September 4, 2002

Design Detailings: ACEC/WA conference on government projects

The American Council of Engineering Companies/Washington hosts the Wheelin' Walla Walla Weekend Thursday through Saturday at the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center, 6 W. Rose St.. in Walla Walla.

The conference will focus on new opportunities in the government market for engineering, planning, land surveying and environmental consulting services. Many firms face challenges in doing business with government clients in the submittal and selection process, in contract negotiations process and in project delivery, according to ACEC. The program looks for strategies to succeed in the public marketplace.

The featured speaker -- David Stone, senior consultant, FMI Corp. -- will speak on value-based pricing from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Friday. Value-based pricing determines the fee a client will pay based on what they, or the market, feels it is worth to have a particular problem solved. The session will show participants how to begin the shift away from under-valued, cost-based pricing to high margin, value-based compensation.

Stone is a senior consultant for FMI Corp.'s engineering and architectural services group. He works with design professionals in the area of strategic planning, marketing and business development and project management. For information about the conference, call (425) 453-6655.

Interiors group to cruise on Sept. 12

The Washington State Chapter of the International Interior Design Association newly formed South Sound City Center announces its first annual cruise on the yacht "My Girl." The cruise will be 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, and will coincide with the city of Tacoma's Maritime Fest, Sept. 13 to 15.

Interior design professionals, architects, design suppliers and other associated professional services providers are invited to join the South Sound City Center and learn about the history of the Thea Foss Waterway and future planned improvements for Tacoma's waterfront.

The cruise will celebrate the city's redevelopment and will introduce the South Sound City Center's new committee members. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided. Prepaid reservations are required. Cost is $25 for IIDA Members, $35 for AIA, CSI, ASID, IFMA members, $50 for IIDA member and guest, non-members $40/person, and students $15. Send checks to IIDA Washington State Chapter, Box 12826, Seattle, WA 98111.

For more information or to sponsor the event, contact Kelly Shaw, IIDA, City Center co-director, at kelly@architectsbcra.com or Catherine Barker, co-director, at catherine_barker@msn.com. For information on IIDA's South Sound City Center and membership, contact Julia Gutt, at 206-762-6471 or visit the chapter Web site at www.iida-wa.org.