Comment by Kelly on January 30, 2009 at 10:23am

Does no one have spell check? Or a brain in their head to find simple grammatical errors? Who typed up the responses? And I do proofreading at a very reasonable hourly rate, AIA. What's your image worth?

Comment by slamwagon on January 31, 2009 at 1:04pm

Kelly. Chill.

Comment by Mark on April 17, 2009 at 11:31am

ahhhh, bummer the link is broken now. I read these when they first came out and let's jsut say that the responses highlighted some educational shortcomings in many/ most of the candidates. There were a couple of good responses too. We should search out the answers and just post them here.
M

Comment by jeff on April 17, 2009 at 12:23pm

google "aps site:aiaabq.org" and translating to HTML is a wonderful thing.

Albuquerque Public School 2009 Board Elections
AIA Albuquerque asked 2009 APS Board Candidates to answer questions
about architecture’s role in public education. Here are their answers:
District #3 Candidates –
Jeffrey Rich + Lorenzo L. Garcia + Anna L. Armijo + Agatha (Aggie) Lopez
Candidate Jeffrey Rich, APS
1. Do you think that are architecture is important to the success of the construction of a
school and why?
Yes, architecture is important to the success of the construction of a school. The
reason for this is that builders don’t always follow plans that the architects design
due to budget constraints, land use and last minute changes. An architect is
essential for the design of a properly constructed facility.
2. Do you think that schools can be designed and built without the input of an
architect?
Of course not! A well designed and built facility should be designed by architects.
Now, that does not mean that the architects have carte blanche with taxpayers
funds. My job would be to make sure APS pays architects on time and isn’t slow
with its contractual obligations. Also my job would be to make sure that taxpayers
are not overbilled for architectural services.
3. What do you think is the role of architecture in our education system?
A properly designed building can reduce building costs, increase efficiency, lower
utility bills, and provide a secure environment that is conducive to learning.
4. Would you as a school board member support the current fee structure for
architects and engineers that are enforced by Albuquerque Public Schools?
If the current fee structure for architects and engineers is more than what can be
obtained from someone that is non-AIA, I would ask AIA to reduce their fee or
increase quality to APS and then compete. If the current fee structure for architects
and engineers is less than what can be obtained from someone that is non-AIA, I
would be open to bringing the fee up to market value. I am under the impression that
building costs for APS are higher than most of the school systems in the Southwest.
Also, I have researched that schools are designed one by one. Schools can be
designed with 90% of the plans completed and used over and over again which will
save the tax payers money. There are many ways that AIA can help APS save
money. The position of a board member is not to support AIA with providing
employment. The position of a board member is to make sure that the children are
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educated in an environment that is conducive to learning while managing taxpayers
funds in an efficient manner.
5. What do you think is a fair fee for architectural services?
A fair fee structure for architectural services would be what the free market dictates.
For example, bids should include all architectural firms and independent architects in
the state so that the board has a wide range of options in choosing the best quality,
moderate price and time of completion. The position of board member has two
main players in mind: the taxpayers that demand efficiency with their tax dollars in
the coming depression and children that need an environment that is conducive to
learning.
Candidate Lorenzo L. Garcia
1. Do you think that are architecture is important to the success of the
construction of a school and why?
Yes, I believe that architecture is extreemly important to the success of the
construction of a school, and in general to the stimulation in a learning and education
environment. Architecture plays a critical role in both establishing the tone, and
holding out possibilities that can reinforce opportunities for learning, creativity and
the building of critical thinking skills. Every student should be able to benifit from
attending schools designed to reflect a thoughtful and beautiful environment that
stimulates learning and reflects flexible human intelligence as basic to our
common humanity.
2. Do you think that schools can be designed and built without the input of an
architect?
I think that schools are best designed with the input and guidance of an architect
when this is posisble. From my estimation, the best architects enlist many different
perspectives and strive to understand the multiple points of view that are necessary
to make up a school environment, including students, teachers, administrators,
parents and the community.
3. What do you think is the role of architecture in our education system?
I view the role of an architect and architecture as being one to put forward designs
that both meet the practical needs of schools in terms of safety, functional
classrooms, and an organized thoughtfull and inspiring environment. The best
elements in my estimation communicate an understanding of the history of a
community and or neighborhood, reflect cultural values and traditions while
thoughtfully incorprating them. These considerations validate a communities heritage
or heritages while at the same time build a sense of social capital. In my estimation,
the best environments include designs that communicate respect for age and height
considerations for students, and allow for the structures to validate each perspective
in their actual construction. These designs should strive to uitlize green building and
efficient technologies such as solar, adobe, straw bale building when possible,
wetlands construction, capture wind energy, and incorporate a good use of natural
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lighting.
The particular elements in a design can be useful reminders to every person who
uses these facilities of our wonderful heritages while at the same time highlighting
commonalities to inspire us to reach for bigger possiblities in teching and learning.
4. Would you as a school board member support the current fee structure for
architects and engineers that are enforced by Albuquerque Public Schools?
I am unfamiliar with the current fee structure for architects and engineers, and so
would have to learn about this, the assumptions utilized in establishing the
current structure, listen to various points of view, in order to be able to give a more
informed opinion.
5. What do you think is a fair fee for architectural services?
Any fee in these difficult and challenging economic times must both reflect a prudent
use of the resources, while adequately compensating for architectural services in a
manner that communicates fairness in terms of fair market value, while reflecting a
committment to socially responsible management of public funds. When possible, I
would advocate that students,teachers and community members be actively involved
in the design process and that we seek out m
ultiple
sources of funding for our public
education facilities.
Candidate Anna L. Armijo
1. Do you think that are architecture is important to the success of the construction of a
school and why?
In my various roles in APS over the past 28 years, I have seen first hand the value
that architects bring to the school construction process. Well designed buildings,
facilities and campuses can enhance the learning experience and help to maximize
the potential of young minds. Each school must also have its unique identity and
programmatic design that will meet the educational needs of the students it will
serve. School structural design has evolved to include the incorporation of
instructional program, safety, and efficiency of facility operation and provides all
stakeholders an opportunity to collaborate.
2. Do you think that schools can be designed and built without the input of an architect?
No, I do not. The architect plays a key role in the design and construction of our
schools for good reason. The specialized education, training and registration of
architecture professionals are all intended to ensure that clients and end-users
receive a quality product. The end-users of our schools are our children and they
justify the involvement and input of an architect.
While architects need to listen to the needs of the community in which a new school
will serve, communities need to listen to the design experts on how to accomplish
their designs within a building, and not comprise the aesthetic value of building
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design. Each school site brings its unique possibilities as well as problems.
Architects bring the knowledge on how to address them.
3. What do you think is the role of architecture in our education system?
The role of architecture in our schools is to provide learning environments that
support the educational mission of our school district as well as provide efficient and
safe places for our children. Good site design and architecture should facilitate the
success of each and every student by providing a positive and safe place for learning
and social interaction.
The architectural process has provided an opportunity for the school, neighborhood,
and business communities to work together to design their school. It brings to the
forefront what can be done within a given budget, and how the design of the
structures will meet the educational needs of the student body and compliment the
unique design of the community.
A more recent role is the provision of a mentorship opportunity for students. I would
like to see a greater role for the AIA and other professional organizations in the
mentoring of students who show an interest in a certain profession and for those who
just want to see what is out there in the “real world.”
4. Would you as a school board member support the current fee structure for
architects and engineers that are enforced by Albuquerque Public Schools?
I am not totally familiar with the fee structure, however I do see the value that a well
designed school provides to the students, teachers and tax-payers within our district
and, therefore, I support fees that are both fair to the district and to the architect.
5. What do you think is a fair fee for architectural services?
Again, I do not know the specific architectural fee structure, but as a board member, I
believe that APS should be fair with its suppliers and vendors as these are the same
people that pay their taxes to build the schools that their children or grandchildren
might one day attend. Ultimately, the school board should always serve the best
interests of the students but also must look after the taxpayers’ bottom line.
Candidate Agatha (Aggie) Lopez
1. Do you think that are architecture is important to the success of the construction of a
school and why?
yes, architect are very important to the construction of a school they have the
expertise to design a school that is efficient and will service the needs of the students
and staff.
2. Do you think that schools can be designed and built without the input of an
architect?
No, an architect is the one that can see what should be built, they have the schooling
and knowledge to get the design of the school to blend with its surroundings and
meet the needs for the people (students, staff, commounity) who will be using the
building
Page 5
3. What do you think is the role of architecture in our education system?
the role of the architect is to covey what the community, & aps want in the
school how it can be done in the most effictive way to get the most out of the
space, the flow of the traffic (in the building), as each school has its own needs
as they service different parts of the city and community.
4. Would you as a school board member support the current fee structure for
architects and engineers that are enforced by Albuquerque Public Schools?
yes as a school board member I would support the current structure fee for
the architects and engineers ( I have sat on this board before for 8 years and
always supported the architects and engineers.
5. What do you think is a fair fee for architectural services?
I do not know what the fees are now but I have to think they are fair.
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District # 5 Candidates
Carolyne DeVore-Parks + Paula M. Maes + Renee Louise Rosales
Candidate Carolyne DeVore-Parks,
1. Do you think that are architecture is important to the success of the construction of a
school and why?
Yes, architects are important to the successful construction of all schools. They are
involved in the earliest stages of the building project, as a consultant regarding the
design of the environment, through the completion stage which may include carrying
out defect inspections. As a former teacher and principal I have had the experience
of being on two School Site Committees for two new public high schools. The
architect was a member of the site team and available as a resource to explain
details and answer questions. In addition, the architect was available to negotiate
with contractors and other professionals.
2. Do you think that schools can be designed and built without the input of an architect?
No building structure or school structure can be designed or built without an architect
being part of the team. The professional team often includes engineers, surveyors,
and construction specialist. The architect has many responsibilities including the
design of the environment and the presentation of the design proposal to the clients.
In addition, the architect often coordinates the work of the contractors.
3. What do you think is the role of architecture in our education system?
The role of the architect in the APS-educational system is three fold. Firstly, besides
the typical professional work activities the architect needs an understanding of the
complex process of design and construction to build socially and ecologically
sustainable cities and communities within which all schools can exist. Secondly,
through the professional organization, the architect can serve as a role model by
being available periodically to visit schools, youth organizations and community
groups. Thirdly, through the professional organization, architects can participate in
fundraising and community activities that will have as its final goal.....presenting
scholarships to junior and senior undergraduate college students interested in
architecture as a possibility for graduate study. Also, scholarship funding could be
available for high school students interested in pursuing careers in architecture or
engineering.
4. Would you as a school board member support the current fee structure for architects
and engineers that are enforced by Albuquerque Public Schools?
As a candidate for the APS School Board, I do not have any information regarding
the current fee structure for APS architects and engineers. The fee structure should
be based on graduate degrees, years of experience, and the length of prior
experience in public school design and construction.
Page 7
5. What do you think is a fair fee for architectural services?
I am not familiar with the fee for architectural services in APS or New Mexico. So I
can not comment on the concept of "fair fee for architectural services". However, it is
very interesting to note that New Mexico is a poor state and all "average" salaries for
all professional in all fields tend to be lower. Perhaps this is a factor to consider
when negotiating architectural fees, services and contract bids.
Candidate Paula M. Maes – Did not respond to our request.
Candidate Renee Louise Rosales– Did not respond to our request.
Page 8
District # 6 Candidates
David L. Robbins + Mary Lee Martin
Candidate David L. Robbins
Thank you for your interest in the APS Board of Education election. Due to my full
schedule during the next couple of days, there is insufficient time for me to prepare a full
response to your questionnaire by your deadline.
Candidate Mary Lee Martin
1. Do you think that architecture is important to the success of the construction of a
school and why?
With my years of experience on this board, I have reviewed the work of many
architects. I can say that it is very important to have an architect on all of our
projects. They are the leaders of the project. Without a leader, the project would
fail.
Architects on our projects work with Principals, teachers, students and community to
bring forth the best ideas of everyone involved. However, that is only the beginning.
The architect must deal with many different issues but still come up with a plan that
fits the needs of everyone including the school board.
Then there is the "Integration of function and aesthetics in design that also respects
the surrounding community and context".
I appreciate the fact that architects design for student needs not the needs of the
school board members.
2. Do you think that schools can be designed and built without the input of an architect?
No and if I am not mistaken, the state requires it!!
3. What do you think is the role of architecture in our education system?
First, I appreciate the fact that the architects we use are good listeners. They listen
to our school committees and offer designs that fit the need of that school
community. They are leaders and bring in new ideas to meet the needs.
Architects offer creative ideas to difficult problems. Satiety, health , overcrowding,
environmental and lighting are just a few of the issues they must deal with.
Second, architects must be communicators and leaders of the project.
4. Would you as a school board member support the current fee structure for architects
and engineers that are enforced by Albuquerque Public Schools?
Page 9
Currently, the administration has adopted the State Rate Schedule for fees. This is
not a current function of the board of education. We could ask that it be reviewed.
5. What do you think is a fair fee for architectural services?
To my knowledge, we have used the State Rate Schedule for many years. If it is not
fair, someone needs to let me know.
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District # 7 Candidates
David E Peercy, PhD + Patrick J. Marron
Candidate David E Peercy, PhD
1. Do you think that are architecture is important to the success of the construction of a
school and why?
Absolutely. The architectural design is the foundation for cost-effective construction,
as well as creation of an environment in which learning can be enhanced. There is
cognitive system research that addresses how the architectural design of a school
room, cafeteria, halls/lighting and the like affect a student's ability to learn.
2. Do you think that schools can be designed and built without the input of an
architect?
No. However, I do believe that the architectural design of one school can be used
across many schools. However, it is still an architectural design done by an
architect.
3. What do you think is the role of architecture in our education system?
Architecture is one of those cross-functional areas where multiple intelligences can
be integrated. Music and art are other such disciplines that integrate different
cognitive processes. Architecture is part of a visualization concept that helps
students with spatial problem solving as well as using such skills as mathematics
and science (and art). Would be very good to have cooperative apprentice
opportunities between the architectural business community and APS.
4. Would you as a school board member support the current fee structure for architects
and engineers that are enforced by Albuquerque Public Schools?
I would have to study what that current fee structure is. The fee structure must be
competitive and based on the merit of the work. As a new board member candidate I
do not have specific information at this time on what the current fee structure is.
5. What do you think is a fair fee for architectural services?
I would have to study what that current fee structure is. The fee structure must be
competitive and based on the merit of the work. Architectural fees for the
Albuquerque area as well as the New Mexico and surrounding regions would provide
normative references for what is a fair fee. In addition, architectural fees for
comparative school construction would be a guiding consideration - along with the
existing economic basis for the Albuquerque area.
Candidate Patrick J. Marron – Did not respond to our request.

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