WORKING WITH THE MEDIA – Composing a Press Release

In our year end review of the 2014 activities of the AIA New Jersey Public Awareness Committee, we asked you to stay tuned for tools that will help you make a splash in the press. Below is the third in a series of articles that will help you in that regard. With your help, we hope to be able to leverage our strength in numbers to help promote architects and architecture.

Our previous installments of Working with the Media discussed ways in which you, in a personal or professional context, can begin to build a bridge with the editorial staff of your local or regional publications. This included some strategies as to how to introduce yourself (and your expertise) to the outlet, along with a brief guide for writing an effective letter to the editor. These techniques are useful in positioning yourself as an architectural expert and a go-to source for future pieces related to development, construction, and design.

But, announcing news of your own requires a more deliberate structure of information. This is where a written announcement, usually referred to as a press release, comes in handy.

The logic behind a press release is that it provides detailed, accurate, and controlled dissemination of information. A well-composed press release lists each of the necessary factual elements of an announcement, leaving little room for speculation or supposition – the who, what, when, where and why. In today’s ultra-fast-paced digital news world, it’s an especially handy tool for providing a journalist with the nearly all of the information they’d need for a story – all in one neat package.

Ultimately, you’ll have to employ what you know about the interests of a particular media outlet to judge whether your announcement might be “newsworthy.” But, most press release announcements for architects fall into a few categories:

• Major contracts
• Awards
• Notable or innovative large-scale designs
• Anniversaries or other milestones
• Hiring, promotions, etc

Once you’ve decided to proceed with the press release, there are several rules of thumb that ensure that it’s well organized and digestible for a reporter:

• Length: A press release is designed for efficiency; your release should rarely exceed 500 words, and a simple one-pager is usually preferable.
• Messaging: The “inverted pyramid” model applies in press releases, which is to say that the most important points should appear first, while minutiae and contextual details should be included in the latter portions. For project-based announcements, latter paragraphs should reference building-specific information including size, cost, start date, finish date, function (program), owner, architect, contractor, funding source, project personnel, etc.
• Structure: Each release should contain a headline, date, location, contact information, and boilerplate information about your company. Examples of suggested formats can be found here.
• Voice: Press releases are written essentially as if they are news stories. Press releases should be based entirely on fact, written completely in the third person. In a previous entry in Working with the Media, we mentioned that press releases may, in some instances, be published as-is. A good litmus test is to read your press release and ask yourself if it could stand on its own as a news story.
• Include a quote: Typically, press releases will include a quote from the issuer somewhere after the lead paragraph. This is your opportunity to provide more subjective insight and interpretation.

In future installments, we’ll be going more in-depth into how to finesse the language within your press releases and how to properly tailor your announcement to a variety of press outlets.

For more suggestions, refer to AIA Best Practices – Getting Good Press on the web at http://www.aia.org. Please note this is a password protected, member only website. Therefore, we cannot provide a direct link to the site for you. But you can find it under Practicing Architecture; Best Practices; Part 2 – Firm Management; Chapter 6: Marketing and Business Development. You might also find a lot of other beneficial material in this area of the website.

If you would like to read the previous articles in this series, please see the following links:

Building Relationships

Writing a Letter to the Editor

Kyle Kirkpatrick
Account Supervisor
Beckerman PR Real Estate Team

Bruce D. Turner, AIA
Chair, AIA New Jersey Public Awareness Committee

USGBC NJ – South Branch

2015 AIA-NJ Design Awards Information

---

The AIA New Jersey Annual Design Awards Program brings public and professional recognition to architectural projects which exhibit design excellence. Architects are invited to submit their work for review by the distinguished Design Awards Jury.

Schedule

October 1, 2015: Deadline to submit Design Awards entry form and fee.

October 21, 2015: Submit project boards to the Hanover Marriott, 1401 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ 07981

October 22, 2015: Design Awards Jury convenes.

October 23, 2015: Presentation of the Design Awards at the Awards Dinner.

Design Awards Categories

Different categories are designated for Built and Un-Built projects and you must specify the category for your project when you register it. Each project must be entered into one of the five categories below.

A. Unbuilt Projects

B. Built Projects – Open Category

C. Built Projects – Residential Only

D. Built Projects – Historic Preservation (limited to projects where the primary objective was to “restore” a historically significant building)

E. Built Projects – Interior Architecture

Submission Requirements

Click here for submission requirements.

For More Information

Please call Laura Slomka at 609-393-5690 or email her at lslomka@njpsi.com.

ikon.5 Architects Receives Award for Newark Community Center

Princeton, N.J.-Based Firm Designs Training, Recreation and Education Center for Newark Housing Authority

AIA-NJ has recognized Princeton, N.J.-based design firm ikon.5 Architects, with a Merit Award in the Unbuilt category for the design of a new Training, Recreation and Education Center in Newark, NJ.

As conceived by ikon.5, the community center will be housed in one building composed of two interlocking triangular wedges. One wedge is transparent, and is designed to contain meeting and educational facilities, while the adjacent building, with its opaque walls, will be used for recreational activities. The unique creation was inspired by the geometric clash of the city’s urban grid and idyllic Weequahic Park in southern Newark.

“The design’s two triangles represent an important and iconic trait of this city,” said Joseph G. Tattoni, FAIA, principal of ikon.5 Architects. “The final product will demonstrate the complementary nature of the two components, which will combine to create a multi-use community facility that will benefit the entire neighborhood.”

The 22,000-square-foot building will feature a gymnasium, fitness and aerobic room, community meeting rooms, locker room and showers, childcare center, and a library and study area. The center is a welcomed addition to the surrounding community and is expected to rejuvenate the residential community.

“ikon.5 Architects has created something special and demonstrated how creative architecture can contribute to the reinvigoration of a neighborhood,” said Kimberly Bunn, president of AIA-NJ. “Despite the project’s tight budget constraints, ikon.5 utilized efficient design techniques to create a low-cost building that is visually dynamic and will meet the community’s need.”

The project was commissioned by the Newark Housing Authority and will serve the residential Dayton Neighborhood in the South Ward of Newark. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority both contributed funding.

AIA New Jersey and Houzz

We are excited to announce our participation in the Houzz Affiliation Badge Program. Houzz has become the leading online platform for home remodeling and design. With more than 25 million homeowners using Houzz every month, we know that using Houzz can help you build your brand and grow your business. The Badge Program will let you showcase your  affiliation right on your profile. Please follow us on Houzz and add the AIA New Jersey badge to your Houzz professional profile today by clicking the “Add as Affiliation” button under the Members area. Our logo will appear as an affiliation badge on your profile. p.s. If your company is not yet on Houzz, just create a professional profile on Houzz here – it’s free and takes just a few minutes to set up.

ArchiPAC Update- Race for the ArchiCUP!

The Convention in Atlanta was a great success for ArchiPAC and I wanted to thank those AIANJ members that contributed while there!  Thus far ArchiPAC has raised $24,000 and recruited 225 members.  This year at Convention to make things interesting there was a competition amongst the Chapters and team ArchiAdvocates, which included AIANJ, took 4^th place and raised $4,326.50 with 31 contributors!  It was a very close race and was all in good fun!  I wanted to provide AIANJ members with a legislative update to understand that AIA Advocacy is working hard on your behalf and we continue to need your help so that AIA can continue to lobby on behalf of its members with our legislators.  Here is the latest update from AIA headquarters:

• Design-Build reform: Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that takes steps to improve the design-build process federal procurement process.  A similar bill, Design-Build Efficiency and Jobs Act of 2015 (HR 1555) was introduced by Representative Sam Graves (R-MO).  AIA has been a critical factor in the emergency of Sen. Portman, Rep. Graves and others as champions for reforms within the federal procurement arena.
• Small Business Administration size standards: Ron Reim, AIA, testified on June 4^th before the House Small Business Committee on the issue of SBA’s size standards.  Ron spoke in favor of a bill introduced this year by Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the Stronger Voice for Small Business Act (HR 1429), which would allow small firms to appeal size standards they see as unfair directly to the SBA rather than having to go through the costly federal courts.  Standards established by the SBA defines a “small business” and firms fitting that description are eligible for SBA loans and set-aside projects from the federal government.
• Tax Reform: as the debate over tax reform continues, members of Congress are looking everywhere for possible ways to trim the tax code, including a number of provisions that directly benefit architecture firms.  An example of this is Section 179D-Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings (passed as part of HR 5771) which allows building owners and tenants who make expenditures to cause new or renovated commercial buildings to be more energy efficient will be eligible for a tax deduction up to $1.80 per square foot.  Currently this deduction expires annually but efforts are currently under way to introduce legislation that would make the deduction permanent.  That push is being led by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD).
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Legislation was introduced last Congress as the National Design Services Act of 2014 by Rep. Earl Perlmutter (D-CO) and Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL) that would provide some level of student loan forgiveness for architecture students who volunteer design services within their community. The program would mirror ones in the medical, legal, and even veterinarian professions.
• Building Codes: Rep. Diaz-Balart (R-FL) recently reintroduced bill HR 1878- Safe Building Code Incentive Act incentivizing states to strengthen their building codes, mitigating the various negative impacts of disasters.
• 2030: Both chambers of Congress are contemplating language to repeal the 2030 fossil fuel reduction targets for federal buildings as part of comprehensive energy legislation. AIA is working with allies to advocate against a repeal of the 2030 targets, a critical issue for the design industry.

I am happy to speak with any members that have any questions regarding the issues above and/or how members can get involved as “Architects in Action”.  Please visit the ArchiPAC website to become an advocate as well as to INVEST in ArchiPAC! Sincerely, Justin A. Mihalik, AIA 2015 ArchiPAC Steering Committee Member

Structural Systems Seminar

ARE Structure Seminar

with Professor David Thaddeus, AIA, NCARB

October 2, 3 & 4, 2015
Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Broad Street, Newark

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FLYER

Architect’s League 2015 Scholarships

The Architects League of Northern New Jersey, a section of AIA-NJ, is pleased to announce the following as recipients  of our 2015 Scholarship Awards.

The Architects League Scholastic Achievement Award is given to undergraduate & graduate students for scholastic excellence in architectural design.  This year’s recipient is  Tony Giard of Sussex, New Jersey.  Tony attends the New Jersey Institute of Technology and is expected to graduate in 2016.

The Architects League Scholarships for High School Seniors are awarded to High School Seniors who live or attend high school in our geographic territory (Bergen, Hudson, Passaic & Sussex Counties) and have been accepted to an NAAB Accredited Architecture Program at a college in the United States or U.S. Territory.  This year’s recipients are Alexander Mount of Old Tappan, New Jersey, and Jonathan Mazur of Wood-Ridge, NJ.  Alexander is a student at Northern Valley Regional High School and will be attending Pratt Institute in the fall.  Jonathan is a student at Wood-Ridge High School and will be attending Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute.

A ceremony to honor our Scholarship Award Winners will be held on June 18 at the Zeris Inn, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.  The event will be held as part of the annual Design Awards, a joint event with AIA Newark and Suburban Architects.

The Architects League Scholarships are funded jointly through our annual Golf Outing, to be held on July 13 at Crystal Springs in Hamburg,  and the AIA Component Scholarship Grant, which in 2015 provided $1,000 toward these scholarships.

For more information on the Architects League Scholarship Program, visit http://alnnj.org/wordpress/scholarships/

Faith Taylor Keynote at ECG2015

East Coast Green 2015
Creating A Culture of Sustainability

Keynote speaker for this years event is:

Faith Taylor
SVP Global Corporate Responsibility at Wyndham Worldwide Hotels

Faith Taylor is a senior global executive with progressive record of achievements and significant experience in strategic planning, development of new and existing businesses, innovation and change management, P&L and brand management as well as marketing.    Known as an expert in Corporate Responsibility, Innovation and Sustainability she has a broad experience to draw from.

She oversees the strategies and policies for Wyndham’s Worldwide corporate responsibility programs that includes, sustainability, philanthropy, diversity, wellness, human rights, responsible sourcing, ethics and governance.  She developed and started the Wyndham Green program in 2006 and has overseen the Company’s external reporting, strategic plans, auditing/assurance and branding initiatives. In 2014, the Wyndham Green program reduced its carbon and water by 20% and 18% globally and 27% of its $2.1 Billion supply chain has met their Green criteria.

Additionally, she is Chair of the Sustainability Working Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council and Chair of the Board of Directors of the USGBC of New Jersey. She is a member of the International Tourism Partnership organizations where she has participated in setting industry standards like the Hotel Carbon Metric Initiative and policies. Wyndham is a recognized corporate leader working with the Clinton Global Initiative and the Obama Better Building Challenge in setting leading programs for the built environment.

During the day long ECG event session topics have a wide range of options for all angles of building sustainable:
• Green Building Risks & Rewards
• Developing a Green Building Master Plan
• Renewable Energy
• Green Materials for LEEDv4 & LBC Compliance
• Designing & Commissioning High Performance Building Envelopes
• International Green Construction Code
• Update on the NJ Code  –  IBC in New Jersey

During the event the AIANJ Top Ten Green Projects will be announced.
Submit your project to be considered for inclusion.

See more by clicking here.

Still time to register.  Sign up to attend TODAY.

Need more AIA credits before the July license renewal deadline !! Register today Receive keynotes, multiple seminars, lunch, networking reception and 5 HSW AIA CEUs & LEEDap credential maintenance

Philadelphia-based architectural firm recognized for work on Brown Hall

Atkin Olshin Schade Architects Receive AIA-NJ Design Award For Design of Renovations to Princeton University Student Housing Facility

AIA-NJ has recognized Philadelphia, P.A.–based architectural firm Atkin Olshin Schade Architects with a merit award in the built open category in recognition of its design work on David B. Brown Hall at Princeton University.

Located in the heart of the Princeton campus, the century-old brick and granite building serves as a residence hall to approximately 130 upperclassmen. The building was originally designed in the late 19th century in the Renaissance Revival style, and underwent renovations several decades ago.

Philadelphia-based Atkin Olshin Schade designed the renovation of the four-story structure and the improvements to student amenities. The team also increased accessibility to Brown Hall by adding a southern portal to the courtyard, improving connections to Cuyler Hall, the University Art Museum and other parts of the campus. Complementing the building’s existing design, the south portal mirrors the arched opening at the north side of the building and blends naturally with the existing façade.

“Brown Hall’s new gateway fits seamlessly into the building’s design and aligns with the University’s core aesthetic,” said Kimberly Bunn, AIA, president of AIA-NJ. “Atkin Olshin Schade has helped improve both the appearance of the building and its functionality for students, and their work certainly merits this accolade.”

Brown Hall contains 60 rooms and is newly equipped with renovated bathrooms, a new student laundry facility and trash chutes. Building system upgrades include a new fire alarm system, heating system steam controls and emergency lighting enhancements.

“We are proud of the work we have done to help Princeton University improve one of its key facilities,” said Michael Schade, AIA, LEED, AP BD+C, principal of Atkin Olshin Schade. “The school was intent on enhancing Brown Hall, and we were glad to be a part of the successful project while being able to preserve the building’s rich history.”