2007 Top Architecture Schools

The Design Futures Council , a global network of design community professionals whose mission is to explore trends, changes, and new opportunities in design, architecture, engineering, and building technology, and the journal DesignIntelligence have ranked architecture schools that best prepare students for professional practice. See the Architect magazine article...

Have Your Say in Green Remodeling

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have partnered to create nationwide best practice guidelines for green residential remodeling for existing homes. The guidelines will be supplemented by training programs and other resources for building professionals and homeowners as part of the REGREEN program.

REGREEN seeks to increase understanding of sustainable renovation project practices and benefits among homeowners, residents, design professionals, product suppliers and service providers.

The public is invited to review and comment on a draft of the guidelines at www.regreenprogram.org before the comment period closes on December 10, 2007. The final guidelines will be released at INTERIORS 08: The ASID Conference on Design in March.

Source: American Society of Interior Designers

Know any outstanding Home Remodelers?

Remodeling magazine is looking for their next class of Big50 remodelers: those who are running successful, growing companies of various sizes and are taking the lead in raising industry standards. The deadline for entries has been extended to January 1, 2008. See www.remodelingmagazine.com/big50.

Source: Remodeling magazine

Comment on LEED for Healthcare

The U.S. Green Building Council has invited the public to comment on the draft of LEED for Healthcare Rating System. The public comment period will be open through Saturday, December 15, 2007 midnight PST.

The LEED for Healthcare Rating System promotes sustainable planning, design and construction for high-performance healthcare facilities and was developed to meet the unique needs of the healthcare market including inpatient care facilities and licensed outpatient care and long term care facilities. LEED for Healthcare may also be used for medical offices, assisted living facilities and medical education & research centers. The rating system addresses such issues as increased sensitivity to chemicals and pollutants, traveling distances from parking facilities, and access to natural spaces.

Source: U.S. Green Building Council