I strongly agree with Robert, John, Justin, and everyone else who is completely frustrated with the annexation of the title 'Architect' by IT professionals, governing bodies (ie: the "Architect" of the legislation) and other factions. I am equally frustrated with the AIA for not pursuing the misuse of the title. As was stated, perhaps we are all to blame for allowing this misuse in the beginning, but I think we all realize that overuse of the title diminishes the standing of any individual who is legally entitled to call themselves an Architect. We need to pursue those who misuse the term, educate them as to why they cannot use the term, and make sure the misuse does not continue. The side effect of a push of this manner would be an elevation of who we are, what we do, and, hopefully, increased respect.
This intent of this thread was to understand what to call people who cannot legally use the term Architect. As was stated earlier, other professions have para-professionals who can obtain a title in their field with a limit of responsibilities under the guidance and oversight of a licensed qualified professional. Architecture needs para-professionals. The AIA should push for the creation of a new title that recognizes thousands of people who work under the supervision of an Architect. The idea here is NOT to give another party the ability to take work away from the Architect, but to recognize individual time and or experience in the field as well as set guidelines for how to achieve this title. An education or experience prerequisite, satisfactory completion of an exam, continuing education requirements, and re-certification may all be part of the process / procedure. In addition, knowing when to say, "I am not qualified to complete this task" is a necessary aspect of the title. For example para-professionals should not be qualified to size structural members or interpret building codes. These items will need to be referred to the Architect. It is the Architect who is ultimately responsible, indeed liable, for the final product.
It is true that some people who have worked in the field for many years will not pursue a title that ranks them below an Architect, but that is their choice. These individuals will still be lacking an official title.
First, I call for a push by the AIA to first stop the misuse of the title we all worked so hard to achieve. I do not believe 'education' is enough to stop the misuse. Instead, legal action either by the AIA or state governing bodies is the only solution to achieve this AND to elevate the respect and understanding of a legal, qualified Architect.
Second, I call for the development of a new group of para-professionals who work under the supervision of an Architect.
Third, we should ALL stop the misuse of the term whenever possible. Speak up in meetings, reply to e-mails, and even possibly respond to adds that incorrectly use the term. Imagine for a second this scenario: If 100 Architects responded to an add for a "Systems Architect", and in the body of the response used text explaining what it takes to become an Architect, what happens to people who misuse the term, and requesting a re-posting of the add with a legal title. That employer would QUICKLY change their posting.
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Christopher Collins AIA
Firm Owner/Architect
Christopher JP Collins Architects
Warwick NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-08-2013 18:10
From: Robert Carlson
Subject: Job Titles
We do need to hold tight to the term architect as much as we can.
We need to identify anyone using the term without a qualifier to the State Licensing Board or whatever it is called in your state. Yes we lost the battle of having people adding qualifiers and boards not enforcing it.
I have not been popular in some meetings or with some people because I speak up when someone who is not licensed refers to themselves as an architect or call what they do architecture. Most people understand when you explain that architects have specialized training, passed a series of tests and continuing education to protect the public health safety and welfare.
You are not qualified to do these things when you graduate from school. There is much learning left after graduation.
The issue on titles for us is not always driven by the employee but in our case by management. We want to the client to be comfortable with the person who has worked eight or ten years that running their project. They have different capabilities from an intern just a couple years or less out of school. We struggle with what to call an architectural graduate who after eight years shows no interest in registration. To me they are not not interns because they do not intend to become an architect. Some people in this position can be your best employees capable of running projects with some guidance. I dislike the term designer because often they deal with the details and are active through construction. Associate causes problems because that typically was a stepping stone to principal. I had not thought about using the term job captain which described these individuals when I started out.
They do all all use the term Associate Member AIA on their business cards. That and member are the only two descriptions that AIA has left because someone got upset. Of course, being the institute we want no one upset and we should live in an idealized world where all interns want to be registered and do so quickly.
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Robert Carlson AIA
Principal
Carlson Design Team PC
Iowa City IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-07-2013 12:02
From: Justin Zahner
Subject: Job Titles
Being a younger professional, my perspective on this matter may be a little different than most. There is nothing wrong with the term intern inside our profession. The issue with the term is really an issue with the general public and our client's understanding of what the term means. When I was an intern, I did not like using the term with people that didn't understand the professional structure of the profession. It is seen equal with drafter and it shouldn't.
Our profession isn't as widely understood as the healthcare/law professions. So yes, "intern" is condescending.
One of the biggest issues in our profession is not the term "intern", but the term "architect". Everyone in the world can use the term "architect" as a signifier of someone that can design something, everyone except people that go to architecture school. I understand that inside the construction industry, we want to protect the public by not allowing interns to use the term "architect" unless they earn their license. At the same time, a data system engineer can legally use the term architect without any other earned qualifications. We as an institute, should stop the legal use of the term architect for everything other than a person that is licensed to practice architecture.
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Justin P. Zahner, AIA LEED® AP BD+C
Eley Guild Hardy Architects PA
1091 Tommy Munro Dr
Biloxi, MS 39532
T 228.594.2323
F 228.594.2223
www.eleyguildhardy.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-02-2013 17:35
From: Sean Catherall
Subject: Job Titles
I see nothing disrespectful or demeaning about "intern." It's used in hospitals, clinics, law firms and other businesses everywhere to described educated, skilled individuals without any negative connotation. Similarly, I find nothing disrespectful or demeaning about "drafter." It describes a function. If it doesn't adequately describe the function of the title-holder, then by all means use something else, but there is no dishonor in being a drafter.
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Sean Catherall AIA
Architect
Herriman UT
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2013 07:41
From: Carol Kurth
Subject: Job Titles
This is an interesting discussion and goes toward the larger issue of respect in our profession.
Even "interns" have intense education and experience and skills.
To me, the term drafter completely demeans them, the profession and the image we should portray to the world about architecture and what riles we play...
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Carol Kurth FAIA
FAIA, Principal
Carol Kurth Architecture, PC
Bedford NY
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