Author: Alaska Professional Design Council

Although APDC takes a meeting and newsletter break for the summer, we continued tracking a few issues of interest to our members.  Well, to be honest, our lobbyist John Walsh does the heavy lifting on keeping us informed!  In this case, we received word that the State of Alaska is moving forward with adopting the 2021 building code. The new building codes should be out for public comment soon (if not already).  In addition, there has been some discussion at the AELS board about revisiting the continuing education requirements. Their education committee is meeting in early October and we will be listening in for details.

Finally, it is my sad duty to announce that the American Institute of Architects Alaska Chapter has opted to leave APDC due to their objection to APDC’s support of licensure for interior design professionals.  While I’m disappointed to see them leave over a single issue, I’m optimistic about working together in the future. I do not anticipate any changes at APDC due to their withdrawal.

Looking forward, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the legislature can develop a sustainable fiscal plan this fall so they can get back to considering non-fiscal bills – especially those of interest to us – when the regular session starts in the new year.

Scott Patterson, a Mechanical Engineer in the Anchorage Office of Coffman Engineers has earned the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Senior Internal Corrosion Technologist Certification.

To read the full press release from Coffman and learn more about the certification, click here.

Coffman Engineers is celebrating and congratulating the 2021 group of engineers for a successful summer program. This year’s interns include Tommi Crist (ANSEP Student at UAA, Civil Engineering), Jude Gabriel (University of Portland, Electrical Engineering), Benjamin Bitler (Montana Tech, Mechanical Engineering), and Austen Eriksson (Montana State University, Mechanical Engineering). To read more about their experience this summer, click the here.

Coffman Engineers announces the promotion of Matt Stielstra, SE, to Principal & Structural Department Manager of the Anchorage Office. To read the full press release, and learn about Matt’s educational background & career, click the link below.

It’s hard to believe that summer is already here! Normally APDC would be thoroughly winding down for the season. But the legislature started out slow and is now working on the first overtime session, so we still have action to follow.  The state budgets are about the only thing on their plate at the moment and we’re continuing to support a sustainable operating budget and an adequate capital budget to keep up with our infrastructure needs.   

Turning our focus inward, the executive board is currently working on hosting an abbreviated spring summit to review our legislative season and take stock of what we should repeat next year and what we might do better. Although none of the bills we supported this year have been passed and sent to the Governor, they did all see positive movement and will be on the docket when the next regular session starts in January. 

Thank you for your continued support and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!

Will Webb, PE