Custom Residential Architects Network

Driving through LA this afternoon and the role of an Architect became a bit more confusing :-)



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John Black AIA
Partner
Lapis Design Partners LLC
Honolulu HI
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To some, this may seem amusing.  To others it may be the ultimate form of flattery.  To me, it makes me sad.  I see the image or "brand" of the architect eroding.   I don't see this as a licensure violation to be fought by the state's professional regulators.  Instead I see it being an issue of branding - one that should be addressed by the "Voice of the profession", the AIA.

In the past 6 months I have been introduced (in social settings) to four "architects" - only to find out they were not licensed architects. Instead, one was an IT Architect - who goes by "Architect" for short.  The others were residential designers, whom their friends assume are architects - because they draw plans.  Note:  I don't think the designers were holding themselves out to be architects, but virtually everyone perceives them to be.

I would implore the AIA to take the branding of architects seriously.  In the courts eyes, the title "architect"has become generic, like the title "engineer".  Certainly there is a creative solution to distinguish licensed/professional architects from all others. The engineers accomplished this with PE.  I feel it is time the architecture profession do the same.  

AIA officers, if you are reading this, please give it serious consideration. 

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Edward Shannon AIA
Architect
Imprint Architects
Des Moines IA
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Edward, I think you make a good point. The defacto solution appears to be NCARB but given their vision of the world Frank Lloyd Wright, Addison Misner and myself would never have been architects. The answer is by no means black and white. I had little or no chance of acquiring a professional degree but studied as hard as anyone and mentored under some remarkable award winning Architects for 30 plus years and at the ripe old age of 52 qualified to take the ARE and passed 8 out of 9 sections on the first try. Now comes the messy part. In South Carolina I have to spend a good deal of time telling people I am a residential designer but I have every right to have AIA after my name so people constantly assume I'm registered here and introduce me to others as an architect and I have to constantly correct the error which can lead to some pretty strange and awkward moments. You just can't control what other people do. I'm sorry but the possession of a professional degree doesn't mean much in the real world or we wouldn't need the IDP program. This is a contentious subject so I look forward to seeing more opinions. And by the way I meet a nice "software architect" last night at a Christmas Party whatever the heck that is. ------------------------------------------- Christopher Caponigro AIA Owner Christopher F. Caponigro Charleston SC -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 12-24-2013 09:21 From: Edward Shannon Subject: Role of an Architect To some, this may seem amusing. To others it may be the ultimate form of flattery. To me, it makes me sad. I see the image or "brand" of the architect eroding. I don't see this as a licensure violation to be fought by the state's professional regulators. Instead I see it being an issue of branding - one that should be addressed by the "Voice of the profession", the AIA. In the past 6 months I have been introduced (in social settings) to four "architects" - only to find out they were not licensed architects. Instead, one was an IT Architect - who goes by "Architect" for short. The others were residential designers, whom their friends assume are architects - because they draw plans. Note: I don't think the designers were holding themselves out to be architects, but virtually everyone perceives them to be. I would implore the AIA to take the branding of architects seriously. In the courts eyes, the title "architect"has become generic, like the title "engineer". Certainly there is a creative solution to distinguish licensed/professional architects from all others. The engineers accomplished this with PE. I feel it is time the architecture profession do the same. AIA officers, if you are reading this, please give it serious consideration. ------------------------------------------- Edward Shannon AIA Architect Imprint Architects Des Moines IA -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 12-20-2013 17:32 From: John Black Subject: Role of an Architect Driving through LA this afternoon and the role of an Architect became a bit more confusing :-) ------------------------------------------- John Black AIA Partner Lapis Design Partners LLC Honolulu HI -------------------------------------------

Edward and Christopher,

I understand both your frustrations and concerns. I am a young architect-in-training and do not posses a professional degree. I feel as if I will have a stigma on my professional goals for the next decade, and the only thing that separates me from my professional degree counterparts is a 2-semester long thesis project. 

Christopher, you should look into the Broadly Experienced Architect program to qualify for NCARB certification and thus can obtain a license in SC through reciprocity. http://www.ncarb.org/Certification-and-Reciprocity/Alternate-Paths-to-Certification/Broadly-Experienced-Architect-Program.aspx

Edward, the AIA is trying to do something to emphasis the value of an Architect. However a lot of that responsibility will fall upon those of us that are in the profession. I take the opportunity whenever possible to enlighten people on the extreme differences between Architects and architects. I make sure to ask more probing questions when someone presents themself as an Architect. The national body can do something, and it can take years and lots of mis-communication to get the message across. Or we, as active people in the profession can take it upon ourselves to educate those around us. Imitate is the sincerest form of flattery. 

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C.E., Assoc. AIA
Stratton Brook Associates
Connecticut
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-26-2013 09:00
From: Christopher Caponigro
Subject: Role of an Architect


Edward,
I think you make a good point. The defacto solution appears to be NCARB but given their vision of the world Frank Lloyd Wright, Addison Misner and myself would never have been architects.

The answer is by no means black and white. I had little or no chance of acquiring a professional degree but studied as hard as anyone and mentored under some remarkable award winning Architects for 30 plus years and at the ripe old age of 52 qualified to take the ARE and passed 8 out of 9 sections on the first try.

Now comes the messy part. In South Carolina I have to spend a good deal of time telling people I am a residential designer but I have every right to have AIA after my name so people constantly assume I'm registered here and introduce me to others as an architect and I have to constantly correct the error which can lead to some pretty strange and awkward moments. You just can't control what other people do. I'm sorry but the possession of a professional degree doesn't mean much in the real world or we wouldn't need the IDP program.

This is a contentious subject so I look forward to seeing more opinions. And by the way I meet a nice "software architect" last night at a Christmas Party whatever the heck that is.
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Christopher Caponigro AIA
Owner
Christopher F. Caponigro
Charleston SC
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Greetings and Happy Holidays. While everyone's sentiments are sincere it's probably good to remember Frank Lloyd Wright and Addison Mizner were geniuses who are the exception to a rule, particularly when you consider that the path to our profession in their time included practical apprenticeship in lieu of professional education. Now, when our profession is struggling to find a defined place for itself in the world of design and construction one of the few distinguishing criteria we have is professional education and licensure. If we hold ourselves to rigid standards it helps us to explain and secure our value with our clients and the general public (including lawmakers and regulators). Consider a simple test to value educational standards. Would you go to a doctor who had not attended college and obtained a degree prior to professional certification? Likewise a lawyer? An accountant? In such a context education is critical and needs to be understood and accepted as such.

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Michael Malone AIA
Michael Malone Architects
Dallas TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 12/26/2013 9:09:06 AM
From: cerwin@strattonbrook.com
Subject: RE:Role of an Architect

Edward and Christopher, I understand both your frustrations and concerns. I am a young architect-in-training and do not posses a professional degree. I feel as if I will have a stigma on my professional goals for the next decade, and the only thing that separates me from my professional degree counterparts is a 2-semester long thesis project.  Christopher, you should look into the Broadly Experienced Architect program to qualify for NCARB certification and thus can obtain a license in SC through reciprocity. http://www.ncarb.org/Certification-and-Reciprocity/Alternate-Paths-to-Certification/Broadly-Experienced-Architect-Program.aspx Edward, the AIA is trying to do something to emphasis the value of an Architect. However a lot of that responsibility will fall upon those of us that are in the profession. I take the opportunity whenever possible to enlighten people on the extreme differences between Architects and architects. I make sure to ask more probing questions when someone presents themself as an Architect. The national body can do something, and it can take years and lots of mis-communication to get the message across. Or we, as active people in the profession can take it upon ourselves to educate those around us. Imitate is the sincerest form of flattery.  ------------------------------------------- C.E., Assoc. AIA Stratton Brook Associates Connecticut -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 12-26-2013 09:00 From: Christopher Caponigro Subject: Role of an Architect Edward, I think you make a good point. The defacto solution appears to be NCARB but given their vision of the world Frank Lloyd Wright, Addison Misner and myself would never have been architects. The answer is by no means black and white. I had little or no chance of acquiring a professional degree but studied as hard as anyone and mentored under some remarkable award winning Architects for 30 plus years and at the ripe old age of 52 qualified to take the ARE and passed 8 out of 9 sections on the first try. Now comes the messy part. In South Carolina I have to spend a good deal of time telling people I am a residential designer but I have every right to have AIA after my name so people constantly assume I'm registered here and introduce me to others as an architect and I have to constantly correct the error which can lead to some pretty strange and awkward moments. You just can't control what other people do. I'm sorry but the possession of a professional degree doesn't mean much in the real world or we wouldn't need the IDP program. This is a contentious subject so I look forward to seeing more opinions. And by the way I meet a nice "software architect" last night at a Christmas Party whatever the heck that is. ------------------------------------------- Christopher Caponigro AIA Owner Christopher F. Caponigro Charleston SC -------------------------------------------

Hello Michael Malone, Prior to licensing laws, anyone who designs buildings were called "Architects" in the U.S. since it was colonies of several european empires. The statutory definition are simply a modern fabrication invented by AIA and partnering organizations when they got the licensing title and practice laws enacted. However, we have to keep in mind that the statutory definition only applies to when the reading, interpretatio and enforcement of statutory laws. There is non-statutory definitions of the word "Architect". These definitions often predates any statutes of the United States... In fact, it predates the United States. If we go by the etymological original definition... we are not architects unless we design and build what we design as the Arch-builder / chief builder / master builder. However, the profession as it is in the United States even before licensing law, apprenticeship was not necessarily anything special. There were no formal requirements. It was just like any other occupation. You need the knowledge and skills to get employed or commissioned. It did not matter how or any prescribed amount of time. There was no prescribed apprenticeship. In theory, with not formal education or formal "apprenticeship" and with virtually no employment as a draftsman... (The title of employees as it was traditional that the persons in charge of the business/firm were the only ones that can call themselves 'architect' as far as position titles of a business. Employees were draftsmen or draughtsmen). One you set out on your own, as the boss of your own business you called yourself whatever you want and you are the responsible party of your employees' actions. A person could establish their own business and with luck establish themselves. Most people are not autodidactic and needs a formal training under someone else... Be it through a college setting or through employment settings. While those who are autodidactic learning learned through self-driven seeking of written word about architect. They sought books that taught the theories which can be just effective as a lecture. Since a lecture speech can be put into written words with graphics. There were books especially after the industrial revolution in the U.S. We had programs and even correspondance school for learning the drawing techniques. Then there is just matter of practice that a person can draw meaningfully. Autodidactic learning isn't learning from a void. The body of knowledge of architecture by large is already in vast written publication. "Apprenticeship", which is a quasi-formal extensive on the job training, were not that common practice. In most cases, you were hired to do something and is expected to already know how to draw and draft and learned by 'osmosis' in that you learned by practice, listening to your colleagues and otherwise, constantly going to libraries and gathering books for your continuing betterment of your knowledge and paying attention of what is happening around you where you worked. Although 'apprenticeships' weren't uniformally structured. Apprenticeships involves a generally intensive teacher/student style relationship in the workplace where the boss/teacher is teaching the apprentice what he or she needs to know including first principles and over time, the advance theories, principles and methodologies. That type of relationship in a workplace has always been rare because most people don't have the patience to teach anything and just direct. This was how things were in the days of Frank Lloyd Wright even though his experience might have been exceptional. Most architects like in any occupation don't provide even the same degree of apprentice/mentorship that Louis Sullivan provided. I hope this clarifies some points and that we aren't painting a fantasy world about how architecture prior to licensing laws were like. Under most cases, you had to figure things out for yourself through your own self-initiative to read books and practice and simply learn from your mistakes. Most cases, there were quasi-mentorship but not exactly an apprenticeship and there were learning from peers. There were definitely no IDP program. Most of learning from others other than through the books were from informal comversation and just sharing what you knew and what they knew and followed up by practice. ------------------------------------------- Richard Balkins, Assoc. AIA Building Designer / owner Richard W.C. Balkins, Building Designer Astoria OR -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 12-27-2013 19:57 From: Michael Malone Subject: Role of an Architect Greetings and Happy Holidays. While everyone's sentiments are sincere it's probably good to remember Frank Lloyd Wright and Addison Mizner were geniuses who are the exception to a rule, particularly when you consider that the path to our profession in their time included practical apprenticeship in lieu of professional education. Now, when our profession is struggling to find a defined place for itself in the world of design and construction one of the few distinguishing criteria we have is professional education and licensure. If we hold ourselves to rigid standards it helps us to explain and secure our value with our clients and the general public (including lawmakers and regulators). Consider a simple test to value educational standards. Would you go to a doctor who had not attended college and obtained a degree prior to professional certification? Likewise a lawyer? An accountant? In such a context education is critical and needs to be understood and accepted as such. ------------------------------------------- Michael Malone AIA Michael Malone Architects Dallas TX -------------------------------------------

I couldn't agree more.  Well said, Michael.

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Rand Soellner
Architect/Owner/Principal
Home Architects
Cashiers NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-30-2013 17:31
From: Michael Malone
Subject: Role of an Architect

Greetings and Happy Holidays. While everyone's sentiments are sincere it's probably good to remember Frank Lloyd Wright and Addison Mizner were geniuses who are the exception to a rule, particularly when you consider that the path to our profession in their time included practical apprenticeship in lieu of professional education. Now, when our profession is struggling to find a defined place for itself in the world of design and construction one of the few distinguishing criteria we have is professional education and licensure. If we hold ourselves to rigid standards it helps us to explain and secure our value with our clients and the general public (including lawmakers and regulators). Consider a simple test to value educational standards. Would you go to a doctor who had not attended college and obtained a degree prior to professional certification? Likewise a lawyer? An accountant? In such a context education is critical and needs to be understood and accepted as such.

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Michael Malone AIA
Michael Malone Architects
Dallas TX
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Christopher,

Can you clarify some of your comments for me? I have an accredited degree and am currently working on my AREs. When I finish those and my remaining IDP hours, I will be able to call myself a registered architect and be able to add the letters AIA behind my name as a member of the AIA. Currently, as an intern, I can only have Associate AIA behind my name.

I've always been told that there has been an alternate path to licensure which meant that you did NOT need an accredited degree, but instead could work for a significant number of years under a licensed architect (10-15), take the AREs and become licensed, thereby also earning the right to put AIA behind your name if you were a member of the AIA. I also understand that this path is slowly changing and may not be available currently or in the future, and it probably depends on what state you are in.

You stated you passed the AREs, have significant work experience but don't have a license in South Carolina, but can use AIA behind your name. In short...how does that work? I've always thought that you needed the license in order to use the letters AIA.

I've always thought I completely understood all the options, but can see that I'm missing a big piece, so thanks for helping me fill in the holes.

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Brenda Nelson Assoc. AIA
Woodruff Design, LLC
Ankeny IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-30-2013 17:29
From: Christopher Caponigro
Subject: Role of an Architect


Edward,
I think you make a good point. The defacto solution appears to be NCARB but given their vision of the world Frank Lloyd Wright, Addison Misner and myself would never have been architects.

The answer is by no means black and white. I had little or no chance of acquiring a professional degree but studied as hard as anyone and mentored under some remarkable award winning Architects for 30 plus years and at the ripe old age of 52 qualified to take the ARE and passed 8 out of 9 sections on the first try.

Now comes the messy part. In South Carolina I have to spend a good deal of time telling people I am a residential designer but I have every right to have AIA after my name so people constantly assume I'm registered here and introduce me to others as an architect and I have to constantly correct the error which can lead to some pretty strange and awkward moments. You just can't control what other people do. I'm sorry but the possession of a professional degree doesn't mean much in the real world or we wouldn't need the IDP program.

This is a contentious subject so I look forward to seeing more opinions. And by the way I meet a nice "software architect" last night at a Christmas Party whatever the heck that is.
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Christopher Caponigro AIA
Owner
Christopher F. Caponigro
Charleston SC
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Hello Brenda, Alternate paths are state specific paths to licensure. NCARB itself, for the most part, does not recognize alternate paths and that those alternate paths do not exist in NCARB model law. Alternate paths to licensure only exists in some states where the particular states have built alternate paths of initial licensing. These requirements vary with each state that has alternate paths to licensure for those without an NAAB accredited professional degree (B.Arch, M.arch, etc.) or BA/BS pre-professional architecture degree. California, Washington state, and a number of other states have a variety of alternate paths which may vary from documenting 8 to 15 years of accepted experience in lieu of a degree and that 3 of the required documented years are the required IDP that must be completed. Reciprocity is a challenge if you get licensed through those paths and to get reciprocity in some states, you would have to become NCARB Certified or NCARB BEA certified which would require you to either get a NAAB accredited degree or you must document up to 10 additional years of acceptable post-licensure experience. ------------------------------------------- Richard Balkins Assoc. AIA Building Designer / owner Richard W.C. Balkins, Building Designer Astoria OR -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 12-30-2013 18:07 From: Brenda Nelson Subject: Role of an Architect Christopher, Can you clarify some of your comments for me? I have an accredited degree and am currently working on my AREs. When I finish those and my remaining IDP hours, I will be able to call myself a registered architect and be able to add the letters AIA behind my name as a member of the AIA. Currently, as an intern, I can only have Associate AIA behind my name. I've always been told that there has been an alternate path to licensure which meant that you did NOT need an accredited degree, but instead could work for a significant number of years under a licensed architect (10-15), take the AREs and become licensed, thereby also earning the right to put AIA behind your name if you were a member of the AIA. I also understand that this path is slowly changing and may not be available currently or in the future, and it probably depends on what state you are in. You stated you passed the AREs, have significant work experience but don't have a license in South Carolina, but can use AIA behind your name. In short...how does that work? I've always thought that you needed the license in order to use the letters AIA. I've always thought I completely understood all the options, but can see that I'm missing a big piece, so thanks for helping me fill in the holes. ------------------------------------------- Brenda Nelson Assoc. AIA Woodruff Design, LLC Ankeny IA -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 12-30-2013 17:29 From: Christopher Caponigro Subject: Role of an Architect Edward, I think you make a good point. The defacto solution appears to be NCARB but given their vision of the world Frank Lloyd Wright, Addison Misner and myself would never have been architects. The answer is by no means black and white. I had little or no chance of acquiring a professional degree but studied as hard as anyone and mentored under some remarkable award winning Architects for 30 plus years and at the ripe old age of 52 qualified to take the ARE and passed 8 out of 9 sections on the first try. Now comes the messy part. In South Carolina I have to spend a good deal of time telling people I am a residential designer but I have every right to have AIA after my name so people constantly assume I'm registered here and introduce me to others as an architect and I have to constantly correct the error which can lead to some pretty strange and awkward moments. You just can't control what other people do. I'm sorry but the possession of a professional degree doesn't mean much in the real world or we wouldn't need the IDP program. This is a contentious subject so I look forward to seeing more opinions. And by the way I meet a nice "software architect" last night at a Christmas Party whatever the heck that is. ------------------------------------------- Christopher Caponigro AIA Owner Christopher F. Caponigro Charleston SC -------------------------------------------

It is good know that we are now recognized as Custom Residential Architects in order to not be confused with Hair Architects. Whatever...good picture John, and good eye. I wander who is going to turn them in to the Architectural State Board. ------------------------------------------- Luis Jauregui AIA President Jauregui Architecture Interiors Construction Austin TX -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 12-21-2013 12:21 From: John Black Subject: Role of an Architect Driving through LA this afternoon and the role of an Architect became a bit more confusing :-) ------------------------------------------- John Black AIA Partner Lapis Design Partners LLC Honolulu HI -------------------------------------------

Hey you may want to check it out - could be one of us that during slow times took up another line of business. Ha ha. Wonder what would happen if it said "Attorneys at Hair". Happy Holidays to everyone. 

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S. Jones AIA
Owner
S Berry Jones - Architects
Memphis TN
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-23-2013 17:04
From: Luis Jauregui
Subject: Role of an Architect

It is good know that we are now recognized as Custom Residential Architects in order to not be confused with Hair Architects. Whatever...good picture John, and good eye. I wander who is going to turn them in to the Architectural State Board.

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Luis Jauregui AIA
President
Jauregui Architecture Interiors Construction
Austin TX
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