Architects make call for change.

Nearly 100 architects will lobby in Albany on April 27 to try and reform laws that hinder their business.

Architect's Lobby Day began in the mid-seventies and has grown every year since.

With legislators receiving more than 10,000 to 20,000 pieces of information a year from organizations and special interests groups, it's important that they get the correct information, said Barbara Rodriguez, AIA New York State executive a vice president and CEO.

"Our purpose in advance is to go up to talk with the legislators and the governor and give them information about what our position is and why," said Rodriguez. "I think associations and societies play a very important role in government affairs. In this day and age we have to do it, they get so much information and with the internet these days it could be erroneous information."

The architects will lobby for the passage or reform of several state laws. The Wicks Law is at the top of their list for reform.

The law subjects localities and local districts across the state to an outdated mandate that unnecessarily increases local construction costs by requiring them to use multiple contractors rather than a single contractor on construction projects. It is estimated that it can add 10 to 30 percent to the cost of every project.

"Our big issue--let's get rid of Wicks," Rodriguez said. "On all public works over $50,000 you have to have multiple contractors. That's a very expensive way to do business."

To participate in Lobby Day contact Rodriguez at 518-449-3334. They will also lobby for the following:

* Initiatives of the New Yorkers for Civil Justice Reform for comprehensive tort reform protecting design professionals protection from perpetual liability exposure to third-party suits.

* The Good Samaritan Act, which provides liability protection for architects, landscape architects, engineers and land surveyors who voluntarily provide professional services in response to natural disasters or other catastrophic events.

* Amendment to Article 147 of Title VIII of the State Education Law, which licenses and regulates the profession and practice of architecture, to permit design/build in such a manner that does not diminish or dilute the role and responsibilities of the architect in the design process and that does not compromise or jeopardize the public's health, safety and welfare as protected by the state's licensing laws and regulations.

* Legislation to allow a business corporate practice of design professions, which would limit ownership to under 25% and control of a design professional firm by individuals not licensed under Title VIII of the State Education Law and more than 75% ownership and control by licensed, registered design professionals.

* The present State Finance Law, which provides for open competition among design professional firms in the areas of competence, experience, prior performance, and technical qualifications, followed by negotiated compensation.

* Initiatives to revam local, state and federal community planning and zoning practices and principles to revitalize development; encourage the re-generation of the physical fabric and infrastructure of our urban, suburban and rural communities across the state.

* State and federal funding initiatives and appropriations for the repair, maintenance and new construction needed to rehabilitate and modernize schools.