TBP team member, Katie Bang has been elected Secretary of the WASLA executive committee for 2009-2010. The WASLA executive committee held the first ever committee retreat at the Watershed Company in Kirkland last Saturday October 24th. The committee focused on how WASLA can better serve the Washington design community and how we as a state chapter can lead the design industry at a regional level. Filled with inspiring conversation, topics included providing more support for state universities, creating WASLA sponsored opportunities for continuing education, hosting regular social events both on the western and eastern side of the state, “bridging the gap” between western, eastern, and southwestern Washington, utilizing our networking opportunities with design and environmental organizations, amongst many others. The team left the retreat inspired and invigorated but realizes that this is a grand vision to pursue which cannot be done without the support of its members. Be on the look out by year’s end for the development of many sub committees and volunteer your time with a committee that you are passionate about. With your support and dedication we can lay the groundwork to begin the new face of WASLA.

Join Architects Without Borders-Seattle for their third annual Pumpkin-Carving Contest. There will be food and drink, as well as our panel of local design experts to award an excellent array of prizes for the best pumpkins – all to support a great cause. The event goes from 6-9pm; awards presented at 7:30, pumpkin auction to follow. Entry fees have been reduced to make it easier for firms and individuals to participate! Suggested Donation: Individual Entries: $20. Firm Entries: $250.

Click here for more information.All proceeds will benefit AWB’s current and future projects and further our mission to provide ecologically sensitive and culturally appropriate design assistance to communities in need.

Noted in the DJC, Whitman College’s Bratton Tennis Center just installed a new 21-kilowatt photovoltaic system. From the website, “The 2,500-square-foot system has 120 photovoltaic panels and is one of the largest solar arrays in Walla Walla County. It will generate about 25,000 kilowatt hours annually, enough to power three homes. Last year, the center used 129,000 kilowatt hours. The goal is to reduce the center’s energy costs and to promote renewable energy practices.”

The University, located in Walla Walla, will also host a monitoring station online, allowing the public and students monitor the system and its output. The Berger Partnership worked with ZGF on the landscape and architecture for this project. Find more information at www.whitmancollege.edu.