Frank Gehry Addresses CSI Convention in Vegas

Celebrity architect Frank Gehry discussed 3-D building information models as a growing solution for project estimating, scheduling, and designing during the CSI Convention held in Las Vegas.

Architect Frank Gehry was joined by Dennis Shelden and Stuart Jacobson of Gehry Technologies in delivering the keynote address for the Construction Specification Institute's 50th annual convention held in Las Vegas.

"I'm tired of architects being marginalized in the project," said Gehry who is currently designing the Lou Ruvo Alzheimer's Institute in downtown Vegas. "We are providing clarity and dimension in 3-D so that it doesn't leave much room for conjecture."

The firm recently unveiled its Digital Project, a next-generation software platform that turns virtual concepts into reality. It allows design, construction and operational problems to be visualized and solved using computer simulation. Unlike traditional blueprints, the software creates detailed 3-D images that leave little room for ambiguity.

"It takes the friction out of the process and makes everyone equals," said Jacobson, CEO of Gehry Technologies, a cutting-edge technology company started in 2002. "Adoption of 3-D modeling is less than 3% across the industry, but the industry is starting to move in this direction."

Computerized 3-D models are linked to databases that house the specifications, schedules, and other related project documents. It gives owners more budget control through predictions about the project's construction process, and leaves contractors projects with fewer surprises.

Gehry's architecture practice, Gehry Partners, LLP, Los Angeles, delivered its last three projects on budget using the software.

"My hope is that the architect will take more responsibility, not less, Gehry said. "This is an opportunity of us to become master builders again."

Inquipco Sock Hop Raises Money for Child Haven

Employees from Inquipco, a construction equipment rental company, raised $7,400 to purchase 1,001 pairs of shoes and 1,900 pairs of socks for the children of Child Haven. Employees delivered the items, along with a boom truck, forklifts, cranes, and a man lift for the children to play on after receiving the shoes and socks.

According to Charlie Thompson, Inquipco general manager, employees enlisted the support of vendors, friends and family, to provide the children of Child Haven with the much-needed items.

Child Haven is a public shelter that houses abused, neglected and abandoned children from 3 days to 18 years of age. The original Child Haven was established in 1962 and moved to its current location in 1972. Length of stay varies from a few hours to several months, but 45 percent of the children stay 1-3 days. The average length of stay is 12 days.

AMCA Enlists New, Repositioned Board

The Associated Minority Contractors of America recently repositioned the Board of Directors to create a viable work force for the contracting community as a whole. New board members were elected based on their commitment and willingness to serve the minority and women contracting Community. The board will assist the association to grow, with plans to branch out to other Arizona cities and expand services to other states.

The association recently held its Fifth Annual Golf Tournament which was the most successful event of its kind for the association. The success is attributed to the tournament sponsors, member companies, the Wigwam Resort, AMCA's golf committee and the volunteers.

The new Executive Board includes: Martin Alvarez Sr., Board Chair; Dave Murdough, Chair Elect; Gloria Lowrie, Treasurer; Lisa Erby, Secretary.

Board Members include Daniel Villa, Jr., Peter Hemingway, Robert Franco, Rudy Garcia, Jimmie Munoz, John Ramos, JoAnn Thomas, Wayne Oliver, Antonio Cortes, Tony Valdez and Raymond Acuna.

NUCA 2005 Chapter Awards of Excellence Announced

The National Utility Contractors Association has announced the winners of its 2005 Chapter Awards of Excellence. These coveted awards are presented to NUCA chapters that support their members, the association, the industry and their communities with outstanding publications, services and events.

Award recipients from the Southwest included NUCA of New Mexico, winning the Educations Programming Chapter Award of Excellence and Honorable Mention for the William H. Clausen Community Service Award. NUCA of Arizona received an Honorable Mention in the Special Events category.