Raising roofs

Residential Architect, April, 2005 by Cheryl Weber

The American Institute of Architects takes a similar stance, it is also giving the affected countries a chance to recover to a point where they can begin thinking about redevelopment. David Downey, who heads up tsunami relief at the AIA, says it has compiled a list of non-government organizations that are legitimate and are targeting long-term building projects. In addition to convening an information-sharing meeting among design and building professionals and the U.S. Agency for International Development last January, the AIA is planning a reconnaissance trip with its sister organizations in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. "We've put out a call to our members for volunteers who are willing to serve" once a strategy gets under way," says Downey, Associate AIA.

As media coverage of the disaster fades, the need for funds and volunteers will continue to grow. Craig Williams is grateful for the generosity of his employers, who pay him 12 hours a week to carry out his altruistic work. "Architects who'd like to contribute could have someone in their firm provide a stipend for them to go to Asia for a month, or for time to assist in a back-reach capacity," he says. "We're at a critical juncture where awareness has been raised. We need to stay focused on these issues."