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AIA Seeks Firm to Renovate its Headquarters

Design requirements include rainwater harvesting and photovoltaic panels.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 10/17/2007 12:00:00 AM

Here's an opportunity to give a high-profile organization a green upgrade: The American Institute of Architects is seeking a sustainable revamp for its Washington, D.C. home. Requests for qualifications are due via email to aiarfq@lyris.aia.org by November 6.

The 1971 building was built by architecture firm TAC. The AIA plans to use the project as a showcase of modern green technologies, offering architects, designers, and the general public a look at what is possible in 21st century sustainable corporate design.

The renovation must be done without halting the daily production of the building. Design requirements include a geothermal system to slash energy consumption; photovoltaic panels to produce at least eight percent of the facility's electricity; water heated by the sun to reduce fossil fuel consumption; thermal technology to reduce cooling by 100 tons; and rainwater harvesting.

"The entire process will be documented in a way that will facilitate the sharing or the AIA’s experience and inspire others interested in renewing existing buildings in a responsible, sustainable way to achieve goals of a flexible, functional, productive, and friendly work environment," according to AIA officials.

The AIA plans to reduce its overall energy usage by 50 percent by 2010.