Housing and Community Development

I think a new bureaucracy is not a good idea. I still believe the AIA will respond to this call. As a member for many years I have never been happy with any support it gave me but to ditch it altogether has never been a realistic option. I have always in fact, objected to the differentiation which is so often made  between commercial and residential work. I nowadays do mostly residential but very often use commercial materials and methods. This separation marginalizes residential Architects. It always has.
Personally TV ads interest me less than a concerted program to make Architects true building scientists. Most are sorely lacking in the skills needed for 21st century construction. There is the opportunity to correct this before others involved in the industry do it... 

-------------------------------------------
Edward R. (Ned) Baldwin AIA
Firm Partner/Architect
Baldwin & Franklin Architects
Hastings On Hudson NY
-------------------------------------------

I think all this talk of a separate group for Residential Architects is good in terms of waking up the AIA, but creating two separate groups of Architects is very dangerous. It's bad enough that we're a very weak professional group compared to any of the other building industry professionals, like plumbers for instance, but the last thing we need to do is divide a nearly voiceless group of professionals within the greater industry that just lost nearly half their members due to the latest recession. Do you think Plumbers draw such lines within their professional group? Why do we Architects do so? This fracturing is a sign of weakness. More than ever we need to unite. The AIA needs to recognize that the building industry is mostly made up of residential work, not commercial. The AIA needs to encourage more of us to get a piece of that regular guy housing business. We have to consider that the housing industry made 200% more money than commercial at the height of the boom and we're designing maybe 3% of those houses. If Architects are going to be a strong voice in the building community, we need to be designing a lot more houses. We just went through a Housing Crisis, not an Office Building crisis or Library crisis. Housing has the power to take out the entire building industry and destroy jobs for those who never designed a house. It doesn't work the other way around.

Reinvention Chicago this October is based on this concept. How do we bring Architecture to regular people and not just those of magnificent means? We will become the strongest portion of the AIA if we design for a larger portion of the population. We will become the most numerous and bring in the most influence because we have the most room to grow. CRAN is growing fast and creating more influence in a short time than any other group within the AIA. It's just a matter of time if we keep the momentum going. Why do we feel CRAN isn't enough? Do you really think splitting into the ARA is going to be an easier endeavor?

Commercial is simply maxed out. We have always designed most of the commercial buildings and it's not changing anything. Our focus would be better served if we make the residential sector the most important within the group that already exists. Fracturing the already weakened group of Architects would be deadly to the profession as a whole. I think this is more of a temper tantrum because we Residential Architects feel disrespected and I think the commercial Architects may not understand how little they contribute to the building industry as a whole compared to the housing industry. As CRAN continues to grow, the more the rest of the Architects will realize housing is making all the money and influencing most of America. I understand the frustrations from the past, but were we seriously making an effort to design houses for regular folks? What has been happening for decades isn't working, so let's use this crisis and all the change to come and make the AIA stronger by setting the tone. I see this as the time when the old King is on his last leg and the Prince is on his rise! Let's not blow it before it's our turn at the throne by dividing the Kingdom.

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

Eric, I'd like you to join the ARA and be our Director of Housing Appraisals (sorry, no salary).  The AIA has no such office and probably never will.  This is the kind of focused, nimble responsiveness that American licensed residential architects need.  The AIA began in 1857.  It is now 2012.  That's 157 years that the AIA has had to enhance, enrich and promote residential architecture and to help residential architects thrive.  So how's that working for us? 

I admire your willingness to continue trying to work within the AIA, in hopes of "turning the aircraft carrier."  Have you had ANY success so far in receiving ANY assistance whatsoever from the AIA in your many suggestions about your very important issue of housing appraisal reform?  We would all like to know.  Has ANYone within the AIA hierarchy responded to you, discussing with you this important issue and have they offered to lend the AIA's resources to you to help you accomplish your objectives of appraisal reform?  Or even an "attaboy?"

My guess is that you have received nothing, other than positive comments from a few other residential architects like myself. If that's all you are after, then stick with the current AIA agenda. 

Hardly a temper tantrum; the ARA is trying, after 157 years of ineffective attention to residential architects' needs, to focus on the needs of residential architects and to formulate plans of action to constructively deal with them.  Our present AIA organization isn't doing it.  Why would you think after 1-1/2 CENTURIES that our current comments, during the last few months will amount to more than a few bricks thrown up against the thick castle walls? 

I admire your tenacity and hope you are successful in bringing about the change that all of us, as licensed practicing residential architects want.  At some point, if you come to finally believe that this change that we all so fervently want isn't happening within the present organization, you are welcome to join the ARA.  I wish you well.


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







Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2012 08:05
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: ARA

I think all this talk of a separate group for Residential Architects is good in terms of waking up the AIA, but creating two separate groups of Architects is very dangerous. It's bad enough that we're a very weak professional group compared to any of the other building industry professionals, like plumbers for instance, but the last thing we need to do is divide a nearly voiceless group of professionals within the greater industry that just lost nearly half their members due to the latest recession. Do you think Plumbers draw such lines within their professional group? Why do we Architects do so? This fracturing is a sign of weakness. More than ever we need to unite. The AIA needs to recognize that the building industry is mostly made up of residential work, not commercial. The AIA needs to encourage more of us to get a piece of that regular guy housing business. We have to consider that the housing industry made 200% more money than commercial at the height of the boom and we're designing maybe 3% of those houses. If Architects are going to be a strong voice in the building community, we need to be designing a lot more houses. We just went through a Housing Crisis, not an Office Building crisis or Library crisis. Housing has the power to take out the entire building industry and destroy jobs for those who never designed a house. It doesn't work the other way around.

Reinvention Chicago this October is based on this concept. How do we bring Architecture to regular people and not just those of magnificent means? We will become the strongest portion of the AIA if we design for a larger portion of the population. We will become the most numerous and bring in the most influence because we have the most room to grow. CRAN is growing fast and creating more influence in a short time than any other group within the AIA. It's just a matter of time if we keep the momentum going. Why do we feel CRAN isn't enough? Do you really think splitting into the ARA is going to be an easier endeavor?

Commercial is simply maxed out. We have always designed most of the commercial buildings and it's not changing anything. Our focus would be better served if we make the residential sector the most important within the group that already exists. Fracturing the already weakened group of Architects would be deadly to the profession as a whole. I think this is more of a temper tantrum because we Residential Architects feel disrespected and I think the commercial Architects may not understand how little they contribute to the building industry as a whole compared to the housing industry. As CRAN continues to grow, the more the rest of the Architects will realize housing is making all the money and influencing most of America. I understand the frustrations from the past, but were we seriously making an effort to design houses for regular folks? What has been happening for decades isn't working, so let's use this crisis and all the change to come and make the AIA stronger by setting the tone. I see this as the time when the old King is on his last leg and the Prince is on his rise! Let's not blow it before it's our turn at the throne by dividing the Kingdom.

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

This should be an embarrassment to the AIA, but......I feel the AIBD - you know, the guys that didn't go to school and don't have licenses, but are designing houses in many locales - does a better job a conveying to the general public the value of hiring a design "professional" for a house design.  Take a look at their promotional materials and then take a look at what AIA has produced for residential clients.  I have attended their meetings here in Iowa.  I have even considered joining, but I feel strongly that residential design must be regulated and they don't share that agenda.   

Residential architects have nobody representing them.  I admit, I think the idea of forming a new organization could be daunting.  But....somebody or some group formed AIBD, SARA, ALA, etc. (look these names up if you don't know of them)  With the power of facebook and LinkedIn, word can spread fast, and graphic images can be shared around the globe.

There needs to be an organization that conveys to the public the advantages of hiring a licensed architect for housing projects.  Perhaps lobbying efforts to regulate residential design can come later.

Let's keep this conversation active.  In fact, when time permits, I (or anyone else) may start of facebook page to see if there is any interest.
-------------------------------------------
Edward Shannon
Waterloo IA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2012 09:42
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: ARA

Eric, I'd like you to join the ARA and be our Director of Housing Appraisals (sorry, no salary).  The AIA has no such office and probably never will.  This is the kind of focused, nimble responsiveness that American licensed residential architects need.  The AIA began in 1857.  It is now 2012.  That's 157 years that the AIA has had to enhance, enrich and promote residential architecture and to help residential architects thrive.  So how's that working for us? 

I admire your willingness to continue trying to work within the AIA, in hopes of "turning the aircraft carrier."  Have you had ANY success so far in receiving ANY assistance whatsoever from the AIA in your many suggestions about your very important issue of housing appraisal reform?  We would all like to know.  Has ANYone within the AIA hierarchy responded to you, discussing with you this important issue and have they offered to lend the AIA's resources to you to help you accomplish your objectives of appraisal reform?  Or even an "attaboy?"

My guess is that you have received nothing, other than positive comments from a few other residential architects like myself. If that's all you are after, then stick with the current AIA agenda. 

Hardly a temper tantrum; the ARA is trying, after 157 years of ineffective attention to residential architects' needs, to focus on the needs of residential architects and to formulate plans of action to constructively deal with them.  Our present AIA organization isn't doing it.  Why would you think after 1-1/2 CENTURIES that our current comments, during the last few months will amount to more than a few bricks thrown up against the thick castle walls? 

I admire your tenacity and hope you are successful in bringing about the change that all of us, as licensed practicing residential architects want.  At some point, if you come to finally believe that this change that we all so fervently want isn't happening within the present organization, you are welcome to join the ARA.  I wish you well.


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

Rather than start a new group try joining an erxisting group that is well enrtenched in housing, the National Association of Home Builders. I learn more about housing construction and materials at their events than I ever learned at an AIA event and since I am active in a local chapter, have gained the respect and client referrals of many fine builders

-------------------------------------------
Thad Broom AIA
Architect
Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C.
Virginia Beach VA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2012 08:05
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: ARA

I think all this talk of a separate group for Residential Architects is good in terms of waking up the AIA, but creating two separate groups of Architects is very dangerous. It's bad enough that we're a very weak professional group compared to any of the other building industry professionals, like plumbers for instance, but the last thing we need to do is divide a nearly voiceless group of professionals within the greater industry that just lost nearly half their members due to the latest recession. Do you think Plumbers draw such lines within their professional group? Why do we Architects do so? This fracturing is a sign of weakness. More than ever we need to unite. The AIA needs to recognize that the building industry is mostly made up of residential work, not commercial. The AIA needs to encourage more of us to get a piece of that regular guy housing business. We have to consider that the housing industry made 200% more money than commercial at the height of the boom and we're designing maybe 3% of those houses. If Architects are going to be a strong voice in the building community, we need to be designing a lot more houses. We just went through a Housing Crisis, not an Office Building crisis or Library crisis. Housing has the power to take out the entire building industry and destroy jobs for those who never designed a house. It doesn't work the other way around.

Reinvention Chicago this October is based on this concept. How do we bring Architecture to regular people and not just those of magnificent means? We will become the strongest portion of the AIA if we design for a larger portion of the population. We will become the most numerous and bring in the most influence because we have the most room to grow. CRAN is growing fast and creating more influence in a short time than any other group within the AIA. It's just a matter of time if we keep the momentum going. Why do we feel CRAN isn't enough? Do you really think splitting into the ARA is going to be an easier endeavor?

Commercial is simply maxed out. We have always designed most of the commercial buildings and it's not changing anything. Our focus would be better served if we make the residential sector the most important within the group that already exists. Fracturing the already weakened group of Architects would be deadly to the profession as a whole. I think this is more of a temper tantrum because we Residential Architects feel disrespected and I think the commercial Architects may not understand how little they contribute to the building industry as a whole compared to the housing industry. As CRAN continues to grow, the more the rest of the Architects will realize housing is making all the money and influencing most of America. I understand the frustrations from the past, but were we seriously making an effort to design houses for regular folks? What has been happening for decades isn't working, so let's use this crisis and all the change to come and make the AIA stronger by setting the tone. I see this as the time when the old King is on his last leg and the Prince is on his rise! Let's not blow it before it's our turn at the throne by dividing the Kingdom.

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

Thad - I joined the local NAHB after dropping my AIA membership for the very reasons you discuss.  However, I must say....It really depends on the chapter and locale as to whether you will be welcomed in. 

I am the one and only architect in my chapter.  I don't think there is one builder there who has evr hired an architect. When I am introduced to someone, the most common question I am asked is: "How much do you charge for a set of plans?"  When I have asked back as to how much they expect to pay, I get $500.00 or $750.00! 

since I just joined the group in March, the jury is out as to whether or not I will renew.  I hae met some nice folks, no doubt, yet I wonder if it will really benefit me.

-------------------------------------------
Edward Shannon
Waterloo IA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2012 09:01
From: Thad Broom
Subject: ARA

Rather than start a new group try joining an erxisting group that is well enrtenched in housing, the National Association of Home Builders. I learn more about housing construction and materials at their events than I ever learned at an AIA event and since I am active in a local chapter, have gained the respect and client referrals of many fine builders

-------------------------------------------
Thad Broom AIA
Architect
Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C.
Virginia Beach VA
-------------------------------------------

Thad, you are too humble.  Thad is the President of our Asheville AIA Chapter.  This guy is all about promoting architects and architecture and is a class act.  My wife and I shared a booth with him and his wife at an Asheville home show.  We were leaving our shift as he and she were coming in, and a nicer guy you couldn't meet.  Glad to have him in this role.

I do wonder about how in the World the NAHB is going to do much of anything about representing the best interests of residential architects.  Perhaps on an individual basis, such as the projects Thad has had the good fortune of receiving (good for him!  Great idea!).  However, the NAHB is all about promoting home builders, not home architects.  I do not believe that we are going to be finding much within that organization that will come in the way of publicly recommending us to the public at large. 

However, for individual fishing expeditions, joining that organization might be well worth the price of admission.

This issue in this particular forum at this time is about whether or not the AIA is doing an adequate job of promoting the best interests of American licensed residential architects. Yay for CRAN and those hardy souls who worked within the system to make it happen.  God bless you!

The concern and question is: how long before real, tangible assistance comes to all of us out here in the trenches, trying to earn a living?  We need more clients.  We need the public to know that tens of thousands of us exist in America, ready, willing and able to help them by designing their homes.  Many Americans do not even know that there is such a thing as residential architects.  We need to find a voice that gets this message out there.   After paying $617 per member x 80,000 members = $50 million a year, any reasonable person would think that would be enough to inform the public as to the fact that we exist, what we do of benefit to them and why they should seriously consider engaging us for their next home and their renovations. 

Has anyone seen any such marketing efforts on our behalf?

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







Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2012 09:01
From: Thad Broom
Subject: ARA

Rather than start a new group try joining an erxisting group that is well enrtenched in housing, the National Association of Home Builders. I learn more about housing construction and materials at their events than I ever learned at an AIA event and since I am active in a local chapter, have gained the respect and client referrals of many fine builders

-------------------------------------------
Thad Broom AIA
Architect
Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C.
Virginia Beach VA
-------------------------------------------

Well said, Eric!

-------------------------------------------
Catherine Barfield AIA
Architect
Atlanta GA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2012 08:05
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: ARA

I think all this talk of a separate group for Residential Architects is good in terms of waking up the AIA, but creating two separate groups of Architects is very dangerous. It's bad enough that we're a very weak professional group compared to any of the other building industry professionals, like plumbers for instance, but the last thing we need to do is divide a nearly voiceless group of professionals within the greater industry that just lost nearly half their members due to the latest recession. Do you think Plumbers draw such lines within their professional group? Why do we Architects do so? This fracturing is a sign of weakness. More than ever we need to unite. The AIA needs to recognize that the building industry is mostly made up of residential work, not commercial. The AIA needs to encourage more of us to get a piece of that regular guy housing business. We have to consider that the housing industry made 200% more money than commercial at the height of the boom and we're designing maybe 3% of those houses. If Architects are going to be a strong voice in the building community, we need to be designing a lot more houses. We just went through a Housing Crisis, not an Office Building crisis or Library crisis. Housing has the power to take out the entire building industry and destroy jobs for those who never designed a house. It doesn't work the other way around.

Reinvention Chicago this October is based on this concept. How do we bring Architecture to regular people and not just those of magnificent means? We will become the strongest portion of the AIA if we design for a larger portion of the population. We will become the most numerous and bring in the most influence because we have the most room to grow. CRAN is growing fast and creating more influence in a short time than any other group within the AIA. It's just a matter of time if we keep the momentum going. Why do we feel CRAN isn't enough? Do you really think splitting into the ARA is going to be an easier endeavor?

Commercial is simply maxed out. We have always designed most of the commercial buildings and it's not changing anything. Our focus would be better served if we make the residential sector the most important within the group that already exists. Fracturing the already weakened group of Architects would be deadly to the profession as a whole. I think this is more of a temper tantrum because we Residential Architects feel disrespected and I think the commercial Architects may not understand how little they contribute to the building industry as a whole compared to the housing industry. As CRAN continues to grow, the more the rest of the Architects will realize housing is making all the money and influencing most of America. I understand the frustrations from the past, but were we seriously making an effort to design houses for regular folks? What has been happening for decades isn't working, so let's use this crisis and all the change to come and make the AIA stronger by setting the tone. I see this as the time when the old King is on his last leg and the Prince is on his rise! Let's not blow it before it's our turn at the throne by dividing the Kingdom.

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

------------------------------------------- Donald Duffy AIA Don Duffy Architecture Charlotte NC ------------------------------------------- I would agree, another group is not what we need. We have CRAN and I am a founding member of Charlotte CORA. The Charlotte Chapter of CORA is doing well with an average of 25 members at each meeting, the split is about even, builders, architects, then we have few engineers, realtors, a few venders. Bottom line, I hear architects are not a value to the needs of most construction consumers. I am thankful we are valuable to some, and indispensable to others. I do work for builders. Most builders only need the ideas worked out. And help getting out of the mud. It pays well. Usually for every hour I work. The catch is the hours are few, 2 hours, 10 hours. Some jobs may go to 30 hours. Just today we got for call from a builder to let him take one of my architects out to his job to work in area where he needed help. We gladly jumped on it. And last month it was to meet with his client and help him sell a job to the client who needed help visualizing the work. I stress his client. He became our client after the meeting. I think architects can position themselves to be more valuable if we build a reputation of doing what we are asked to do. And not using the client to meet some agenda that is not the clients. Respect the clients need for a little help. These clients the ones that are very thankful for the help. As a result , repeat business. And these llittle jobs add up at $150.00 an hour. They are also ones who sell our value to their peers. People who consume construction usually hang with other poeple who consume constrcution. If all they want are sketches, I sell them sketches. I have let go of having my feelings hurt becuase they will not let be Mr. AIA. Or the reason I can do a little work is many years of practice. My clients tell me my rate is compilation enough for experience and they are happy to pay it. I look at it like fine restaurant. The customer might just come and sit at the bar for cup of coffee. Or just desert. I do not turn customers away becuase they do not want the seven course meal. We are known for great service, good guidance, and good value for the work we do. Sell a cup of coffee. One more organization will not win the customers over. We certainly do not need one more bitch forum why we have not been able to convince the home building consumer we are valuable. I believe in good works and letting the communities home industry sell us. Go out and do good works as defined by the consumer. No AIA awards, just cash awards. Best of all there is no entry fee or dues.
Original Message: Sent: 08-01-2012 15:35 From: Catherine Barfield Subject: ARA Well said, Eric! ------------------------------------------- Catherine Barfield AIA Architect Atlanta GA -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 07-31-2012 08:05 From: Eric Rawlings Subject: ARA I think all this talk of a separate group for Residential Architects is good in terms of waking up the AIA, but creating two separate groups of Architects is very dangerous. It's bad enough that we're a very weak professional group compared to any of the other building industry professionals, like plumbers for instance, but the last thing we need to do is divide a nearly voiceless group of professionals within the greater industry that just lost nearly half their members due to the latest recession. Do you think Plumbers draw such lines within their professional group? Why do we Architects do so? This fracturing is a sign of weakness. More than ever we need to unite. The AIA needs to recognize that the building industry is mostly made up of residential work, not commercial. The AIA needs to encourage more of us to get a piece of that regular guy housing business. We have to consider that the housing industry made 200% more money than commercial at the height of the boom and we're designing maybe 3% of those houses. If Architects are going to be a strong voice in the building community, we need to be designing a lot more houses. We just went through a Housing Crisis, not an Office Building crisis or Library crisis. Housing has the power to take out the entire building industry and destroy jobs for those who never designed a house. It doesn't work the other way around. Reinvention Chicago this October is based on this concept. How do we bring Architecture to regular people and not just those of magnificent means? We will become the strongest portion of the AIA if we design for a larger portion of the population. We will become the most numerous and bring in the most influence because we have the most room to grow. CRAN is growing fast and creating more influence in a short time than any other group within the AIA. It's just a matter of time if we keep the momentum going. Why do we feel CRAN isn't enough? Do you really think splitting into the ARA is going to be an easier endeavor? Commercial is simply maxed out. We have always designed most of the commercial buildings and it's not changing anything. Our focus would be better served if we make the residential sector the most important within the group that already exists. Fracturing the already weakened group of Architects would be deadly to the profession as a whole. I think this is more of a temper tantrum because we Residential Architects feel disrespected and I think the commercial Architects may not understand how little they contribute to the building industry as a whole compared to the housing industry. As CRAN continues to grow, the more the rest of the Architects will realize housing is making all the money and influencing most of America. I understand the frustrations from the past, but were we seriously making an effort to design houses for regular folks? What has been happening for decades isn't working, so let's use this crisis and all the change to come and make the AIA stronger by setting the tone. I see this as the time when the old King is on his last leg and the Prince is on his rise! Let's not blow it before it's our turn at the throne by dividing the Kingdom. ------------------------------------------- Eric Rawlings AIA Owner Rawlings Design, Inc. Decatur GA -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 07-30-2012 06:43 From: Edward R. (Ned) Baldwin Subject: ARA I think a new bureaucracy is not a good idea. I still believe the AIA will respond to this call. As a member for many years I have never been happy with any support it gave me but to ditch it altogether has never been a realistic option. I have always in fact, objected to the differentiation which is so often made between commercial and residential work. I nowadays do mostly residential but very often use commercial materials and methods. This separation marginalizes residential Architects. It always has. Personally TV ads interest me less than a concerted program to make Architects true building scientists. Most are sorely lacking in the skills needed for 21st century construction. There is the opportunity to correct this before others involved in the industry do it... ------------------------------------------- Edward R. (Ned) Baldwin AIA Firm Partner/Architect Baldwin & Franklin Architects Hastings On Hudson NY -------------------------------------------

Don Duffy's point is on the mark. Additionally, just to clarify, we are the AIA. I think there is an echo in the room.

Why not make it happen there and now, given the amount of apparent idle time to avail to champion such a noble effort.  More so, I wouldn't wait much longer for anyone to call from the AIA stating they would capitulate to any ethereal requests or demands, since I'm sure they could really care less.

More offensive is further evidence of the National Office's ineptitude as seen on the website's Job Posts where they allow advertisement of interior designers with ASID credentials, or MPE Engineers needed, etc... With some many architects "out of work", the diminishing roles and disgruntled members, I see the need for some form of "call to action".  So, please don't take this "rant" the wrong way, since I feel your pain.

Bureaucracy, nay more like a "boys" club. Oops, sorry ladies, yes a slip in time.
 
In addition, Carol - Kudos for the "dog houses" comment. It's good to smile once in a while.

Now to the point at hand, looking for residential work or you name in lights?

Maybe NCARB (isn't it great we don't have to retake tests State by State like realtors and some other professions do - wonder who did that hat trick, oh yes it was your AIA) to obtain North Dakota reciprocity. Or really, you just need a plane ticket, rental car and hotel room (if you can find one). Once there, you'll find all the multi-family housing you can possibly stand. Oh yes, stop by the oil company offices first....

Additionally, since we all know "the darkest hour is just before dawn", I should reveal residential work is picking up at a brisk pace here, in and around the District.

And, yes even I can go to a plan shop (on-line, of course) and buy a set of house plans for $750 - 1000 (many of these site operated by who, yes again registered architects). However, the site planning (adaptation) and local jurisdictional interaction (locale specific code conformance & approvals) might require resources beyond the $750 mark.  So, some of you may have provided some "site adapation" work and feel less jaded about the situation. Or, "Ah, we'll just use an Engineer, I mean, "you know", that's all the Architect will do anyways is hire the Engineer and then mark it up, also adding their own time in."  Maybe it is better to ask, what percentage (similar to Realtors) do you (Mr. Builder) expect to pay for such or such service(s)?

Finally, if we want to survive the "new world order" (that's the "green" order which has very little to do about LEED and the Green Building Council), we'll all need to rethink our delivery methods. Production work is hot in India now, with many firms utilizing foreign production shops for rendering and production documents having laid off staff for this "dime on the dollar" delivery approach. In other words, they can fail, "do over" up to 8 times and can still make money.

Anyways, these are just a few other thoughts from the peanut gallery.

-------------------------------------------
Stephen Dunakoskie AIA
Principal
Stephen Dunakoskie, Consulting
Leesburg VA
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2012 00:44
From: Donald Duffy
Subject: ARA



-------------------------------------------
Donald Duffy AIA
Don Duffy Architecture
Charlotte NC
-------------------------------------------

I would agree, another group is not what we need. We have CRAN and I am a founding member of Charlotte CORA. The Charlotte Chapter of CORA is doing well with an average of 25 members at each meeting, the split is about even, builders, architects, then we have few engineers, realtors, a few venders.

Bottom line, I hear architects are not a value to the needs of most construction consumers. I am thankful we are valuable to some, and indispensable to others.
I do work for builders. Most builders only need the ideas worked out. And help getting out of the mud. It pays well. Usually for every hour I work. The catch is the hours are few, 2 hours, 10 hours. Some jobs may go to 30 hours. Just today we got for call from a builder to let him take one of my architects out to his job to work in area where he needed help. We gladly jumped on it. And last month it was to meet with his client and help him sell a job to the client who needed help visualizing the work. I stress his client. He became our client after the meeting. I think architects can position themselves to be more valuable if we build a reputation of doing what we are asked to do. And not using the client to meet some agenda that is not the clients.

Respect the clients need for a little help. These clients the ones that are very thankful for the help. As a result , repeat business. And these llittle jobs add up at $150.00 an hour. They are also ones who sell our value to their peers. People who consume construction usually hang with other poeple who consume constrcution.

If all they want are sketches, I sell them sketches. I have let go of having my feelings hurt becuase they will not let be Mr. AIA. Or the reason I can do a little work is many years of practice. My clients tell me my rate is compilation enough for experience and they are happy to pay it.
I look at it like fine restaurant. The customer might just come and sit at the bar for cup of coffee. Or just desert. I do not turn customers away becuase they do not want the seven course meal. We are known for great service, good guidance, and good value for the work we do.
Sell a cup of coffee.

One more organization will not win the customers over. We certainly do not need one more bitch forum why we have not been able to convince the home building consumer we are valuable. I believe in good works and letting the communities home industry sell us. Go out and do good works as defined by the consumer. No AIA awards, just cash awards. Best of all there is no entry fee or dues.

Hello Edward Baldwin,  Thank you for your thoughts.
The AIA is 157 years old.  It began in 1857.  Do you still want to give them time to respond to the needs of licensed residential architects? How much time do we have left in our lives?  20, 30, 40 years?  The AIA has been alive longer than any of us will live and certainly longer than each of us has left.  To think that we, as individuals are going to change the course of this huge, lumbering organization is optimistic, at best.

Why would they want to change?  The AIA receives nearly $50 million a year (Local + State + National) dues from all of us AIA members EACH YEAR.  The AIA IS ALREADY SUCCESSFUL! 
They make 50 million bucks a year from all of us.  Why would they want to change anything?  You are assuming that the the AIA hierarchy, has as its agenda, concepts and mission statements that are consistent with your own and with residential architects throughout the USA.  Well...that may or may not be the case.  

Do you really know?  Sure, I'd like to think that we are all on the same page, but I haven't seen evidence of that.  Have you?  Has anyone?  Other than some award programs that glorify housing that most Americans don't want and who in the public is even aware of these awards programs? And the Architect magazine, while we may enjoy it, isn't seen by the public.  And if it was, is there ANYTHING in its pages that would lead most American consumers to the conclusion that they should hire a real, licensed home architect?  I haven't seen it.  Have you?

This is the result of the AIA's effort for the last 157 years.  Are you satisfied?  How much time do you want to give them?  a month?  A year?  5 years?  The rest of your life?  What is your pain threshold?  Wouldn't you like to see your hard-earned dues going to some better purpose?  Something that directly helps your type of practice?

A good chunk of my earlier years were spent designing, specifying, detailing, managing and administering commercial projects: schools, NASA projects, military, scientific, lowrise, highrise, midrise, offices, industrial, theme park and other project types.  Yes, I absolutely am a better residential architect because of my experience with those complex commercial project types. 

I do not advocate having less experience, but rather more experience.  That is not the point of the ARA.   The ARA is meant to simply be a professional club (just as the AIA is): an association of like-minded architects who have unlimited licenses to design anything, but who choose to design mainly homes.  And when do you think the AIA is going to begin a scientific analysis of home design?  It has had 157 years.  Your point is well made, however.  The ARA should have such an agenda, to increase the knowledge base of residential architecture. And you are correct: if we don't do it, the NAHB and others will.  They will become the experts, because we will have abdicated our roles in that regard due to our lack of attention on the matters about which the public is really interested.  LET'S NOT CONTINUE THAT MISTAKE.  Time for a change.  Time for the ARA: focused on residential architecture.

The ARA does not want to become a bureaucracy.  It wants to be a positive power to promote residential architects and improve the practice and techniques of home design.  Some administration will of course become necessary. However, the idea is to have an agenda focused on residential architects and their work.




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