James Howard, I commend you on finding this information. In reading the publication you posted, on page 4, there is an article titled:
"We Don't Need No Architects!" written by Joseph Hofstader.
Here is a portion of what he wrote:
"Summary
The role of an architect [in software development] (brackets added by me) has
come under attack of late. On software projects, the
title Architect is often ambiguously defined and the
value provided by architects is not easily quantifiable.
The perception that architects live in an "ivory tower"
disassociated from the realities of delivering a software
solution contributes to some of the animosity toward
those of us with the title.
This article presents a defense of the practice of
architecture in software development. It defines the
qualities of an effective architect and describes the
skills required to succeed in this profession. The article
examines widely held perceptions of architects and
some of the mistakes that architects make which
contribute to negative perceptions. Ultimately, the
intent is to show the value good architects bring to a
software development effort."
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Ahhhh, ain't that just too bad ::read sarcasm:: ;).
However, maybe we can learn something from the IT Architect's struggle as it so closely resembles our own.
Further into the article, the author defines the Key Skills of an IT architect: Domain, Conceptual, Technical and Patterns.
Maybe this is an opportunity for us to see ourselves through a different lens and reinvent our profession, sharpen our understanding of what is an Architect of the Built Environment.
The following quote- also found in the article- is simply astonishing as it could have easily been said by any one of us (building architects):
"WHEN I INTRODUCE MYSELF AT MEETINGS,
REACTIONS RANGE FROM 'WE'RE NOT
WORTHY' TO 'WE DO NOT NEED AN
ARCHITECT'-THE FORMER, ALTHOUGH
FRIENDLY, REFLECTING THE LOFTY IMAGE
OF ARCHITECTS, AND THE LATTER IMPLYING
THAT AN ARCHITECT'S KNOWLEDGE AND
SKILLS ARE IRRELEVANT. BOTH RESPONSES
DEMONSTRATE A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING
OF WHAT ARCHITECTS REALLY DO."
I guess we can take heart in the fact that "architects"- even in the IT industry- are struggling with an image/relevancy problem.
Yet, I agree with you: the use of the term licensed Architect- after all the years spent obtaining the license and title and protecting it with State laws, A.R.E. exams, and NCARB/NAAB accreditation standards- ought to be reserved solely for one who designs buildings that people can physically walk into and occupy.
Thanks for sharing this publication. It was very eye-opening!
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Tara Imani AIA
Principal
Tara Imani Designs, LLC
Houston TX
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