I certainly share Mary Holley's concern and consternation with AIA on this point, even though most of our work is not residential. But, I also want to direct attention to the "American Institute of Building Designers" and the many "AIBD" members and "FAIBD" members ! Are they mocking us ? Is there nothing AIA can do to make a strong statement about this ? What other profession would tolerate this -- how about the "APMA - American Practical Medic Association" (Don't need to go to the expense and lengthy training of an MD) ? Maybe the "AACE - American Association of Civil Engineering" (No need to BE an engineer - PE, just do engineering...) I don't think the REAL "AMA" or ASCE would stand for that ! This is a consumer protection issue, as well as one of misrepresentation. Are our degrees, our training and experience, and our licensing just a lot of added cost and maybe not really necessary ? Why do so many state governments allow residential design to be done by non-licensed "designers?"
I share your pain, and want to know what AIA has done, is doing, and will do about this.
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Eugene Aleci AIA
Architect / President
Community Heritage Partners
Lancaster PA
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