Small Project Design

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Practice Management Member Conversations .
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I recently received and e-mail asking to renew my membership now.

Unfortunately, in light of the economic conditions and the AIA's seemingly lack of real proposals to influence Washington to do real positive changes in our economic growth I am having after over twenty years in my own firm to seriously consider letting my membership go.

I would be interested in thoughts of other small firms that have had similar struggles and why it is worth the investment for the initials AIA.

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Larry Warner AIA
Architect
Warner Group LLC
Sun City AZ
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I understand where you are coming from.
This economy has been hard on all of us.  But before you let your membership lapse, consider talking to your local component/ chapter and see if there are ways they can work with you to help you retain your membership. 
The supposed recovery never came and the Presidents new stimulus proposal while it has some merits for building and construction is not going to get any traction because it is an election year (and my cynical side feels it was released with just that reason). 

However by leaving the AIA, instead of being a voice for change, it becomes another voice lost. 
The AIA has done a lot for us over the years but because of it's size and the complexities of the very nature of advocacy, has been unable to tell us of what they do on a regular basis.  Obviously there is much that is wrong with the organization too. 
There needs to be change instead of the usual self congratulations and back slapping.  Just because someone has spent years volunteering within the organization should not be an entitlement to positions of leadership.  Maybe fresh faces or people not as indoctrinated to the AIA would be a good thing. 

If you leave, your chances of being part of that change is lost.  Instead of leaving, consider getting more involved.  While there are many who see no need for change and will block any real desire for change, it doesn't mean you give up the good fight. 
In some ways the AIA may appear very much like the broken system of governance we have, but it's still at a smaller scale and there's still possibilities.  You won't win any award for popularity but if you can make yourself heard it's still something.
You'll be surprise sometimes how many others may have similar thoughts. 


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Gerard Lee AIA
Gerard Lee Architects, Inc.
Oakland CA
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Dr. Randy Swanson AIA
Architect
Randy Swanson Architect
Saint Petersburg FL
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Do whatever it takes to maintain a viable business.  Change location to reduce overhead, (back to the front porch), take any job that crosses your path to meet the monthly family bills, and let the membership be one of the last priorities to let go of.  While you're a member the contracts are invaluable to clients and offer a high standard of safety and protection to all involved.  If it gets to the point of saving the membership dues to stay alive then let it go.  But ask your local if a 'leave of absence without penalty' can be arranged.  These are not usual circumstances, your business is not evaporating from anything you've done wrong - especially if you've survived up to this point! (+/- 70% are gone from 5 years ago in my town).  I can't imagine that the local or national would not permit an absence for a reasonable period of time (2-3 years) until you're back on your feet.  We need the forum to discuss our immediate concerns, and we need the insights that have accrued over the last 150 years to keep what dignity remains for a profession that few can afford and most don't understand.  r






Original Message:
Sent: 10-26-2011 02:26
From: Gerard Lee
Subject: AIA renewal

I understand where you are coming from.
This economy has been hard on all of us.  But before you let your membership lapse, consider talking to your local component/ chapter and see if there are ways they can work with you to help you retain your membership. 
The supposed recovery never came and the Presidents new stimulus proposal while it has some merits for building and construction is not going to get any traction because it is an election year (and my cynical side feels it was released with just that reason). 

However by leaving the AIA, instead of being a voice for change, it becomes another voice lost. 
The AIA has done a lot for us over the years but because of it's size and the complexities of the very nature of advocacy, has been unable to tell us of what they do on a regular basis.  Obviously there is much that is wrong with the organization too. 
There needs to be change instead of the usual self congratulations and back slapping.  Just because someone has spent years volunteering within the organization should not be an entitlement to positions of leadership.  Maybe fresh faces or people not as indoctrinated to the AIA would be a good thing. 

If you leave, your chances of being part of that change is lost.  Instead of leaving, consider getting more involved.  While there are many who see no need for change and will block any real desire for change, it doesn't mean you give up the good fight. 
In some ways the AIA may appear very much like the broken system of governance we have, but it's still at a smaller scale and there's still possibilities.  You won't win any award for popularity but if you can make yourself heard it's still something.
You'll be surprise sometimes how many others may have similar thoughts. 


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Gerard Lee AIA
Gerard Lee Architects, Inc.
Oakland CA
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AIA has historically provided only two services to me: maintained my CES log and provided easier access to their standard contracts. I have long questioned whether those services were really worth $700/year, especially since I have to pay additional fees for complete access to the contracts.

I can maintain my own CES record and I already pass the cost of contracts on to my client.  I've already decided that my membership will be discontinued.

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John Graff AIA
Sole Proprietor
John P. Graff, Architect
Austin TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-26-2011 02:26
From: Gerard Lee
Subject: AIA renewal

I understand where you are coming from.
This economy has been hard on all of us.  But before you let your membership lapse, consider talking to your local component/ chapter and see if there are ways they can work with you to help you retain your membership. 
The supposed recovery never came and the Presidents new stimulus proposal while it has some merits for building and construction is not going to get any traction because it is an election year (and my cynical side feels it was released with just that reason). 

However by leaving the AIA, instead of being a voice for change, it becomes another voice lost. 
The AIA has done a lot for us over the years but because of it's size and the complexities of the very nature of advocacy, has been unable to tell us of what they do on a regular basis.  Obviously there is much that is wrong with the organization too. 
There needs to be change instead of the usual self congratulations and back slapping.  Just because someone has spent years volunteering within the organization should not be an entitlement to positions of leadership.  Maybe fresh faces or people not as indoctrinated to the AIA would be a good thing. 

If you leave, your chances of being part of that change is lost.  Instead of leaving, consider getting more involved.  While there are many who see no need for change and will block any real desire for change, it doesn't mean you give up the good fight. 
In some ways the AIA may appear very much like the broken system of governance we have, but it's still at a smaller scale and there's still possibilities.  You won't win any award for popularity but if you can make yourself heard it's still something.
You'll be surprise sometimes how many others may have similar thoughts. 


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Gerard Lee AIA
Gerard Lee Architects, Inc.
Oakland CA
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Everyone has to decide the value they are receiving.  I know that those at the DC office are like to the idealist we all may have been when we left college.  They haven't experienced the reality of the real world and/or are out of touch with the membership.

I use the AIA for continuing education.  It cuts down on my record-keeping.  I was auditied once by the State and my transcript was received without question.  I read this forum. 

The small benefits are worth the price to me, but I am a small office.
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John Feick AIA
Feick Design Group, Inc.
Sandusky OH
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Wow, what great feedback on this issue. Hello.... is Washington reading all this? I am always amazed at the fees we have to pay in relationship to what we earn, especially sole practitioners, which is pretty much nil right now.

BTW...You can get some of your fees waived for 3 years. Ask your local chapter for the form to fill out. If they are ignorant on this, contact your State Chapter.

As for our fees, they need to be cut, but to do that you have to cut the consumption of this money which happens primarily at the National level. All of us have had make severe cut backs and live on a shoe string. I feel National should the same.

I know they have made some cutbacks, but like our government, that is bloated with excess people and programs that are expensive, they need to cut back more and get back to the "grassroots" essence of what an organization representing architects is all about. One thing they can do is to get out of that fancy building in DC and get into something we all can afford with lesser fees. We would all love to live in and work out of beautiful cutting edge buildings, but that is not the reality of today. That is something you do when times are good.

I have architect friends that have cut their businesses down to themselves, sell their house and car to keep their heads above water, and worse, go into another field of work. I am living on scraps of small projects like minor additions and remodels, the stuff I did when I started out on my own many, many years ago. 

So my message is for National to cut more expenses, even if that means eliminating some programs and some people, who get "Union" like pay and benefits. (Some States need to cut back also, like California) If you do not know where to start, they are plenty of us that can advise you.

BTW... I will be renewing for 2012. The AIA has done some good things, especially at the legislative level.

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Sally Anne Smith AIA
Smith Architectural Studio
Carmel CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-26-2011 07:15
From: John Feick
Subject: AIA renewal

Everyone has to decide the value they are receiving.  I know that those at the DC office are like to the idealist we all may have been when we left college.  They haven't experienced the reality of the real world and/or are out of touch with the membership.

I use the AIA for continuing education.  It cuts down on my record-keeping.  I was auditied once by the State and my transcript was received without question.  I read this forum. 

The small benefits are worth the price to me, but I am a small office.
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John Feick AIA
Feick Design Group, Inc.
Sandusky OH
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Good topic, and it's good that we as an industry share our thoughts in a forum like this so that a collective voice can be heard.  There is a lot of bantering both ways on the topic and I agree that there have been some great advancements made at the administrative level of AIA, on the political front, and with regards to public awareness of what we as in industry do.  Nevertheless, bottom line is that the fees for membership have become far too out of line with the benefits that we as members actually receive on an individual basis.  If a complete poll was take I would venture to guess that the vast majority of the members agree.  It's that simple.  There may be fat at the top that could be trimmed or some serious effort put into increasing benefits for the guy at the bottom, other than another free magazine that few of us have time to really read anyway.

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David Cameron AIA
Architect
Cameron Aslaksen Architects, LLC
Reedsburg WI
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-27-2011 11:39
From: Sally Anne Smith
Subject: AIA renewal


Wow, what great feedback on this issue. Hello.... is Washington reading all this? I am always amazed at the fees we have to pay in relationship to what we earn, especially sole practitioners, which is pretty much nil right now.

BTW...You can get some of your fees waived for 3 years. Ask your local chapter for the form to fill out. If they are ignorant on this, contact your State Chapter.

As for our fees, they need to be cut, but to do that you have to cut the consumption of this money which happens primarily at the National level. All of us have had make severe cut backs and live on a shoe string. I feel National should the same.

I know they have made some cutbacks, but like our government, that is bloated with excess people and programs that are expensive, they need to cut back more and get back to the "grassroots" essence of what an organization representing architects is all about. One thing they can do is to get out of that fancy building in DC and get into something we all can afford with lesser fees. We would all love to live in and work out of beautiful cutting edge buildings, but that is not the reality of today. That is something you do when times are good.

I have architect friends that have cut their businesses down to themselves, sell their house and car to keep their heads above water, and worse, go into another field of work. I am living on scraps of small projects like minor additions and remodels, the stuff I did when I started out on my own many, many years ago. 

So my message is for National to cut more expenses, even if that means eliminating some programs and some people, who get "Union" like pay and benefits. (Some States need to cut back also, like California) If you do not know where to start, they are plenty of us that can advise you.

BTW... I will be renewing for 2012. The AIA has done some good things, especially at the legislative level.

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Sally Anne Smith AIA
Smith Architectural Studio
Carmel CA
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After thirty years in the profession I feel exactly the same way.
Particularly re: the AIA not having the courage to even allow fees to be discussed in any forum whatsoever.
Which really means we can't place a value on our services. Thus the value is imposed on us solely by the market. Also, young practitioners have no guides to what their value is & what to charge. I recently met a young sole practioner who charged a developer $75,000. for complete plans & specs (including engineering) on a $5mil. mid-rise condo project. His reasoning,"I was making $50,000. per year before I went out on my own, I had all the details on my computer, so $75,000. seemed good." He's been sued by the developer as the building is sinking into the soil.
Also, for over thirty years we've allowed more & more of what we used to provide as "basic services" to be taken from us.
On the otherhand, have we just made the AIA the scapegoat for everything that has gone wrong with our profession?
It is a difficult situation.
I did renew my membership.

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Joseph DeMaria AIA
Joseph P. DeMaria, Architect
Morristown NJ
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I understand your frustration but no one else in getting Washington to do anything either.  In the grand scheme of things AIA and architects in general have very little infulence in the current political climate.  We have neiter large numbers of members nor deep pockets.  It is pretty amazing that we actually occasionaly get to talk to a member of congress.   

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Kevin Sutton AIA
District Court Architect
United States District Court NCWD
Charlotte NC
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Terrance Sullivan AIA
Terry L. Sullivan A.I.A. Architect / Consultant
Carrollton TX
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Larry, would you rather be doing something else?

Being a member has kept me 'connected' to the profession of architecture for 40 years.  Being connected...what's that worth?

BTW, I never wanted any part of my dues used to influence a politician.  There is always someone who will pay more to have it otherwise -IMHO.
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J. Michael Van Strander AIA
J. Michael Van Strander, AIA, LEEP AP
Clinton NY
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You might want to apply for Emeritus Membership.  The membership is free if you are 65 years old or older and have been a member for over 15 years.

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Clark Edgecomb AIA
President
Edgecomb & Associates, Inc.
Houston TX
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Well I know this is an AIA Forum but I faced the same thing last year. I am a sole proprietor and the annual dues were just too much to bear with all of the other overhead expenses in this terrible economy. I dropped my membership after 25 years and frankly have not missed anything. I still get the magazine by e-mail which was really the only thing I felt I was getting anyway. 

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Richard Jenkins
Principal
Jenkins Architecture
Raleigh NC
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I have also pondered dropping my AIA membership and my have no choice as I am barely hanging on to keep my doors open.  My staff of (4) has now dwindled to me alone as I try to shave my overhead to bare bones.  However, in our area the construction industry is virtually dead and larger firms are now trolling the shallow waters I used to feed from.  My firm has not had a significant Project since the end of 2008 (when economy tanked).  My credit line grows as the small projects simply do not command enough fee to live off AND pay down the debt.  AIA contacted me a couple years ago to tell me I had not fullfilled their CE requirements (I did fullfill my state requirements, which are less stringent).  I replied to cancel my membership; I was simply concerned with meeting CE requirements to maintain my licensure and overhead right now is paramount in my money spending decisions.  I'm not sure I will be able to hold on until the elections of 2012, which is depressing considering I've been in the profession 25 years, with 11 of those with my own practice.  I've never seen it this bad in all those years and quite frankly, maintaining my membership is the least of my worries.

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Jeff Haley AIA
The Haley Architectural Group, Inc.
Decatur IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-26-2011 16:05
From: Richard Jenkins
Subject: AIA renewal

Well I know this is an AIA Forum but I faced the same thing last year. I am a sole proprietor and the annual dues were just too much to bear with all of the other overhead expenses in this terrible economy. I dropped my membership after 25 years and frankly have not missed anything. I still get the magazine by e-mail which was really the only thing I felt I was getting anyway. 

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Richard Jenkins
Principal
Jenkins Architecture
Raleigh NC
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We are having the same concerns. In Philadelphia, the same firms get all the projects, and win all the awards.  The small firms get very little, spend huge amounts of money to participate in shows and marketing events that produce nothing (ever), and for what, a web site listing?  We already have a web site.  AIA means little in your title now.  It used to convey a professional organization that supported design.

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Neil Sandvold AIA
Firm Partner/Architect
Sandvold Blanda Architecture + Interiors
Philadelphia PA
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I think many of us go back and forth on this one.  What always pulls me back is my local chapter.  What reliably pushes me the other way is any dumb as a post Ned Cramer editorial in the so called AIA Magazine, Architecture.  Why folks like him assume they can speak for all of us as if there was no diversity of ideas and thought among us is just beyond me. 
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Donald Wardlaw AIA
More Than Construction, Inc.
Oakland CA
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Lucky for me this year, I qualify for Emeritus status. That said, I joined the AIA for 2 reasons: As a woman in 1986, I was assumed  to be an interior decorator w/o those initials. Many people thought, and probably still think, that AIA after your name is like MD. 
The other reason is that I believe every profession should have a professional organization to represent itself, and I also believe in putting my money, literally, where my mouth is, so I have been paying over $200 per initial since then. I have been active in my chapter in the past, and I think my state organization has been effective, too. National? I dunno.

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Judith Wasserman AIA
Bressack & Wasserman
Palo Alto CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-26-2011 23:04
From: Donald Wardlaw
Subject: AIA renewal


I think many of us go back and forth on this one.  What always pulls me back is my local chapter.  What reliably pushes me the other way is any dumb as a post Ned Cramer editorial in the so called AIA Magazine, Architecture.  Why folks like him assume they can speak for all of us as if there was no diversity of ideas and thought among us is just beyond me. 
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Donald Wardlaw AIA
More Than Construction, Inc.
Oakland CA
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Interesting conversation.  I hope the AIA is listening, including the state components that, at least in Indiana, are VERY expensive.  To my knowledge, the AIA is one of the most expensive professional organizations in existence.  Several years ago when the economy dipped before the "Great Recession" I came to the same crossroads, I wrote the AIA and requested a waiver of fees for the year with the hopes that the economy would turn around.  Fortunately I received that waiver and I was able to work through it.  The AIA has value, but like anything else you get what you give.

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Robert Collins AIA
Merrillville IN
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Come on ladies & gents, we have failed to discuss the real issue here.  How cool does it look after our names? 

AiA , Aia, AIA, aia,

A.I.A., aia,

A.I.A.,

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Jon Blehar AIA
President
Jon Bloss Blehar, AIA, PA, Architect
Lake Worth FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-27-2011 09:57
From: Robert Collins
Subject: AIA renewal

Interesting conversation.  I hope the AIA is listening, including the state components that, at least in Indiana, are VERY expensive.  To my knowledge, the AIA is one of the most expensive professional organizations in existence.  Several years ago when the economy dipped before the "Great Recession" I came to the same crossroads, I wrote the AIA and requested a waiver of fees for the year with the hopes that the economy would turn around.  Fortunately I received that waiver and I was able to work through it.  The AIA has value, but like anything else you get what you give.

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Robert Collins AIA
Merrillville IN
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It seems to me that the AIA could look at a business model where the organization functions in more geographic locations with minimal staff and office volunteers . I say this from the experience of having lived in areas where this is the way it seems to work, and works very well.  

The AIA has a wonderful way of being a part of the history of the Profession . And of course the contracts are a valuable asset. I find that, in the present day, with the use of the internet, there are so many organizations where one may be a part and the financial cost is really quite minimal -

In the past year , I have found the Knowledge Communities , and the online seminars , to be meeting alot of my present business needs and interest -

I have been an AIA member since 1992, in the states of California, New Mexico and Arizona.
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Nancy Harper AIA
Architect-Manager-Building Planner
Harper Architect
Scottsdale AZ
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-27-2011 09:57
From: Robert Collins
Subject: AIA renewal

Interesting conversation.  I hope the AIA is listening, including the state components that, at least in Indiana, are VERY expensive.  To my knowledge, the AIA is one of the most expensive professional organizations in existence.  Several years ago when the economy dipped before the "Great Recession" I came to the same crossroads, I wrote the AIA and requested a waiver of fees for the year with the hopes that the economy would turn around.  Fortunately I received that waiver and I was able to work through it.  The AIA has value, but like anything else you get what you give.

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Robert Collins AIA
Merrillville IN
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While I have been a member of AIA for a number of years, I'm am also a member of ALA (Association of Licensed Architects).  For $75/year, I'm provided with lunch & learns, award programs, contracts for use, and a quarterly magazine that actually has useful information in each issue on topics such as legal issues, insurance, accessibility, computers, and business practices; not just green design.  I must say, though, this forum is probably the best thing the AIA has provided in a decade.

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William Prather AIA
Prather Tucker Associates, Inc.
Springfield IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-29-2011 12:17
From: Nancy Harper
Subject: AIA renewal

It seems to me that the AIA could look at a business model where the organization functions in more geographic locations with minimal staff and office volunteers . I say this from the experience of having lived in areas where this is the way it seems to work, and works very well.  

The AIA has a wonderful way of being a part of the history of the Profession . And of course the contracts are a valuable asset. I find that, in the present day, with the use of the internet, there are so many organizations where one may be a part and the financial cost is really quite minimal -

In the past year , I have found the Knowledge Communities , and the online seminars , to be meeting alot of my present business needs and interest -

I have been an AIA member since 1992, in the states of California, New Mexico and Arizona.
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Nancy Harper AIA
Architect-Manager-Building Planner
Harper Architect
Scottsdale AZ
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I have read with interest all the recent correspondence on the need, value, and cost of the AIA.  I currently have a 7 person firm, have been a member of the AIA since 1969, and have gotten back in at least triplicate what I have invested in the AIA.  At the minimum, ask yourself what your practice would be like without the standardization made possible by the AIA, the minimum standard of care put forth by the AIA Docs, and the synificance of putting AIA behind your name, just to name a few.  Is the AIA perfect, absolutely not.

Our opportunity is that for at least the next two years the AIA incoming Presidents Jeff Potter, FAIA and Mickey Jacobs, FAIA are small firm practitioners, under 5 persons each firm.  Now that is a positive change for the small firm.  In addition two years ago I was given the opportunity for form a Small Firm Round Table, in which SPP has a seat on the executive committee.  The SFRT was formed for small firm advoacy.  My suggestion would be for all bloggers on this discussion to learn who are their regional representative to the SFRT and discuss with them suggestions for AIA policy changes making the AIA more small firm friendly or responsive.  Your comments will be discussed either on SFRT conference calls or meetings and if appropriate actions will be suggested to the AIA Board.  The opportunities within the AIA are endless, you need to get involved and let your voice be heard.  Changes can and are being made, be a part of them.  The AIA is the sole practitioner's and small firm's best friend and your best investment.  Support it and make it better.
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Jeffrey Rosenblum FAIA
Small Firm Round Table Chair 2010-2011
Rosenblum Coe Architects, Inc.
Charleston SC
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-29-2011 12:17
From: Nancy Harper
Subject: AIA renewal

It seems to me that the AIA could look at a business model where the organization functions in more geographic locations with minimal staff and office volunteers . I say this from the experience of having lived in areas where this is the way it seems to work, and works very well.  

The AIA has a wonderful way of being a part of the history of the Profession . And of course the contracts are a valuable asset. I find that, in the present day, with the use of the internet, there are so many organizations where one may be a part and the financial cost is really quite minimal -

In the past year , I have found the Knowledge Communities , and the online seminars , to be meeting alot of my present business needs and interest -

I have been an AIA member since 1992, in the states of California, New Mexico and Arizona.
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Nancy Harper AIA
Architect-Manager-Building Planner
Harper Architect
Scottsdale AZ
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