AIA Nebraska Annual Conference '22

We are excited to announce AIA Nebraska is returning to a back in-person annual conference. 

September 8 - 9, 2022

The AIA Nebraska Annual Conference brings architects, community leaders, suppliers, manufacturers, and other design professionals together to explore the industry's best practices and emerging technologies, techniques and materials. 

Special Features at Conference: 

Exhibit featuring renderings from the renovation of  the University of Nebraska College of Architecture. 

The AIA NE EDI Committee will have an opportunity to be part of a virtual documentary by providing up to 3 minutes on what equity means to you. Thanks to AOI for generously donation a phone booth.  

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The 2022 AIA Nebraska Annual Conference offers AIA Members to receive up to 11 AIA Learning Units. Continuing education credits and designations (LU or HSW) are pending per approval AIA National Continuing Education. 

REGISTRATION: Deadline for registration is Thursday, August 31, 2022. Prices increase after the deadline. Registration fees are non-refundable after August 31, 2022. 

AIA ASSOCIATES + AIAS NEBRASKA MEMBERS: No conference registration fees, however there is a reduced rate for building tours. 

PRIZE GIVEAWAY: Exhibitors will be collecting business cards from attendees for visiting their booths. Make sure you bring enough to share and register to win various prizes. Winners will be announced between 2:30 - 3:30 pm. 

QUESTIONS: Contact Sara Kay, at [email protected], or (402) 858-1929. 

Program

SOLD OUT | Preregistration Required: Thursday, September 8 - Tours in Omaha + Lincoln 

OMAHA

10:00am - 11:30am | TOUR: Omaha RiverFront Revitalization: Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America, and Lewis and Clark Landing Tour. 

The Omaha RiverFront Revitalization Project is designed to revive 72 acres of urban parkland along the Missouri River and includes the transformation of three under-utilized parks into new local and regional destinations. The RiverFront Revitalization will make the river more accessible to the community while also providing welcoming outdoor spaces and fostering critical connections within the city. The trio of parks will provide improved access and connections within downtown Omaha, foster environmental connection and support economic growth. Tour led by Nathan Elliott, ASLA, PLA LEED AP, Principal, OJB; Chris J. Koenig, P.E., Senior Project Manager, HDR.  1.5 HSW 09.08.22_1 

Meet on the North side of 11^th and Douglas.  Street parking is available. Requirements: Walking shoes, no open toed shoes. Hard hats and safety vests. 

Food Trucks are available Thursdays (11:30 am - 1:30 pm) at the Gene Leahy Mall

1:30pm - 3:00pm | TOUR: The Kiewit Luminarium: STEM-Inspired Center to Inspire Next Generation and Revitalize Omaha RiverFront.  

The Kiewit Luminarium is an innovative community space and learning environment that is part workshop, part museum. It’s a place for hands-on experiences in science, math, engineering and technology for middle school groups and children ages 6 and up. The interior space is designed to be warm and inviting to suggest that science is friendly, familiar and approachable.

Meet at 345 Riverfront Drive. Please see map with specific instructions.  Requirements: Hard hat, vest, no open toed shoes - boots preferably, slacks, gloves, eye protection.  

Tour led by Michael Hamilton, AIA, HDR, John Dineen, AIA, HDR and Kiewit representatives 1.5 HSW 09.08.22_2. 

LINCOLN                                                                  

8:30am - 9:30am | Sky Park Apartments (also known as Sky Park Manor, Sky Park)

Permitted in 1961 with original construction finishing in 1963, Sky Park Apartments is a 12-story multi-family building in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. With striking mid-century design, the building houses 81 apartments. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and underwent a renovation project from 2020-2022. Tour led by Allison Alber, Project Manager, Sampson Construction. 1 HSW 09.08.22_3

Meet at 1301 Lincoln Mall, meet in the west/circle driveway. Street parking is available near Capitol. 

9:45am - 11:15am |  Update-Nebraska Capitol HVAC & Infra-Structure Renovation Project

After two years of planning and four of eight years of construction to date, the Capitol’s 60+ year old HVAC system is being replaced along with other building-wide infra-structure. The old 2-pipe hot and cold water induction system is being replaced with a new closed-loop, ground source heat pump system utilizing variable refrigerant flow (VRF) with a central air-handling system for large meeting areas. Currently in Phase 3 of five phases this $131 million project will eventually require relocation of all building occupants to complete this “once in a generation” effort. Tour led by Robert Ripley, FAIA, Capitol Administrator, Office of the Nebraska Capitol Commission. 1.5 HSW 09.08.22_4

Meet at 1445 K Street. Enter North K Street entrance, under the steps. Proceed to Information Desk on ground level - 1st floor.  

Lincoln Downtown Restaurants 

1:30pm - 2:30pm |  Guided Tour of the New UNL Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall (formerly Mabel Lee Hall)

Originally programmed as a renovation project, the tour will highlight some of the unique programming steps that led to the decision to replace Mabel Lee Hall with a new facility (renamed Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall).  The new CPE building consists of a four-story structure with floors varying in size from 23,500 GSF to 30,000 GSF each. The total building area is approximately 120,000 GSF. The building is planned with flexibility to meet the future needs of the College of Education and Human Sciences programs, while bringing 21st-century learning methods to the forefront.  Participants will gain an appreciation for the architect’s role in bringing the clients objectives to reality and will also focus on the challenges faced by the Project Architect to technically implement the design objectives in a manner that retains the functional and aesthetic intent of the design. Tour led by John Kay, Project Manager, Sinclair Hille and David Quade, Project Architect, Sinclair Hill. 1 HSW 09.08.22_6

Meet at the East side of N. 14^th Street between W Street and Vine Street, Southwest main building entrance. Street Parking is Available. No safety equipment required. 

3:00 - 4:30 pm | UNL’s Engineering Research Center and Kiewit Hall…Two Projects, One Vision

Phase 1, the new 90,000 SF UNL Engineering Research Center (ERC) addition replaces the existing SEC Link with new series of research and teaching labs including optic/laser, computational, material science and bioscience. The new addition also provides collaboration and office space for graduate students adjacent to their new labs. The use of glazing looking and transparency in and out of labs creating a showcase for the work happening within. This $80 Million project is the first phase in a series of facility upgrades to the College of Engineering complex. Along with the new ERC addition, Phase 1 includes the reconfiguration of Scott Engineering Center (SEC) and will transform the Engineering college along 16^th Street. 

Phase 2, Kiewit Hall is planned as a world-class facility for engineering education and embodies a human-centric approach to planning and design.  Currently pursing both LEED and WELL certification, the $115 million Kiewit Hall will serve as the academic hub for undergraduate engineering education and house Lincoln-based construction management programs; included will be classrooms, instructional labs, Engineering Student Services, maker spaces for the college’s student organizations, and a large outdoor plaza for the university community. Tour led by Brad Muehling, UNL; Nick Schultz, AIA, RDG and Heather Keele, AIA, NCARB, IIDA, WELL AP | Principal, Clark & Enersen. 1.5 HSW 09.08.22_7

Meet at the North entry of ERC along 16th and W Streets. Street parking is available. Requirements to tour Kiewit Hall portion of the tour-Hard hats, High Vise jacket, Good shoes - no open toed shoes, slacks, gloves, eye protection is required.

Friday, September 9 Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln, 1040 P Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 

7:00am - 4:00pm | Registration 

8:00am - 9:00am | Exhibitor Interaction | Breakfast - Regents ABC

9:00am - 10:00am | Keynote Presentation - Regents ABC

Riverfront Revitalization: Transforming Downtown Omaha and the Built Environment

Nathan Elliott, ASLA, PLA LEED AP, Principal, OJB; Chris J. Koenig, P.E., Senior Project Manager, HDR

The Omaha RiverFront Revitalization Project is designed to revive 72 acres of urban parkland along the Missouri River and includes the transformation of three under-utilized parks into new local and regional destinations. The RiverFront Revitalization will make the river more accessible to the community while also providing welcoming outdoor spaces and fostering critical connections within the city. The trio of parks will provide improved access and connections within downtown Omaha, foster environmental connection and support economic growth. 1 HSW  09.09.22_1

10:00am - 10:30am | Exhibitor Interaction

10:30am - 11:30am | Educational Session One 

People-first Planning: WELL Design for Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health - Room: Regents DEF 

Early planning and support are critical for successfully implementing WELL Building Standards, which allow facilities to support the mental and physical wellbeing of all users. We’ll share how we applied WELL Building Standards to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Kiewit Hall and provide the necessary tools for engaging stakeholders, implementing WELL design, and advocating for occupants. Come learn how a WELL-certified project can aid in the recruitment and retention as well as improve the overall performance and happiness of building users.  1 HSW 09.09.22_2  

Heather Keele, AIA, NCARB, IIDA, WELL AP | Principal, Clark & Enersen; Karen Nalow, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP | Principal, Clark & Enersen; Emily Deeker, PLA, ASLA | Director of Campus Planning and Environment, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Sara Cantu | Project Engineer, Kiewit Building Group

Challenging the status quo: Utilizing design-assist for collaboration - Room: Chancellor 2/3

Can you really have it all? We know that’s rarely the case, but you can advocate for both the design and your client by collaborating with partners early on. Focusing on the building envelope, we’ll challenge traditional methods of design and delivery to illustrate a new, collaborative path forward – taking you through design evolution, problem solving, collaboration and execution. 1 HSW  09.09.22_3  Michael Hamilton, AIA, HDR and Nathan Mittag, Architectural Wall Systems

11:30am - 12:30pm | Educational Session Two

Housing Affordability – Challenges and Tactics - Room: Chancellor 2/3

Definitions and facts regarding housing affordability in Nebraska, challenges of creating affordable housing and methods of reducing cost. Shannon R. Harner, J.D., Executive Director, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority. 1 LU 09.09.22_4

An overview of architecture | construction industry economic trends in Nebraska. Room: Regents DEF

The presentation will examine the outlook for the Nebraska economy, including the implications of the twin issues of inflation and rising interest rates. Emphasis will include implications for employment in the state given incentives for employers to retain workers (labor hoarding). The presentation will also examine how current macroeconomic conditions favor states like Nebraska which focus on commodity production. Another focus will be the influence of Federal Reserve policy on interest rates and property values and activity in the construction sector and supporting industries such as architecture. More broadly, the presentation will examine the outlook for different industry sectors in Nebraska and prospects for regions of the state.

Dr. Eric Thompson, K.H. Nelson Professor of Economics & Director, Bureau of Business Research, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 1 LU 09.09.22_5 

12:30pm - 1:30pm | Lunch and AIA Nebraska Membership Meeting - Room: Regents ABC

1:30pm - 2:30pm | Educational Session Three 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Panel Discussion  - Room: Chancellor 2/3

Hear from industry difference makers in Nebraska, including a women-owned architectural firm and as well as efforts by the AIA NE EDI Committee in Nebraska. 1 LU 09.09.22_6 

Andrew Portis, AIA, Chair, AIA NE EDI Committee; Sheila Elijah-Barnwell, PhD, AIA, President, Co-Founder, pact-studios; Phuong Nguyen, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, Project Architect | Associate BVH; Greg Galbreath, AIA, NOMA, Partner RDG Planning & Design. 

Integrative Process to Deliver High Performance Buildings - Room DEF

Bridge the gap between design, construction, operations and maintenance. This presentation would outline a process architects could use throughout design to implement integrative process for sustainable design. 1 HSW 09.09.22_7

Sarah Gudeman, PE, BCxP, CPHC, WELL AP, LEED Fellow, Morrissey Engineering, Inc.

2:30pm - 3:30 pm | Exhibitor Interaction | Prize Give Away - Regents ABC

Bring your business cards to enter for your chance to win some great prizes from the exhibitors. Each exhibitor will have a container for you to drop off.

AIA Nebraska will provide the below prizes to attendees that secure a signature from each exhibitor. Attendees must be present to win. One submission per person.

(5) $100 bills

Champagne: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut

Pinot Noir: La Crema

Sauvignon Blanc: La Crema

Best Booth Award – Remember to vote for the Best Exhibit. The winner will be announced during the Prize Drawing.

3:30 pm | Exhibitors Dissemble  

3:30 - 4:30 pm | Educational Session Four 

Ethics: Architects Duty to the Public, Lessons from Florida - Room: Regents DEF 

Presentation will discuss the boundaries of the design professional’s duty to protect the health and safety of the public as a part of her/his ethical responsibilities.  A condominium collapse and a pedestrian bridge collapse in Florida are examined and used to frame the issues. Existing published ethical opinions will then be applied to these real examples to determine the breadth of the designer’s duty to the public. 1 HSW 09.09.22_8

Todd W. Weidemann, Attorney, Woods Aitken 

Mobile architecture as post-pandemic creative placemaking - Room: Chancellor 2/3

Integrative Process to Deliver High Performance Buildings As the pandemic has dragged on, cities have seen a collapse in the cultural and commercial activities that make urban life exciting. The pandemic created a vacuum in cultural districts and severely impacted employment in the live entertainment industries forcing a retreat online. While physical distancing has saved lives, social isolation and loneliness have emerged as serious public health concerns. As a corrective, parks and schools are resources for improving public health. Accessible open & green spaces in every neighborhood are essential spaces for combating isolation. Now that a vaccine circulates, the creative and public realms have a unique opportunity to work together to breathe life back into cities. In response to our times, Omaha Mobile Stage is a prototype for a new model of outdoor venue providing a fun and flexible, but safe and serene, place for Omahans re-engage with each other, reactivate public spaces, and reanimate social, creative, and economic life in the city. Omaha Mobile Stage is a creative placemaking project to design and make a portable stage to serve as a cultural and economic throughout Omaha. OMS is a project of Partners for Livable Omaha, a nonprofit dedicated to the educational and charitable support of the live performing arts, with design and construction by FACT. 1 HSW 09.09.22_9

Jeffrey L. Day, FAIA, Actual Architecture Co.; Jessica Scheuerman, Founding Director, Partners for Livable Omaha