Live Event: Reopening Safely: Guidance for Architecture Firms

Architecture professionals are returning to the office, but it’s anything but business as usual. How can you prepare your workspace to safely welcome back employees and clients? What are the legal and ethical considerations specific to architecture? This half-day AIAU live event delivers expert advice for these and other urgent questions.

Join distinguished speakers from human resources, public health, mental health, and architecture for an afternoon full of invaluable guidance and insights during a time of unprecedented change.

Sessions

There will be a 10-15 minute break between each session. 

Returning to Work: HR Considerations 

Deb Cohen, PhD, SHRM-SCP, president & founder, Deb Cohen, LLC

As firms start bringing staff back into the office, managers need to ensure staff safety and help everyone in the organization lead through a time of change. While there is no “one size fits all” approach for businesses, managers can tap proven strategies and tools for reopening with appropriate parameters for protecting employees, customers, and visitors. This workshop will discuss office reintegration and raise HR and employee considerations that all firms should contemplate. (1.25 LU|Elective)

Mental Well-Being

Lynn Saladino, PsyD, clinical psychologist & coach, Dr. Lynn Psychology, PLLC

For firm leaders and employees alike, the pandemic has introduced new levels of stress along with unique challenges for managing work and home life. Reentering the workspace will undoubtedly pose even more challenges. In this presentation, you’ll learn strategies to manage the stress and obstacles linked to reintegrating. Topics will include how to prepare employees for their return, supporting a distracted staff, and stress management techniques. (1 LU|Elective)

Reopening Amid a Pandemic ASAP (As Safely as Possible)

Wendy Bamberg, MD, principal, Medical Epidemiology Consulting

Bring your questions about the science behind COVID-19 to this session focused on the public health aspect of reopening and preventing further spread. Incorporating CDC and other research-based guidance, Dr. Bamberg will cover topics such as employee and visitor screening, HVAC considerations, and the "big four" prevention areas (masking, distancing, hand hygiene, disinfection). She’ll cover steps to take if someone is sick or exposed and provide important resources for updates and information. (1 LU|HSW)

Making a Plan to Return

Rachel Zsembery, AIA, vice president, Bergmeyer, Boston | Los Angeles

As we contemplate a return to offices, many firm leaders are questioning how to adapt open workspaces built for collaboration and high-touch social interaction. This session will explore new design considerations for architecture firms. Using the Office Re-Entry plan of Bergmeyer—a Boston- and LA-based design collaborative—as a case study, Zsembery will discuss strategies for physically preparing spaces and psychologically supporting teams. This will include steps for planning and preparing the office, establishing daily cleaning procedures and physical distancing protocols, communications and graphic signage best practices, preparing staff for new expected social norms, and tips for adapting on the fly. (1 LU|HSW)

This AIAU Live Event will take place on Wednesday, July 15th from 1-6pm EDT. You will access the event room via your AIAU "My Courses" menu. Within 10 business days, AIA Member transcripts will reflect the LUs of sessions attended.