As you may aware, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is moving ahead towards publication next year of a new edition of MasterFormat, the industry standard numbering system for construction specifications, which will abandon the 16 Division structure that has been in place for 40 years and replace it with a new system that includes an entirely different set of numbers running into the 80s. You can learn more about the specifics on CSI's website

Many design professionals are opposed to this radical change, if you also disagree with this change you can easily express your discontent by "signing" an online petition here.

New Jersey loses its 'Grande Dame' of architecture

New Jersey's architecture community is mourning the loss of Eleanore Pettersen, FAIA, a widely respected architecture pioneer. Ms. Pettersen, of Saddle River, died in January at age 86.

Considered this state¹s 'grande dame' of architecture, Ms. Pettersen attracted attention not only as a woman in a male-dominated profession when she embarked on her career during the early 1940s, but was celebrated as an idealist who helped distinguish architecture as a way of making a difference.

Known for several 'firsts' in the profession, Ms. Pettersen is perhaps most recognized as the first woman in New Jersey to open her own architectural firm. A student of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, she also was the first woman to serve as president and regional director of AIA NJ and as president of the New Jersey State Board of Architects.

In 1991, Ms. Pettersen became the first New Jersey woman elected to the College of Fellows as a member of the Architects League of Northern New Jersey.

Other highlights of her fascinating 62-year career included: analyzing enemy building structures for the National Defense Research Committee; designing shops and exhibits for R.H. Macy and Co.; and creating plans for private residences, including a Saddle River home and a Park Ridge townhouse for former President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat.

Although much of her work echoed Mr. Wright's naturalistic and abstract Prairie-style elements, Ms. Pettersen believed firmly in carving and creating one's own 'essence.'

AIA NJ Regional Director Martin Santini, FAIA, worked with Ms. Pettersen as an associate architect. "She was extremely sensitive to the way different materials went together in a building design and she had a knack for utilizing materials that would complement one another to create a sense of scale."

Much as Mr. Wright did for her and other apprentice architects, Ms. Pettersen served as a mentor for many students, inviting them to her studio and spending hours discussing architecture's shaping of people, history and the world.

Ms. Pettersen's incredible accomplishments profoundly affected not only New Jersey's architecture, but also the community of architects that uses her extraordinary life and contributions as its model.

College of Fellows recognizes Karen Nichols

Only third female AIA NJ member elevated to prestigious position

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated Karen Nichols, AIA, to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made contributions of national significance to the profession.

This fellowship is conferred on architects with at least 10 years membership in the AIA who have made significant contributions in the following areas: the aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession; the standards of architectural education, training and practice; the building industry through leadership in the AIA and other related professional organizations; advancement of living standards of people through an improved environment; and to society through significant public service.

Ms. Nichols is a Principal at Michael Graves & Associates (MGA) in Princeton. She is a graduate of Smith College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she earned her master¹s degree in Architecture and received awards from the AIA and the American Association of University Women.

Ms. Nichols has been a member of the MGA team for more than 25 years. She was the architect in charge of various projects at the Newark Museum including two Master Plans and a major renovation completed in 1989, which won a National AIA honor award. She also was the architect in charge of The Detroit Institute of Arts Master Plan and the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati. She is part of the core team that developed MGA's product design department, which has designed more than one thousand consumer products for manufacturers such as Alessi and retailers such as Target.

Ms. Nichols is a consistent proponent of education in and about the profession of architecture. She was the curator at the first one-person exhibition of architectural drawings to take place in a commercial gallery, which created interest in architects and their drawings as artistic work.

Ms. Nichols is a former AIA NJ board member and is currently a member of the Board of Visitors at the New Jersey School of Architecture at Newark¹s New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Howard Horii, FAIA Honored

Howard Horii, FAIA of Grad Associates is being honored for his many years of dedicated service to the ACE (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) Mentor Program. The program has a twofold mission: to enlighten and motivate high school students toward careers in architecture, construction, engineering and related fields and to provide mentoring and scholarship opportunities for students.

The event will be held on Thursday June 12, 2003 at the Newark Club at 8:00 AM. Anyone who would like to attend in support of Howard should contact John Woodman, Executive Director, ACE Mentoring Program.
(718) 816-7249(phone)
(718) 876-6105(fax)
(347) 612-1379(cell)
jwoodman1@si.rr.com