Everybody, so the saying goes, complains about the weather, but no one does anything about it. The same cannot be said about the building code. Architects can do something about it … including how current and future building-code officials interpret it.
For many years John McGrann, AIA, helped fashion this perspective through his tenure on the Building Code Academy Advisory Committee. But he left that position in 2008. Another architect is needed for the position.
To obtain first-hand knowledge of what is entailed in the position, contact McGrann in Richmond at (804) 343-1010 or jmcgrann@baskervill.com.
The committee meets in person at least annually and attempts to meet quarterly. Depending upon the situation, the committee can meet via conference call or email. The committee advises the Board and director of the Department of Housing and Community Development “on policies, procedures, operations, and other matters pertinent to enhancing the delivery of training services provided by the Building Code Academy.”
The Virginia Society AIA may nominate architects for one slot on the 17-person committee. If you are interested in this position, please get in touch with Duncan Abernathy, AIA, (daber@aiava.org) after conferring with McGrann.