Texas Society of Architects Convention: Day Three

Lean Architecture: Excellence in Project Delivery. presented by Michael F. Czap, AIA. In this session, Czap stated that lean architecture is the on-going process of rethinking architectural methodology by applying "Lean" principles to every aspect of our practice. In a fast-paced program Czap introduced us to techniques of process management with three goals for application to architectural management, documentation and technology.

Scoping Provisions of the New 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards: presented by Gaila Barnett and George Ferrie.  The Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) came into effect in March of 2012 with several key differences from the 1994 TAS. Barnett and Ferrie anaylized the differences and explored the ways scoping pertains to all TAS sections, how to meet the necessary requirements, the differences in implementing the TAS in a new building and an existing building, and the notable exceptions to the TAS.  

Measure Twice and Cut Once - A Fresh Approach to Integrated Project Delivery: presented  by Richard Markel, AIA and David Weinberg, AIA.  Integrated Project Delivery is an innovation emerging as the preferred way to organize project teams to achieve more efficient and better-planned projects.  IPD is a team-centric approach that increases value to the owner by leveraging the knowledge, experience and talent of all team members to improve quality, eliminate waste and reduce costs with less risks.

Leadership Effectiveness and Creative Problem Solving: presented by Peter A DeLisle, Phd. This highly interactive seminar addressed the issues of leadership effectiveness and decision making.  We reviewed the importance of critical self-reflection and awareness of the impact of a leader's behavior on people. Processes were examined through the use of inventory and dialogue on cognitive problem-solving. 

The Influence of 21st Century Education Principles on K-12 School Facility Design: presented by Michael B. Baker, AIA.  The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is the largest geographical K-12 school district in the world. DoDEA recently changed to 21st Century Education Specifications. This change has influenced the architecture of DoDEA school facilities worldwide.  This session focused on how 21st Century Education Principles have changed the school environment, both inside and out.