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10.10.23 - MA School Building Authority (MSBA) Seeks Architect to Serve on Their Designer Selection Panel (DSP)

 

The MSBA’s DSP is authorized to select designers, programmers, and entities providing feasibility studies in connection with public school construction projects seeking funding from the MSBA, whose construction cost will potentially be $5 million or more.

 

The DSP, which includes the participation of local officials associated with a project, plays a critical role in the selection and recommendation of the best available design firms for the modernization and construction of Massachusetts public school facilities to ensure that state dollars are invested in better designed-schools that are structurally safe and that encourage student learning.

 

To learn more about the role of a DSP member and its responsibilities, qualifications, terms, and how to apply, click here

 

01.31.23 - Use of Titles “Architect” and “Architectural Designer” and Similar Terms and Signing Contracts for Architectural Services

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At the October 11, 2022, Commonwealth's Board of Registration of Architects (CBRA) meeting, a draft advisory document addressing the issue of proper titling and use of the term "architect" was reviewed and approved.

On November 22, 2022, the advisory was made public.

On January 30, 2023, a memorandum providing additional clarity for members was approved by the President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA MA).

On March 8, 2023, the AIA MA Government Affairs Committee will meet to discuss the CBRA advisory and the AIA MA memorandum. This will be a virtual meeting, and all interested AIA members are encouraged to attend.

To view the CRBA advisory, please click here

To view the memorandum, please click here

To register for the March AIA MA GAC meeting, please click here

 

01.25.23 - AIA Massachusetts Seeks Representative to AIA National Associates Committee 

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The National Associates Committee (NAC – also now referred to as State/Territory Associate Representative or STAR) is a member group of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) national organization. The category of Associate AIA membership is open to those who have a professional degree in architecture, work under the supervision of an architect, are enrolled in AXP, or are faculty member in a university architecture program. All Associate AIA members are automatically represented by NAC and included in communications.
 
NAC’s mission is to inspire the profession by promoting innovation, inclusiveness, and professional development while amplifying the voice of the Associate community within the Institute. The purpose of the NAC is to serve as a source of communication and representation on issues pertaining to Associate Members through the lens of Career Advancement.
 
NAC serves, supports, and advances the interests of all Associate members of AIA, both traditional and non-traditional.  The NAC aspires to be a catalyst for progress within the Institute and the profession. 
 
To learn more about the role of the NAC state representative, it’s activities, makeup, leadership, qualifications, terms, timelines, and how to apply, click here

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01.23.23 - AIA Small Firm Exchange Looking for Board Member to Represent Massachusetts

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The mission of the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms by:

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• Advocating the value of small firms, the national SFx, and local SFx groups, both within the AIA and to the public.

• Curating and disseminating the most pertinent resources and information from the AIA & elsewhere that benefit small firms.

• Informing the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas lacking existing resources or information.

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To learn more about the role of SFx state representative, it’s activities, makeup, leadership, qualifications, terms, timelines, and how to apply, click here

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01.12.23 - REMINDER - New State Fire Code is in Effect 

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On December 9, 2022, the Massachusetts Secretary of State officially promulgated the Department of Fire Services (DFS) updated Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR 1.00).

The purpose and intent of 527 CMR 1.00, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, is to prescribe minimum requirements and controls to safeguard life, property, and public welfare from the hazards of fire and explosion created by the storage, handling or use of substances, materials or devices or from conditions, or materials hazardous to life, property and the public welfare as prescribed in M.G.L. Chapter 22D and M.G.L. Chapter 148.
 
The new 527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code can be found here
 
A brief summary of the proposed new 527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code can be found here.
 
Officially published copies of this language must be purchased from the Secretary of State bookstore.
 
Please contact the Division of Fire Safety at 978-567-3375 or email Paul Vigneau for more information.

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01.05.23 - Draft Stretch Code Technical Guidance Released for Public Comment 

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Today, the Department of Energy Resources released a draft of their 2023 Technical Guidance for the Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Opt-in Code, covering both commercial and residential sections. 

The draft guidance is designed to inform and assist users in implementing the updated Stretch Energy Code and new Specialized Opt-in Code.
 
The draft Technical Guidance includes three documents:

• 2023 Technical Guidance document;

• Relative Performance Compliance and Targeted Performance Compliance appendices; and

• An appendix to the Targeted Performance Compliance section containing loads and schedules

 
DOER is seeking public comment on these documents. 

Written comments will be accepted until 5 PM EST on February 2, 2023.

Please submit written comments on the Technical Guidance document electronically to stretchcode@mass.gov with the words TECHNICAL GUIDANCE in the subject line.

Alternatively, comments can be submitted via mail to Ian Finlayson, Department of Energy Resources, 100 Cambridge Street, 9th floor, Boston, MA 02114.

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01.04.23 - Updated Stretch Code and New Specialized Opt-In Code Officially Promulgated

 

On December 23, 2022, the Massachusetts Secretary of State officially promulgated the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) updated Stretch Code and new Specialized Opt-in Code (collectively, 225 CMR 22 and 23).  
 

The new 225 CMR 22.00 – Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code for Low-Rise Residential can be found here
 
The new 225 CMR 23.00 Massachusetts Front-End Amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code 2021 Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code – 2023 Commercial Amendments to IECC 2021 can be found here
 
A summary of the proposed new 225 CMR 22.00 and 23.00 can be found here.
 
Officially published copies of this language must be purchased from the Secretary of State bookstore.
 
Please note that while the new 225 CMR 22.00 residential stretch code requirements took effect on December 23, the new 225 CMR 23.00 commercial code requirements will not take effect until July 1, 2023. 
 
For more detail on these codes' requirements and effective dates, please review DOER's November 2nd informational webinar slides and recording.
 
For any questions, please get in touch with the DOER at stretchcode@mass.gov

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