Housing and Community Development

 View Only

  • 1.  Our public image as architects

    Posted 01-21-2011 12:23 PM
    Just received the latest e-version of AIA Architect and noticed all the guys on the front page wearing suits and ties.  My issues?  Guys?  Suits and ties?  

    Take a closer look at the images we are sending to ourselves and our public.  Are we a group of male corporate professionals, or are we a group of mixed-gender creatives?  I've been a member for 19 years and doubt if I've worn a suit 19 times in those years.  Women are becoming more and more equally represented in our community and may soon dominate as more women attend and graduate from college.

    I've read a lot from small practitioners about how the AIA does not represent their needs and/or style.  I suggest a review of the membership to discover just who we are, and a shift in the images we send to ourselves and the public.  I'll bet that the DC perspective only "suits" a small percentage of the members.  Let's begin to see casual and creatively dressed men and women in our news and correspondence. Remember Frank Lloyd Wright's cape? 

    -------------------------------------------
    David Ludwig AIA
    David Ludwig Design
    San Anselmo CA
    -------------------------------------------
    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13


  • 2.  RE:Our public image as architects

    Posted 01-24-2011 12:06 PM
    David,

    Your comments are right on. I'm continuously shocked to see images on covers, and in ads depicting 'architects' that project an image that has nothing to do with me! A successful practitioner - on my own - for over 15 years, I continue to pay AIA dues although its representation of us is faulty indeed. The only reason I continue to renew is for the contact with other architects within its ranks, like yourself, who do understand the issues a residential practitioner faces.




    -------------------------------------------
    Heather Johnston AIA
    Principal
    Heather Johnston Architect
    La Jolla CA
    -------------------------------------------






    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13