Custom Residential Architects Network

Dave - Perhaps you can articulate what you at CRAN have accomplished.  My purpose here is not to slam the AIA.  I think the AIA has and continues to be a good advocate for the large commercial firm. I met some wonderful people during the years I served - which is a benefit in of itself. 

Perhaps you can provide the sole practitioner, or smaller firm that has a residential concentration some reasons to remain an AIA member or even join.   I maintain that less than 50% of US architects are members.  I speculate that the majority of non-members are residential practitioners.   

 We have some real problems in our profession and architectural education system.  For one, there is a one-size-fits-all degree/license that trains all architects to be general practitioners - lead designers at that.  The reality is...very few practice this way.  It seems as AIA treats its membership the same, failing to recognize the disparity between the sole practitioner (who typically has to rely on his/her spouse to be the bread winner) and the corporate principle.   When coupled with the exorbitant dues of NCARB, LEED, etc. it is hard to justify the ROI for a sole practitioner.  Why can't AIA recognize this and try to capture that sector?  What if there were a sliding dues structure?  (not a tax on large firms).  but, what would be lost if there was a membership as low as $200.00 for sole practioners.  If the AIA could dempnstrate some value for this, they might pick up 35,000 members!  Or, should there be a separate organization, that works cooperatively with the AIA to meet the needs of the small practitioner? 

My final quetion is....why are the efforts just beginning to happen?  Many, like myself, feeel it is too little, too late and, unless i can percieve some real value now, I am not illing to wait it out a generation for things to gradually change. 

Dave - Perhaps you can articulate what you at CRAN have accomplished.  My purpose here is not to slam the AIA.  I think the AIA has and continues to be a good advocate for the large commercial firm. I met some wonderful people during the years I served - which is a benefit in of itself. 

Perhaps you can provide the sole practitioner, or smaller firm that has a residential concentration some reasons to remain an AIA member or even join.   I maintain that less than 50% of US architects are members.  I speculate that the majority of non-members are residential practitioners.   

 We have some real problems in our profession and architectural education system.  For one, there is a one-size-fits-all degree/license that trains all architects to be general practitioners - lead designers at that.  The reality is...very few practice this way.  It seems as AIA treats its membership the same, failing to recognize the disparity between the sole practitioner (who typically has to rely on his/her spouse to be the bread winner) and the corporate principle.   When coupled with the exorbitant dues of NCARB, LEED, etc. it is hard to justify the ROI for a sole practitioner.  Why can't AIA recognize this and try to capture that sector?  What if there were a sliding dues structure?  (not a tax on large firms).  but, what would be lost if there was a membership as low as $200.00 for sole practioners.  If the AIA could dempnstrate some value for this, they might pick up 35,000 members!  Or, should there be a separate organization, that works cooperatively with the AIA to meet the needs of the small practitioner? 

My final quetion is....why are the efforts just beginning to happen?  Many, like myself, feeel it is too little, too late and, unless i can percieve some real value now, I am not illing to wait it out a generation for things to gradually change. 

Dave - Perhaps you can articulate what you at CRAN have accomplished.  My purpose here is not to slam the AIA.  I think the AIA has and continues to be a good advocate for the large commercial firm. I met some wonderful people during the years I served - which is a benefit in of itself. 

Perhaps you can provide the sole practitioner, or smaller firm that has a residential concentration some reasons to remain an AIA member or even join.   I maintain that less than 50% of US architects are members.  I speculate that the majority of non-members are residential practitioners.   

 We have some real problems in our profession and architectural education system.  For one, there is a one-size-fits-all degree/license that trains all architects to be general practitioners - lead designers at that.  The reality is...very few practice this way.  It seems as AIA treats its membership the same, failing to recognize the disparity between the sole practitioner (who typically has to rely on his/her spouse to be the bread winner) and the corporate principle.   When coupled with the exorbitant dues of NCARB, LEED, etc. it is hard to justify the ROI for a sole practitioner.  Why can't AIA recognize this and try to capture that sector?  What if there were a sliding dues structure?  (not a tax on large firms).  but, what would be lost if there was a membership as low as $200.00 for sole practioners.  If the AIA could dempnstrate some value for this, they might pick up 35,000 members!  Or, should there be a separate organization, that works cooperatively with the AIA to meet the needs of the small practitioner? 

My final quetion is....why are the efforts just beginning to happen?  Many, like myself, feeel it is too little, too late and, unless i can percieve some real value now, I am not illing to wait it out a generation for things to gradually change. 

Dave - Perhaps you can articulate what you at CRAN have accomplished.  My purpose here is not to slam the AIA.  I think the AIA has and continues to be a good advocate for the large commercial firm. I met some wonderful people during the years I served - which is a benefit in of itself. 

Perhaps you can provide the sole practitioner, or smaller firm that has a residential concentration some reasons to remain an AIA member or even join.   I maintain that less than 50% of US architects are members.  I speculate that the majority of non-members are residential practitioners.   

 We have some real problems in our profession and architectural education system.  For one, there is a one-size-fits-all degree/license that trains all architects to be general practitioners - lead designers at that.  The reality is...very few practice this way.  It seems as AIA treats its membership the same, failing to recognize the disparity between the sole practitioner (who typically has to rely on his/her spouse to be the bread winner) and the corporate principle.   When coupled with the exorbitant dues of NCARB, LEED, etc. it is hard to justify the ROI for a sole practitioner.  Why can't AIA recognize this and try to capture that sector?  What if there were a sliding dues structure?  (not a tax on large firms).  but, what would be lost if there was a membership as low as $200.00 for sole practioners.  If the AIA could dempnstrate some value for this, they might pick up 35,000 members!  Or, should there be a separate organization, that works cooperatively with the AIA to meet the needs of the small practitioner? 

My final quetion is....why are the efforts just beginning to happen?  Many, like myself, feeel it is too little, too late and, unless i can percieve some real value now, I am not illing to wait it out a generation for things to gradually change. 

Rand - I'm with you on this. 

 After some 20 years of bine an AIA member, including two terms on my chapter's board of directors, chairing three committees (scholarship, Education, Design Awards) and serving an a variety of other roles, I have come to the conclusion that the dues  do not have an ROI for residential architects.  Simply pu, the AIA does not "get" residential architecture.  This is evident from their promotional materials (btw there is a video on using an architect for a house, and true to AIA form it shows someone building an expensive, one-off, Eurobox, that claims to be "green" while located on a remote site.) , contracts, publications, and awards programs.  They just don't get it, and I don't think they ever will!  They are out of touch with residential practice.  Period!

 My question is.... Instead of forming a new group, why can't CORA take this over?  I would gladly pay a reasonable amount for dues to an organization that (as Dave A. has pointed out) celebrates the process of working with an architect instead of heroic individuals and iconic objects.

CORA was founded by residential architects who were disgusted with the AIA and it's publication.  I don't know why they feel they need to be partnering with CRAN.  The fact is, the majority of licensed architects (aprox. 52%) are not AIA members.  I'd be willing to guess the majority of non-members are involved in residential practices. 

 We need someone to advocate for us.  Here are some of the top issues:

 + Regulating single family design (this will have to be done in cooperation with NAHB and will likely sprout a second tier of licensure).  But, its time has come.

 + Advocation for form-based zoning codes.

 + Advocation of sustainability using common sense principles (see S. Mouzan "Original Green") in lieu of high performance (i.e. LEED) buildings that ignore urban issues and common esthetic principles.  Let's communicate to the public that sprawl is bad for them

 + Contracts for residential architects.  (at two AIA conferences I was told by two different attorney/architects to not use AIA small project contracts, instead use B141, etc.  These guys had obviously never worked with residential clients and builders before - and I could see my projects going up 15% by introducing those contracts, let alone being laughed out of a meeting by any intelligent residential contractor)

 + Process documentation that articulates what is necessary in residential CD's and design serives at different levels.

 These are but a few.  But, my big question goes out to the leadership at CORA? 

 Why are you continuing to affiliate with the AIA?  They continue to let the majority of residential practitioners down.

 Why are you inclusive of non-licensed designers, legitimizing their practices?

 Why not become a dues supporting professional organization for licensed design professionals engaged in residential practice? 

My question to AIA members with dedicated residential practies is:  Why do you continue to put up with this?

--snip--

My question to AIA members with dedicated residential practies is:  Why do you continue to put up with this?

Rand - I'm with you on this. 

 After some 20 years of bine an AIA member, including two terms on my chapter's board of directors, chairing three committees (scholarship, Education, Design Awards) and serving an a variety of other roles, I have come to the conclusion that the dues  do not have an ROI for residential architects.  Simply pu, the AIA does not "get" residential architecture.  This is evident from their promotional materials (btw there is a video on using an architect for a house, and true to AIA form it shows someone building an expensive, one-off, Eurobox, that claims to be "green" while located on a remote site.) , contracts, publications, and awards programs.  They just don't get it, and I don't think they ever will!  They are out of touch with residential practice.  Period!

 My question is.... Instead of forming a new group, why can't CORA take this over?  I would gladly pay a reasonable amount for dues to an organization that (as Dave A. has pointed out) celebrates the process of working with an architect instead of heroic individuals and iconic objects.

CORA was founded by residential architects who were disgusted with the AIA and it's publication.  I don't know why they feel they need to be partnering with CRAN.  The fact is, the majority of licensed architects (aprox. 52%) are not AIA members.  I'd be willing to guess the majority of non-members are involved in residential practices. 

 We need someone to advocate for us.  Here are some of the top issues:

 + Regulating single family design (this will have to be done in cooperation with NAHB and will likely sprout a second tier of licensure).  But, its time has come.

 + Advocation for form-based zoning codes.

 + Advocation of sustainability using common sense principles (see S. Mouzan "Original Green") in lieu of high performance (i.e. LEED) buildings that ignore urban issues and common esthetic principles.  Let's communicate to the public that sprawl is bad for them

 + Contracts for residential architects.  (at two AIA conferences I was told by two different attorney/architects to not use AIA small project contracts, instead use B141, etc.  These guys had obviously never worked with residential clients and builders before - and I could see my projects going up 15% by introducing those contracts, let alone being laughed out of a meeting by any intelligent residential contractor)

 + Process documentation that articulates what is necessary in residential CD's and design serives at different levels.

 These are but a few.  But, my big question goes out to the leadership at CORA? 

 Why are you continuing to affiliate with the AIA?  They continue to let the majority of residential practitioners down.

 Why are you inclusive of non-licensed designers, legitimizing their practices?

 Why not become a dues supporting professional organization for licensed design professionals engaged in residential practice? 

My question to AIA members with dedicated residential practies is:  Why do you continue to put up with this?

Rand,

As chair of the Small Firm Round Table, I challenge you to get involved in the AIA. It is easy to carp and throw stones but it takes more effort to get away from your computer and do something. We, the AIA, are a hardworking group of both volunteers and professional staff. I am amazed by everything that the AIA does for our profession. In the past two weeks, I have participated in a small slice of what is happening around the country. This includes:

• A conference call set up by the National Government Affairs Department with a member of Congress who serves on the small business committee to discuss small architecture firms.
• A presentation from the Large Firm Round Table and the National Government Affairs Dept. on unpaid federal design competitions.
• A planning conference call for a seminar on online marketing for residential architects by CRAN and HOUZZ.com. Our staff support, Kathleen Simpson, participated while on vacation.
• I was one of 12 reviewers who each reviewed 16 presentation for the 2013 AIA National Convention in Denver. The Board Knowledge Committee is committed to offer more advanced and better continuing education seminars to our members.
• Our monthly Small Firm Round Table conference call with representatives from each region to discuss how we can help small firms, and
• I spent 2 days collecting oral histories for AIA South Carolina.

Other members of the Small Firm Round Table participated in the following:

• There is a small group which includes residential architects that is working with the AIA Contract Document department on creating contract documents that work for small firms. If you have language that you want to include let me know.
• There is a group who is working with AIA National media staff to makes sure that small firms and small firm's issues  are covered in the print publications and outside marketing efforts and
• Another group is working to create a library of best presentations for use by local SFRTs.

Next week the Knowledge Leadership Assembly is meeting.  After attending last year, I was awed by the amount of programs each knowledge community was producing. I expect to be similarly impressed this year.

I have found that by participating in the AIA, I can make a difference.

Jane Federick, FAIA
Principal
Frederick & Frederick Architects
Beaufort SC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2012 08:29
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: A New Organization Exclusively Representing the Mission of Licensed, American Residential Architects

Hi Carol, thank you for your thoughtful comments. 

I understand what you are saying about maintaining a new organization once the initial fire and passions have abated. 

Here is another thing to consider: would it be easier to continue to fight an uphill battle?  To struggle through a giant swimming pool filled with wet sand, resisting your every step? 

Would that be easier than clearing a path so that Everything you do is focused on your goal of improving the situation for residential architects?  5 years to get our own blog site?  That's it? 

Couldn't we accomplish more, if we had complete access to and use of how our dues was spent? 
Not on providing elaborate buildings (and their maintenance costs) so that our administrative staff can have full-time cushy jobs and regular paychecks from our hard-earned dollars.  You work hard for the money (wasn't that a song?). 

You should be part of an organization that gives you something more for your money (and effort) than 3 letters after your name.
An organization that exists solely to help you in your daily professional life.  To improve your business and the practice of residential architecture. 

An organization that promotes your profession publicly, with enthusiasm, so that you one day actually get a phone call from a local potential client who says to you: "Hi Carol, I just saw a public service announcement on TV about residential architects.  I never thought about that before.  Is that what you are?  Would you consider designing my house?" 

Wouldn't that be wonderful?  Do you see that happening under the present situation?

The AIA has been around for 157 years.  It has collected BILLIONS of hard-working member dues from architects just like you over the years, who have an unwavering faith that some day, the AIA will take care of this and take care of you; that they have your back. 

Some day, they will inform the public about what you do. 
Some day...  Well, how long would you like to wait for that?  Another 157 years?  And out of the nearly $50 million the AIA rakes in each year for dues (Local + State + National), how much is spent on YOUR agenda: residential architecture and getting new work?  Good question.  Does anyone know?

I admire your loyalty.  I have been an AIA member off and on since 1982, longer than you, I'll bet.  And through all these decades, I have never seen the AIA have much of a concern about the fate of residential architects.  We are their red-haired stepchildren, possibly even an embarrassment to their primarily commercial practitioners. Since I have practiced both commercial and residential I may have more perspective on this than many who only practice in one venue.

I urge you to think about what should happen, when some organization has continued to disappoint, year after year, decade after decade, century after century.  This has been going on for over a century and a half!  People tend to dismiss things that have happened before they were born, and only view the World through their limited, short lifetimes, thinking that because they are here, things will be different.  I wish that were so. And some hearty souls can bring about change.  For instance: God bless the CRAN!  Those guys and gals are trying so hard, working within the belly of the big, lumbering beast. But slogging through the wet sand.  Years to make strides forward, bless 'em.  I salute their courage and dedication.  I just don't know if I want to continue the hike through the deep mud, sucking at the soles of my boots as I try to bring about change for the better: getting a bigger piece of the dues pie focused on our issues. 

CRAN has to try to generate its own cashflow, through having its own events!  Unbelievable.  Amazing that those people are so dedicated at working within the system!  Once again: bless their hearts!  The point is: don't you think it would make more sense that the AIA should allocate more of the nearly $50 million it rakes in every year to the interests of residential architects?  Probably ain't gonna happen.  Hasn't in 1.5 centuries.  Why?  Because the primarily commercial architecture bent of the AIA will likely always consume most, if not all of the budget.  And comments like mine will go down a black hole, never to see the light of day. 

And...what's that outside?  4 black suburbans just pulled up and 12 guys in black ninja outfits hopped out, all running toward my house...I.........I......................................................
.............................................................................................

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2012 11:56
From: Carol De Tine
Subject: A New Organization Exclusively Representing the Mission of Licensed, American Residential Architects

Glad to see some warm and fuzzy comments entering the discussion!

I have learned in my various volunteer efforts - architectural, social and cultural - that it a lot easier to start something new than it is to maintain it. New is fun! exciting! rewarding! After the crusading impulse wears off, maintaining is a slog. Staying relevant is a significant challenge.

I'd rather work for change within the AIA than start a new organization. CRAN has created a place where I can do that. It's up to me to help it be successful. 

I would encourage anyone interested in what the AIA and CRAN are doing for residential architects to attend the CRAN symposium in Newport, Rhode Island in September. Meet your fellow residential architects who are not just posting messages to forums (and to be clear, I believe these messages are valuable) but are also coming together to learn, share ideas, and be an active part of improving our professional organization's value to residential architects.
 
Symposium link -- 
http://network.aia.org/cran/Home/Symposium2012/
David Andreozzi and AIA RI are the hosts - don't let the enormous effort they have put into this event go to waste.

(no, David did not ask me to post this ... )

Whether or not you can make it to Newport, please do think about getting involved in CRAN. It's the best we've got and we can help make it even better.

-------------------------------------------
Carol De Tine AIA
Principal
Carriage House Studio Architects, LLC
Portland ME
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2012 22:02
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: A New Organization Exclusively Representing the Mission of Licensed, American Residential Architects


Hi Rand,

First off, thank you very much. My general love of historic archetypes and reinterpretation of past archetypes definitely makes me the dinosaur among us!  I am often jealous of the more modern designers at times.

My website was our third website redesign, and really designed as a temporary stop gap because we didn't have the time to do a complete redesign, but hated the dated materials on the old site. (we do everything in house) We decided to compromise and just get some new images on line and hope that they alone would speak for themselves until we built a real complete new website from scratch. It's way too spartan and missing allot of content. That's been 3 years ago or so now. Time flies, urgh. We really focus on Facebook where we communicate our ideologies with clients and future interns.

Thanks again for you kind words... and we all deserve more clients!

Dave

-------------------------------------------
David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
-------------------------------------------

Rand,

As chair of the Small Firm Round Table, I challenge you to get involved in the AIA. It is easy to carp and throw stones but it takes more effort to get away from your computer and do something. We, the AIA, are a hardworking group of both volunteers and professional staff. I am amazed by everything that the AIA does for our profession. In the past two weeks, I have participated in a small slice of what is happening around the country. This includes:

• A conference call set up by the National Government Affairs Department with a member of Congress who serves on the small business committee to discuss small architecture firms.
• A presentation from the Large Firm Round Table and the National Government Affairs Dept. on unpaid federal design competitions.
• A planning conference call for a seminar on online marketing for residential architects by CRAN and HOUZZ.com. Our staff support, Kathleen Simpson, participated while on vacation.
• I was one of 12 reviewers who each reviewed 16 presentation for the 2013 AIA National Convention in Denver. The Board Knowledge Committee is committed to offer more advanced and better continuing education seminars to our members.
• Our monthly Small Firm Round Table conference call with representatives from each region to discuss how we can help small firms, and
• I spent 2 days collecting oral histories for AIA South Carolina.

Other members of the Small Firm Round Table participated in the following:

• There is a small group which includes residential architects that is working with the AIA Contract Document department on creating contract documents that work for small firms. If you have language that you want to include let me know.
• There is a group who is working with AIA National media staff to makes sure that small firms and small firm's issues  are covered in the print publications and outside marketing efforts and
• Another group is working to create a library of best presentations for use by local SFRTs.

Next week the Knowledge Leadership Assembly is meeting.  After attending last year, I was awed by the amount of programs each knowledge community was producing. I expect to be similarly impressed this year.

I have found that by participating in the AIA, I can make a difference.

Jane Federick, FAIA
Principal
Frederick & Frederick Architects
Beaufort SC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2012 08:29
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: A New Organization Exclusively Representing the Mission of Licensed, American Residential Architects

Hi Carol, thank you for your thoughtful comments. 

I understand what you are saying about maintaining a new organization once the initial fire and passions have abated. 

Here is another thing to consider: would it be easier to continue to fight an uphill battle?  To struggle through a giant swimming pool filled with wet sand, resisting your every step? 

Would that be easier than clearing a path so that Everything you do is focused on your goal of improving the situation for residential architects?  5 years to get our own blog site?  That's it? 

Couldn't we accomplish more, if we had complete access to and use of how our dues was spent? 
Not on providing elaborate buildings (and their maintenance costs) so that our administrative staff can have full-time cushy jobs and regular paychecks from our hard-earned dollars.  You work hard for the money (wasn't that a song?). 

You should be part of an organization that gives you something more for your money (and effort) than 3 letters after your name.
An organization that exists solely to help you in your daily professional life.  To improve your business and the practice of residential architecture. 

An organization that promotes your profession publicly, with enthusiasm, so that you one day actually get a phone call from a local potential client who says to you: "Hi Carol, I just saw a public service announcement on TV about residential architects.  I never thought about that before.  Is that what you are?  Would you consider designing my house?" 

Wouldn't that be wonderful?  Do you see that happening under the present situation?

The AIA has been around for 157 years.  It has collected BILLIONS of hard-working member dues from architects just like you over the years, who have an unwavering faith that some day, the AIA will take care of this and take care of you; that they have your back. 

Some day, they will inform the public about what you do. 
Some day...  Well, how long would you like to wait for that?  Another 157 years?  And out of the nearly $50 million the AIA rakes in each year for dues (Local + State + National), how much is spent on YOUR agenda: residential architecture and getting new work?  Good question.  Does anyone know?

I admire your loyalty.  I have been an AIA member off and on since 1982, longer than you, I'll bet.  And through all these decades, I have never seen the AIA have much of a concern about the fate of residential architects.  We are their red-haired stepchildren, possibly even an embarrassment to their primarily commercial practitioners. Since I have practiced both commercial and residential I may have more perspective on this than many who only practice in one venue.

I urge you to think about what should happen, when some organization has continued to disappoint, year after year, decade after decade, century after century.  This has been going on for over a century and a half!  People tend to dismiss things that have happened before they were born, and only view the World through their limited, short lifetimes, thinking that because they are here, things will be different.  I wish that were so. And some hearty souls can bring about change.  For instance: God bless the CRAN!  Those guys and gals are trying so hard, working within the belly of the big, lumbering beast. But slogging through the wet sand.  Years to make strides forward, bless 'em.  I salute their courage and dedication.  I just don't know if I want to continue the hike through the deep mud, sucking at the soles of my boots as I try to bring about change for the better: getting a bigger piece of the dues pie focused on our issues. 

CRAN has to try to generate its own cashflow, through having its own events!  Unbelievable.  Amazing that those people are so dedicated at working within the system!  Once again: bless their hearts!  The point is: don't you think it would make more sense that the AIA should allocate more of the nearly $50 million it rakes in every year to the interests of residential architects?  Probably ain't gonna happen.  Hasn't in 1.5 centuries.  Why?  Because the primarily commercial architecture bent of the AIA will likely always consume most, if not all of the budget.  And comments like mine will go down a black hole, never to see the light of day. 

And...what's that outside?  4 black suburbans just pulled up and 12 guys in black ninja outfits hopped out, all running toward my house...I.........I......................................................
.............................................................................................

-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2012 11:56
From: Carol De Tine
Subject: A New Organization Exclusively Representing the Mission of Licensed, American Residential Architects

Glad to see some warm and fuzzy comments entering the discussion!

I have learned in my various volunteer efforts - architectural, social and cultural - that it a lot easier to start something new than it is to maintain it. New is fun! exciting! rewarding! After the crusading impulse wears off, maintaining is a slog. Staying relevant is a significant challenge.

I'd rather work for change within the AIA than start a new organization. CRAN has created a place where I can do that. It's up to me to help it be successful. 

I would encourage anyone interested in what the AIA and CRAN are doing for residential architects to attend the CRAN symposium in Newport, Rhode Island in September. Meet your fellow residential architects who are not just posting messages to forums (and to be clear, I believe these messages are valuable) but are also coming together to learn, share ideas, and be an active part of improving our professional organization's value to residential architects.
 
Symposium link -- 
http://network.aia.org/cran/Home/Symposium2012/
David Andreozzi and AIA RI are the hosts - don't let the enormous effort they have put into this event go to waste.

(no, David did not ask me to post this ... )

Whether or not you can make it to Newport, please do think about getting involved in CRAN. It's the best we've got and we can help make it even better.

-------------------------------------------
Carol De Tine AIA
Principal
Carriage House Studio Architects, LLC
Portland ME
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2012 22:02
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: A New Organization Exclusively Representing the Mission of Licensed, American Residential Architects


Hi Rand,

First off, thank you very much. My general love of historic archetypes and reinterpretation of past archetypes definitely makes me the dinosaur among us!  I am often jealous of the more modern designers at times.

My website was our third website redesign, and really designed as a temporary stop gap because we didn't have the time to do a complete redesign, but hated the dated materials on the old site. (we do everything in house) We decided to compromise and just get some new images on line and hope that they alone would speak for themselves until we built a real complete new website from scratch. It's way too spartan and missing allot of content. That's been 3 years ago or so now. Time flies, urgh. We really focus on Facebook where we communicate our ideologies with clients and future interns.

Thanks again for you kind words... and we all deserve more clients!

Dave

-------------------------------------------
David Andreozzi AIA
Owner
Andreozzi Architects
Barrington RI
-------------------------------------------

Rand,

As chair of the Small Firm Round Table, I challenge you to get involved in the AIA. It is easy to carp and throw stones but it takes more effort to get away from your computer and do something. We, the AIA, are a hardworking group of both volunteers and professional staff. I am amazed by everything that the AIA does for our profession. In the past two weeks, I have participated in a small slice of what is happening around the country. This includes:

• A conference call set up by the National Government Affairs Department with a member of Congress who serves on the small business committee to discuss small architecture firms.
• A presentation from the Large Firm Round Table and the National Government Affairs Dept. on unpaid federal design competitions.
• A planning conference call for a seminar on online marketing for residential architects by CRAN and HOUZZ.com. Our staff support, Kathleen Simpson, participated while on vacation.
• I was one of 12 reviewers who each reviewed 16 presentation for the 2013 AIA National Convention in Denver. The Board Knowledge Committee is committed to offer more advanced and better continuing education seminars to our members.
• Our monthly Small Firm Round Table conference call with representatives from each region to discuss how we can help small firms, and
• I spent 2 days collecting oral histories for AIA South Carolina.

Other members of the Small Firm Round Table participated in the following:

• There is a small group which includes residential architects that is working with the AIA Contract Document department on creating contract documents that work for small firms. If you have language that you want to include let me know.
• There is a group who is working with AIA National media staff to makes sure that small firms and small firm's issues  are covered in the print publications and outside marketing efforts and
• Another group is working to create a library of best presentations for use by local SFRTs.

Next week the Knowledge Leadership Assembly is meeting.  After attending last year, I was awed by the amount of programs each knowledge community was producing. I expect to be similarly impressed this year.

I have found that by participating in the AIA, I can make a difference.

Jane Federick, FAIA
Principal
Frederick & Frederick Architects
Beaufort SC
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2012 08:29
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: A New Organization Exclusively Representing the Mission of Licensed, American Residential Architects

Hi Carol, thank you for your thoughtful comments. 

I understand what you are saying about maintaining a new organization once the initial fire and passions have abated. 

Here is another thing to consider: would it be easier to continue to fight an uphill battle?  To struggle through a giant swimming pool filled with wet sand, resisting your every step? 

Would that be easier than clearing a path so that Everything you do is focused on your goal of improving the situation for residential architects?  5 years to get our own blog site?  That's it? 

Couldn't we accomplish more, if we had complete access to and use of how our dues was spent? 
Not on providing elaborate buildings (and their maintenance costs) so that our administrative staff can have full-time cushy jobs and regular paychecks from our hard-earned dollars.  You work hard for the money (wasn't that a song?). 

You should be part of an organization that gives you something more for your money (and effort) than 3 letters after your name.
An organization that exists solely to help you in your daily professional life.  To improve your business and the practice of residential architecture. 

An organization that promotes your profession publicly, with enthusiasm, so that you one day actually get a phone call from a local potential client who says to you: "Hi Carol, I just saw a public service announcement on TV about residential architects.  I never thought about that before.  Is that what you are?  Would you consider designing my house?" 

Wouldn't that be wonderful?  Do you see that happening under the present situation?

The AIA has been around for 157 years.  It has collected BILLIONS of hard-working member dues from architects just like you over the years, who have an unwavering faith that some day, the AIA will take care of this and take care of you; that they have your back. 

Some day, they will inform the public about what you do. 
Some day...  Well, how long would you like to wait for that?  Another 157 years?  And out of the nearly $50 million the AIA rakes in each year for dues (Local + State + National), how much is spent on YOUR agenda: residential architecture and getting new work?  Good question.  Does anyone know?

I admire your loyalty.  I have been an AIA member off and on since 1982, longer than you, I'll bet.  And through all these decades, I have never seen the AIA have much of a concern about the fate of residential architects.  We are their red-haired stepchildren, possibly even an embarrassment to their primarily commercial practitioners. Since I have practiced both commercial and residential I may have more perspective on this than many who only practice in one venue.

I urge you to think about what should happen, when some organization has continued to disappoint, year after year, decade after decade, century after century.  This has been going on for over a century and a half!  People tend to dismiss things that have happened before they were born, and only view the World through their limited, short lifetimes, thinking that because they are here, things will be different.  I wish that were so. And some hearty souls can bring about change.  For instance: God bless the CRAN!  Those guys and gals are trying so hard, working within the belly of the big, lumbering beast. But slogging through the wet sand.  Years to make strides forward, bless 'em.  I salute their courage and dedication.  I just don't know if I want to continue the hike through the deep mud, sucking at the soles of my boots as I try to bring about change for the better: getting a bigger piece of the dues pie focused on our issues. 

CRAN has to try to generate its own cashflow, through having its own events!  Unbelievable.  Amazing that those people are so dedicated at working within the system!  Once again: bless their hearts!  The point is: don't you think it would make more sense that the AIA should allocate more of the nearly $50 million it rakes in every year to the interests of residential architects?  Probably ain't gonna happen.  Hasn't in 1.5 centuries.  Why?  Because the primarily commercial architecture bent of the AIA will likely always consume most, if not all of the budget.  And comments like mine will go down a black hole, never to see the light of day. 

And...what's that outside?  4 black suburbans just pulled up and 12 guys in black ninja outfits hopped out, all running toward my house...I.........I......................................................
.............................................................................................

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Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2012 11:56
From: Carol De Tine
Subject: A New Organization Exclusively Representing the Mission of Licensed, American Residential Architects

Glad to see some warm and fuzzy comments entering the discussion!

I have learned in my various volunteer efforts - architectural, social and cultural - that it a lot easier to start something new than it is to maintain it. New is fun! exciting! rewarding! After the crusading impulse wears off, maintaining is a slog. Staying relevant is a significant challenge.

I'd rather work for change within the AIA than start a new organization. CRAN has created a place where I can do that. It's up to me to help it be successful. 

I would encourage anyone interested in what the AIA and CRAN are doing for residential architects to attend the CRAN symposium in Newport, Rhode Island in September. Meet your fellow residential architects who are not just posting messages to forums (and to be clear, I believe these messages are valuable) but are also coming together to learn, share ideas, and be an active part of improving our professional organization's value to residential architects.
 
Symposium link -- 
http://network.aia.org/cran/Home/Symposium2012/
David Andreozzi and AIA RI are the hosts - don't let the enormous effort they have put into this event go to waste.

(no, David did not ask me to post this ... )

Whether or not you can make it to Newport, please do think about getting involved in CRAN. It's the best we've got and we can help make it even better.

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Carol De Tine AIA
Principal
Carriage House Studio Architects, LLC
Portland ME
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