AIA New Jersey Interviewed by WPIX TV Regarding Lightweight Wood Construction

February 13, 2015

In the wake of the tragic events of the Avalon at Edgewater fire, Justin Mihalik, AIA, the newly elected President-Elect of the New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects, was recently interviewed by WPIX TV regarding the use of lightweight wood construction.  You can see the WPIX report here. The report is 5:26 in length.  Justin’s comments start at approximately the 1:59 mark and run through the 3:00 mark.

Granted, the conversation is far more complex than can be explained in one minute of TV time. And, the issue has received significant attention, including legislation proposing mandating fire sprinklers in all residential construction (Bill A1698) and a proposed two-year moratorium on all lightweight wood construction. Given the severity of the event and the public attention, it is more important than ever that architects and AIA New Jersey have a voice in this discussion.

This issue is being actively addressed by our Codes & Standards Committee, chaired by Robert Longo, AIA, our Legistative & Government Affairs Committee, chaired by David Del Vecchio, AIA, our Public Awareness Committee, chaired by Bruce Turner, AIA, our President, Kimberly Bunn, AIA, our Executive Director, Joe Simonetta, and the Executive Committee. Therefore, please make sure you share your opinions with your leaders of AIA New Jersey and your political representatives. Architects cannot stand on the sidelines while others determine the shape of the built environment.

Bruce Turner, AIA
Public Awareness Committee Chair

By Bruce Turner AIA | Posted in AIA-NJ News, Architecture in NJ, Codes & Regulations, Disaster Response, Legislative & Government Affairs, Members & the Community, Technology in Practice, Uncategorized | Tagged: A1698, Avalon, Avalon at Edgewater, Bruce Turner, Codes & standards Committee, Dave Del Vecchio, Edgewater, Executive Director, Joe Simonetta, Justin Mihalik, Kim Bunn, L&GA Committee, Lightweight Wood Construction, President, President-Elect, Public Awareness Committee, Robert Longo, WPIX, WPIX TV | Comments (0)