This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: CRAN Custom Residential Architects Network and Technology in Architectural Practice .
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The major driver for my obselence in this profession is the dilemma about the differences between the numerous software products available and their development. Firms are using a vast variety of products, versions, standards, etc. For all the productivity gained by using something like Revit (someone mentioned 1/3 less time for project delivery), there are considerable investments to purchase and train on software that few are fully embracing, and will quickly be replaced by newer versions.
Unfortunately it seems like some major software manufacturers really don't have the profession's best interests in mind. If they did, more architects wouldn't suffer through the expense and time commitment necessary to be productive using their products. Why would anyone buy a "transition" bundle of three software products from a major software manufacturer when the manufacturer is implying that two of the products are inferior to the third, and we know that the third will change with development with little resemblance and compatibilty to previous versions? When I show someone the capabilities of a program like Revit, I invariably get a responses like "Isn't this something that CAD software should have been enabling us to do from the get go?", or "You mean I have to take the time to create families that look more architectural than the ones that come with the purchase?". If software manufacturers had the professon's best interests in mind, why would we need training for newer products or versions at all? When Microsoft or Apple release a new OS, do most users need training to be able to use it?
It is also unfortunate that the AIA and its members don't have (or haven't tried) to influence the software manufacturers more to integrate into the profession, as opposed to creating more markets for itself by fracturing the profession. I realize that the ultimate questions are "what do you want to do and what product best enables you to do it?". However, if your answers center around having flexibility for whatever the job market has to offer, then there is no clear direction to follow except to try and learn most of what is available. Needless to say, that is a daunting never ending task.
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Ken Brogno AIA
Architect
AIA, LEED AP
San Francisco CA
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