Debra,
I agree that it's a great idea. I have forwarded this thread to the AIA Repositioning Initiative team. (Email them with more ideas at
repositioning@aia.org.) To learn more go to:
http://www.aia.org/repositioning.
As I mentioned from time to time, this is a member peer-to-peer forum. I, as a staff member at the national office in DC, do read all messages, but only forward and reply to posts when I can. (
For instance, several staff contributed to my thread reply on "side jobs.") Primarily, I support conferences, publications, and other
member-led projects for the 20+ knowledge communities. That's
100+ architect volunteers leading those communities.
They will tell you the best way to get your ideas acted upon is to
take a volunteer leadership role and the local, state, or national level...including
your other idea from March 2011. ;)
Perry,
I believe it's REALTORS because of trademark, not respect, per se. See the link above to March 2011 thread for my earlier explanation. Fun fact: You can add an auto-replace option on Microsoft Office to always change "architect" to "Architect."
-------------------------------------------
Kathleen Simpson
Manager, Knowledge Communities
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-04-2012 12:55
From: Perry Cofield
Subject: Architect Recognition and Realtors
-------------------------------------------
Perry Cofield AIA
Design Ways & Means Architects
Arlington VA
-------------------------------------------
If the architect-designed home is in a development of similar homes, all is well. If the custom design runs counter to the styles prevailing in a neighborhood, Realtors call it a "buyer specific listing", a code for HARDER TO SELL. With a plaque, at least the buyer would know who to call if they wanted to remodel the house! If the architect-designed home is part of a multiple in a tract, the finished product may have been altered any number of ways in construction. I think most Realtors neither know nor care about the fine points of a style designation, beyond a few basics. This doesn't really hurt Realtors- the public may not know either. The goal of the Realtor is simply to SELL THE HOUSE. For all this, "Realtor" must be capitalized, lest we be called down for disrespect!
Original Message:
Sent: 10-03-2012 07:27
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Architect Recognition and Realtors
On the public and governmental projects I've designed, I typically designed a metal plaque that was proudly mounted in the lobby of the project. The problem on a home design project is getting someone to pay for this and for allowing it to be part of their decor. Perhaps if it was small enough and something we architects paid for as part of our marketing costs. And maybe we could convince our clients that having such an identification could increase the value and appeal of their home, which is likely.
-------------------------------------------
Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Home Architects
Cashiers NC
-------------------------------------------