Small Project Design

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technical Design for Building Performance Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
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I have been a member since 1981, have had my own small practice since 1987, and have been reluctantly writing large checks for local, state, national dues all these years.  I say reluctantly because frankly I have never felt any real value from membership beyond having the initials on my business card, ( too much of the general public thinks "AIA" it means you are licensed).  I have always felt that the AIA should spend the money on educating the public as to the roles we actually play and the value of hiring licensed architects.  There was a short radio ad some years ago, played on public radio, which I applauded.  But it lasted for such a brief time (I heard it once) I doubt it made any impact.  I agree with the architect who wrote that our services should be made a requirement of any remodel or new construction project.  With the fancy current computer programs on the market there are too many novices out there thinking they can do it themselves.  Or property owners relying on contractors to design as they build.  As a small firm owner I find it difficult to convince many homeowners of the true value of our work and how the fees they pay us actually save them time, money and frustration.  Not to mention the design impact on their lives and the environment.  We have always been viewed as a "luxury", not a necessity.  This has to change.  I don't think so many of us would be so upset about the high cost of being a member of the AIA if the organization actually HELPED us increase our billings
and our perceived value in society. 

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Gina Moffitt AIA
Kiyohara & Moffitt
Los Angeles CA
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I would like to add my perspective to the excellent points made by Gina Moffit.  In addition to the annual membership fees, the additional fees to be considered for membership are: annual convention admission, CE seminars, and contract documents which drives the actual membership fee into the thousands of dollars per individual.

I too have heard throughout my career the primary reason to join the AIA is the public's perception that the title bears a relationship to licensure.  However, in reality, I have never in my professional career had a client tell me personally anything that supports this theory.  In fact, we have never been hired by any client through our membership with the AIA or listing in the AIA directory.  This I believe, is verification that the AIA has done a substandard effort in educating the general public of the need and value of hiring an Architect, in addition to making the organization known nationally as a resource for consumers.

According to current AIA estimates, 26% of firms are sole practitioners and 60% of firms have fewer than 5 employees.  I hope that the AIA can catch up with the statistics and adjust their efforts to make this paramount with the organization's goals.  Until then, we will direct our marketing dollars to other more profitable sectors.

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Gregory Holah AIA
Principal
Holah Design + Architecture LLC
Portland OR
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