BlueScope Buildings North America and the American Institute of Architects Extend Successful Partnership into 2024
Limited Release
KANSAS CITY, MO. – In a move that reinforces its commitment to being a transformative partner in the building and construction space, BlueScope Buildings North America (BBNA) proudly announces the extension of its Collaboration Partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) through 2024. The partnership affords the AIA and BBNA, a responsible leader in smart steel solutions within the built environment, the opportunity to use their collective knowledge, research, and resources to accelerate efforts that provide for a sustainable future.
Recognizing the shared responsibility for sustainability, BBNA and the AIA are leveraging their strengths to actively contribute to larger global issues, such as decarbonization and increasing energy efficiency, while enhancing productivity and adaptability.
“Empowering architectural and design professionals to excel in their work is a core objective of this partnership. BBNA’s engineered building system brands, Butler Manufacturing and Varco Pruden Buildings, will play a pivotal role in this effort, supported by their extensive builder network,” says BBNA strategic marketing vice president Luke Dawson.
In 2023, BBNA representatives actively participated in the AIA Manufacturers Council quarterly meetings, fostering a deeper understanding of the magnitude and range of solutions offered by the engineered building systems industry.
To further support the architectural community, BBNA is introducing a new AIA-accredited continuing education (CE) course. The CE, “Forging the Future – Exploring Metal Buildings Systems in Architectural Design,” launched in 2023 and is available now on the AIA website. A new continuing education course delivered via podcast will also be available later in the year.
Additionally, the AIA has joined BBNA by adding the architectural community’s perspective to the BBNA ideation and innovation process. The BlueScope AIA Advisory Group was formed last year and actively explores ideas and actions to assist the AIA in meeting its 2030 sustainability commitments. The advisory group meets virtually and in person, with the first in-person meeting held at the BBNA headquarters in Kansas City, MO, in November 2023.
The BlueScope AIA Advisory Group has selected four sustainability categories of focus which include:
- examining materials and products in fresh ways to maximize their use.
- working with supplier partners to increase material tracking and transparency.
- collaborating with suppliers, designers, and manufacturers.
- an open forum for new ideas to arise.
“The individuals in the advisory group are providing valuable experience and perspectives,’ says Dan Kumm, senior director of business insights at BBNA. “As we prepare to launch new products designed to better serve the architecture and design community, this group will help us stay in touch with the AIA members’ needs and interests.”
BlueScope AIA Advisory Group in-person meeting, November 2023
BBNA and the AIA are committed to further developing their Collaboration Partnership throughout the year, with periodic announcements to keep stakeholders informed.
Click here to read the original announcement about the partnership formation.
About BlueScope Buildings
BlueScope Buildings North America is a business unit of BlueScope Steel Ltd., an international steel solutions company with a global presence. Operating in North America with more than 2,000 employees, BBNA is the leader in customized and fully engineered buildings in the industrial, commercial and community segments. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, BBNA is backed by notable brands and seven manufacturing facilities. BlueScope Buildings provides a full spectrum of engineered solutions, products, and services through its portfolio of brands, including Butler Manufacturing, Varco Pruden Buildings, BlueScope Construction, and BlueScope Properties Group.
