This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Housing Knowledge Community and Custom Residential Architects Network .
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Perry Cofield AIA
Design Ways & Means Architects
Arlington VA
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Architects gave up without a fight with regard to televised media coverage. On HGTV, the stars of current shows like the Property Brothers, Rehab Addict, Love It or List It, and Holmes on Holmes act as the personable and/or flamboyant or conscientious saviors of the home-buying public. Their roles as builders, decorators or real estate agents have given massive credence to "you don't need and architect". Meanwhile, cross-disciplinary architectural geniuses like Bobby McAlpine or Dennis Wedlick have achieved some regional fame at best. I imagine that the 19th century policies of big AIA, along with lack of contacts within the television industry are the culprits. So architects are collectively free to blame themselves, and engage in theoretical discussions which are of almost no value. Being right does not get your next job. If most of the population has formed impressions that leave out architects, it is our fault. It is not as if the talent is not there, in abundance. As Mose Allison once said, "If ya don't stand up and holler, you gonna get left out". Solutions, please?