reflect the board policy.  The delegates would not be voting on the board policy because policy is set by the board.  The delegates may vote on a resolution to change the model law.

 

Alan Giltzow and Paul Jensen from Idaho addressed the delegates about Idaho’s progress in working with the engineers to define practice.  It has gone from a very contentious relationship three years ago to a very cooperative relationship where the engineering board is prosecuting engineers who are crossing the lines and practicing architecture.  Paul offered a power point presentation to NCARB if they are interested in distributing the steps that were taken to go from a contentious to a cooperative relationship with the engineers.

 

Angie Kinnaird Linn spoke about a lawsuit that has been filed against the board by an individual in Colorado who represented himself as an architect during a political campaign.  In the lawsuit, he claimed his free speech has been violated.  The board is very concerned about the ramifications of this lawsuit if it should go forward.

 

Carleton said this is a significant issue that has ramifications beyond Colorado’s board and he offered to make Dan Taylor, NCARB attorney, available to Colorado to help with this issue.

 

Rob Meyer from Region 1 thanked Greg Erny and Carmen Westberg for their work in putting this convention together.

 

With that Carleton declared the NCARB Town Hall Meeting ended.

 

Peter Rasmussen presented the Laudatory Resolution.

 

LAUDATORY RESOLUTION:

 

A Resolution thanking the Architectural Registration Board of the great state of Arizona for their gracious hospitality and the WCARB EX COM for planning a thoughtful and educational meeting:

 

Now, whereas Arizona contains DINE’ TAH and

 

Whereas Arizona celebrates diversity, a rich heritage and history of traditional people who teach us to live in a state of harmony and balance, lest we forget, and

 

Whereas the Arizona board executive has a last name pronounceable only after several adult local libations, and

 

Whereas Chuckwagon and the Wheels caused a significant increase to the financial standing of the local chiropractic community, and

 

Whereas on Arizona golf courses the most important club is the diamondback club, and

 

Whereas Arizona is the home to such diverse structures as the Biosphere 2 and Taliesin West, and

 

Whereas in Arizona they build bridges in the sincere if misguided hope that water will flow, and

 

Whereas Boston has the “Big Dig” and Arizona has the “Big Ditch”, both considered wonders of the known world, and

 

Whereas Arizona is the home of the saying:  “All boots, hat and buckle/no horse” not withstanding place names such as rawhide, wild horse pass, grease wood flats, stage coach pass, corral street and walking wind stables, and

 

Whereas the program sessions planned by the ex com have given us pause to reflect, ponder, discuss and drink,

 

Now therefore, be it resolved that the eleven jurisdictions of WCARB and our friends from Region 1, partaking in this annual meeting loudly, enthusiastically and with all the energy remaining, thanks the Arizona Board and the WCARB EX COM for making this a great meeting by giving them a resounding three hurrahs.

 

HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH

 

REGION 6 MEETING:

 

At 1:00 pm Greg Erny convened the Region 6 business meeting.

 

QUORUM:  Eleven jurisdictions are present with Hawaii and the Northern Marianas absent.

 

AGENDA:   A motion was made to approve the agenda by Kim Arbuckle, seconded by Jim Carlson from New Mexico.  The motion was approved.

 

MINUTES:  Kirk moved to adopt the minutes as presented. Kirk has asked that the title of the resolutions be added to future minutes.  Motions were seconded and approved.

 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT: 

 

Greg gave the Executive Committee report.  He stated that it was a short but productive meeting.  He briefly discussed the finances of the region and said there will be a further report a little later.

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT:

 

Carmen presented the financial statements.  She prepared three statements; the Financial Statement from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005, the Budget vs. Actual Expenditures from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005, and the Proposed Budget for 2006.

 

Carmen and Greg discussed the fact that the current dues structure does not adequately support the region and the region’s travel.  After much discussion back and forth, it was determined that Carmen should prepare a restructure of the dues to present to the delegates at the NCARB meeting in Cincinnati. The base dues will be increased to a level that would support the regional business should no jurisdictions choose to have a travel enhancement.  Further, the travel portion of the dues should adequately fund the delegates travel.  The dues should include a buffer for some reasonable increases over the next three years or so.  The dues will be approved by the Executive Committee.

 

REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

 

Ken Naylor gave a report to the board on several issues of interest.

 

He spoke to the NCARB policy statement on IDP/ARE timing.  The statement states that “NCARB will allow candidates to begin taking the ARE at such time as a candidate has completed 250 IDP training units.”  This policy will be acted on in the annual meeting in Cincinnati.

 

He said NCARB is working diligently on the strategic plan.

 

The Governance Task Force issues are to advance leadership, encourage diversity, review definition of “regions” and whether or not to change the composition of the Board of Directors by adding a public member, adding a MBE or adding additional directors.

 

Ken asked the delegates to respond to a question about supporting a MBE or public member on the boards.

 

Five jurisdictions present would support a MBE on the board.

 

Seven jurisdictions present would support a public member on the board

 

Ken picked out IDPCC top three charges to discuss.  They are core competencies, mentor and NCARB National Office.

 

He presented a proposed resolution submitted to BOD who forwarded it to P&D and MBE committees.

1)      BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

Interns shall be required to initiate their NCARB Record within four months from the beginning of their initial employment which the intern intends to accrue toward IDP credit.

2)      BE IT FORTHER RESOLVED THAT:

Back-logging of time beyond any four month period will not be allowed.

 

He presented the action approved by the BOD on International Accreditation

Statement of Support:  The development of an accord between international architectural  accrediting systems, much like ABET’s  Washington Accord, would be in concert with NCARB’s International Regulations 2005 – that is working….”to increase mobility of architectural credentials around the world.”  Such an agreement would be very much like the negotiated international agreements that NCARB enters into.

 

NAAB would attempt to establish “Substantial Equivalency’, not accredit foreign programs.  All costs would be borne by the requesting foreign program.

 

The issue on continuing education is “Should NCARB require continuing education as a condition of annual certificate renewal?”

 

He also spoke briefly about the NCARB Prize Jury:

 

-         One member from Region 6

-         Typically a Dean of an accredited school of architecture

-         Nominated by the State Member Board

-         Due by Nov. 1st 2006 to the Regional Director

 

STATE REPORTS:

 

ALASKA:

 

Board Composition:

 

Alaska has a combined Board, representing architects, engineers, surveyors and landscape architects.  There are 11 members appointed by the governor, one of whom is a temporary landscape architect who serves without a vote.  The voting members consist of two civil engineers, two surveyors, one mining engineer, one electrical or mechanical engineer, one engineer from another branch of the profession, two architects, and one public member.

 

Four new Board members were appointed this year: Terry Gorlick, public member; Charles Leet, civil engineer; Burdett Lent, landscape architect; and Daniel Walsh, mining engineer.

 

Licensing Statistics:

 

Architects:  504 total, 282 nonresident.

All disciplines:  5,027 individuals and 369 firms. 

Renewal cycles end in odd years. There is no penalty for late renewal, but licenses lapse unless renewed in a timely manner. 

 

Board Issues:

 

The Board is considering the licensing of additional engineering disciplines.  Presently the State licenses civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, mining, and petroleum engineers.  Under consideration are controls, environmental and geological engineering disciplines.  Also under discussion is a single P.E. registration for all engineers.

A subcommittee has been charged with defining incidental practice as it applies to each profession and the overlap between the professions.

The Board is working toward mandatory continuing education that it hopes to have enacted by the 2007 legislature.

Electronic signatures on construction drawings have been approved provided the original drawings have wet signatures and are accessible to investigators.  Specifications associated with construction drawings are considered to bear the same seals as the drawings.

Courtesy or “Good Samaritan” licenses are being considered.

Last, but certainly not least, the Board is moving to amend the enforcement system that has been ineffective.

 

Legislation:

 

 Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE):  The AELS Board obtained statutory authority to adopt a Mandatory Continuing Education program in 2004, and adopted proposed regulations for land surveyors at its June 2-3, 2005 meeting. The Board will take public comment and, if approved for final adoption, will implement a program for the 2007 renewal cycle. 

 

The MCE subgroup also recommended an MCE program for architects and engineers, and will work with the Alaska Professional Design Council and professional societies for input.

 

The Board asked the Legislature to give its investigator the authority to halt projects that require involvement of an architect and engineers, when site inspections reveal that the services of appropriate design professionals have not been used.  The Board continues to work to address concerns in the bill’s structure and provide examples that demonstrate the need for the additional enforcement tool.

 

Reference:  The Alaska Statutes and Regulations are posted to the AELS website: http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/pael.htm.

 

 

ARIZONA

 

Board Composition:      3 Engineers

                                    2 Architects

                                    1 Land Surveyor

                                    1 Landscape Architect

                                    1 Geologist

                                    1 Public Member

 

 

Licensing Statistics:

Architect licenses - 6,709

 

Board/Agency Issues:  

The Board has adopted an alternative experience requirement modeled after the IDP program for architectural candidates not participating in IDP.

 

Legislation:

Sunset Review

The Board has been recommended for a ten year Sunset renewal. This is the maximum allowable time under state law. The final vote should take place the week of March 13, 2006.

 

CALIFORNIA:

 

Board Composition:

 

The California Architects Board is a 10-member board (5 architects and 5 public members) under an umbrella agency, the Department of Consumer Affairs.  Currently the Board has 8 members (5 architects and 3 public members).  The Board also has a technical committee, which regulates landscape architects. 

 

On December 15, 2005 Board officers for 2006 were elected:

President             Jeffrey Heller

Vice President     Larry Guidi

Secretary             Kirk Miller

 

License Statistics (as of January 2006):

Total                                       21,286

In state active                          16,554

Out of state/country active       4,732

Delinquent                               1,994

Incomplete Renewal                85

Retired                                    416

Licenses issued in 2005           434

Los Angeles County has 4,108 active licenses

Two California counties (Alpine & Modoc) have zero licenses

 

Board/Agency Issues:

 

Governor’s Reorganization Plan (GRP)/California Performance Review (CPR) - On January 5, 2005, the Governor gave his “State of the State” address, which included his recommendation to eliminate 88 boards and commissions.  The Board and the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) were notified prior to the Governor’s announcement that the Governor’s plan was to transition the Board’s functions to a bureau.  The Governor’s proposal was submitted to the Little Hoover Commission (LHC) on January 6, 2005 as required by state law.  The proposal called for the elimination of the Board and the LATC, but with retention of all of their programmatic functions under the existing Department of Consumer Affairs.

 

LHC held a hearing on January 26, 2005 where the Administration presented GRP.  LHC members asked a number of tough questions and received significant public comment in opposition to the plan that raised concerns about its viability.  On February 17, 2005, the Governor announced that he was withdrawing the plan and would re-examine it.  At this point there are no reorganization proposals pending that directly impact the Board.  The Administration is, however, attempting to merge or “bureautize” some boards that are up for sunset review.

 

Intern Development Program (IDP) – The Board’s internship requirement became effective January 1, 2005.  To complement IDP, the Board developed an evidence-based system called Comprehensive Intern Development Program (CIDP) to ensure that interns’ experience is effective and comprehensive.  Administered by the Board at no additional cost to the intern, CIDP verifies interns’ experience through work samples and written narratives that are discussed by the intern and his or her supervisor.  In addition, CIDP requires interns to gain practical experience performing specific key functions in the practice of architecture.  It is hoped that CIDP will contribute to a more meaningful internship by fostering a stronger dialogue between the intern and the supervisor.  CIDP does not impact reciprocity because California candidates will also be required to complete IDP as administered by NCARB and required by most other states.  In addition, architects from other states who apply for reciprocal licensure in California will be exempt from the CIDP requirement.  The Board will continue on-going outreach efforts to firms and schools to help promote IDP throughout 2006.

 

Supplemental Examination - The California Supplemental Examination (CSE) was administered to 846 candidates in 2005.

 

Enforcement - Responded to 295 consumer complaints filed with the Board during fiscal year 2004/05; 165 cases were closed.

 

 

COLORADO:

 

Board Composition:

 

The Colorado Board is comprised of seven members.  Four are licensed architects, one is a general contractor and two are public members.  Members serve four-year terms with a limit of two consecutive terms.  Board officers are Duane Boyle, architect, serving as board President; Karen Harris, architect, as Board Vice President; and, Nicholas Jovene, general contractor, as Secretary.

 

Licensing Statistics:

 

            Actively Registered Architects:           6456

                                                           

Licenses Granted in 2005:                    264

      License by Exam:                                   75

            Endorsement:                                       164

            Transfer of Grades                                   5

 

ARE candidates took a total of 940 divisions of the exam in Colorado in FY 2005.  According to ARE figures provided by NCARB the overall passing rate for Colorado is above national averages.

 

Board Issues:

 

The Colorado Board opened 27 new cases in FY 2005.  Of those, the Board issued 5 disciplinary actions and dismissed 13, with others still under investigation.

 

Much of the Board’s attention has been devoted to a lawsuit filed last August against it and the Board Members individually, that was the result of a Board Order to cease and desist holding out as an architect by an unlicensed individual.  The complaint resulted from the individual representing himself as an architect during a political campaign last spring.  The lawsuit contends that the Board infringed upon the plaintiff’s right to free speech and that the Board’s authority does not extend to political and non-commercial speech.  Recently, the Board reconsidered its Order and rescinded it on the basis that political speech is not the same as an offer to provide professional services and is not within the Board’s authority.

 

Legislation:

 

SUNSET / SUNRISE:

The Board is undergoing the Legislative sunset process whereby periodically its program, statutes, and effectiveness is evaluated.  The sunset report was issued in October 2005 and contained a number of recommendations.  There were several major ones affecting the Board and the industry.  One is the matter of the protection of the term "architect".  The report recommended that the word is too broad and should be "licensed architect."  This is largely the result of the above-referenced lawsuit brought against the Board by an individual after the Board issued a cease and desist order.  The individual called himself an architect, despite being unlicensed, during the course of a political campaign, although he holds a bachelor's degree in architecture.  During the hearing on the draft bill held in mid-January, the industry was successful in maintaining protection of the term "architect" with the Legislative committee's support.  However, there is a long way to go on the issue.

 

Another recommendation is to combine this Board with the Engineers/Surveyors Board due to the low level of enforcement activity.  This has probably caused the greatest anxiety all the way around.  However, the Colorado and Denver Chapters of AIA are not strongly opposing it, so it appears to be on its way to reality come July 1, 2006.

 

There were many more recommendations, all of which are being considered through the Legislative process now underway.  If anyone is interested in reviewing the bill, it can be found by going the Legislature’s website at http://www.leg.state.co.us/ and put in the bill number, HB06-1196 when searching on House Bills.

 

Landscape Architects:

 

Once again, landscape architects in Colorado are attempting to get regulated.  Colorado is one of four jurisdictions in the United States that does not regulate that profession.  This is the third attempt within the last ten years.  The industry made an application through the sunrise process to gain regulation; however, the analysis did not support regulation.  Nevertheless, the industry has introduced a bill in the Legislature for this purpose.

 

GUAM:

 

Board Composition:

 

The seven member Board continues to operate with one vacancy (Public Member).  Currently we have 2 architects, 2 engineers, 1 land surveyor and the Director of Public Works.

 

Amendments to Registration Law adopted— (Last amended in 1998)

 

The Board’s successful efforts in identifying changes and amendments to the law had been adopted and is waiting for a public hearing which would be scheduled soon.   The members hope to accomplish this without the influence of politics but through the Administrative Adjudication Act

 

Late last year, the Board decided to start refining the Rules and Regulations to be consistent with its recent accomplishment — updating the law.  The members have been conducting work sessions at least twice a month.  The Board will review all portions of the rules and regulations that have become obsolete and other provisions that must be added to reflect the state of the professions now and the future.  The goals is to amend and update them to reflect current model laws of both NCARB and NCEES.

 

Enforcement:

 

With Legislative approval in 2005, the Board is now funded to hire a permanent and full time Investigator.

 

Licensing status:

 

The Guam PEALS Board relies entirely on registration fees, applications, and renewals to fund its yearly operations.

 

Number of Registrants:                    Local                          Out of Guam

 

Engineers                                           138                             199

Architects                                          26                                59

Land Surveyors                                  17                                05

COA                                                    06                                48

 

HAWAII:

 

Board Composition:

 

Four professional engineers, three architects, two land surveyors, two landscape architects and three public members.

 

Licensing Statistics:

 

            Professional Engineers = 4943

            Architects = 2171

            Land Surveyors = 190

            Landscape Architects = 143

 

Board/Agency Issues:           

 

Continuing education ("CE") for architects was passed in 2005 and will be effective the April 30, 2008 renewal for architects.  Therefore, the Board has been working on developing rules to implement the CE requirement.  Also, the Board continues to address possible amendments to rules, including restoration of license, requiring a written contract between the design professional and consumer, electronic signatures, and the “rolling clock”. 

 

Agency issues include providing fee discounts, and providing renewal extensions for licensees deployed to armed conflict areas and state emergencies.

 

In regards to information to the public on "What Do Architects Do?", the Board has a consumer brochure titled, "Professional Services for Construction Projects and Land Surveys" on its website.  The brochure provides a guide to the practice and services performed by each of the design professionals.

 

Legislation:

 

A bill has been introduced to allow for renewal on an inactive status.  Each Board would have an option to adopt an inactive status, but the Board has chosen not to support the bill at this time.

 

IDAHO:         

 

The following statistics were compiled as of February 27, 2006:  active licenses – 1501; exam candidates – 100; in-state licensees – 475; licenses issued by endorsement in 2004 – 260; cancelled or non-current licenses – 1019; and licenses in by examination in 2005 – 18.

 

Rules that were passed in 2005 include: Experience in lieu of Degree. The Board may allow an applicant without an architecture degree to sit for the architecture examination upon determining that such applicant has attained the knowledge and skill approximating that attained by graduation from an accredited architecture curriculum including the submission of a record of eight (8) years or more of experience in architecture work of a character deemed satisfactory by the Board. Said experience shall be in addition to that necessary for completion of the Intern Development Program (IDP) requirements. Two (2) years of eight (8) or more years of experience may be accepted if determined that such experience is directly related to architecture under the direct supervision of a registered engineer (practicing as a structural, civil, mechanical or electrical engineer in the field of building construction) or a registered landscape architect. At least six (6) years of such experience must be obtained while working under the direct supervision of a licensed architect.

 

Beginning January 1, 2005 all licenses renewed must submit proof of having 8 hours of continuing education in health, safety, and welfare.  The board proposed legislation that will limit multi-family dwellings to 3 units when designed by non-architects. 

 

R. Allen Giltzow was elected as Chairman in 2005.

 

The Bureau has investigated 11 complaints for the Board during 2005.  There are nine complaints under investigation for fiscal year 2006.

 

The Board printed and mailed an annual report to all licensed architects, students of architecture, building departments and other agencies. 

 

The Board has a sound financial base with which to administer their board and they will continue to enjoy this financial picture for some time.

 

 

NEVADA:

 

 

Board Composition:

 

The Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design is a nine-member board, comprised of five registered architects, two registered interior designers, one residential designer and one public member.

 

Licensing Statistics:

 

We currently have 2837 active architect licenses in Nevada, 552 of which are in state, 144 active residential designer licenses and 107 active registered interior designer licenses. 

 

In 2005, 10 architects were registered by examination; 263 licenses were issued by reciprocity.  Additionally, the board registered 19 residential designers and 10 registered interior designers.

 

Board/Agency Issues:

 

Nevada continues to lead the nation in growth.  With the rapid growth, the board has seen a proliferation of individuals and firms who are practicing architecture, registered interior design and residential design without a license.  This unlicensed activity continues to keep our enforcement division busy.

 

The board recently amended its regulations to allow electronic seals and signatures on plans, and electronic submittals of plans to building departments and public authorities.  The regulation changes allow registrants to choose whether to manually or electronically sign and seal plans or other design documents.  Most of the building departments in Nevada do not yet have the technical capabilities to accept electronic plan submittals, but they are enthusiastic about the regulation changes and have indicated they will work toward getting the systems and procedures implemented to allow for electronic submittals of plans.

 

At the August 2005 meeting of the board, the Las Vegas Chapter of the AIA requested that the board consider implementing a continuing education requirement for registrants. Before moving forward, the board decided to seek feedback from registrants and others in the design and building community to determine if it should require continuing education for registration renewal. A number of registrants attended the town hall meetings, and many more submitted written comments. Roughly equal numbers of respondents supported and opposed a continuing education requirement. Additionally, a large number of registrants were undecided on the issue, wanting to hear more information about what might be required and how it would be implemented.  At the October 2005 board meeting, the board voted to take no action on the AIA’s request at that time, but to reconsider the issue in a year.  Board members’ main concerns were with the quality of opportunities offered and the tracking and delivery methods now in place.

 

Legislation:

 

The 74th session of the Nevada Legislature will convene in February 2007.  Nevada is one of six states that hold biennial sessions.   The board will be submitting a bill draft to amend Chapter 78 – Private Corporations to require the Secretary of State verify licensure with the board for anyone offering services or using the title “architect,” “registered interior designer,” or “residential designer” before allowing them to form a private corporation.  The board is also submitting a bill draft to allow registered interior designers to apply for a temporary license.

 

 

NEW MEXICO:

 

Board Composition:

 

The Board is made up of six registered architects, one of which is an architect/educator, and one public member.  Board members serve for three-year staggered terms.  The Board also has a Student Observer position: this is a non-voting position created and appointed by the Board on a yearly basis.  The Student Observer represents the interests and concerns of architectural students in New Mexico and comes from the university population.

 

Licensing Statistics:

 

There are currently 1873 registered architects in New Mexico.  Of these, 1185 are out of state registrants and 688 are in state.

 

Board/Agency Issues:

 

On March 3rd and 4th the New Mexico Board, along with several collateral organizations that included the US Green Building Council and AIA New Mexico, held a sustainable design workshop at the University of New Mexico. This workshop will be discussed on a panel discussion during the regional meeting.

 

Legislation:

 

The legislature is currently not in session and we are not aware of any bills or issues requiring our consideration at this time. 

 

Miscellaneous:

 

In terms of the question relating to information on What Architects Do – the Board’s web site does contain a consumer section that explains, step by step, how a consumer could find, hire and interact with an architect, along with how to resolve issues or problems.   

 

NORTHERN MARIANAS: 

 

No Report Submitted

 

OREGON:

 

Board Composition:

 

The Oregon Board consists of a total of seven members - five members are resident architects and two members represent the general public. 

 

Current Members are as follows:

Bill Wilson, Chair,

Roger Meyer, Vice-Chair, Public Member

Gary Afseth,

Kim Arbuckle,

Jim Chaney, public member,

Bill Seider, and

Barbara Sestak.

 

Licensing Statistics:

 

As of March 1, 2006, licensees of the Board are as follows:

 

                                                In-State            Out-of-State

2,558 active licensees               1,429                    1,129

   753 inactive licensees:               140                       613

   527 active architect firms          295                       232

   217 known interns in IDP &   214                             3

          Not yet registered architects

 

Board/Agency Issues: 

 

 

 

 

UTAH:

 

Issues related to Architectural Licensing in the State of Utah continue to be minor. This past year we have been attempting, in concert with the Engineers Licensing Board, to define “incidental practice.” Investigative officers enforcing the state licensing law continue to find Engineers pushing the edge of architectural practice and taking advantage of the rather loosely phrased incidental practice clause in our licensing laws. Hopefully this year we’ll decide on a definition which is acceptable to both the Engineers and the Architects.

 

The State Licensing Board has appointed Ben Schreiter as the State I.D.P. Coordinator. Ben and our Board I.D.P. Liaison Bill Miller attended the recent I.D.P. conference. Ben has been active in soliciting participation from those enrolled in the I.D.P. program, and conducting instructional meetings to ensure that they understand I.D.P. The State Licensing Board also determined that we would use Education and Enforcement Funds (obtained by $10.00 surcharge on license renewal fees) to pay to enroll all of the third year graduate students in the Architectural Program at the University of Utah in the I.D.P. Program. The total expenditure for this amounted to about $3,500.00. The University of Utah is the only university in the State which graduates students with an accredited N.A.A.B. degree.

 

The State has been fortunate to retain the services of Dan S. Jones who is our current M.B.E. and has been with the State approximately two years now. This is remarkable considering that we had gone through M.B.E.’s at the rate of about one every eight months previous to this.

 

Utah has a total of 2,121 licensed Architects; of which 710 are Utah resident’s, with 1,411 non-resident. This number has been stable for a number of years.

 

WASHINGTON:

 

Board Composition:

 

The Washington Board of Registration for Architects consists of seven (7) members.  Six (6) Architect members and one (1) public member are appointed by the Governor.  Member’s terms are staggered, six (6) year in duration, two (2) terms maximum, and expire June 17th of the final year.

 

Licensing Statistics:

 

As of March 2, 2006 there are 5,669; active licensed Architects and 201 active licensed Architect Corporations in Washington State. 

 

Board/Agency Issues:

 

The Board published its third annual journal this winter and it continues to be well received.  This year’s journal contained a customer satisfaction survey that should help guide Board decisions regarding service delivery and process improvement efforts.  The Board intends to make this a bi-annual publication and future journals will include information on all closed disciplinary matters.

 

The Board staff has experienced some significant changes, with the transfer of one longtime Board staffer and the recent departure of Department of Licensing Business and Professions Division Assistant Director Andrea Archer.  Board Executive Joe Vincent Jr. has been able to bring on two new support staff and is recruiting a program manager to complete the staffing.

 

Issues the Board continues to explore include:

·        Mandatory Continuing Education

·        Mandatory Construction Observation for all non-exempt structures

·        Mandatory Owner-Architect Contracts for all non-exempt structures

·        NAAB Degree with equivalent path similar to BEA

·        Elimination of the reference to engineers in the architect law, appropriately deferring to the engineer law to govern the practice of engineering

 

 

NEW DUES:

 

Carmen and Greg discussed with the delegates the need for a dues increase.  It was decided to vote on the issue in June. 

 

NOMINATIONS:  Kim Arbuckle nominated Bill Seider for the Executive Committee.  Alan Giltzow nominated Henry Hardnett for the Executive Committee.  John Klai nominated Roger Basarich for the Executive Committee.  Greg Erny nominated Andy Laguana.for the Executive Committee.  The nominations were seconded.

 

The candidates each spoke to the delegates as to why they wish to serve on the Executive Committee.

 

Stan Cole nominated Ken Naylor to the position of Regional Director.  The nomination was seconded.  Ken was elected as Regional Director by acclamation.

 

Roger Basarich was nominated for chair of the Executive Committee.  The nomination was seconded.  Roger was elected as Chair by acclamation.

 

Greg Erny nominated Denis Henmi as Vice Chair.  The nomination was seconded.  Denis was elected as Vice Chair by acclamation.

 

ELECTIONS: 

 

The newly elected members of the Executive Committee are:  Roger Basarich, Henry Hardnett and Bill Seider.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Greg Erny adjourned the meeting at 2:07 pm.

 

SUBMITTED BY:

 

 

 

Carmen Westberg

Executive Director