AIA Houston, through funding from national AIA and assistance from TSA’s Disaster Action Inc., is coordinating an assessment program for houses and apartment buildings damaged during Hurricane Ike.  Volunteer Register Architects will provide thoughtful, independent surveys to help building owners understand the nature and severity of damages to their property, which will aid communication with insurance companies and contractors.  Your help will provide long-term solutions for repairs and recommendations for avoiding future damage, something no other agency is able to do.

Registered Architects who volunteer for this assessment work are protected from liability through Texas’s Good Samaritan law.  We are asking that you commit to at least one full day.  All Registered Architects are invited to participate; you do not have to be a member of AIA.  Non-registered volunteers are also welcome to serve on assessment teams with Registered Architects. A typical assignment will begin with a 30-minute orientation at the Architecture Center Houston (315 Capitol) beginning at 7:30 am. Packets with maps and information of approximately 7 structures to be surveyed will be distributed to two-person teams.  AIA survey forms that have been used in other disaster action projects will be used.  You will be asked to return your completed forms to us at the end of the day.

Firms are encouraged to allow employees to participate in this important program.  Please complete one of the attached forms -- for Architects or non-Architects and return to hda@aiahouston.org. If you cannot fill in the forms electronically or scan them for email, please fax to 713-520-0134. 

For information on obtaining help from an architect, call 713.226.7443 (outside of Houston: 888.388.1885)

We hope you will take advantage of this opporunity to use your expertise to help your community.  Many thanks in advance for your concern and commitment!