I have read with interest all the recent correspondence on the need, value, and cost of the AIA. I currently have a 7 person firm, have been a member of the AIA since 1969, and have gotten back in at least triplicate what I have invested in the AIA. At the minimum, ask yourself what your practice would be like without the standardization made possible by the AIA, the minimum standard of care put forth by the AIA Docs, and the synificance of putting AIA behind your name, just to name a few. Is the AIA perfect, absolutely not.
Our opportunity is that for at least the next two years the AIA incoming Presidents Jeff Potter, FAIA and Mickey Jacobs, FAIA are small firm practitioners, under 5 persons each firm. Now that is a positive change for the small firm. In addition two years ago I was given the opportunity for form a Small Firm Round Table, in which SPP has a seat on the executive committee. The SFRT was formed for small firm advoacy. My suggestion would be for all bloggers on this discussion to learn who are their regional representative to the SFRT and discuss with them suggestions for AIA policy changes making the AIA more small firm friendly or responsive. Your comments will be discussed either on SFRT conference calls or meetings and if appropriate actions will be suggested to the AIA Board. The opportunities within the AIA are endless, you need to get involved and let your voice be heard. Changes can and are being made, be a part of them. The AIA is the sole practitioner's and small firm's best friend and your best investment. Support it and make it better.
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Jeffrey Rosenblum FAIA
Small Firm Round Table Chair 2010-2011
Rosenblum Coe Architects, Inc.
Charleston SC
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