David,
You've posted a very lucid and thought provoking analysis of a schism that exists within the profession. As I read it I felt your analysis ring true. Perhaps the future of the profession is going to require a shift so that the Business of Architecture becomes dominant over the Practice of Architecture. Other groups who are seen as eroding our position in the design and construction industry are business-oriented and profit-driven. I'm not sure the Practice architect can survive, except as a small niche-specialty service provider. I think the AIA has this diversity, and I do not buy into the argument 100% that leadership tends toward the Practice side. I am president of AIA Baltimore and partner in a 2-person firm (although we are Business architects). The 2011 national President-elect is owner of a small practice in Texas. So at least in my experience there is diversity on the boards. Nevertheless, your analysis paints a realistic picture of the profession and we should keep it as a frame of reference in thinking about the future. Well done - you should turn it into an article for wider dissemination.
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Alan Brock AIA
Principal
Arch Tech Design, LLC
Baltimore MD
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