If the state AIA is serious about their support and charge regarding the health, safety and welfare of the public, then and only when the AIA gets serious about legislation, which allow only Architects to design, review the design of residences as some states now practice (i.e. NJ). Architects have long rejected residential work since it did not pay well. I submit to you that this is why builders, draftman, interior designer and CADD operators run wild. They clearly do not have the knowledge, skills and abilities which we have been trained and experienced to accomplish. The law suites the lack of quality, aesthetics, functionallity, etc. should be enough reason for the public to be upset, the AIA should defend our collective honor and attempt to market the AIA/Architects in a professional manner to the general public.
I've had the opportunity to teach in our local public school system and one would be surprised of the lack of knowledge our younger generation has regarding Architecture for that matter Architects.
If one must go to a Doctor for a perscription or diagnosis; one must consult an Attorney to maintain our rights and representation in a court of law; Architects should therefore be consulted regarding the approval of a design, quality, cost, functionallity and oversee the construction of a residence, regardless who builds this residence. The local building departments are typically underfunded and lack the knowledge, skills, abiltiy and are not responsible for the approval of their work.
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Paul Colangelo AIA
Architect Emeritus
Dumfries VA
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