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  • 1.  Rethinking the role of the AIA in our professional lives

    Posted 03-18-2011 01:26 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on Design and Residential Knowledge Community .
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    There seems to be a thread of discussion about what the "appropriate" role for the AIA is in our professional lives.  There also seems to be little agreement.  I propose that this is due to ambiguous leadership of the organization.  Here are some ideas to fuel the discussion.

    Is the AIA a (1) exclusive social club, (2) rubber stamp professional support group, (3) aggressive political action committee, (4) strong union?  Each of these forms is contained in the belief system of the leadership and members, but in widely varying degrees.  I contend that a successful organization would clearly define itself in relation to these models and work to reduce any ambiguity in the minds of the leaders, members and the general public.  We constantly receive on-line surveys from the AIA about business, fees, etc., but we as members have never been asked what we expect in terms of the role we want the AIA to play as a public image leading our profession.  Having a clear and shared understanding of what is expected would be a logical first step in improving many of the problems reflected in the posts of this forum.

    Let's talk about how this confusion becomes translated into the confused image that the public has about architects. Consider these points: (1) many people do not even know what the AIA is,  (2) many people confuse the AIA title after an architect's name as being equivalent to Dr. after a doctor's name. (3) most public agencies that deal with (residential) building do not recognize any advantage to working with an architect (state licensed or AIA), (4) lenders do not consider a client's investment in design fees from a licensed architect as an investment in the project.  How many members would like to see the AIA put forward an effort to clarify these ambiguities?  Again, let's get the Survey Monkey to pole the members and find out what we want.

    I'm looking for a more general discussion of these topics with the intent of provide support to the AIA leadership in better representing the wishes and needs of the members.  I do not think we have really been standing far enough away and asking the right questions.  Anyone else agree?

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


  • 2.  RE:Rethinking the role of the AIA in our professional lives

    Posted 03-18-2011 02:38 PM
    David, I am glad to see your courageous post and I agree with what you've said.  I think your idea of an AIA membership survey is on point and long overdue.  Thank you for putting forth a lot of great things for everyone to think about.

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    ~Tara

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    Tara Imani AIA
    Principal
    Tara Imani Designs, LLC
    Houston TX
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    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13


  • 3.  RE:Rethinking the role of the AIA in our professional lives

    Posted 03-21-2011 09:29 AM
    Good points David. I find that the local home builders association (of which I am a member) and even the AIBD (of which i am seriously considering joining) carry more gravitas in the residential construction market than the AIA ever has or ever will. Not only are they more recognized but they seem to serve their members much better and vigorously push their membership's interersts.
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    Thad Broom AIA
    Architect
    Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C.
    Virginia Beach VA
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    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13


  • 4.  RE:Rethinking the role of the AIA in our professional lives

    Posted 03-21-2011 12:12 PM


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    Heather Johnston AIA
    Principal
    Heather Johnston Architect
    La Jolla CA
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    David,

    Your points are on target. I want to hear a response from the AIA itself and a survey targeted to address issues directly affecting members of this forum - surely this forum is more than a place to vent. Are you listening AIA?

    I especially support the AIA taking up the issue that projects designed by an architect should command a higher appraised value than ones that do not. I can think of no other single step that would so positively affect both our bottom line and public profile.



    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13


  • 5.  RE:Rethinking the role of the AIA in our professional lives

    Posted 03-23-2011 05:50 PM
    Still getting the word out... AIA, are you listening?

    THE cure for our profession is simple; lobby hard until successful in passing universally, IF IT NEEDS A PERMIT, IT NEEDS A STAMP!

    Once that's done, supply & demand in the marketplace will fix much of the profession. Well, that and smacking the AIA for not having the (call it "courage") to protect the name of our profession. Graduate architects can't call themselves that until licensed while an IT geek with a certificate can? AIA blew it on that one. 

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    John Hrivnak AIA
    Principal
    Hrivnak Associates, Ltd.
    Saint Charles IL
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    Original Message
    AIA26 San Diego June 10-13