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Once the election is over, Congress and the White House will debate major issues that could impact the architecture profession for years to come. Will taxes on architecture firms increase? Will there be funding for major infrastructure projects that create jobs? Will changes in regulations make it easier or more difficult for firms to complete projects?

For more than 150 years the AIA has advocated in Washington for policies that help architects get to work designing great buildings and communities. With major challenges facing policymakers, it is more important than ever that the profession speak up for its core values.

That is why we want to hear from you: What are the major issues that the AIA should raise to our elected leaders? How should the AIA speak up for architects? How can the AIA more effectively advance policies that empower architects to lead?

Please take this short survey to share your views on the AIA's 2013 policy agenda.

The AIA doesn't have the loudest voice in Washington. But it has gotten things done because AIA members have stood up and expressed their views. In recent years the AIA has succeeded in:

• Enacting tax incentives for sustainable design
• Increasing access to private sector financing for building projects
• Blocking tax increases on small architecture firms
• Reducing red tape that holds architects back
• Promoting historic preservation and affordable housing in communities across the nation

Next year, policymakers in Washington will debate policies that have dramatic impacts on how architects practice. The tax rates architects and their clients pay may change. Funding for community development and infrastructure projects may be cut. Sources of financing for architecture firms and the projects they design could change. No matter who wins the election in November, architects need to be a part of the discussion.

By filling out this short survey, you will help shape the policies that the AIA presents to Congress and the White House in 2013. With your help, we will make sure that when major decisions are made in Washington, architects are at the table.

Please take a moment to share your views with us.   Click here to take the survey by November 2.

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Andrew Goldberg Assoc. AIA
Managing Director, Government Relations and Outreach
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
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Hello Andrew,  surveys don't always convey what the AIA membership has on their minds, but rather seems to focus and channel what the presumed issues are.  I have filled out the various surveys, but would in addition like to express my viewpoints directly to you sir, if that's okay.

The voice of AIA architects designing primarily residential projects is not adequately heard or acted upon.  Let me share with you the agenda of residential architects: it is only about 2 things:
1. A much-needed public awareness program to make the public aware that REAL architects are available and willing to design their homes.
2.  That there are good reasons why anyone might want to have an architect design their home.

that's it.  That's all we want from the AIA.  If there's anything you can do to help allocate funds to accomplish this, those of us who practice mainly residential architecture would be most appreciative.
This agenda could be accomplished in the form of AIA ads on public television, or better yet, on HGTV (which doesn't seem to understand that there are professionals, real architects who are best qualified to design homes and renovations to them), AIA videos on a residential architecture channel on YouTube and other social media.
If you want someone to lay all this work on, I will be proud to undertake it for those of us who practice residential architecture.  We just need the financial resources, a small piece of the yearly AIA due pie with which to operate.  You can reach me at: Rand@HomeArchitects.com or 828-269-9046.  Seriously, I will be happy to take on the burden, if the AIA will provide the funds.

Thank you for your assistance and consideration.

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Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Home Architects
Cashiers NC
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Hi Rand, thanks so much for your response and feedback - we really appreciate it and will keep it in mind as the AIA's 2013 federal agenda is developed. We've been grateful for the fact that more than 3300 members have responded to the Call for Issues so far, which shows that members are engaged in these very important discussions.

Thanks again,
Andrew

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Andrew Goldberg Assoc. AIA
Managing Director, Government Relations and Outreach
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-01-2012 08:43
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Deadline Extended! Help Set the AIA's 2013 Federal Agenda

Hello Andrew,  surveys don't always convey what the AIA membership has on their minds, but rather seems to focus and channel what the presumed issues are.  I have filled out the various surveys, but would in addition like to express my viewpoints directly to you sir, if that's okay.

The voice of AIA architects designing primarily residential projects is not adequately heard or acted upon.  Let me share with you the agenda of residential architects: it is only about 2 things:
1. A much-needed public awareness program to make the public aware that REAL architects are available and willing to design their homes.
2.  That there are good reasons why anyone might want to have an architect design their home.

that's it.  That's all we want from the AIA.  If there's anything you can do to help allocate funds to accomplish this, those of us who practice mainly residential architecture would be most appreciative.
This agenda could be accomplished in the form of AIA ads on public television, or better yet, on HGTV (which doesn't seem to understand that there are professionals, real architects who are best qualified to design homes and renovations to them), AIA videos on a residential architecture channel on YouTube and other social media.
If you want someone to lay all this work on, I will be proud to undertake it for those of us who practice residential architecture.  We just need the financial resources, a small piece of the yearly AIA due pie with which to operate.  You can reach me at: Rand@HomeArchitects.com or 828-269-9046.  Seriously, I will be happy to take on the burden, if the AIA will provide the funds.

Thank you for your assistance and consideration.

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