This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Residential Knowledge Community .
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I read David Ludwig's post and the responses to it with some interest. I would conservatively estimate that in my area firms have cut down by over 50%, everyone has taken at least a 25% pay cut, and work is scarce. Now here it is, the end of the year, and it's time to ante up about $600 to the AIA. Actually, I think it's time they took a pay cut as well.
I was on the edge of not renewing last year but thought it would cost more to reprint my business cards so I went for it. This year I have to move out of my office, so I have to reprint them anyway, so unless the AIA waives my fee for this year, I will not be renewing.
Like David, I wonder what exactly I am getting for my membership. Architectural Record? Nope, not anymore. Lobbying to free up money for construction? Not as far as I can see. A discount on AIA Contract software? Yes, but it costs more to join the AIA than it does to buy the software.
I can do without those three letters after my name. Quite honestly, residential clients out there don't place a higher value on an architect with AIA membership, and to me, that is the AIA's greatest failure.
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Mary Holley AIA (until 12/31 that is)
President
Mary A. Avjian Architect P.C.
Basalt CO
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