Custom Residential Architects Network

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Housing Knowledge Community and Custom Residential Architects Network .
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(Preface)  Original email below. Since replying to aia@aia.org isn't really responding to Mr. Ivy in person... here goes...

Mr. Ivy,

With all due respect, I fear that the results you get will not be answering any of the bigger questions. This survey's questions and answers only focus on the ideal vision of what the AIA wants the AIA to believe we are or could be.  If you really want to understand the AIA... discover, understand and address its shortcomings, as we are trying to at CRAN. The lack of content, support and representation is why many drop their membership, and this why the AIA as a whole has let the public and their membership down for five decades. We at CRAN are now beginning to start to create that content and value for residential architects that hasn't existing since I joined in the mid eighties.

Further, how can you reposition the AIA based on what architects think, shouldn't it be on what the public wants?

Here is my survey answer.  The role of an architect is analogous to an attorney.  A highly educated professional that the public relies on to guide us through the building process and add value by better engineering spaces for function, understanding purpose, and adding resale value to our investment. That's it, the answer is about representation! Every client should demand our representation for every design problem.  But they are unaware. Today architects are something else.  The public doesn't know the value of our representation through the building process because we have spent decades celebrating architects as gods and celebrating buildings as sculptures rather than the process itself. How is this working out for us?  We need to educate the public, our client base, that an architect's role is to protect them and their resale values like the insurance we buy for our house. It as rudimentary as that. Put down the glossy magazines and the corbu glasses and celebrate the architect as guardian of the construction process.  Only then will the larger public understand our value and demand our services. Lets reposition that!

Stop celebrating the Architect,

Stop celebrating the Architecture,

Start celebrating the process and value of creating Architecture.

 

Peace,

 

David Andreozzi

Member of CRAN Steering Committee

(speaking for myself)

 

 

 

From: AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA [mailto:aia@aia.org]
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 5:03 PM
To: David Andreozzi
Subject: AIA Survey: Repositioning the Institute - Phase 2

 

Dear David,

Earlier this year, we announced the year-long initiative "Repositioning the Institute," developed to increase awareness and understanding of the vital role of our profession in society. You may have responded to an initial survey in April, which marked the beginning of an exploration of the perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, needs, and value of "the Architect."

Now as a "next step" in this effort we are seeking a deeper understanding of how AIA can best serve its members by gauging your reactions to some early concepts and once again request your valuable insights and opinions.

I encourage you to complete the survey at your first convenience so we can include your input in this continued discussion. The survey should take only 5 minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by Thursday, July 26.

To begin the survey, simply visit this link: http://s-2a2c0e-i.sgizmo.com/s3/i-100017093-293087/?sguid=100017093

If you have any difficulty accessing the survey, please see the bottom of this email for help. For additional assistance, you may also contact our research partner, Slover Linett Strategies, at Catherine@sloverlinett.com.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Best regards,
Robert

A wonderful interaction on a cross-post by Kyle McAdams, a member of the core team running the repositioning effort.

Link Here http://tinyurl.com/brg4swb

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David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
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David, An excellent response. I saw this letter from the AIA about Repositioning, and it struck me as completely void of any indication of change. 

I have to point out however, that while I think your response was well stated, I believe it is still too wrapped around the traditional business model of client-architect. Basically to me it is aimed at the struggle to hold on to the share of construction market traditionally occupied by architects which we all agree has been waning. A fight to hold the status quo is well and good, but I believe that we need to be expanding the domain of practice, not just holding on to what we have been loosing for decades. In housing that means the vast majority of houses that are built without any involvement of architects. And for architects to be meaningful participants in that wider market, that will mean buisiness models that are alternates to the traditional client-architect service model.

SO I do agree with you message to the AIA, but I believe the mission must be broader, and the message to the AIA somehow even stronger. And by stronger I don't mean louder, but I mean better reasoned.

For instance you cited your often used argument about AIA "celebrating architects as gods and celebrating buildings as sculptures". We know this argument revolves around stylistic bias in award programs. The idea that the reform of these awards to include elaborate and expensive houses of other architectural styles to me seems like nothing more than celebrating gods of another style, and sculpture of another type. I don't think the example you made here serves your overall argument very well.
 
peace, Greg

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Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-19-2012 08:28
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: AIA Survey: Repositioning the Institute - Phase 2

A wonderful interaction on a cross-post by Kyle McAdams, a member of the core team running the repositioning effort.

Link Here http://tinyurl.com/brg4swb

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David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
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I was impressed with the AIA form, If you know a lot about forms, you will note the nuance of questions intended to tease out opinions from similar ideas expressed by the membership in the initial exploration. It is not an "its simple" answer, many stakeholders hold varying yet similar opinions.  I tend to agree with your point of the need for the architect to be the representative of the client - and I believe that is a role that is confused by the clients - especially in residential work. I have seen small filed changes that have huge impact take place by owners answering questions with out representation - one example I can think of was when the owner was asked by the builder,' do you want the eave line to be as shown on drawings or do you want it to be done the 'right' way.' The result was roof intersections that caused multiple problems down the road. This happens again and again because the client is concerned that contacting the architect may be time consuming, costly, or unnecessary due to the 'simple' nature of the question.  One would not make a legal decision on 'the fly' without asking your lawyer, I agree we need to remind clients of the need to consult the one team member who is working exclusively on the clients behalf, who understands the aesthetic, ecological, financial, time line, construction, and legal implications of decisions; the Architect.
   So please fill in the survey, make the 'forced choices', and let your voice be included in the stats. In reading the questions carefully I consistantly found 3 phrases that expressed more of my views than the others. I hope you can find some as well.


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Dr. Roger Keller AIA
Roger W. Keller, Architect
Upper Black Eddy PA
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What David has written is spot on.  It couldn't be more obvious that the survey was written with a nonsensical predetermined intention.  That nonsensical intention being, "You are participating in AIA change by telling the AIA organisation that they do everything possible to support its members."  In other words, "Please check some boxes.  The AIA organisation will continue to do what it wants to do regardless."

The only benefit of being an AIA member is that some of the general public knows that I am an architect.  They have no more want to hire me as an AIA member as opposed to anyone else that is licensed.  The last thing that I could do is convince someone that as an AIA member I am more qualified than someone that isn't.  That isn't a good feeling.
 
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Ken Brogno AIA
Architect AIA LEED AP
San Francisco CA
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Thanks for your comments all!

Greg, you make valid points, thanks.  I will say, (as I suggest to Clair Conroy,) that the award selections should be broken into two groups, modern and "other" with two different juries.

I don't think elaborate or expensive houses have anything to do with it.  Much of the great modern architecture costs the same or more than the most elaborate of traditional houses.  The point is that we should be judging architecture by quality irrespective of style... inclusive to all.

I can cite modern McMansions, poorly engineered and failing modern darlings just as I can do the same for traditional gross excess of detailing and failures.

Fondly,

Dave

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David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
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David, no doubt, the winners no matter what the style are elaborate and custom and out of reach of vast majority of home builders. Its not about style, and I did not suggest it was about style.

Your argument about awards however is about style. You've not said it here, but I know from the long standing discussion that you believe giving awards to modern "sculpture" as you describe it alienates the general public because they don't identify with that kind of house.

My point is that even if they winners were not modern, they would no doubt be elaborate and custom and out of reach. I am quite certain the reaction of the general public would be much the same, whether the style was friendly to them or not. People are not stupid. Awards to elaborate custom houses simply cements the architect's role as only for the wealthiest of home owners, and its the wrong message to send. A message that excludes the largest segment of the housing market.


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Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-20-2012 16:22
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: AIA Survey: Repositioning the Institute - Phase 2

Thanks for your comments all!

Greg, you make valid points, thanks.  I will say, (as I suggest to Clair Conroy,) that the award selections should be broken into two groups, modern and "other" with two different juries.

I don't think elaborate or expensive houses have anything to do with it.  Much of the great modern architecture costs the same or more than the most elaborate of traditional houses.  The point is that we should be judging architecture by quality irrespective of style... inclusive to all.

I can cite modern McMansions, poorly engineered and failing modern darlings just as I can do the same for traditional gross excess of detailing and failures.

Fondly,

Dave

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David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
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I cross-posted this same question in various forums with some interesting responses... enjoy

AIA Linkedin tinyurl.com/csoukon

AIA Knowlegenet Housing tinyurl.com/c4hhr7d


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David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
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http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/2012/0525/newsletter/May2012-RepositioningUpdate.pdf I must admit, after 30 minutes of what I felt was self rationalization or why their results made sense to themselves, I was coming out of my seat to attack. I restrained myself and listened to the hypothesis beginning on page 36 on the link above. (I preface the following be saying this was my interpretation, what I took away personally.) to me, when one read the results at first, they seem a bit nebulous, but then the light at the end of the tunnel hits you like a high speed train in the face. It is time to put away our Corbu glass, get off our self made pedestals with our snotty pompous archispeak, and begin to lead the design process collaborators! Stop celebrating the architect, stop celebrating the architecture, stop kissing the image of ourselves in the mirror, and start celebrating the importance of our role in the architectural process as an designer, organizer, and team mate. This was so brutally presented that it was almost uncomfortable to watch it be presented. "You can't handle the truth!" You could cut he tension with a knife. Reinvent yourself to something the public needs, or fall closer to extinction. I confess I was blown away and went up to the presenters afterwards and complimented them endlessly. What I got from them is that the survey that we took wasn't perfect, but the hypotheses was taken from an intense set of personal interviews of all aspects of the architectural process. At least that was what I took away... Peace and OUCH!">OK, sit down for this one.

I just returned from Seattle where I participated in AIA/KLA with CRAN. As part of this event I had the opportunity to participate in "Repositioning the Architect Focus Group" presented by representatives from La Placa Cohen & Pentagram. I must admit, I went into this with serious attitude. I was convinced that the survey would make it impossible to solve the bigger problems at hand.

Here is a copy of the presentation http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/2012/0525/newsletter/May2012-RepositioningUpdate.pdf

I must admit, after 30 minutes of what I felt was self rationalization or why their results made sense to themselves, I was coming out of my seat to attack. I restrained myself and listened to the hypothesis beginning on page 36 on the link above.

(I preface the following be saying this was my interpretation, what I took away personally.)

To me, when one reads the results at first, they seem a bit nebulous, but then the light at the end of the tunnel hits you like a high speed train in the face.

It is time to put away our Corbu glass, get off our self made pedestals with our snotty pompous archispeak, and begin to lead the design process collaborators! Stop celebrating the architect, stop celebrating the architecture, stop kissing the image of ourselves in the mirror, and start celebrating the importance of our role in the architectural process as an designer, organizer, and team mate. This was so brutally presented that it was almost uncomfortable to watch it be presented.

"You can't handle the truth!"

You could cut he tension with a knife. Reinvent yourself to something the public needs, or fall closer to extinction.

I confess I was blown away and went up to the presenters afterwards and complimented them endlessly. What I got from them is that the survey that we took wasn't perfect, but the hypotheses was taken from an intense set of personal interviews of all aspects of the architectural process.

At least that was what I took away...

Peace

and

OUCH!

Thank you for the report and the link, David! That's very encouraging!

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Sean Catherall AIA
Integrated Property Services
Bluffdale UT
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-13-2012 14:23
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: AIA Survey: Repositioning the Institute - Phase 2

http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/2012/0525/newsletter/May2012-RepositioningUpdate.pdf I must admit, after 30 minutes of what I felt was self rationalization or why their results made sense to themselves, I was coming out of my seat to attack. I restrained myself and listened to the hypothesis beginning on page 36 on the link above. (I preface the following be saying this was my interpretation, what I took away personally.) to me, when one read the results at first, they seem a bit nebulous, but then the light at the end of the tunnel hits you like a high speed train in the face. It is time to put away our Corbu glass, get off our self made pedestals with our snotty pompous archispeak, and begin to lead the design process collaborators! Stop celebrating the architect, stop celebrating the architecture, stop kissing the image of ourselves in the mirror, and start celebrating the importance of our role in the architectural process as an designer, organizer, and team mate. This was so brutally presented that it was almost uncomfortable to watch it be presented. "You can't handle the truth!" You could cut he tension with a knife. Reinvent yourself to something the public needs, or fall closer to extinction. I confess I was blown away and went up to the presenters afterwards and complimented them endlessly. What I got from them is that the survey that we took wasn't perfect, but the hypotheses was taken from an intense set of personal interviews of all aspects of the architectural process. At least that was what I took away... Peace and OUCH!">OK, sit down for this one.

I just returned from Seattle where I participated in AIA/KLA with CRAN. As part of this event I had the opportunity to participate in "Repositioning the Architect Focus Group" presented by representatives from La Placa Cohen & Pentagram. I must admit, I went into this with serious attitude. I was convinced that the survey would make it impossible to solve the bigger problems at hand.

Here is a copy of the presentation http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/2012/0525/newsletter/May2012-RepositioningUpdate.pdf

I must admit, after 30 minutes of what I felt was self rationalization or why their results made sense to themselves, I was coming out of my seat to attack. I restrained myself and listened to the hypothesis beginning on page 36 on the link above.

(I preface the following be saying this was my interpretation, what I took away personally.)

To me, when one reads the results at first, they seem a bit nebulous, but then the light at the end of the tunnel hits you like a high speed train in the face.

It is time to put away our Corbu glass, get off our self made pedestals with our snotty pompous archispeak, and begin to lead the design process collaborators! Stop celebrating the architect, stop celebrating the architecture, stop kissing the image of ourselves in the mirror, and start celebrating the importance of our role in the architectural process as an designer, organizer, and team mate. This was so brutally presented that it was almost uncomfortable to watch it be presented.

"You can't handle the truth!"

You could cut he tension with a knife. Reinvent yourself to something the public needs, or fall closer to extinction.

I confess I was blown away and went up to the presenters afterwards and complimented them endlessly. What I got from them is that the survey that we took wasn't perfect, but the hypotheses was taken from an intense set of personal interviews of all aspects of the architectural process.

At least that was what I took away...

Peace

and

OUCH!