Wow, I guess no one other than William Hirst read any of what I wrote in my previous posting. Of course, I couldn't read all of these....*
Given my entry into the profession through the guidance of a longstanding "PBD", starting in "wood framed" practice in 1976, I believed that some light could be shed on this subject through my experiences inside and outside of the Ivory Tower. Guess not....
I'll try it one more time, it's a State by State issue. So, look at the practice laws for each state and get those laws changed to protect the HSW, right?** Of course, that's to say that Building Official in the differing Muni's. are letting PBD and their Builders construct substandard structures.... ....really?
Moreover, now that we find ourselves in a bit of an economic pinch, all of this work, where the customers can't really afford the services of an "ivory tower" AIA'r, become lucrative enough to gripe this loud and long. Again, WOW.
Therefore, all I can say to all of the rumbling is "get a grip", go sell yourselves, and please learn a little bit about the differences between the easy "wood framed" and our complicated commercial design and construction. The learning curve (rapidly understanding and implementing those "differences") is the loss for most of you that want a part of this work. In this way, you will actually be credible when you meet the "good ol'boy" Builder (notice, NOT Contractor), who will try to demand anywhere from 15-50% retainer without delivering anything except a Contract.
By the by, YOU are the (thank you) AIA**. Furthermore, licensed or not, every project that receives the benefit of some form of "what are we building today" guidance to the field, is designed by some form of architect, maybe not an Architect (RA) or AIA'r if those states permit such "exempt" structures.
Finally, most Home Designer states, i.e. California, are "" their grandfathered credentials in preference to RA's and CE's. And with all of that said, I'm really not a Bob Villa fan either and do have the utmost respect for our "floundering" profession with all of my heart even with all of its fleas.
First, "you take away my rights to design and build my own home". What's next, "my barn, stable, chicken coup,...".
Good luck, y'all. ;)
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Stephen Dunakoskie AIA
Riordan Construction Group Inc
Leesburg VA
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PS*...since I was out chasing down my latest Residential Customer so as to continue to "put beans on the table".