Housing and Community Development

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Residential Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
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Eric, I totally agree with your points regarding value and the lack of requirements that the law imposes for our fees.

-------------------------------------------
Robert Dean AIA
Principal Architect
Robert Dean Architects
New Canaan CT
-------------------------------------------
In response to the concern about the decline of our profession, after 35 years in this business including working in large firms and running a small firm, I would say, "Physician heal thyself".

Hi Robert,

Yours was a marvelous post, with your points well-made and well-taken, on the subject of "Architects disappearing."  

Good advice to us all: "Physician Heal Thyself." 

Insightful, how you called attention to the dichotomous place we find ourselves: greatly respected in the culture, yet underpaid (...to be fair, this does not apply universally).

Your mention of the "Beaux-Arts" (formal, traditional, classical) versus the "Bauhaus" concepts (modern, form-follows-function, paired down, industrial aesthetics) pulling us apart, I think, these design concepts have also created a divide amongst the public, too.

I wholeheartedly agree that we need to be studying the firms who are successfully competing out there and discerning what are their "secrets" for success. 

That is why it is nice to have these discussion boards.  While many have, such as yourself, I wish that even more of the leading edge firms would speak up and generously share their insights and how-to's with those of us who have been struggling to get our feet off the ground; maybe this is pie in the sky thinking....

Dare I expect a competitor to be a mentor...?  Hmmm. Maybe not.

I mean, you either "have it" or you don't.  No one can do it for you. 

And no one profession has a "corner" on design.  I agree with you that Interior Designers are able to push through their ideas more often.  However, it is much easier to change paint, wallcovering, and sofas that were ill-chosen than it is to gut a kitchen and start over again.  Space is much more permanent once concrete foundations are poured and the structure is erected; whereas, sofas-obviously- can be donated with minimal regret.  I think this is why architectural design can be so agonizing and almost never-ending at times.

I appreciate your wisdom and advice.  Thanks again for your fabulous post.

Best Regards,
Tara


-------------------------------------------
Tara Imani AIA
Principal
Tara Imani Designs, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Tara Imani AIA
Principal
Tara Imani Designs, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 11-20-2010 21:43
From: Robert Dean
Subject: Architects disappearing



-------------------------------------------
Robert Dean AIA
Principal Architect
Robert Dean Architects
New Canaan CT
-------------------------------------------
In response to the concern about the decline of our profession, after 35 years in this business including working in large firms and running a small firm, I would say, "Physician heal thyself".

I've observed the steady decline in the power, prestige, and prosperity of our profession, even though Architects as a group have a highly positive cultural presence in the public mind.  Only we can choose to capitalize upon this platform, held out to us by the culture even while the utilitarian economy seeks to whisk it away.  We aren't the only creative field placed in this position, but what makes us different is that we start from a stronger basis, and do less with it, than other people in the commercial arts.

On a business level, this is because we sell our services as a technically-focused commodity, rather than as a creative added-value.  If we do this, it should be no surprise that the fee is driven to the lowest common denominator and that people who are less fraught with creative ambitions will thrive on fees that won't sustain us.

On a cultural level, we seem to spend a lot of time on impassioned posturing among architects about style concepts, but little time in a dialogue with the broad general culture.  It's good to compete on the basis of creativity - in fact this is the right way to add value to our services - but we need to be mindful that the end product of that creativity must communicate something that is readily valued by people who aren't fully engaged.  This is a factor in any commercial artform, but somehow it is architects (as opposed to movie makers, advertising people, graphic artists, etc.) who find it to be an uncomfortable constraint, worthy of endless agonizing.  On the other hand interior designers are encroaching on the creative side of our profession because they understand how to use to their benefit this tension between creativity and communication.

This is a very difficult moment in our profession, and I feel compassion for everyone who is pressed by these circumstances.  But in looking for a brighter future, we should be:

• looking at the people to whom we are losing business as worthy competitors from whom we can learn something;
• Closely observing the public consciousness of Architects - the negative image in the business world and the positive image as cultural practitioners - and decide where our main chance lies;
• And after 80 years we should get over the cultural divide that the Museum of Modern Art imposed on us between the Bauhaus and the Beaux-Arts.  There are many languages of design, they all are derivations from history of one kind or another, and just as there are great works of literature in every language, there are great works of architecture in every language of design.

Robert Dean AIA,  20 Nov 2010

-------------------------------------------
Thomas Wagner AIA
Thomas B. Wagner, Architect
Haddonfield NJ
-------------------------------------------
Hi everyone,

My first time doing this discussion thing!  I have been reading everyone's comments and I hope I am not repeating others suggestions.  I have a pretty successful mostly residential practice in southern NJ and partially so because of fairly strict laws on building in the state.  You pretty much need an architect's seal on everything, probebly even a dog house.  In addition, strict zoning regulations (and complex ones) are difficult for the average homeowner or builder so managing that part of the building process is usually helpful and necessary, and less expensive than doing so thru an attorney.  So most builders will team up with a good architect with a solid reputation and recommend them when they get the call (assuming they get the call before the architect) from that homeowner who needs remodeling
or wants to build their dream house.  In addition, the builders want to impress the architect so they get to bid on our projects (when the homeowner calls us first).  So in general, I have quite a few builders who are referring to me and visa versa, keeping the flow of work continuing. 

Some builders will still do a little drawing and get the homeowner to sign it to eliminate the architect's role, but when the homeowner sees the "affidavit" they have to sign swearing they did the plans, it scares most of them off.  And those small jobs aren't usually worth it anyway. 

I notice yard signs work as well for a little advertising.  You need to get your name out there so if you are doing a nice house on an active street, a yard sign next to the builders suddenly makes you a known commodity...and you would be supprised how many calls you can get, because the average person dosen't know how to hire an architect, or who to call. 

Join a couple organizations also...Rotary, school boards, and attend public meetings, once people get to know you and your work,  the phone will start ringing again.  It just takes time.  I started my practice during the last down time in 1992.  It was a great time to start when things were slow, just like now.. 



Original Message:
Sent: 11-21-2010 00:43
From: Tara Imani
Subject: Architects disapearing


Hi Robert,

Yours was a marvelous post, with your points well-made and well-taken, on the subject of "Architects disappearing."  

Good advice to us all: "Physician Heal Thyself." 

Insightful, how you called attention to the dichotomous place we find ourselves: greatly respected in the culture, yet underpaid (...to be fair, this does not apply universally).

Your mention of the "Beaux-Arts" (formal, traditional, classical) versus the "Bauhaus" concepts (modern, form-follows-function, paired down, industrial aesthetics) pulling us apart, I think, these design concepts have also created a divide amongst the public, too.

I wholeheartedly agree that we need to be studying the firms who are successfully competing out there and discerning what are their "secrets" for success. 

That is why it is nice to have these discussion boards.  While many have, such as yourself, I wish that even more of the leading edge firms would speak up and generously share their insights and how-to's with those of us who have been struggling to get our feet off the ground; maybe this is pie in the sky thinking....

Dare I expect a competitor to be a mentor...?  Hmmm. Maybe not.

I mean, you either "have it" or you don't.  No one can do it for you. 

And no one profession has a "corner" on design.  I agree with you that Interior Designers are able to push through their ideas more often.  However, it is much easier to change paint, wallcovering, and sofas that were ill-chosen than it is to gut a kitchen and start over again.  Space is much more permanent once concrete foundations are poured and the structure is erected; whereas, sofas-obviously- can be donated with minimal regret.  I think this is why architectural design can be so agonizing and almost never-ending at times.

I appreciate your wisdom and advice.  Thanks again for your fabulous post.

Best Regards,
Tara


-------------------------------------------
Tara Imani AIA
Principal
Tara Imani Designs, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Tara Imani AIA
Principal
Tara Imani Designs, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------

I appreciate the encouraging and informative comments of Mr. Thomas Wagner, AIA.  This is the kind of communication that is edifying to fellow colleagues.  Many thanks!


-------------------------------------------
Tara Imani AIA
Principal
Tara Imani Designs, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2010 09:17
From: Thomas Wagner
Subject: Architects disapearing



-------------------------------------------
Thomas Wagner AIA
Thomas B. Wagner, Architect
Haddonfield NJ
-------------------------------------------
Hi everyone,

My first time doing this discussion thing!  I have been reading everyone's comments and I hope I am not repeating others suggestions.  I have a pretty successful mostly residential practice in southern NJ and partially so because of fairly strict laws on building in the state.  You pretty much need an architect's seal on everything, probebly even a dog house.  In addition, strict zoning regulations (and complex ones) are difficult for the average homeowner or builder so managing that part of the building process is usually helpful and necessary, and less expensive than doing so thru an attorney.  So most builders will team up with a good architect with a solid reputation and recommend them when they get the call (assuming they get the call before the architect) from that homeowner who needs remodeling
or wants to build their dream house.  In addition, the builders want to impress the architect so they get to bid on our projects (when the homeowner calls us first).  So in general, I have quite a few builders who are referring to me and visa versa, keeping the flow of work continuing. 

Some builders will still do a little drawing and get the homeowner to sign it to eliminate the architect's role, but when the homeowner sees the "affidavit" they have to sign swearing they did the plans, it scares most of them off.  And those small jobs aren't usually worth it anyway. 

I notice yard signs work as well for a little advertising.  You need to get your name out there so if you are doing a nice house on an active street, a yard sign next to the builders suddenly makes you a known commodity...and you would be supprised how many calls you can get, because the average person dosen't know how to hire an architect, or who to call. 

Join a couple organizations also...Rotary, school boards, and attend public meetings, once people get to know you and your work,  the phone will start ringing again.  It just takes time.  I started my practice during the last down time in 1992.  It was a great time to start when things were slow, just like now.. 

I think perhaps we might want to consider amending the title of this discussion to become: "How to Prevent Residential Architects from Disappearing."  Thomas Wagner makes some excellent points today.  Many of us might shrink from hard copy advertising like yard signs, but why not?  That is a good idea.  Contractors "label" their job sites, why not architects?  Unlike large commercial projects in which we have the role of actually designing a large 4'x8' overall job site sign, you are never going to have a residential client willing to pay for that sign, so we might as well make our own.  Thanks, Thomas. 

Also, teaming with local contractors is probably a wise idea.  Together, you can offer a gentleman's Design + Build arrangement for your mutual client, although I would suggest that you each have a separate agreement with the client: you for design, the contractor for construction, for obvious liability reasons.  Having contractor friends is a lot better than having them as competitors.  The main issue is to convince them that having a residential architect as a friend and local associate is a value-added asset to their own business. 

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2010 09:17
From: Thomas Wagner
Subject: Architects disapearing



-------------------------------------------
Thomas Wagner AIA
Thomas B. Wagner, Architect
Haddonfield NJ
-------------------------------------------
Hi everyone,

My first time doing this discussion thing!  I have been reading everyone's comments and I hope I am not repeating others suggestions.  I have a pretty successful mostly residential practice in southern NJ and partially so because of fairly strict laws on building in the state.  You pretty much need an architect's seal on everything, probebly even a dog house.  In addition, strict zoning regulations (and complex ones) are difficult for the average homeowner or builder so managing that part of the building process is usually helpful and necessary, and less expensive than doing so thru an attorney.  So most builders will team up with a good architect with a solid reputation and recommend them when they get the call (assuming they get the call before the architect) from that homeowner who needs remodeling
or wants to build their dream house.  In addition, the builders want to impress the architect so they get to bid on our projects (when the homeowner calls us first).  So in general, I have quite a few builders who are referring to me and visa versa, keeping the flow of work continuing. 

Some builders will still do a little drawing and get the homeowner to sign it to eliminate the architect's role, but when the homeowner sees the "affidavit" they have to sign swearing they did the plans, it scares most of them off.  And those small jobs aren't usually worth it anyway. 

I notice yard signs work as well for a little advertising.  You need to get your name out there so if you are doing a nice house on an active street, a yard sign next to the builders suddenly makes you a known commodity...and you would be supprised how many calls you can get, because the average person dosen't know how to hire an architect, or who to call. 

Join a couple organizations also...Rotary, school boards, and attend public meetings, once people get to know you and your work,  the phone will start ringing again.  It just takes time.  I started my practice during the last down time in 1992.  It was a great time to start when things were slow, just like now.. 

I get at least 50% of my business from my yard signs. Put yard signs in front of everything! It's not about putting your name on your best work only, it's about the repetition of your name. After only 4 years of using yard signs, 9 out of 10 times when I hand out a card to someone in my area, they look at the logo and say, "I've seen your signs." That's when you know it's working. I don't know why I waited so long.

Eric Rawlings could not have said it any better!  This is where residential practice has to be in order to stay busy and get us out there doing residential architecture.  Most of my clients start the conversation with, "I have never hired an architect before, how do you work?"  The signs and associations get us out there and get "regular folk" to start thinking of calling an architect before calling the builder.  We know it is the right way to start but getting the average person to do that takes a little education. 

-------------------------------------------
Thomas Wagner AIA
Thomas B. Wagner, Architect
Haddonfield NJ
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 11-24-2010 07:40
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: Architects disapearing

I get at least 50% of my business from my yard signs. Put yard signs in front of everything! It's not about putting your name on your best work only, it's about the repetition of your name. After only 4 years of using yard signs, 9 out of 10 times when I hand out a card to someone in my area, they look at the logo and say, "I've seen your signs." That's when you know it's working. I don't know why I waited so long.

The other 50% of my business comes from direct referrals. You have to do a good job every time. You never know who your clients know. As a sole proprietor, it's futile to go up against even a two person firm for competitively bid work, especially when 20+ firms are going after jobs that used to have 3-5 competitors. I found it much easier to work from the bottom up.

The other thing to think of is that a client with a bathroom addition may have more friends than the owner of the Dr's office. The size of the job doesn't correlate with the size of the potential network of clients that job could yield. How many Doctors are going to visit another Dr's office and ask who the Architect was? How many friends visit another friend's house and ask who designed their addition (assuming you did an outstanding job)? These residential small projects are more likely to materialize instantaneously from a simple party conversation as opposed to a new Dr's Office. I take on the smallest jobs with no hesitation and I cast a bigger net by doing so. The little job ends much sooner, pays sooner, and allows you to quickly move on to the next potential network. The gratitude an Architect receives from quickly designing a bathroom addition is immense. Most people expect it to be beneath you. These clients pay quick and tell all of their friends.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 11-23-2010 08:47
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Architects disapearing

I think perhaps we might want to consider amending the title of this discussion to become: "How to Prevent Residential Architects from Disappearing."  Thomas Wagner makes some excellent points today.  Many of us might shrink from hard copy advertising like yard signs, but why not?  That is a good idea.  Contractors "label" their job sites, why not architects?  Unlike large commercial projects in which we have the role of actually designing a large 4'x8' overall job site sign, you are never going to have a residential client willing to pay for that sign, so we might as well make our own.  Thanks, Thomas. 

Also, teaming with local contractors is probably a wise idea.  Together, you can offer a gentleman's Design + Build arrangement for your mutual client, although I would suggest that you each have a separate agreement with the client: you for design, the contractor for construction, for obvious liability reasons.  Having contractor friends is a lot better than having them as competitors.  The main issue is to convince them that having a residential architect as a friend and local associate is a value-added asset to their own business. 

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2010 09:17
From: Thomas Wagner
Subject: Architects disapearing



-------------------------------------------
Thomas Wagner AIA
Thomas B. Wagner, Architect
Haddonfield NJ
-------------------------------------------
Hi everyone,

My first time doing this discussion thing!  I have been reading everyone's comments and I hope I am not repeating others suggestions.  I have a pretty successful mostly residential practice in southern NJ and partially so because of fairly strict laws on building in the state.  You pretty much need an architect's seal on everything, probebly even a dog house.  In addition, strict zoning regulations (and complex ones) are difficult for the average homeowner or builder so managing that part of the building process is usually helpful and necessary, and less expensive than doing so thru an attorney.  So most builders will team up with a good architect with a solid reputation and recommend them when they get the call (assuming they get the call before the architect) from that homeowner who needs remodeling
or wants to build their dream house.  In addition, the builders want to impress the architect so they get to bid on our projects (when the homeowner calls us first).  So in general, I have quite a few builders who are referring to me and visa versa, keeping the flow of work continuing. 

Some builders will still do a little drawing and get the homeowner to sign it to eliminate the architect's role, but when the homeowner sees the "affidavit" they have to sign swearing they did the plans, it scares most of them off.  And those small jobs aren't usually worth it anyway. 

I notice yard signs work as well for a little advertising.  You need to get your name out there so if you are doing a nice house on an active street, a yard sign next to the builders suddenly makes you a known commodity...and you would be supprised how many calls you can get, because the average person dosen't know how to hire an architect, or who to call. 

Join a couple organizations also...Rotary, school boards, and attend public meetings, once people get to know you and your work,  the phone will start ringing again.  It just takes time.  I started my practice during the last down time in 1992.  It was a great time to start when things were slow, just like now.. 

While the previous comments are quite good to keep a practice going, the current economics in this country portend an apocalyptic future for residential architects.
At ground zero here in Florida I am seeing all those in the construction industry absolutely flat on their backs and in extreme duress.
This is not about managing business now.
There is little to no work here and in other hard hit locales where the real estate bubble burst.  Period.
Residential architects will be completely wiped out completely here very soon.  Commercial architects are not far behind.
Yes, we will disappear.  But when and where to reappear?  Many of us are gone already.
It has been over three years watching and waiting for any improvements.  It has been a slow drain to nothingness.
It is not that there is a 'need' for us, as many still would like to have a custom home or even a remodeling.
The potential client cannot secure financing, his/her job is doubtful, there is no consumer confidence.
This problem is not limited to the U.S. economy.  Overseas clients are not able to build either.
I was naive in believing the government would offer some measure of assistance.
The jobs program originally promised -- bridge and road building and painting -- was at least something.  The tax credit has elapsed and this program may have helped jump start construction up the chain but was not allowed to continue.
The national media has not reported on the people who support construction in this country and the huge contribution to the GNP.
Architects have no idea what to do.
It is not about putting signs out: there IS NO WORK.
For many of us with advanced degrees, licensing, etc. it is a real shocker and a mind numbing experience.   What to do?
Equity has been drained to keep going and for those working diligently for 20 or more years, there is a sickening feeling as debt piles and bankruptcy is imminent.
I ask: what the hell has the AIA done to help us in this year over year crisis?
Oh yes, I will lash out at the AIA: state, local and national.
What are the educational institutions doing about this?  My guess is that they are still pushing as many sheep as possible through the system.
Architecture may be alive philosophically but it is dead at the sawhorse.
We are simply NOT NEEDED at this time.
Right: it is not about US, it is about a larger malaise out there.
But is there anything that we could have done to avert this disaster?
For many of us, it is too late to DO anything.
There is nothing left but to watch as we lose everything.  Everything.
For those who are still kicking: do not be smug thinking you are untouchable in North Dakota or Maine.
The financial pundits do not care about this industry.
A Darwinian view of the economy prevails: if you are fit you will survive. If you do not fit into the 'system' you should die and be discarded.
This is exactly where we stand.

-------------------------------------------
John Henry AIA
John Henry Design International
Orlando FL
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 11-25-2010 08:43
From: Thomas Wagner
Subject: Architects disapearing

Eric Rawlings could not have said it any better!  This is where residential practice has to be in order to stay busy and get us out there doing residential architecture.  Most of my clients start the conversation with, "I have never hired an architect before, how do you work?"  The signs and associations get us out there and get "regular folk" to start thinking of calling an architect before calling the builder.  We know it is the right way to start but getting the average person to do that takes a little education. 

-------------------------------------------
Thomas Wagner AIA
Thomas B. Wagner, Architect
Haddonfield NJ
-------------------------------------------

Mr. Henry is voicing a frustration we all feel. I know FL is one of the hardest hit states as it was in the top 5 most foreclosed areas of the country (top 2 really). In many areas, there is simply NOTHING going on. How do we prevent things out of our control? How do we gain more control over the fate of our profession? 

-------------------------------------------
Jerome Morley Larson EAIA
Red Bank NJ
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2010 08:32
From: John Henry
Subject: Architects disapearing

While the previous comments are quite good to keep a practice going, the current economics in this country portend an apocalyptic future for residential architects.
At ground zero here in Florida I am seeing all those in the construction industry absolutely flat on their backs and in extreme duress.
This is not about managing business now.
There is little to no work here and in other hard hit locales where the real estate bubble burst.  Period.
Residential architects will be completely wiped out completely here very soon.  Commercial architects are not far behind.
Yes, we will disappear.  But when and where to reappear?  Many of us are gone already.
It has been over three years watching and waiting for any improvements.  It has been a slow drain to nothingness.
It is not that there is a 'need' for us, as many still would like to have a custom home or even a remodeling.
The potential client cannot secure financing, his/her job is doubtful, there is no consumer confidence.
This problem is not limited to the U.S. economy.  Overseas clients are not able to build either.
I was naive in believing the government would offer some measure of assistance.
The jobs program originally promised -- bridge and road building and painting -- was at least something.  The tax credit has elapsed and this program may have helped jump start construction up the chain but was not allowed to continue.
The national media has not reported on the people who support construction in this country and the huge contribution to the GNP.
Architects have no idea what to do.
It is not about putting signs out: there IS NO WORK.
For many of us with advanced degrees, licensing, etc. it is a real shocker and a mind numbing experience.   What to do?
Equity has been drained to keep going and for those working diligently for 20 or more years, there is a sickening feeling as debt piles and bankruptcy is imminent.
I ask: what the hell has the AIA done to help us in this year over year crisis?
Oh yes, I will lash out at the AIA: state, local and national.
What are the educational institutions doing about this?  My guess is that they are still pushing as many sheep as possible through the system.
Architecture may be alive philosophically but it is dead at the sawhorse.
We are simply NOT NEEDED at this time.
Right: it is not about US, it is about a larger malaise out there.
But is there anything that we could have done to avert this disaster?
For many of us, it is too late to DO anything.
There is nothing left but to watch as we lose everything.  Everything.
For those who are still kicking: do not be smug thinking you are untouchable in North Dakota or Maine.
The financial pundits do not care about this industry.
A Darwinian view of the economy prevails: if you are fit you will survive. If you do not fit into the 'system' you should die and be discarded.
This is exactly where we stand.

-------------------------------------------
John Henry AIA
John Henry Design International
Orlando FL
-------------------------------------------

Mr. Henry may be right in his area of the country.  I cannot comment on his practice.  But as bad as the ecomony is, I am still quite busy.  Not making the fees as we did in the good old days in early 2,000's, but I can't complain.  I do not think we are disapearing, at least not in this part of the country.  But I do agree that the AIA has done little to nothing to help us.  The residential market is such a large part of construction they should have more education, advertising and marketing toward people using architects, the same way we call doctors, attorneys, accountants....for advise and counceling, homeowners should call their architect about their home issues.There was a great speaker at the AIA Miami whose practice went into real estate development, retail store for architecture, and of course, design build.  It was very exciting way to look at what we can do.

-------------------------------------------
Thomas Wagner AIA
Thomas B. Wagner, Architect
Haddonfield NJ
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2010 08:32
From: John Henry
Subject: Architects disapearing

While the previous comments are quite good to keep a practice going, the current economics in this country portend an apocalyptic future for residential architects.
At ground zero here in Florida I am seeing all those in the construction industry absolutely flat on their backs and in extreme duress.
This is not about managing business now.
There is little to no work here and in other hard hit locales where the real estate bubble burst.  Period.
Residential architects will be completely wiped out completely here very soon.  Commercial architects are not far behind.
Yes, we will disappear.  But when and where to reappear?  Many of us are gone already.
It has been over three years watching and waiting for any improvements.  It has been a slow drain to nothingness.
It is not that there is a 'need' for us, as many still would like to have a custom home or even a remodeling.
The potential client cannot secure financing, his/her job is doubtful, there is no consumer confidence.
This problem is not limited to the U.S. economy.  Overseas clients are not able to build either.
I was naive in believing the government would offer some measure of assistance.
The jobs program originally promised -- bridge and road building and painting -- was at least something.  The tax credit has elapsed and this program may have helped jump start construction up the chain but was not allowed to continue.
The national media has not reported on the people who support construction in this country and the huge contribution to the GNP.
Architects have no idea what to do.
It is not about putting signs out: there IS NO WORK.
For many of us with advanced degrees, licensing, etc. it is a real shocker and a mind numbing experience.   What to do?
Equity has been drained to keep going and for those working diligently for 20 or more years, there is a sickening feeling as debt piles and bankruptcy is imminent.
I ask: what the hell has the AIA done to help us in this year over year crisis?
Oh yes, I will lash out at the AIA: state, local and national.
What are the educational institutions doing about this?  My guess is that they are still pushing as many sheep as possible through the system.
Architecture may be alive philosophically but it is dead at the sawhorse.
We are simply NOT NEEDED at this time.
Right: it is not about US, it is about a larger malaise out there.
But is there anything that we could have done to avert this disaster?
For many of us, it is too late to DO anything.
There is nothing left but to watch as we lose everything.  Everything.
For those who are still kicking: do not be smug thinking you are untouchable in North Dakota or Maine.
The financial pundits do not care about this industry.
A Darwinian view of the economy prevails: if you are fit you will survive. If you do not fit into the 'system' you should die and be discarded.
This is exactly where we stand.

-------------------------------------------
John Henry AIA
John Henry Design International
Orlando FL
-------------------------------------------

Thomas, I agree with your overall premise, but it can't stop there. Many of my residential commissions started in the same way, yet the ones that were the most successful were the ones where the client had decided they wanted to work with an architect in advance. They were already educated and were prepared for the process and fees. They came with a trust of the profession and then developed a trust for me. This can still work with a personal reference because they first trust their friend.

All too often, a client calls an architect thinking they may wish to hire him/her without knowing anything about us, our fees, our process, etc. I have to field questions and when we get to the fee part there is silence and then the proverbial "oh...". Recently those whom I have spoken with either don't do the project or try to find a way to do it without an architect. Worse yet, people will call to "get some plans" because they need to get through the permit office. They really don't want what we have, don't want our creative or technical input and really don't want to pay us, but think of it as another "fee" they must swallow to get to their result.

When did everyone else become the expert? Why aren't we the trusted professional? I do not have the time to educate the masses. Why isn't the AIA doing more to educate the public to our value and the generalities of our profession so people are aware ahead of time to what to expect. Why can't people learn about us from the AIA?

I don't buy the "heal thyself" mentality. I can't do it alone. AIA it's time to pony up.

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Lee Calisti AIA
Principal
lee CALISTI architecture+design
Greensburg PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-25-2010 08:43
From: Thomas Wagner
Subject: Architects disapearing

Eric Rawlings could not have said it any better!  This is where residential practice has to be in order to stay busy and get us out there doing residential architecture.  Most of my clients start the conversation with, "I have never hired an architect before, how do you work?"  The signs and associations get us out there and get "regular folk" to start thinking of calling an architect before calling the builder.  We know it is the right way to start but getting the average person to do that takes a little education. 

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Thomas Wagner AIA
Thomas B. Wagner, Architect
Haddonfield NJ
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Lee Calisti makes some very good points.  I have already been contacted by my AIA local chapter to see if I might be interested in helping them, and possibly State and National, by creating some media to help educate the public on the value of an architect, particularly with residential design.  We will see where this leads over the coming weeks. I for one, would like to see my AIA dues fund things like this: media that informs the public about what they need that I do.

That is what Lee is talking about; each of us tries, with each new client, to educate the potential client as to why we are worth paying to design their home.  I agree that this would be much easier if we had something we could point to (like an AIA video explaining our value), and say to this potential client: "Here.  Please watch this brief video about residential architects and let me know if you have any questions."  It would be nice to have such a video be in a downloadable format as well, so that each of us that might be so inclined could load this onto our respective websites so that would-be clients can see, from a highly respected national source (the AIA) why we are worth hiring and paying.  This may not be a panacea, but it would probably help.

If all a client is hearing are our own comments about what we charge and the value of our services, some might listen and others will not.  I agree that if we can get our parent organization to help us all by perhaps creating some positive residential architecture media and getting it out there into the public eye (both through all of our websites and through the AIA's own advertising on our behalf- maybe at least on PBS), maybe we might be able to have a chance of educating the public about why they would want to engage a residential architect rather than not. 

I actually got the idea about the video explaining our profession's purpose and benefits from another organization that did a fairly decent job of explaining what their members did on a homeowner's behalf and why they are worth what they are paid.  It looked very convincing to me, as being something from a national source, endorsing their members. 

I agree with Lee's premise that the AIA should indeed help us residential architects by creating some media to take on part of the task of educating the public about what a residential architect does and the VALUE that we all bring our projects and the money that we can help a client save, in addition to receiving a better project at the end of the day. 

We all need to be careful to come across as what we are, which are highly trained professionals who for the most part are nice guys and gals wanting to help our clients achieve their goals, with no axe to grind with regard to any particular materials or other agendas that construction organizations may have.  We provide the 3rd party oversight that clients need to be reminded of, without which, there is no one watching out for their best interests, only corporations wanting to sell them stuff.  Some potential clients may believe us and hire us and others will not and will go the route of engaging a builder with a few sets of plans from which the client can choose. 

What is working in residential architects' favor here is the fact that many possible clients will Not be charmed with what stock plans builders have to offer.  They will Not see what they want, and after weeks or wasted months of "working with" such builders, they will come to the realization that builders are not design-oriented people and that builders will not be able to provide them with want they really want.  A residential architect is one of the few people on the planet that can give clients what they really want for their home.  What we all do is one of the most complex architectural endeavors possible. It is not easy.  That is working in our favor here.  What we all do like breathing, others struggle with.

I understand John Henry's comments.  Thousands of us have watched as our resources have dwindled and desperation begins commanding our lives.  It is a terrible situation in an extremely difficult economy.  

If we can hang in there and survive until this economy heals, and it appears to be in the process of doing that, then we should find ourselves enjoying renewed prosperity.  As that begins to happen, I would encourage all of my architectural brothers and sisters to beware of any previous excess of personal lifestyle in which we may have indulged.  Let's obtain more modest living accommodations (that hopefully will still bear our fingerprints).  Let's drive less costly and higher mileage vehicles on which we are Not making payments.  Tomorrow may Not be "bigger" than yesterday financially, and it could be smaller.  Therefore, we would all do well to learn from those of our parents who lived through the Great Depression.  We may have noticed that they looked askance at us as we acquired our Beemers and mansions and took on huge piles of debt, because we were busy and we knew that tomorrow would of course have increased prosperity, or at least as much as today.  Well; we know better now, since the real estate bubble burst.  And many of us are still paying the price, and may well continue to pay that price for years or decades to come.

To be honest, I wish the AIA could also have some sort of emergency fund to help those of us finding ourselves in dire need, perhaps in the form of outright hardship stipends, or low-interest loans, or providing direct administrative assistance to help us obtain some form of governmental aide.  While these may appear desirable, I don't see them on the horizon. 

The question is, what can we learn from this situation, so that hopefully our profession and specifically ourselves do not disappear?  #1, Get rid of as much of your debt as you can, as soon as you can.  This will mean that you will lose things that are dear to you, perhaps like your big house, or cool cars.  #2, Reorganize your finances to result in spending as little as possible over the course of the next several months and possibly years.  This is survival mode.  #3, Pray, if you are so inclined and are a person of faith.  #4, If you have a friendly Uncle Bob that is well-to-do or some other family member that can help you, swallow your pride and ask.  #5, Do something to find clients, or better yet, help them find you.  This last one is our main subject here, isn't it?  #6, Find work doing something to bring in money.  Hopefully this will be in architecture or a related profession, perhaps for other architects who are doing well.  You have to have income.  #7, at such time as your residential architectural practice generates more than you are making doing anything else, then you can go back into your beloved profession full steam.  #8, Ignore all of the above and do what you know is right for you.

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Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2010 08:51
From: Lee Calisti
Subject: Architects disapearing

Thomas, I agree with your overall premise, but it can't stop there. Many of my residential commissions started in the same way, yet the ones that were the most successful were the ones where the client had decided they wanted to work with an architect in advance. They were already educated and were prepared for the process and fees. They came with a trust of the profession and then developed a trust for me. This can still work with a personal reference because they first trust their friend.

All too often, a client calls an architect thinking they may wish to hire him/her without knowing anything about us, our fees, our process, etc. I have to field questions and when we get to the fee part there is silence and then the proverbial "oh...". Recently those whom I have spoken with either don't do the project or try to find a way to do it without an architect. Worse yet, people will call to "get some plans" because they need to get through the permit office. They really don't want what we have, don't want our creative or technical input and really don't want to pay us, but think of it as another "fee" they must swallow to get to their result.

When did everyone else become the expert? Why aren't we the trusted professional? I do not have the time to educate the masses. Why isn't the AIA doing more to educate the public to our value and the generalities of our profession so people are aware ahead of time to what to expect. Why can't people learn about us from the AIA?

I don't buy the "heal thyself" mentality. I can't do it alone. AIA it's time to pony up.

-------------------------------------------
Lee Calisti AIA
Principal
lee CALISTI architecture+design
Greensburg PA
-------------------------------------------

I agree Thomas Wagner that Eric Rawlings said it well.  More than half of my work is residential.  Besides wanting to provide great architecture, my major concern is making the client happy.  I do that by including them into the design process, or at least making them feel part of the process.  I believe it is important for an individual to build or help build their own nest.  If you empower them to do that with you, they will feel that, respect you, and buy into the design concept.  When it is finished they are proud of their design and have a lot of respect for your input.  They will let others know of the wonderful experience they had with you, and you will get more work from that experience.

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Philip Lembo AIA
Architect/Owner
Philip Lembo Architect
Clearwater FL
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William Huey
Bill Huey + Associates
Charleston SC
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I was interested to read Thomas Wagner's comment that you "pretty much need an Architect's seal on everything" in New Jersey, perhaps a petition of more State's Laws to require professional services for some level of single family residential project (ie. a size threshold)...especially in light of pending life safety issue legislation (sprinklers, etc.), and the evolving Energy Code, which would be best served with professional oversight? I would be interested to know the requirements in other States, in SC single family residential design is an open market.