spotlight feature


Mickey Jacob, FAIA Testifies Before Congress, Assists in Passage of Small Business Relief Bill

Mickey Jacob is managing principal at Urban Studio Architects in Tampa

On October 7th, Tampa-based architect, Mickey Jacob, FAIA, unveiled the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Rebuild & Renew plan for both short- and long-term economic recovery to the House Committee on Small Business at a hearing in Washington D.C.   Subsequent to his testimony the house passed the Small Business Relief Bill!  This is a victory for the AIA and its members!

Washington, D.C. – October 30, 2009   “The House's bipartisan passage of the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009 is an important step in restoring access to credit and lending for the millions of small businesses who are the backbone of our economy. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is pleased that the House listened to the thousands of architects who contacted their representatives asking them to pass this bill without a proposed amendment that would have crippled these programs right when they were needed the most,” said Paul T. Mendelsohn, AIA Vice President, Government & Community Relations.

“For small architecture firms, the ability to access short-term lines of credit can mean the difference between survival and liquidation. In this economic crisis, too many firms have faced the horrible choice of having to lay off staff or going without pay in order to keep their doors open. As Florida architect Mickey Jacob, FAIA, told the House Small Business Committee two weeks ago, architects aren’t looking for bailouts. They need tools that help them and their clients create jobs through new building projects.  

“The Small Business Financing and Investment Act is one key plank in our Rebuild and Renew plan for long-term prosperity. Now Congress and the administration need to ensure a steady flow of credit to the real estate industry and enact policies that empower architects to design livable, sustainable and vibrant communities.”


Click here to read about the testimony Mickey provided in the TBBJ.

Click here to watch the YouTube video of his testimony

Click here to read specific details of the Rebuild and Renew Plan



AIA Tampa Bay Announces the
2010 Board of Directors

2010 President: Andrew Hayes, AIA

First VP / President-elect (2011):  Antonio Amadeo, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP

Second VP: Larry Wilder, AIA

Secretary:  Kim Headland, AIA, LEED AP

Treasurer: Pete Karamitsanis, AIA

East Director: Sarah Joubert, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB | Carlos Molnar, AIA

West Director: Ed Hoffman Jr., AIA | Jerel McCants, AIA

Immediate Past President: Gus Paras, AIA

Associate Directors: Katrina Pasteur, Assoc. AIA | Ray Wong, Assoc. AIA

State Director: Vivian Salaga, AIA



"DESIGN FOR THE NEW DECADE"

Don't miss the 2010 AIA National Convention in Miami, June 10 - 12

Be the first to select from hundreds of program offerings—from extraordinary architectural tours to preeminent educational programs—to help you get ahead in today's economy.

2010 AIA Housing is open.
Reserve your room now.



Dear AIA Florida and AIA Peurto Rico Member:

We look forward to seeing you at the AIA 2010 National Convention and Design Exposition in Miami, June 10–12.

As an AIA Florida and AIA Peurto Rico member, your convention registration has been prepaid through your membership dues assessment. Registration includes most continuing education programs, expo education programs, keynote presentations, business meetings, AIA Expo2010, and the AIA Virtual Convention.

You can register for free and, for an additional fee, register guests (family members or personal friends, not business associates or staff colleagues) and add activities such as preconvention workshops, tours, and events, in one of two ways:

• Register online via the AIA convention Web site, www.aia.org/convention, using your membership number.

• Contact the AIA convention registration agent, AIA@Laser-Registration.com, and request a specially labeled registration form. This form can either be faxed to 202-399-7471 or mailed to, Laser Registration, 1200 G Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005-6705.

Note: You will need a credit card to register for preconvention workshops, tours, and events and to register guests.

The advance registration deadline is April 26 but don't wait that long as many events sell out quickly.

Registration Packets
If your registration is received on or before April 26 you will receive, in the mail, final documentation of your convention agenda, including confirmed itinerary, badge, tickets, and a claim check to pick up your registration packet when you arrive in Miami. If your registration is received after April 26, your packet will be waiting for you on-site.

This is a valuable opportunity to spend time and establish relationships with your colleagues and peers. Experience the full benefit of your membership at the leading design and construction industry event.

If you have questions about your participation at the convention, please e-mail infocentral@aia.org.

Please note that your complimentary registration is nontransferable.

See you in Miami!

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional association for architects and those in the architecture field. AIA Tampa Bay is the regional chapter representing more than 600 architects and architectural intern members in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter and Pasco Counties. The AIA provides programs and services including educational programs, design competitions, community service programs and serves as the united voice of the architecture profession. The regional chapter office is located in downtown Tampa at 200 N. Tampa Street, Ste. 100. Find an architect in our Online Architect Directory.