Do you know your rights?

Several public agencies have recently posted requests for qualifications (RFQ’s) with illegal language. The AIA|WA has been diligent to contact the agency responsible for each posting to inform them of the errors and ask them to correct the wording. While not conclusive, actions like these can be seen as attempts to “win” through application the battle that was “lost” by opponents to RCW 39.80, which was implemented in 1981.

Over 20 years ago, when the law was passed, the legislature wanted to ensure that government funded buildings were constructed with the public and staff health and safety as the priority. As a result, Washington established a state policy that states when governmental agencies “publicly announce requirements for architectural and engineering services, and negotiate contracts for architectural and engineering services” they must do so based on “demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of professional services required and at fair and reasonable prices.” More...

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New Tax on Architects Expected in 2009

An attempt to put a tax on professional services in the budget is expected in 2009. Although it’s unlikely that there will be new taxes across the board, a tax on professional services is focused at a small enough group, just architects and their clients, that it could easily be slipped into the budget this year. With the financial crisis it is likely that the lawmakers will be looking for sources of untapped funds. A tax on professional services is an area that has been targeted before.

The last time there was a budget shortfall, in 2005, six bills were introduced that would have taxed architects:

• The repeal of the professional services exemption, House Bill 1095
  
• A new tax on “intangibles,” Senate Bill 6004 and Senate Joint Resolution 8212,
  
• A new tax on “unearned income,” House Bill 2318
  
• The per employee “head tax,” Senate Bill 6103
  
• A new tax on proper lots and residences, also in Senate Bill 6103

The AIA|WA was successful in stopping the new taxes back in 2005 and will be working to ensure that a tax on professional services does not get passed this year. To learn how you can participate more to ensure that a new tax does not pass next year you can contact us at info@aiawa.org.

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Who is the AIA Washington Council?

Did you know that you’re a member of ours? All AIA member architects within the State of Washington are members of the AIA Washington Council (AIA|WA). No additional dues or paperwork are necessary but, there are benefits you may not be aware of.

Unlike the local chapters we don’t sell forms, advertise AIA architects, or provide networking – what we do provide is your one link to state government policies, actions, and legislation that affects you. The AIA|WA lobbies, monitors law, testifies for and against legislation, tracks the actions of agencies that affect architects, petitions, and meets with State and National Representatives about the policies that impact your business. Our presence makes sure that state architects are not targeted or forgotten by an overwhelmed state legislature. We do this so you don’t have to.

However, after reading about some of the issues that we work on you may want to get involved. More...

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Elect an Architect

The AIA|WA has long been a supporter of Sue Lani Madsen who is currently a candidate for State Representative in the 7th district. Sue Lani has been an AIA member since her days as a student at Washington State University. If elected, she will be the first architect to serve in the legislature in more than 20 years.

Sue Lani has been a resource for the AIA regarding land use planning, licensing, liability and tax policies. A legislator with Sue Lani’s knowledge would be a wonderful asset that State architects have long done without.

Sue Lani is a founding partner in the architectural firm of Madsen Mitchell Evenson and Conrad. More details about Sue Lani are covered by an excellent, detailed article in the Spokesman Review that ran on October 22.

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