December 26, 2002

Design Detailings: EBDG's finishes Mare Australis

Photo courtesy of Nisa Navegacion The 74-meter Mare Australis has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, and four observation decks.

Elliott Bay Design Group has announced the delivery of the 71-meter Mare Australis. The Mare Australis has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Unique features include passenger lounges which convert to lecture halls where naturalists lead educational programs on wildlife and ecology. The transom is designed so that all passengers can safely access rigid inflatable boats used for the numerous shore excursions. A bow thruster was added for extra maneuverability and every passenger cabin has a window.

Client Nisa Navegacion was looking to design a new vessel and EBDG was selected because of their expertise with small cruise ships.

According to EBDG project manager, Douglas Wolff, the design was based on the design of her sister ship the Terra Australis.

In 2000, Wolff traveled to Chile to ride the Terra and learn of the vessel's operations and layout so that similar elements could be incorporated into the new design. The contract design for the Mare Australis was completed in fall 2001. The vessel, constructed at Asenav Shipyard in Chile, was delivered Nov. 11.

Learn to facilitate with style

The Jan. 9 program and luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane will be presented by Dee Endelman, an expert in communication and how it relates to productivity and cooperation. MAS is bringing Endelman from Seattle for the special engagement.

Endelman will provide an overview of communication styles during the lunch meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. The interactive workshop, "Facilitating With Style," will be from 1:45 to 5 p.m.

The meeting be held at the WestCoast River Inn, 700 N. Division St. in Spokane. Cost is $15 for MAS members and $25 for non-members for the luncheon only. Cost for the workshop is $25 for members and $45 for non-members. Cost for the entire program is $35 for members and $60 for non-members. Reservation deadline is Jan. 6. For membership information or to make a reservation, contact MAS vice president David Dowers at (509) 536-3853 or see the MAS Web site at http://www.maspokane.org.

Measuring labor efficiency

Looking for a way to test your A/E firm's labor efficiency? There are many ways, such as chargeability, net multiplier and revenue factor, according to AEC WorkForce Employer. One of the simplest is net service revenue per total staff. This measure can be a useful tool for assessing a firm's productivity and measuring trends within the firm, or making comparisons to similar firms in a region.

To calculate performance measure, divide net service revenue (gross revenue less subconsultant and reimbursable expenses) for a given period by the firm's total number of staff. Be sure to use full-time equivalent staff. In other words, if the firm employs two part-timers who work 20 hours per week, count them as the equivalent of one full-time employee. Include all staff, not just technical and professional employees. Finally, be sure to use the average staff level over the period of time you are examining. This is particularly important if your firm is growing, or if staff levels fluctuate over the course of the year due to seasonality. When analyzing results, compare to prior periods to help spot productivity trends.

AIA names national winners

The American Institute of Architects national board of directors this month selected C. James Lawler as the 2003 recipient of the Edward C. Kemper Award. Named in honor of the AIA's first executive director, the award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the profession of architecture through service to the AIA. Lawler is the founder and principal of C.J. Lawler Associates in West Hartford, Conn.

The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association was selected as recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. The award honors the late civil rights and urban leader Whitney M. Young Jr.

The HACIA is a 23-year-old business membership organization whose mission is to promote participation of its members in public and private construction projects throughout the Chicago area.

Edmund W. Ong of San Francisco and Susan Williams of Indianapolis were selected as the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture. The award recognizes excellence in architectural advocacy and achievement in public and private sector architecture, and public officials who advance awareness and appreciation of design.

In his 30-year career with the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, Ong has been responsible for commissioning and bringing a range of work that has helped to define San Francisco as one of America's most livable and civilized cities.

Williams has spent a large part of her career advocating quality design and historic preservation, as an Indianapolis City-County Council representative and in her current position as the executive director of the Indiana State Office Building Commission. In her current role as executive director of the Indiana State Office Building Commission, Williams has administered design and construction of more than $500 million of new correctional facilities, selecting design teams based on QBS principles. She is currently leading efforts to develop three state hospitals, ever mindful of neighborhood context, historic preservation and environmental impact.

The awards will be presented in May at the 2003 AIA National Convention in San Diego.