Custom Residential Architects Network

I would like to suggest a name change for CRAN.

Currently CRAN stands for Custom Residential Architects Network. My concern is for the term "Custom".

We all know that most houses that architects work on are custom designs. We also know that architects only design around 3% of homes built in the USA each year. My concern is that the term "Custom" by definition limits us to a small sliver of the homes built in the US. I realize there is no physical or conceptual limit, but using the term "Custom" suggests that by definition the other 97% of houses built in the US are not of concern. I take exception to that, and in fact my primary concern is the other 97%, particularly the poorly designed and poorly performing majority of that 97%.

I would like to suggest an alternate word to replace "Custom" that would be more inclusive of the housing industry and would at least not suggest there are limits to CRAN's concerns. My first thought is:

Collective Residential Architects Network - CRAN

I am open to other appropriate "C" words. But I think "Custom" is a mistake, and a poor choice for what I hope this group can become.


-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------

Greg,

We spent a year creating the separate "custom" knowledge community in order to differentiate our unique specialty from within the lager housing knowledge community http://network.aia.org/residentialknowledgecommunity/Home/  , which includes all.

Dave


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






Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2011 11:50
From: Gregory La Vardera
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN


I would like to suggest a name change for CRAN.

Currently CRAN stands for Custom Residential Architects Network. My concern is for the term "Custom".

We all know that most houses that architects work on are custom designs. We also know that architects only design around 3% of homes built in the USA each year. My concern is that the term "Custom" by definition limits us to a small sliver of the homes built in the US. I realize there is no physical or conceptual limit, but using the term "Custom" suggests that by definition the other 97% of houses built in the US are not of concern. I take exception to that, and in fact my primary concern is the other 97%, particularly the poorly designed and poorly performing majority of that 97%.

I would like to suggest an alternate word to replace "Custom" that would be more inclusive of the housing industry and would at least not suggest there are limits to CRAN's concerns. My first thought is:

Collective Residential Architects Network - CRAN

I am open to other appropriate "C" words. But I think "Custom" is a mistake, and a poor choice for what I hope this group can become.


-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------

David, I understand the value of separating the practice of making 1 and 2 family dwellings from larger housing project concerns, but I don't get the focus on "Custom". Why would we want to emphasize our narrow(ing) segment of home design?

-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2011 12:10
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN


Greg,

We spent a year creating the separate "custom" knowledge community in order to differentiate our unique specialty from within the lager housing knowledge community http://network.aia.org/residentialknowledgecommunity/Home/  , which includes all.

Dave


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

HI Greg,

Then ask, why separate all architects into Knowledge Communities at all? The importance as I see it is that you can concentrate a discipline of people together in order to advocate and create educational content for a very particular idiosyncratic discipline. In other words, I don't want to go to a Housing knowledge community symposium and sit through 50% of the classes that are unrelated to what I do... custom residential architecture.

When I go to the current CRAN Symposiums, the content is mostly all very relevant, and worth spending money and losing billing to rationalize my attendance.  Link to upcoming symposium is here http://tinyurl.com/3g4t6wp

Fondly,

Dave


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






Original Message:
Sent: 08-31-2011 00:20
From: Gregory La Vardera
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN

David, I understand the value of separating the practice of making 1 and 2 family dwellings from larger housing project concerns, but I don't get the focus on "Custom". Why would we want to emphasize our narrow(ing) segment of home design?

-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2011 12:10
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN


Greg,

We spent a year creating the separate "custom" knowledge community in order to differentiate our unique specialty from within the lager housing knowledge community http://network.aia.org/residentialknowledgecommunity/Home/  , which includes all.

Dave


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

I recently joined this network specifically because of the word "custom". I figured the topics and resources we'd be exposed to would focus exclusively on residential design for the end users.

-------------------------------------------
Mark Mobley AIA
Mark Mobley Architecture
Baltimore MD
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Michael Cullen AIA
Elmhurst IL
-------------------------------------------
To all in this Discussion:

I think that we need to go back to the AIA Knowledge Communities
Website and read Who Is CRAN ?    It basically says that it is architects
who practice residential architecture for individual owners doing remodelings, additions
or ground up homes.    That is the focus of this particular group.   Yes, it is a narrowly defined group.  
If you do this kind of work, how can it be anything but custom work.    If you want to remove/change
the word custom from the name of the group do you also intend to change or widen the focus of the group?
Or perhaps you need another group with a wider focus.



Original Message:
Sent: 08-31-2011 00:20
From: Gregory La Vardera
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN

David, I understand the value of separating the practice of making 1 and 2 family dwellings from larger housing project concerns, but I don't get the focus on "Custom". Why would we want to emphasize our narrow(ing) segment of home design?

-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2011 12:10
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN


Greg,

We spent a year creating the separate "custom" knowledge community in order to differentiate our unique specialty from within the lager housing knowledge community http://network.aia.org/residentialknowledgecommunity/Home/  , which includes all.

Dave


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

I have to confess that I was hoping for CRAN to be about a good deal of what CORA was about, but perhaps that is my own misunderstanding and prejudice. 

-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------

I agree!
Actually I think it should be named Custom (and Unbelievably Talented and Resourceful) Residential Architects Network. To me a "Custom" residential architect brings not only knowledge of space planning, style and construction methods, but also knowledge of moldings and millwork, furnishings, fixtures, finishes, decorative accessories, interiors, lighting, HVAC, electronics and  landscape design, the entire range of things that can be found a fine residence.

The "custom" architect should coordinate and direct all of these areas and as such has to have a "customized" knowledge. We as a profession have abdicated to builders, interior designers, landscapers and engineers much of our design responsibilities. (and most of our housing stock shows it) All those people are necessary as part of the process but the "custom" architect should orchestrate those disciplines to get his or her individual client the best result for their individual project.

So I would love to see this network to stop worrying a bout a name and promote and publish anything that gives me a more "customized" knowledge of all aspects of fine residential architecture.

For instance, here in Fort Worth I am about to use an AC system by LG called the Multi V.  Daiken makes a similar unit called a VRV III. I am using it because of the ability to have multiple air handlers and to locate the compressors for these units  in one centralized location in one centralized unit.

Has anyone installed and had operational experience with this system? Any problems with them? Feedback would be really appreciated. Also has anyone had experience with the Unico Small Duct High Velocity system?

Thanks

Randall Walton


-------------------------------------------
Randall Walton AIA
Vice President
Walton & Walton, Inc
Fort Worth TX
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2011 10:49
From: Michael Cullen
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN



-------------------------------------------
Michael Cullen AIA
Elmhurst IL
-------------------------------------------
To all in this Discussion:

I think that we need to go back to the AIA Knowledge Communities
Website and read Who Is CRAN ?    It basically says that it is architects
who practice residential architecture for individual owners doing remodelings, additions
or ground up homes.    That is the focus of this particular group.   Yes, it is a narrowly defined group.  
If you do this kind of work, how can it be anything but custom work.    If you want to remove/change
the word custom from the name of the group do you also intend to change or widen the focus of the group?
Or perhaps you need another group with a wider focus.

I've used the Unico system a number of times.  It can be great for a renovation, as the small ducts (about 3" dia.) are flexible and can go almost anywhere, but it can also be very loud as each duct is tied to one diffuser and the fan motor is one speed only.  Thus you can get a fair amount of air noise at the diffuser. 

I have a friend in Fort Worth who has the system installed (I did not do the project but used to live in Ft. Worth).  They might be willing to let you see the installation (theirs is very quiet, compared to the one I have installed in my own house here in VA).

Hope this helps.

Glenn
-------------------------------------------
Glenn MacCullough AIA
MacCullough Architects, P.C.
Arlington VA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2011 10:24
From: Randall Walton
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN

I agree!
Actually I think it should be named Custom (and Unbelievably Talented and Resourceful) Residential Architects Network. To me a "Custom" residential architect brings not only knowledge of space planning, style and construction methods, but also knowledge of moldings and millwork, furnishings, fixtures, finishes, decorative accessories, interiors, lighting, HVAC, electronics and  landscape design, the entire range of things that can be found a fine residence.

The "custom" architect should coordinate and direct all of these areas and as such has to have a "customized" knowledge. We as a profession have abdicated to builders, interior designers, landscapers and engineers much of our design responsibilities. (and most of our housing stock shows it) All those people are necessary as part of the process but the "custom" architect should orchestrate those disciplines to get his or her individual client the best result for their individual project.

So I would love to see this network to stop worrying a bout a name and promote and publish anything that gives me a more "customized" knowledge of all aspects of fine residential architecture.

For instance, here in Fort Worth I am about to use an AC system by LG called the Multi V.  Daiken makes a similar unit called a VRV III. I am using it because of the ability to have multiple air handlers and to locate the compressors for these units  in one centralized location in one centralized unit.

Has anyone installed and had operational experience with this system? Any problems with them? Feedback would be really appreciated. Also has anyone had experience with the Unico Small Duct High Velocity system?

Thanks

Randall Walton


-------------------------------------------
Randall Walton AIA
Vice President
Walton & Walton, Inc
Fort Worth TX
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2011 10:49
From: Michael Cullen
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN



-------------------------------------------
Michael Cullen AIA
Elmhurst IL
-------------------------------------------
To all in this Discussion:

I think that we need to go back to the AIA Knowledge Communities
Website and read Who Is CRAN ?    It basically says that it is architects
who practice residential architecture for individual owners doing remodelings, additions
or ground up homes.    That is the focus of this particular group.   Yes, it is a narrowly defined group.  
If you do this kind of work, how can it be anything but custom work.    If you want to remove/change
the word custom from the name of the group do you also intend to change or widen the focus of the group?
Or perhaps you need another group with a wider focus.

I don't think it's productive to change horses when charging across a stream. This knowledge committee has been on a role lately and would eclipse their momentum if they changed names. With that said, I have to admit, as a residential Architect, when I hear "Custom" I can't help but to think of all of my spec house competitors who all use this word to describe the 3 paint and 2 cabinet selections they give you for the same Mr. PotatoHead house design. If you want a Craftsman, just stick the tapered columns on the front, if you want a victorian you just plug in the gingerbread braces, etc. It's the same house, but it's custom. I've had my spec builders using terms like Unique or One of a Kind. Imagine using Unique instead of Custom and you get URAN. That's the proper pronunciation of Iran. Sometimes the acronym is more important than the specificity of the words making it. I like CRAN better. Maybe we can take "Custom" back from these guys and re-clarify to the consumer that this word requires more imagination on the part of the builder box guys?
-------------------------------------------
Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2011 10:49
From: Michael Cullen
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN



-------------------------------------------
Michael Cullen AIA
Elmhurst IL
-------------------------------------------
To all in this Discussion:

I think that we need to go back to the AIA Knowledge Communities
Website and read Who Is CRAN ?    It basically says that it is architects
who practice residential architecture for individual owners doing remodelings, additions
or ground up homes.    That is the focus of this particular group.   Yes, it is a narrowly defined group.  
If you do this kind of work, how can it be anything but custom work.    If you want to remove/change
the word custom from the name of the group do you also intend to change or widen the focus of the group?
Or perhaps you need another group with a wider focus.

I must agree with David in all respects and do not feel that a name change for CRAN is warrented.  We market ourselves as "Custom" Residential Architects.  If a potential client wants a custom home, they come to us.  If the other 97% feel like they can be satisfied with a generic plan, then it is our obligation to educate them on the many benefit of a custom design. 

Personally, I feel that the word "Collective" gives a Socialistic impression and does not express our individual creativity.  

-------------------------------------------
John Lehman AIA
Lehman Associates, PC
Highland MD
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2011 12:10
From: David Andreozzi
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN


Greg,

We spent a year creating the separate "custom" knowledge community in order to differentiate our unique specialty from within the lager housing knowledge community http://network.aia.org/residentialknowledgecommunity/Home/  , which includes all.

Dave


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






Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2011 11:50
From: Gregory La Vardera
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN


I would like to suggest a name change for CRAN.

Currently CRAN stands for Custom Residential Architects Network. My concern is for the term "Custom".

We all know that most houses that architects work on are custom designs. We also know that architects only design around 3% of homes built in the USA each year. My concern is that the term "Custom" by definition limits us to a small sliver of the homes built in the US. I realize there is no physical or conceptual limit, but using the term "Custom" suggests that by definition the other 97% of houses built in the US are not of concern. I take exception to that, and in fact my primary concern is the other 97%, particularly the poorly designed and poorly performing majority of that 97%.

I would like to suggest an alternate word to replace "Custom" that would be more inclusive of the housing industry and would at least not suggest there are limits to CRAN's concerns. My first thought is:

Collective Residential Architects Network - CRAN

I am open to other appropriate "C" words. But I think "Custom" is a mistake, and a poor choice for what I hope this group can become.


-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Michael John Smith FAIA
Owner
MJS Lighting Consultants
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------
Collective is good.

Michael





Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2011 11:50
From: Gregory La Vardera
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN


I would like to suggest a name change for CRAN.

Currently CRAN stands for Custom Residential Architects Network. My concern is for the term "Custom".

We all know that most houses that architects work on are custom designs. We also know that architects only design around 3% of homes built in the USA each year. My concern is that the term "Custom" by definition limits us to a small sliver of the homes built in the US. I realize there is no physical or conceptual limit, but using the term "Custom" suggests that by definition the other 97% of houses built in the US are not of concern. I take exception to that, and in fact my primary concern is the other 97%, particularly the poorly designed and poorly performing majority of that 97%.

I would like to suggest an alternate word to replace "Custom" that would be more inclusive of the housing industry and would at least not suggest there are limits to CRAN's concerns. My first thought is:

Collective Residential Architects Network - CRAN

I am open to other appropriate "C" words. But I think "Custom" is a mistake, and a poor choice for what I hope this group can become.


-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Michael John Smith FAIA
Owner
MJS Lighting Consultants
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------
How about dropping the C and using Residential Architects Network?





Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2011 11:50
From: Gregory La Vardera
Subject: Suggest name change for CRAN


I would like to suggest a name change for CRAN.

Currently CRAN stands for Custom Residential Architects Network. My concern is for the term "Custom".

We all know that most houses that architects work on are custom designs. We also know that architects only design around 3% of homes built in the USA each year. My concern is that the term "Custom" by definition limits us to a small sliver of the homes built in the US. I realize there is no physical or conceptual limit, but using the term "Custom" suggests that by definition the other 97% of houses built in the US are not of concern. I take exception to that, and in fact my primary concern is the other 97%, particularly the poorly designed and poorly performing majority of that 97%.

I would like to suggest an alternate word to replace "Custom" that would be more inclusive of the housing industry and would at least not suggest there are limits to CRAN's concerns. My first thought is:

Collective Residential Architects Network - CRAN

I am open to other appropriate "C" words. But I think "Custom" is a mistake, and a poor choice for what I hope this group can become.


-------------------------------------------
Gregory La Vardera
Architect
Gregory La Vardera Architect
Merchantville NJ
-------------------------------------------