CSI to End Support of MasterFormat 95 on December 31, 2009

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) announced that the organization will cease to license and support MasterFormat 95 as of December 31, 2009.

The CSI Board of Directors voted to stop licensing and supporting MasterFormat 95 during its June 16, 2009, meeting at the CSI Annual Convention in Indianapolis.

"Now that the new edition has been widely accepted by the industry, we felt it was time to complete the transition to MasterFormat 2004," said CSI Executive Director and CEO Walter Marlowe, P.E., CSI, CAE. "As a result, CSI and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) will no longer support MasterFormat 95 after December 31, 2009."

In 2004, CSI and CSC introduced the most significant updates to MasterFormat since the standard was introduced in the 1960s. To meet the industry's changing needs, MasterFormat™ 2004 edition features an expanded structure, increasing the number of divisions from 16 to 50, and replaces the five-digit system from previous editions with a six-digit system. It was expanded to accommodate the many new technologies and building practices introduced since its inception and to provide more complete coverage for all types of construction projects.

MasterFormat™ has long been recognized as a standard in the construction industry to organize project manuals and detailed cost information, and to relate drawing notes to specifications. It aids project delivery by facilitating communication among architects, engineers, specifiers, contractors, suppliers and other consultants, which helps them meet building owners' requirements, timelines and budgets. By fostering fuller and more detailed construction specifications, MasterFormat is designed to reduce costly changes or delays in projects due to incomplete, misplaced or missing information.

Many high-profile public agencies, companies, A/E firms, consultants and others have made the switch to the latest edition of MasterFormat, but there are still organizations that have not made the transition. Using two different versions of MasterFormat makes it difficult to correctly classify work results and communicate project information. The continued use of MasterFormat 95 and earlier versions also hinders industry standardization and works contrary to interoperability.

CSI and CSC are working with the MasterFormat Sponsors to communicate the decision to the industry, promote the benefits of using to the latest version through a communication campaign and to transition their products that use MasterFormat.

For more information on MasterFormat, please visit www.masterformat.com. MasterFormat 2004 edition is available for purchase on the Web site. Access to real-time updates, a transition guide and a tool to convert MasterFormat 95 numbers to the latest version also are available.

About CSI
CSI is a national association dedicated to creating standards and formats to improve construction documents and project delivery. The organization is unique in the industry in that its members are a cross-section of specifiers, architects, engineers, contractors and building materials suppliers. The organization has 146 chapters and more than 14,000 members. Monthly Chapter meetings allow members the opportunity to communicate openly with their counterparts and exchange information for successful project management. CSI is renowned in the industry for its rigorous certification programs for professionals seeking to improve their knowledge of accurate and concise construction documents. CSI provides continuing education, professional conferences and product shows. For more information, visit www.csinet.org, or call (800) 689-2900.

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Architecture Billings Index Shows No Significant Improvement in Business Conditions
Inquiries for new projects remain favorable, but not translating into work

There has been a recent moderation in the downturn in design services billings, but the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reveals that an economic recovery has stalled. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the May ABI rating was 42.9, nearly identical to the 42.8 mark in April. This score still indicates an overall decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry score was 55.2, the third straight month with a score in the mid-50’s.

“The design and construction marketplace is extremely competitive right now,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Prospective clients are casting a wider net causing numerous firms to bid for the same project, which is why the high level of inquiries is not necessarily translating into additional billings for project work at many firms.”

Key May ABI highlights:

• Regional averages: Northeast (48.3), Midwest (41.5), South (41.3), West (39.4)
• Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (45.5), mixed practice (44.5), commercial / industrial (43.1), institutional (38.0)
• Project inquiries index: 55.2

About the AIA Architecture Billings Index
The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey and produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group. Based on a comparison of data compiled since the survey’s inception in 1995 with figures from the Department of Commerce on Construction Put in Place, the findings amount to a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each month. The regional and sector data is formulated using a three-month moving average.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.

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AIA Continues Sustainability Program for Local Communities with Request for Proposals

WHO: The American Institute of Architects Center for Communities by Design

WHAT: Request for Proposals seeking community applicants for the 2010 Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program (SDAT).

Since its inception in 2005, the SDAT program has assisted over 40 communities with long-term sustainability plans addressing a range of local issues. The SDAT is an innovative program that brings together multidisciplinary teams of professionals to work with community stakeholders and decision-makers through an intensive planning process. The mission is to provide technical assistance and process expertise to help communities develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future. Architect-led teams are composed of volunteer professionals representing a range of disciplines, including urban design professionals, economic development experts, land use attorneys, and others. The approach is designed to address many of the common challenges communities face by producing long-term sustainability plans that are realistic and reflect each community’s unique context.

For more information on the program: http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075425

WHEN: The SDAT committee will conduct two rounds of application review through the remainder of 2009 to offer applicants the opportunity to receive an early decision and acceptance by the review committee. The first round of review will be in September 2009; committee members will evaluate all applications received by September 18, 2009 at that time. Applications received after the first round of review will be assessed in December 2009. Any additional applications received after the second review period will be considered for the 2011 SDAT program. The final deadline to submit proposals for consideration in the 2010 SDAT program is November 13, 2009.

HOW: The RFP can be downloaded here. An independent panel of distinguished judges will evaluate each community proposal and apply weighted criteria to determine the awards. All applicants will be contacted when the award is made in December 2009.

CONTACT: Erin Simmons, 202-626-7492, esimmons@aia.org

About the AIA Center for Communities by Design
The Center for Communities by Design is the clearinghouse for the American Institute of Architects' many activities—from promoting sustainable design to leading design based technical assistance projects in communities—that influence the quality of life in our nation's communities. The center is a nonpartisan forum that provides information, develops policy, creates partnerships, and assists in advocacy efforts to facilitate discussions of community design and inform choices for neighborhoods, cities, regions, and the nation.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.

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New Analysis Shows Glimmer Of Hope Amid Grim News As Construction Employment Falls In Most States, Metro Areas
Clearing Confusion About Buy America, Reporting Requirements Could Help Speed Stimulus Funds, Slow Decline in Construction Employment, Top Construction Economist Concludes

The construction employment picture brightened slightly with 18 states adding construction jobs from April to May according to a new analysis of data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, construction employment overall continued to decline, noted Ken Simonson, the chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America.

“Projects funded by the stimulus legislation probably mitigated the overall downturn in construction jobs in May,” Simonson said, noting however that the BLS data do not separately identify ‘stimulus’ hires. “While the stimulus is starting to help, it is not keeping pace with overall declines in construction activity in most places.”

Simonson noted that North Dakota saw the biggest increase in construction employment from April to May, with a 9-percent rise, seasonally adjusted, followed by Mississippi, 4 percent; South Dakota and Indiana, 3 percent each; and West Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and Nebraska, 2 percent each. (To prevent disclosure of data for industries with small employment totals, BLS presents construction combined with mining and logging in South Dakota, Nebraska, four other states and the District of Columbia.)

Despite these localized construction gains, however, national construction employment dropped by 59,000 (almost 1 percent), seasonally adjusted, from April to May, Simonson added.

Compared to construction employment this time last year, the current jobs picture is bleaker, Simonson said. For example, Arizona, shed 28 percent of its payroll jobs in construction over the past 12 months.; Kentucky and Connecticut 21 percent each, and Nevada and Tennessee (combined data), 20 percent each. Meanwhile, only North Dakota (4 percent) and South Dakota (3 percent) added construction jobs since last May.

Metro-area data also provided a grim picture over the past 12 months. (Metro figures are not seasonally adjusted and thus are suitable for comparing only to same month in prior years.)

Only nine out of 311 metro areas for which data is available had year-over-year employment gains in construction (or combined sectors), led by Baton Rouge, 7 percent; Grand Junction, Colorado (combined data), 5 percent; Odessa, Texas, and Bismarck, N.D. ( both with combined data), 4 percent; and Decatur, Illinois (combined data), 3 percent. Two metros had no changed in construction (combined data) employment, while 300 had losses. The steepest losses over the past 12 months were in Pascagoula, Miss. (combined data), -40 percent; Redding, Calif. (combined data), -37 percent; Reno-Sparks, Nev., -31 percent; Tucson and Phoenix-Mesa, Scottsdale, both -29 percent.

“Whether more states and metros join the ‘win column’ in adding construction jobs depends largely on how quickly all levels of government turn stimulus money into contracts,” Simonson said. “Local governments must avoid imposing their own Buy American standards, states must work promptly to hold bid lettings, and federal agencies need to clarify reporting requirements and rules.”

Simonson noted that getting more stimulus money flowing will help companies like San Angelo, Texas-based Reece Albert Inc. which has been able to save 20 jobs to date because of stimulus funded highway work. And given the likelihood of continued declines in privately-funded construction, getting stimulus funds flowing for non-transportation projects will help companies like Gorham, Maine-based R.J. Grondin & Sons pick up more water main and other construction work.

Click here to view the state and metro-area construction employment figures.

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Simpson Strong-Tie Introduces DeckTools™ Design Software for Deck Builders and Suppliers

Imagine showing a prospective customer a picture of their dream deck—and not just a drawing or sketch, but a full-color, 3-dimensional image they can look at from any angle. DeckTools™, a sales, design and estimating software program for decks, allows deck builders and suppliers to bring photo-realistic deck designs to customers right from their laptops.

With DeckTools, users can create one-of-a-kind deck designs for their clients, customizing nearly every detail from the deck shape to railings and material choices. The program provides 3-dimensional views of deck and railing designs as well as traditional plan views. Designs are rendered in real time, so clients can see what their deck will look like with their home and backyard. The program also makes it easy to suggest upgrades by instantly showing the visual and cost impact.

In addition, DeckTools helps with practical design elements, such as identifying the key connections required by the building code and suggesting the appropriate Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners. Users can generate all of the drawings they need in minutes, including structural drawings for permit applications, working drawings for crews and detailed finished views for homeowner associations. They also can create material take-off lists, cost estimates and professional proposals which are fully-customizable Microsoft® Office documents. One-on-one training is provided with every license as well as ongoing online classes, self-paced instructional videos and customer support.

Simpson Strong-Tie acquired DeckTools in early 2009. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/decktools.
*Editors see a live demonstration of the program at PCBC in San Francisco on Thursday, June 18, booth 925 – south hall.

About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.
For more than 50 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has focused on creating structural products that help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings. Considered a leader in structural systems research and testing, Simpson Strong-Tie® products are recognized for helping structures resist high winds, hurricanes and seismic forces. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of connectors, fasteners, fastening systems, anchors and lateral-force resisting systems in the world. Featured product lines include Wood and Steel Strong-Wall® prefabricated shearwalls, Anchor Tiedown Systems for multi-story buildings and Strong Frame™ moment frames. Specialty products include Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems, corrosion-resistant fasteners and Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® - anchors and fasteners for concrete and masonry. Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to providing exceptional products and service to its customers, including engineering and field support, product testing and training. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.strongtie.com.

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141st AIA National Convention in San Francisco Emphasizes Diversity, Sustainability, and Economic Viability

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition concluded with a theme presentation with thirteen-person panel discussing contemporary architecture. Other keynote presentations focused on design and global practice, and firm diversity.

The convention attracted 22,400 registrants, and over 900 exhibitors. In addition, more than 10,000 virtual convention seminars were accessed via a live web streaming option. In order to address the challenges facing architects in the current uncertain economic climate, a comprehensive track of seminars were added to the program that focused on the skills and resources needed in an economic downturn.

“As the world grows smaller, faster and more competitive with every moment, national and political boundaries grow less relevant so the theme chosen for the convention was: The Power of Diversity: Practice in a Complex World,” said AIA President, Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA. “The profession of architecture is in the midst of incredible change–from the people it serves, to the people who comprise it, to the means by which it is practiced. In San Francisco, we turned to a broad representation of the emerging voices in our profession to discover how they face the future and learn ways that the architecture profession can benefit from their perspectives.”

The AIA 2010 National Convention and Design Expo will be held June 10 - 12, 2010, in Miami. For more information about next year’s exhibition contact AIA Infocentral at 1.800.242.3837.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.

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Clark D. Manus, FAIA, Elected 2011 AIA President
Mickey Jacob, FAIA, and Peter G. Kuttner, FAIA, elected as new vice presidents; John W. Rogers, AIA, elected secretary

Delegates to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention in San Francisco elected Clark D. Manus, FAIA, to serve as the 2010 AIA first vice president/president-elect and 2011 Institute president. Mickey Jacob, FAIA, and Peter G. Kuttner, FAIA, each to serve as vice president from 2010 through 2011; and John W. Rogers, AIA, ACHA, as the Institute’s treasurer beginning in 2010.

Manus, CEO of Heller Manus Architects, whose numerous buildings offer a broad array of building types in San Francisco and whose citizen architect profile on advocacy issues affecting policies and planning transformed the urban fabric in San Francisco’s Central Embarcadero and formed a new urban neighborhood. Both he and the firm have received National AIA Honor Awards. Manus has served as AIA National Vice President; chairing both the Board Advocacy Committee and the Strategic Planning Group following service as a Board of Director. He served on the Governance Task Force, AIA150 Blueprint for America Mosaic Group Chair. In his hometown, former AIA San Francisco President and two-time AIA California Council Board of Director, Manus has long stressed and acted on the importance of engaging emerging professionals.

“The road ahead will offer challenges that will forge new frontiers for the architectural profession,” Manus says. “AIA members can play key roles as stewards of public policy on the built environment. We are motivated to pursue initiatives that utilize creative thinking and that must be timely and relevant. Reinforcing the foundation for the evolution of our profession will enable us to expand globally and act locally. There’s much to accomplish as the voice of our profession and a resource to members in serving society.” Manus’ aspiration as AIA president will be to focus resources that are manifested in advocacy, strategic thinking, evolving technology; knowledge conductance, and community interaction. As AIA president, he aims to achieve “a dynamic, nimble, and relevant organization.”

In San Francisco, he’s recognized for his extensive community/urban design leadership and long-standing public contribution following the 1989 earthquake, chairing successive Mayoral Citizen Advisory Committees facilitating the instrumental reclamation of the Central Embarcadero transforming the downtown Transbay District and the Rincon Hill Residential Neighborhood. On the environmental front, he was appointed by Mayor Newsom to the Ocean Beach Vision Council. Manus is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Design and the University at Buffalo, School of Environmental Design.

Other AIA elected officials include:

Mickey Jacob Elected 2010-2012 Vice President

Jacob is managing principal at Urban Studio Architects in Tampa, Fla., a 15-person firm focusing on implementing sustainable design into the marketplace. Jacob is committed to leadership in community, business, and the profession. An advocate of AIA participation, he has held numerous leadership positions with AIA Tampa Bay and AIA Florida.

Following his 18-month term as president of AIA Florida, 2004–2005, Jacob was elected as the 2007-2009 AIA regional director representing Florida and the Caribbean. On the AIA national Board, he has served on the Advocacy Committee and the Member Outreach Subcommittee working to develop the new “Year Round Advocacy” program. Jacob believes that leadership, collaboration and member participation are vital to the AIA’s long-term success.

Peter G. Kuttner Elected 2010-2012 Vice President

Kuttner is president of Cambridge Seven Associates, represents AIA New England on the AIA Board, and is a past president of the Boston Society of Architects. Kuttner believes the AIA has come a long way in the past three years, and now is the time to capitalize on that momentum.

Kuttner believes in leverage existing strengths. “We need to connect with the public more than ever,” he says. “On the political and economic side, the national AIA has immediately connected with the Obama team. Addressing the stimulus package, the AIA’s “Rebuild & Renew” initiative has been immediate and direct, and we must continue to promote it. At the same time, we must extend these initiatives to the local levels as we work together.”

John W. Rogers Elected 2010-2011 Treasurer

Rogers has served on the AIA Board of Directors, 2007-2009; Finance & Audit Committee; Risk Management Committee; Governance Task Force; International Committee, as chair of Outsourcing Offshore Task Force; Historic Resources Committee; and Academy on Architecture for Health.. Rogers has served as regional director and treasurer for the AIA Ohio Valley Region; as AIA Ohio president, vice president, and treasurer; on the Financial Advisory Committee; and on the Investment Task Force.

Rogers is a partner at GBBN Architects, a 100 person architectural firm celebrating over 50 years of service, headquartered in Cincinnati with additional offices in Lexington & Louisville, and Beijing China. He is a Market Leader in the Healthcare Division and has clients and projects all over the world. John vows to continue policies that foster economic growth and pledges to pursue stability and growth for the AIA.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.

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Mockett “Stimulus Plan” Meets Widespread Acceptance

“Our program of new and lower prices has been a boon to the woodworking industry”, claims Doug Mockett, namesake of his eponymous company.

“We have had overwhelming and positive reaction to the package of revised pricing”, he continued.

In April Doug Mockett & Company reviewed all its prices and lowered as many as possible. Some were lowered upwards of 30%, others less, and a few not at all.

For example, its popular DP415 drawer pull was lowered by 10% across the board, and the firm’s CA52 hollow wheel caster received a 6-10% reduction depending upon quantity.

“We realize times are tough in our industry and whatever we can do to assist our many clients we are proud to do”, he said.

See the new prices at www.mockett.com/stimulus.

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PPG Corporate Sustainability Report Highlights Green Building Products And Manufacturing

PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) first corporate sustainability report highlights key accomplishments in several areas of interest to environmentally progressive architects and builders.

In the green construction arena, PPG architectural glasses, including Solarban solar control, low-e glasses, are the first product in their industry to be Cradle to Cradle Certified. Many PPG paints, including Pittsburgh Paints’ Pure Performance paint are Ecologo certified or CHPS-compliant as a low-emitting material, and Duranar ULTRA-Cool coatings are Energy Star and Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) listed.

PPG’s corporate sustainability report supports products claims and certifications in that, as a manufacturer, PPG is responsible, transparent, and realizes necessary improvements to meet challenging sustainablility demands. For instance, PPG was the first company to install oxy-fuel furnance technology on a float glass production line in North America, which can dramatically reduce the amount of natural gas required to melt glass.

The company also integrated dispense cell technology to facilitate the production of small batches of liquid coatings, eliminating the need for cleaning solvents, cutting hazardous waste and reducing customer inventories by permitting more accurate order fulfillment.

In the paint industry, PPG was the first national supplier to institute a program to recover and recycle plastic five-gallon pails used for water-based paints. In addition to its environmental benefits, this program reduces customer cost by eliminating the need for empty-pail disposal.

The 32-page sustainability report, posted at www.ppg.com/2008CSR, is self-declared to meet the G3 Application Level C requirements for the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), a disclosure framework for corporate sustainability information. In addition to outlining PPG’s vision, values, ethics and corporate governance, the report provides information on the company’s recent business performance, global philanthropic activities and metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage and safety statistics.

About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 140 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. Sales in 2008 were $15.8 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.

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Vertigraph, Inc. to bundle quantity takeoff software with Adobe Acrobat 9

Vertigraph, Inc. has entered into a Value Added Bundle Agreement with Adobe System Incorporated and Adobe Systems Software Ireland Limited whereby Vertigraph, Inc. will bundle its BidScreen XL and SiteWorx/OS software with Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard.

Vertigraph, Inc., incorporated in 1991 and a worldwide leader in the development of takeoff and estimating software for the construction industry, appears to be the first and only takeoff and estimating software entity to join Adobe in revolutionizing how the world engages with ideas and information by offering a bundle of its innovative on-screen digitizing solutions with Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard now ships with BidScreen XL and/or SiteWorx/OS and will be made available for those Vertigraph customers not currently using Adobe Acrobat Version 7 or later.

Kim Border of Vertigraph states "Bundling Vertigraph's latest BidScreen XL and SiteWorx/OS on-screen digitizing software with Adobe Acrobat Version 9 provides the construction professional with the complete solution. Estimators and Quantity Surveyors can conveniently work with the native electronic file without the need of time consuming file conversions. BidScreen XL and SiteWorx/OS bundled with Adobe Acrobat will now access all versions of PDF files with clarity and without regard to their origination."

Most competing electronic takeoff software applications either automatically force a conversion of the native file into their propriety format, thus making the original file useless in any other imaging software accept theirs; or have limited functionality with certain PDF files and/or display pdf images that are distorted and grainy, both requiring time consuming file conversion processes that are subject to error and problems. Vertigraph has recognized and addressed these issues. Now you'll no longer need to contact the author of the file to request them to re-save the PDF files in an alternate format which has long been, and still remains, a standard fix when dealing with PDF files.

Corina Harrison of Vertigraph states, "Vertigraph appears to be the first and only takeoff and estimating software entity to recognize the wide use and distribution of PDF files in the construction industry and compatibility issues that exist when using any on-screen digitizing software. By bundling Acrobat Standard with our BidScreen XL on-screen digitizing software for MS Excel, the construction professional now has the ability to record measurements and digitized drawing information from an expanded variety of native file formats, documenting their quantity takeoff into any MS Excel workbook with the added document management capabilities of the popular, industry leading, Adobe Acrobat software. Construction professionals can now manage their electronic files and quantity takeoffs with two of the most popular and widely utilized software applications - Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat."

Vertigraph's SiteWorx/OS application also uses Adobe Acrobat to work with the native PDF files and provides cut and fill calculations from virtually any file format. Three dimensional graphics are automatically generated with SiteWorx/OS.

Erich Schoenkopf of Vertigraph adds "Digitizing measurements on-screen offers many benefits in comparison to quantity takeoff from paper blueprints. By digitizing on-screen, the volume of paper is significantly reduced resulting in a greener environment. By reducing the volume of paper, you'll reduce your paper costs resulting in a superior return on investment. Other benefits of on-screen digitizing include increased speed, improved accuracy with a clear, concise audit trail and the ability to work anywhere. You're no longer tied down to blueprints and a digitizer tablet for quantity takeoff with Vertigraph's BidScreen XL and SiteWorx/OS software."

Vertigraph mission is to exceed your expectations and provide you with the software solutions that quickly add value to your business.

Download BidScreen XL Version 5.0 from www.vertigraph.com and/or contact us today to schedule a live internet demonstration.

We recommend reviewing the BidScreen XL Installation & Use Guide installed under Start|Programs|BidScreen XL to familiarize yourself with Version 5.

A Training/Tutorial Video is available for download at ftp://www.vertigraph.com/pub/BidScreen_Training.zip.

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Architecture Billings Index Points to Possible Economic Improvement

Unfavorable business conditions remain, but inquiries by potential clients continue to grow

After an eight-point jump in March, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell less than a full point in April. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the April ABI rating was 42.8, down from the 43.7 mark in March. This was the first time since August and September 2008 that the index was above 40 for consecutive months, but the score still indicates an overall decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry score was 56.8.

“The most encouraging part of this news is that this is the second month with very strong inquiries for new projects. A growing number of architecture firms report potential projects arising from federal stimulus funds,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Still, too many architects are continuing to report difficult conditions to feel confident that the economic landscape for the construction industry will improve very quickly. What these figures mean is that we could be seeing things turn around over a period of several months.”

Key April ABI highlights:

• Regional averages: Northeast (47.1), South (45.0), Midwest (40.1), West (39.2)
• Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (44.2), institutional (43.2), multi-family residential (43.2), commercial / industrial (41.7)
• Project inquiries index: 56.8

About the AIA Architecture Billings Index
The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey and produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group. Based on a comparison of data compiled since the survey’s inception in 1995 with figures from the Department of Commerce on Construction Put in Place, the findings amount to a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each month.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.

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New Petersen Website Loaded With Innovation

Petersen Aluminum has updated its website, www.pac-clad.com, with useful, easy-to-use innovative features designed specifically for architects and contractors.

Highlighting the site is the PAC Visualizer that allows visitors to create a quick, customized look at panel profiles and finishes. Also new to the site are installation videos with life-like illustrations and graphics.

Product pages have been expanded to include complete submittal information with testing/approval data, drawings in PDF and CAD and downloadable specification sheets.

In addition to a project photo gallery and distributor/rep locater, the site has a quick link to Petersen’s www.pacgreeninfo.com for the latest news on LEED and green issues including tax and financial incentives for energy efficiency.

Long-recognized as an industry leader in metal standing seam roofing products, Petersen also offers exposed fastener panels, flush panels, composite wall panels and column covers. All provide the well-known Petersen quality and are available in 37 standard colors on steel and 36 standard colors on aluminum.

For more information on the complete line of Petersen metal products, call 800-PAC-CLAD or visit www.pac-clad.com.

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PPG Debuts New Web-Based BIM Module For Architects

PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG) has created Building Information Modeling (BIM) files for its Duranar coatings, Pittsburgh Paints, Porter Paints and architectural glass products. They are housed on the McGraw Hill Construction Sweets Network and Reed Construction Data’s SmartBIM Web sites, located at http://products.construction.com and http://reedconstructiondata.com/bim, respectively.

The files, which are found on the PPG Ideascapes Web site, enable architects to download Revit Architecture files so they can incorporate PPG products into their digital designs. The files may also be used with Google SketchUp Viewer, another popular building modeling software.

The BIM modules are part of PPG’s on-going effort to give architects and contractors a robust collection of Web-based tools that allow them to streamline the design, documentation and construction of environmentally-sustainable buildings.

Another recent addition is the Green Building Resource Center, an interactive illustration that highlights sustainable PPG products for building envelopes and interiors. The Web site, http://ppgideascapes.com/greenbuilding, contains a LEED support center to assist with the documentation of PPG glass, coatings and paint for LEED credit.

To access the BIM files or to learn about PPG’s entire collection of architectural glasses, coatings and paint, visit http://ppgideascapes.com or call 1-888-PPG-IDEA (774-4332).

About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 140 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. Sales in 2008 were $15.8 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.

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New Construction Confidence Index from McGraw-Hill Construction at 25; Shows Firms Wary of Slow Recovery

Engineering News-Record (ENR) and McGraw-Hill Construction Research & Analytics have introduced a new quarterly Construction Confidence Index to measure industry sentiment about the construction market, including market sectors, expectations and trends. The Construction Confidence Index is 25 on a scale of 100, where a value of 100 indicates all respondents report “improving” activity and a value of 50 means all respondents report “stable” activity. Results from the inaugural survey are included in this week’s issue of ENR, “Survey: Firms Don’t See Quick Recovery.”

When assessing the construction market, 86% of survey responders, including general contractors, subcontractors and designers, see it currently declining, and most believe the market turnaround is at least 12 to 18 months away. Employment figures are also grim: 62.3% of firms reported they have laid off people in the past six months, with one in 10 saying that over 20% of all staff had been cut; 35% expect further cutbacks. Not surprisingly, the stimulus bill elicited more positive responses, with 61% agreeing that the bill will have a positive impact on the industry.

“By surveying leaders at the top companies in the industry, we are able to get a better pulse on market conditions,” said Janice L. Tuchman, editor-in-chief of Engineering News-Record. “Their opinions and viewpoints are strong indicators for where the market stands and where it is headed. ENR’s Construction Confidence Index is certain to serve as a powerful industry assessment tool, especially in the challenging times that lie ahead.”

The next quarterly survey will be available in July 2009 and will feature industry indicators and timely topics such as the stimulus bill. For more information and methodology, visit http://enr.ecnext.com/coms2/article_bmfi090429MarketRecove or contact Gary Tulacz, Senior Editor, ENR, at Gary_Tulacz@mcgraw-hill.com.

About McGraw-Hill Construction
McGraw-Hill Construction connects people, projects and products across the design and construction industry. For more than a century, the Company has remained North America’s leading provider of construction project information, plans and specifications, product information, industry news, and industry trends and forecasts. In print and online, the Company offers a variety of tools, applications, and resources that easily integrate with its customers’ workflows. Backed by the power of Dodge, Sweets, Architectural Record, Engineering News-Record (ENR), GreenSource, HQ, SNAP and 11 regional publications, McGraw-Hill Construction serves more than one million customers within the $5.6 trillion global construction community. To learn more, visit www.construction.com.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.

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