Washington, D.C.  – October 13, 2015 – The Architects Foundation, along with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), today launched a nationwide request for partnership to add three more members to its National Resilience Initiative (NRI), a growing network of resilient design studios geared toward helping local communities become more resilient to natural disasters and climate change.  Learn more about the request for partnerships here: http://www.architectsfoundation.org/resilience/nri-rfp/

Established in 2013 as a Clinton Global Initiative commitment, the NRI network will convene existing and emerging university based design centers that are engaged in planning, facilitation and project implementation within their communities. The NRI’s goal is to act as a clearinghouse of resilience design ideas and planning approaches that can be shared with local communities.

Currently, there are three existing NRI studios - Mississippi State (Gulf Coast / Southern Region), The University of Arkansas (Lower Mid-West Region), and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (East Coast Region). The Foundation recently issued its first annual report on what the NRI studios have achieved, and a map of the network and the risks being addressed by each studio can be found here.

In issuing its first request for partnerships, the Foundation is seeking three university-led, multi-disciplinary teams to implement the second phase of the NRI. In this phase, the Foundation is looking to identify the next three studios for the Mid-Atlantic, Upper Mid-West and Pacific Northwest regions.

“These new studios - along with the three existing NRI studios - will represent the six regional areas of need for resilience planning within the ten federal regions designated as disaster-prone areas by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),” said Architects Foundation Executive Director Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop. “These six members will form a strong resilient studio network backbone right where it’s needed most.”   

Applications are now being accepted through January 7, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. A selection announcement is expected by mid-February. The first annual convening of all six NRI charter members will take place in early May at Architects Foundation headquarters in Washington, D.C. 

About the Architects Foundation
The Architects Foundation preserves, honors and advances excellence in design for the benefit of the public.  As a nonprofit philanthropic extension of the American Institute of Architects, the Architects Foundation is the preeminent voice and advocate for architecture and design in America.  The Architects Foundation is dedicated to the belief that good design is good for all and plays an essential role in transforming lives and building a better world.

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

About the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
ACSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, membership association founded in 1912 to advance the quality of architectural education. The school membership in ACSA has grown from 10 charter members to over 250 schools in several membership categories. These include full membership for all accredited programs in the United States and government-sanctioned schools in Canada, candidate membership for schools seeking accreditation, and affiliate membership for schools for two-year and international programs. Through these schools, over 5,000 architecture faculty members are represented. In addition, over 500 supporting members composed of architecture firms, product associations and individuals add to the breadth of interest and support of ACSA goals. Visit www.acsa-arch.org.

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