HED Design Technology Leader Hosts BIM and IPD Sessions at Autodesk University in Las Vegas

DETROIT, MI (December 21, 2012) – Brett C. Gatti, Design Technology Leader at Harley Ellis Devereaux, was a featured speaker at the 2012 Autodesk University conference in Las Vegas during late November. Gatti’s sessions included two lectures and one roundtable discussion.

The lecture topics included Best Practices for Coordinating Multiple Disciplines and the Use of Multiple Software Products on BIM and IPD Projects and They Tell Me That I'm a BIM Coordinator: How Did That Happen and What Does It Mean? During the “Best Practices” session, Brett shared some lessons learned based upon Harley Ellis Devereaux’s experiences on BIM/IPD projects. In the “BIM Coordinator” session, he outlined and discussed some of the common duties and responsibilities of one of the newer project positions in the AEC industry – the BIM Coordinator.

Read more: NEWS | Harley Ellis Devereaux Lectures in Vegas

As the end of 2012 quickly approaches, here at AIA Detroit, we are proud to say it’s been a great year. The Detroit Committees and AIAD Board are snug in their beds as visions of a better 2013 dance in their heads. The Urban Priorities Committee Detroit Riverfront competition was a tremendous success, and we couldn’t be more joyful that the Detroit Celebration of Architecture Awards drew a record-breaking crowd. The Building Enclosure Council hums along, providing valuable information about the building envelopes that keep us dry and warm, and the Building Codes and Regulations Committee stands diligent, watching over health, safety, and welfare as they keep us informed. The Committee on the Environment (COTE) has kept us educated on better ways use the resources off of which we live, and PechaKucha has introduced us to many unique designers and artists of all professions. And of course, the Emerging Professionals Committee has been so energetic this past year with everything from kickball to ARE education, it’s impossible to comprehend how much they give.

During this time of giving and joy, AIA Detroit hopes every one of you had a good year as well. We hope business is picking up and that you are receiving better commissions. And if you are still struggling, as we climb out of this deep recession, know that your colleagues at AIA Detroit will do their best to make the practice of architecture in Detroit as good as it can possibly be.

Read more: FROM THE BOARD | AIA Detroit Looks Forward to 2013

UPC Announces the Detroit by Design Riverfront Competition Winners

The Urban Priorities Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the Detroit by Design 2012 Riverfront Competition. We would like to thank all of the entrants that participated and shared their ideas. We would also like to thank the jury, which included Walter Hood, Reed Kroloff, Faye Alexander Nelson, and Lola Sheppard, for their thoughtful consideration, rich debate, and careful deliberation.

The top three prizes were selected as a group and represent three different approaches to the design challenge and question what civic space could be in Detroit today. In addition to the three prizes, the jury selected three honorable mentions. The 6 selected entries are unique solutions, and address one or several of the challenges of the site and design problem. The jury stated that each winning entry showed something valuable and that the selections should be looked at as a group. We hope that the combined group acts as a catalyst for a continued conversation surrounding the possibilities for the riverfront.

First Place Atelier WHY New Jersey/ Korea	Second Place Matthew Edward Getch London, England	Third Place OMMX London, England
Honorable Mention Brian White, Portland OR	Honorable Mention Christina Kimmerle, Austria	Honorable Mention Anna Hochhalter, Urbana IL

Read more: DESIGN COMPETITION | UPC Riverfront Competition Dialogue Continues Beyond Symposium

AIA Detroit is starting a new series featuring young firms in the Metro Detroit area. We hope that by sharing their stories and experiences, we can pass on their wisdom to anyone considering starting their own practice.  If you are interested in having your firm featured, please contact the AIA Detroit Business Manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Brian Howard attended Lawrence Technological University for his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and then the University of Michigan for his Master of Architecture. He had known from the age of five that he was going to be an architect one day. “It was never an issue of what I wanted to do, but how far I could take it,” he said referring to his dream career.

With the desire to create his own philosophy about architecture, Brian started his own firm in 2001. The name, HF, stands for HARMONY and FORM, which means a balance of function, structure, and beauty. Fortunately, for Brian, he has had great clients from the very beginning that understand his approach to good, beautiful design. Many of them are still clients at HF today: “I believe my firm’s success is based on creating long-term relationships. When I receive a phone call from a past client saying how much they love their home, it’s very rewarding.”

Located in Royal Oak, HF Architecture has seen a large variation in project types over the last 11 years. From new construction to large renovations, Brian has worked on both custom residential and commercial projects. He has also had the opportunity to work with groups that are responsible for developing numerous restaurants and bars in the downtown areas of cities like Royal Oak, Traverse City, and Ann Arbor. HF Architecture has even led a few historic restoration projects, including the B&C Restoration in Royal Oak, which won the Governor’s Award for Michigan Historic Preservation. No matter the project, though, Brian is a firm believer in incorporating sustainable building practices.

Read more: YOUNG FIRM PROFILE | HF Architecture, Royal Oak