Small Project Design

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  • 1.  Architects disapearing

    Posted 11-17-2010 12:06 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Residential Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
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    Eric, I totally agree with your points regarding value and the lack of requirements that the law imposes for our fees.
    I do not know what the solution is at this point but I must say that as far as I am concerned, I cannot live with a sole proprietor practice focused on residential design. There is just not enough work out there. Commercial and institutional work is even more difficult to get involved with. That does it for markets.
    As far as regulating the need for architects, this is a longtime issue that has been discussed for decades and which relates to the values of good design with the "health and welfare" issue. You get my point.
    As long as people are worried about feeding their families, design will come last unless we/the AIA can come up with factual data regarding that value with substantiated dollar amounts attached. This is the issue because as far as technical abilities, the public perception is that engineers have those and they will go to them for that. 
    Do I think that the profession is disappearing, YES. Sadly, I do not see  the need for us or the understanding of our added value. We can talk about sustainability, human scale, design and all the rest forever, the reality at this time is that contractors do not respect us (we make too many mistakes being generalists in our drawings) and think that we don't know what we are designing about. Clients think we are too expensive.
    What is left? Work for some other industry like I am and cry out for a broken dream where we wasted our last 20 years. 
    Sorry for that, I don't want to complain but this profession is left to the big architecture firms and the developers, we work as subs. Bottom line
    Best Regards

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    Christian Fekete AIA
    Architect
    Advancing Concepts in Architecture of NY, P.C.
    Rhinebeck NY
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  • 2.  RE:Architects disapearing

    Posted 11-18-2010 03:29 AM
    Apparently some architects in NYC are singing in the rain...finally!  Check this out as shared on www.aia.org net search:

    http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/architects-singing-or-silent

    Several key principals and CEO's of prominent firms were interviewed and have echoed similar sentiments as what we've been discussing/lamenting here: i.e. architects cutting fees and doing more pro bono work upfront, projects placed on hold, and experienced employees out of work compared to younger ones finally being hired (which is a great thing). 

    The silver lining in the clouds was learning how one firm's main project "on their boards" is the complete re-working of La Guardia Airport among other key infrastructure projects.

    The overall sentiment is that things are starting to turn around. 

    I'm glad to hear this.  Meanwhile, I still think our profession needs a makeover...

    Who among us is going to lead the way?



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    Tara Imani AIA
    Principal
    Tara Imani Designs, LLC
    Houston TX
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  • 3.  RE:Architects disapearing

    Posted 11-19-2010 11:53 AM
     I think the exchange of ideas on this topic is so healthy for all architects, ages, experience, workers and firm owners.  Making  use of the "new legs with lots of enthusiasm" , supported with some history lessons  from us " old warriers" and sharing  "pracitce how to"  with each other is the first step.  This format is drawing experience from all over the country and giving it out in such a non-judgemental, non- competitive manner makes it a winner.  Being able to have discussions when you can fit them in is providing the best continuing education available. -
    Lets keep it going.

    Speaking of exchange 
      
    " ecobuild america 2010 " sponsored by the National Institute of  Building Sciences  is taking place in Washington DC in early December.  I attended last year's first convention.  I came back with such enthusiasm, having met with people from every aspect of the building industry.  It was gave me the boost to keep going forward during a really slow and  disappointing time in my practice. .   Very worthwhile.


    Ann Dunning AIA
    President
    Ann M. Dunning, AIA, Inc.
    Chagrin Falls OH
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