WHO: The American Institute of Architects Center for Communities by Design

WHAT: Request for Proposals seeking community applicants for the 2009 Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program (SDAT).

Since its inception in 2005, the SDAT program has assisted over 25 communities with long-term sustainability plans addressing a range of local issues. The SDAT is an innovative program that brings together multidisciplinary teams of professionals to work with community stakeholders and decision-makers through an intensive planning process. The mission is to provide technical assistance and process expertise to help communities develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future. Architect-led teams are composed of volunteer professionals representing a range of disciplines, including urban design professionals, economic development experts, land use attorneys, and others. The approach is designed to address many of the common challenges communities face by producing long-term sustainability plans that are realistic and reflect each community’s unique context.

For more information on the program: http://www.aia.org/liv_sdat  

WHEN: The proposal deadline is November 14, 2008

HOW: The RFP can be downloaded here. An independent panel of distinguished judges will evaluate each community proposal and apply weighted criteria to determine the awards. All applicants will be contacted when the award is made in December 2008.

CONTACT: Joel Mills 202-626-7405, joelmills@aia.org  

About the AIA Center for Communities by Design
The Center for Communities by Design is the clearinghouse for the American Institute of Architects' many activities—from promoting sustainable design to leading design based technical assistance projects in communities—that influence the quality of life in our nation's communities. The center is a nonpartisan forum that provides information, develops policy, creates partnerships, and assists in advocacy efforts to facilitate discussions of community design and inform choices for neighborhoods, cities, regions, and the nation. www.aia.org/liv_default  

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.