AIA Offering Free Damage Assessments

Architects from across Mississippi and the U.S. are assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina by donating their time and expertise to perform free damage assessments for home and small business owners who request them.

The national office of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is supporting the Mississippi Chapter of the AIA in training and organizing teams of volunteers to do building assessments. The national AIA Disaster Assistance Program, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has trained 105 Mississippi members to conduct assessments, and then develop a form for architects to simply and accurately document damage to a building.
Ann Somers, president of AIA-Mississippi, said, "There is a great need in the area hit by Katrina to have buildings assessed. We want to do our part to help those who have lost so much, and providing this free service is the right thing to do."

Business and home owners will receive a copy of the damage assessment. This report can be used to document the extent of damage when seeking insurance, federal aid or other reimbursement. In addition, assessments will help owners determine the extent to which the structure has been compromised.

To request an assessment. call toll-free 1-866-242-2203. AIA-Mississippi said assessments will be performed until requests are no longer received.