FAQ
Q: The competition brief states that at least one team member must be licensed to sign architectural drawings in the State of New York. Can we substitute a New York State licensed engineer for that requirement?
A: Yes, the sponsors will permit teams to have a New York State licensed engineer in lieu of a New York State Licensed Architect.
Q: Our office has been invited to be on multiple teams. Is there any rule preventing us from being on multiple teams for the September submission?
A: There is no rule preventing you from being on multiple teams. As a professional courtesy, we ask that you tell your partnering teams so that they are not surprised if you are ultimately chosen along with someone else.
Q: When we submit our booklets, what will be the selection criteria?
A: The selection criteria is as follows:- quality of the work of the portfolio section;
- creativity, issues, insight, and analysis contained in the sketchpad;
- composition and experience of the firm or team submitting;
- quality and clarity of the booklet overall.
Q: Limiting the Portfolio to three projects will make it difficult to give a well rounded view of our firm’s qualifications. Is there any chance the committee would allow an additional project or two?
A: Submissions should be limited to the team’s top three projects. The quality of work submitted and not the quantity will determine who is selected. The extent of a team’s body of work can be cited in other sections of the submission.
Q: Although the Sketchpad is limited to between 5 and 7 double-sided pages there does not appear to be a page limit for the overall submission booklet. Can you give us an indication of how many pages there should be in the submission booklet?
A: While there is no page limit, the sponsors anticipate that most submissions will be between 20 to 30 double-sided pages. The quality of the work in the submission will be more important to the jury than the quantity, provided your submission meets the stated requirements.
Q: Given that there are many qualified and registered architects in the United States who will be interested in participating in this competition, and given that typical processing times for applications for intra-state reciprocity take longer than the time remaining before the Stage I submission is due, will proof of architectural registration in another State as well as proof of NCARB certification be accepted in lieu of current New York registration for the purposes of the Stage I selection process?
A: The Competition Organizers are looking for the brightest minds with the best and broadest range of ideas to participate in this competition. Teams from across the nation and around the world are encouraged to submit. All teams must have a team member that is licensed to sign architectural drawings in the State of New York or be capable of securing reciprocity in New York State by the start of Stage II (October 1, 2008). If reciprocity is still pending at the time the Stage I submission is due, please write “Reciprocity Pending” on the registration form included with your submission. Teams selected for Stage II will be replaced by one of the competition’s runners-up if their reciprocity is not secured by October 1, 2008.
Q: What should we focus on in the Sketchpad portion of the submission? The website provides information about the neighborhood in which the competition will take place but not the specific site for the project.
A: The organizers hope you will use the Sketchpad portion of your submission to explore some of the larger themes your team might tackle if you are selected for Stage II of the competition. Teams selected for Stage II will be asked to zero in on a specific site at that time.
Q: For the portfolio, do you want three projects total per team or three projects from each team member?
A: Three projects total for the entire team, not three projects per team member. Teams will have to use their best judgment as to which three projects best illustrate what they have to offer.
Q: We are very interested in submitting for the competition but we are an international firm. Is it an absolute requirement that each team have at least one member licensed to sign drawings in New York State?
A: Yes, international teams are encouraged to enter but at least one member of your team must be licensed to sign drawings in New York State.
Q: Are we correct in understanding that the registration form is due at the same time as the rest of the submission on September 15, 2008, and that no material, (registration fee, et cetera) is needed in advance?
A: Correct, everything is due on September 15, 2008.
Q: Are you going to provide any information about the site prior to September 15, 2008?
A: Limited information about the neighborhood in which the competition will take place has been provided on the competition’s website. No information about the specific site for the competition will be provided until the next stage of the competition.
Q: I work for a company that is interested in entering the competition. Can I also send in a portfolio as an individual?
A: Technically you could both enter, but please note that Stage I is a portfolio submission. The work in the Portfolio section of your submission would have to be the work of you and your teammates. Note that there is also a requirement that at least one person on the team be able to sign architectural drawings in the State of New York.
Q: Most of our usual consultants (engineer, landscape architect, etc.) are based in Europe – would we have to find American consultants to enter?
A: How you wish to structure your team is entirely up to you — we cannot really advise you about whether it is better to use an American engineer or an European firm. An American engineer would be familiar with local standards but a European engineer might bring new technologies and a fresh perspective to this project. The decision is yours.
Q: Will the four pre-invited teams have any advantage in Stage II or will all of the teams compete as equals?
A: All of the teams will compete as equals.