NEW YORK BUILDING CONGRESS
ARCHITECTS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
44 West 28th Street, 12th Floor
Wednesday, September 17, 2003, 12:00 noon

Summary of Discussion

Attendance: Joseph J. Aliotta and Mary-Jean Eastman, Co-Chairs; Richard T. Anderson, Rick Bell, William Donohoe, Joe Fleischer, Bruce Fowle, Thomas Fridstein, Michael Greene, Leevi Kiil, George H. Miller, Anthony Rimore, Peter Samton, Sam Spata, Gerard Vasisko.

Guests: Paul Burgdorf, Lou Cirelli, Maryanne Gridley, Michael Kolk, Porie Saikia-Eapen

Discussion: Co-Chairman Joseph Aliotta welcomed the council members and guests. He reminded everyone that the mission of the Council is to advise the Building Congress on large architectural firm issues and to provide a forum for these firms.

New York Building Foundation Theater Benefit
Mr. Anderson encouraged everyone to consider supporting the Building Foundation Theater Benefit on September 24. He said 150 tickets are available for the hit musical Nine, preceded by a dinner reception at Coco Pazzo Teatro Restaurant.

Special Guest
Mr. Aliotta introduced Porie Saikia-Eapen, Chief Architect at the MTA New York City, who assumed her responsibilities several months ago. She described her current work and thanked the Council for the opportunity to join the meeting.

Featured Speaker
The Executive Director of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Maryanne Gridley, highlighted her agency’s current program. She introduced three of her colleagues in attendance – Paul Burgdorf, Director – Communications & Marketing; Lou Cirelli, Director – Quality Assurance; and Michael Kolk, Director – CUNY Programs. Ms. Gridley circulated a handout, which describes Dormitory Authority’s current program. A copy is attached to and made part of this summary.

Ms. Gridley said DASNY has a regular working relationship with the American Institute of Architects and welcomes input from all sectors of the industry. She stressed the importance of a harmonious working atmosphere with the industry.

Ms. Gridley said 80% of DASNY’s work is downstate. It includes education, criminal justice, health, and a variety of other areas. The agency’s work has doubled since 1998 and is expected to remain steady at about $800-$900 million annually over the next several years. She illustrated various programs with the Health and Hospitals Corporation, State University, City University, and the criminal justice system.
Ms. Gridley also discussed the procurement process and a new specialty services contract. She said AIA has raised some concerns, which are now under consideration. She also discussed technology innovations and trends as well as new codes and standards.

Ms. Gridley discussed green building design and the Governor’s Executive Order 127, which mandates increased disclosure in public procurement.

In discussion, the Council raised a number of issues. One was the burdensome increase in documentation under DASNY contracts. Ms. Gridley said she would review that issue. Peter Samton raised the question of increased coordination among state agencies. Mary-Jean Eastman mentioned procurement criteria.

Next Meeting
Ms. Eastman said the next Council meeting will be on October 29 at the new Center for Architecture. Mr. Miller reminded everyone that the Center will be opening formally in early October and encouraged all to participate.

Prepared by
Richard T. Anderson
President
RTA/rc