Building Performance Knowledge Community

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technical Design for Building Performance Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
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I have been a member since 1981, have had my own small practice since 1987, and have been reluctantly writing large checks for local, state, national dues all these years.  I say reluctantly because frankly I have never felt any real value from membership beyond having the initials on my business card, ( too much of the general public thinks "AIA" it means you are licensed).  I have always felt that the AIA should spend the money on educating the public as to the roles we actually play and the value of hiring licensed architects.  There was a short radio ad some years ago, played on public radio, which I applauded.  But it lasted for such a brief time (I heard it once) I doubt it made any impact.  I agree with the architect who wrote that our services should be made a requirement of any remodel or new construction project.  With the fancy current computer programs on the market there are too many novices out there thinking they can do it themselves.  Or property owners relying on contractors to design as they build.  As a small firm owner I find it difficult to convince many homeowners of the true value of our work and how the fees they pay us actually save them time, money and frustration.  Not to mention the design impact on their lives and the environment.  We have always been viewed as a "luxury", not a necessity.  This has to change.  I don't think so many of us would be so upset about the high cost of being a member of the AIA if the organization actually HELPED us increase our billings
and our perceived value in society. 

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Gina Moffitt AIA
Kiyohara & Moffitt
Los Angeles CA
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Mark Robin AIA
Mark Robin Architecture
Nashville TN
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Once again the AIA is evolving to sustain us in the future.  In our history has any other such efforts improve the profession.  If so, why would such mannerism be employed

From my perspective as a small project practitioner, the only way to elevate our lot is to make our services a requirement.  The services of other professions like medicine, accounting, lawyering are used through need, not value.   Firms need accounts to figure taxes, partnership filing, etc.  To obtain eye glasses one first must see an ophthalmologist.  What I am saying is the the total legislative efforts of the AIA should be to pass the necessary legislation so than no construction in this country can be permitted without the services of an Architect.

The level of services that should be required should provide an sustainable life for architects.  Morover the benefits to society and the better built environment with make our value obvious.  As things are now the Institute will continue struggling trying to sell value while "need" is what can sustain us.




Original Message:
Sent: 04-08-2013 18:37
From: Gina Moffitt
Subject: The AIA's role in promoting the profession

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technical Design for Building Performance Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
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I have been a member since 1981, have had my own small practice since 1987, and have been reluctantly writing large checks for local, state, national dues all these years.  I say reluctantly because frankly I have never felt any real value from membership beyond having the initials on my business card, ( too much of the general public thinks "AIA" it means you are licensed).  I have always felt that the AIA should spend the money on educating the public as to the roles we actually play and the value of hiring licensed architects.  There was a short radio ad some years ago, played on public radio, which I applauded.  But it lasted for such a brief time (I heard it once) I doubt it made any impact.  I agree with the architect who wrote that our services should be made a requirement of any remodel or new construction project.  With the fancy current computer programs on the market there are too many novices out there thinking they can do it themselves.  Or property owners relying on contractors to design as they build.  As a small firm owner I find it difficult to convince many homeowners of the true value of our work and how the fees they pay us actually save them time, money and frustration.  Not to mention the design impact on their lives and the environment.  We have always been viewed as a "luxury", not a necessity.  This has to change.  I don't think so many of us would be so upset about the high cost of being a member of the AIA if the organization actually HELPED us increase our billings
and our perceived value in society. 

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Gina Moffitt AIA
Kiyohara & Moffitt
Los Angeles CA
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Palmer Hafdahl AIA
Owner/Architect
Palm's Hawaii Architecture
Lihue HI
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Darned if you do, darned if you don't.
We have "benefited" from Hawaii State Law that mandates architects supervision of documents and observation of construction, which has a tendency to raise the level of building and reduce the perception of Architect as a necessary expense to be overcome, and/or service that is more commodity.  We continue to prove otherwise.  :)

aloha,

pH





Original Message:
Sent: 04-09-2013 19:32
From: Mark Robin
Subject: The AIA's role in promoting the profession



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Mark Robin AIA
Mark Robin Architecture
Nashville TN
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Once again the AIA is evolving to sustain us in the future.  In our history has any other such efforts improve the profession.  If so, why would such mannerism be employed

From my perspective as a small project practitioner, the only way to elevate our lot is to make our services a requirement.  The services of other professions like medicine, accounting, lawyering are used through need, not value.   Firms need accounts to figure taxes, partnership filing, etc.  To obtain eye glasses one first must see an ophthalmologist.  What I am saying is the the total legislative efforts of the AIA should be to pass the necessary legislation so than no construction in this country can be permitted without the services of an Architect.

The level of services that should be required should provide an sustainable life for architects.  Morover the benefits to society and the better built environment with make our value obvious.  As things are now the Institute will continue struggling trying to sell value while "need" is what can sustain us.




Original Message:
Sent: 04-08-2013 18:37
From: Gina Moffitt
Subject: The AIA's role in promoting the profession

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technical Design for Building Performance Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
-------------------------------------------
I have been a member since 1981, have had my own small practice since 1987, and have been reluctantly writing large checks for local, state, national dues all these years.  I say reluctantly because frankly I have never felt any real value from membership beyond having the initials on my business card, ( too much of the general public thinks "AIA" it means you are licensed).  I have always felt that the AIA should spend the money on educating the public as to the roles we actually play and the value of hiring licensed architects.  There was a short radio ad some years ago, played on public radio, which I applauded.  But it lasted for such a brief time (I heard it once) I doubt it made any impact.  I agree with the architect who wrote that our services should be made a requirement of any remodel or new construction project.  With the fancy current computer programs on the market there are too many novices out there thinking they can do it themselves.  Or property owners relying on contractors to design as they build.  As a small firm owner I find it difficult to convince many homeowners of the true value of our work and how the fees they pay us actually save them time, money and frustration.  Not to mention the design impact on their lives and the environment.  We have always been viewed as a "luxury", not a necessity.  This has to change.  I don't think so many of us would be so upset about the high cost of being a member of the AIA if the organization actually HELPED us increase our billings
and our perceived value in society. 

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Gina Moffitt AIA
Kiyohara & Moffitt
Los Angeles CA
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While my position on this subject has been that cultural changes should precede legislative ones (see prohibition, abortion, etc.), you bring up an interesting thought: if builders and owners are ready for post-disaster building code changes, perhaps they are ready for simultaneous administrative changes--changes to protect the public by requiring an architect's design.

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Sean Catherall AIA
Herriman UT
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2013 19:44
From: Palmer Hafdahl
Subject: The AIA's role in promoting the profession



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Palmer Hafdahl AIA
Owner/Architect
Palm's Hawaii Architecture
Lihue HI
-------------------------------------------
Darned if you do, darned if you don't.
We have "benefited" from Hawaii State Law that mandates architects supervision of documents and observation of construction, which has a tendency to raise the level of building and reduce the perception of Architect as a necessary expense to be overcome, and/or service that is more commodity.  We continue to prove otherwise.  :)

aloha,

pH

Well said.  Add to your comments the comments on a government employee that for years has paid my fees (hard to say dues) to the AIA with little impact to my career.

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Thomas Robinson AIA
Director of Facilities, Planning & Construction
Tennessee Dept. of Correction
Kingston Springs TN
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-08-2013 18:37
From: Gina Moffitt
Subject: The AIA's role in promoting the profession

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technical Design for Building Performance Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
-------------------------------------------
I have been a member since 1981, have had my own small practice since 1987, and have been reluctantly writing large checks for local, state, national dues all these years.  I say reluctantly because frankly I have never felt any real value from membership beyond having the initials on my business card, ( too much of the general public thinks "AIA" it means you are licensed).  I have always felt that the AIA should spend the money on educating the public as to the roles we actually play and the value of hiring licensed architects.  There was a short radio ad some years ago, played on public radio, which I applauded.  But it lasted for such a brief time (I heard it once) I doubt it made any impact.  I agree with the architect who wrote that our services should be made a requirement of any remodel or new construction project.  With the fancy current computer programs on the market there are too many novices out there thinking they can do it themselves.  Or property owners relying on contractors to design as they build.  As a small firm owner I find it difficult to convince many homeowners of the true value of our work and how the fees they pay us actually save them time, money and frustration.  Not to mention the design impact on their lives and the environment.  We have always been viewed as a "luxury", not a necessity.  This has to change.  I don't think so many of us would be so upset about the high cost of being a member of the AIA if the organization actually HELPED us increase our billings
and our perceived value in society. 

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Gina Moffitt AIA
Kiyohara & Moffitt
Los Angeles CA
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Thank you for bringing this topic up for discussion since most members and non-members can relate.
Certainly the AIA [We] can develop a solution that improves the environment of our profession.
Promoting the "need" for an Architect is key.  One can always represent themselves in a legal action, file their own taxes, or fix their car, etc. however most who hire a professional do so out of necessity not luxury. Most ads for these professions on televison, benches, etc. are from individual firms not their professional organizations. We have an effective organization advocating for us, we need to clearly define how we want it to be more. Let's keep discussing this topic until we've implemented a strategy that improved our condition.   

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David Ways AIA
Architect
Arcticstar Design, Inc.
Bradenton FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-08-2013 18:37
From: Gina Moffitt
Subject: The AIA's role in promoting the profession

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technical Design for Building Performance Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
-------------------------------------------
I have been a member since 1981, have had my own small practice since 1987, and have been reluctantly writing large checks for local, state, national dues all these years.  I say reluctantly because frankly I have never felt any real value from membership beyond having the initials on my business card, ( too much of the general public thinks "AIA" it means you are licensed).  I have always felt that the AIA should spend the money on educating the public as to the roles we actually play and the value of hiring licensed architects.  There was a short radio ad some years ago, played on public radio, which I applauded.  But it lasted for such a brief time (I heard it once) I doubt it made any impact.  I agree with the architect who wrote that our services should be made a requirement of any remodel or new construction project.  With the fancy current computer programs on the market there are too many novices out there thinking they can do it themselves.  Or property owners relying on contractors to design as they build.  As a small firm owner I find it difficult to convince many homeowners of the true value of our work and how the fees they pay us actually save them time, money and frustration.  Not to mention the design impact on their lives and the environment.  We have always been viewed as a "luxury", not a necessity.  This has to change.  I don't think so many of us would be so upset about the high cost of being a member of the AIA if the organization actually HELPED us increase our billings
and our perceived value in society. 

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Gina Moffitt AIA
Kiyohara & Moffitt
Los Angeles CA
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Educating the public ... We architects really aren't very good at this educating the public thing.

Imagine a "reality program" that features multiple architects in various stages of projects! Projects both large and small. From individual practitioners to very large firms - with architect narrators describing (and maybe debating) the "action".  An educational program that shows the facets of the practice that most people know nothing about ... and, naturally, some of the drama that we deal with! An educational program that doesn't seem like an educational program.

I have written a treatment for such a series, and am looking to place it in the right hands ... not easy. I have attached a pdf to this post that describes the proposal in more detail.

So, being the ever-hopeful optimist - here it is. What do you think?    


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Steven Cox AIA
President
Cox Architecture
Mccomb MS
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-08-2013 18:37
From: Gina Moffitt
Subject: The AIA's role in promoting the profession

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technical Design for Building Performance Knowledge Community and Small Project Practitioners .
-------------------------------------------
I have been a member since 1981, have had my own small practice since 1987, and have been reluctantly writing large checks for local, state, national dues all these years.  I say reluctantly because frankly I have never felt any real value from membership beyond having the initials on my business card, ( too much of the general public thinks "AIA" it means you are licensed).  I have always felt that the AIA should spend the money on educating the public as to the roles we actually play and the value of hiring licensed architects.  There was a short radio ad some years ago, played on public radio, which I applauded.  But it lasted for such a brief time (I heard it once) I doubt it made any impact.  I agree with the architect who wrote that our services should be made a requirement of any remodel or new construction project.  With the fancy current computer programs on the market there are too many novices out there thinking they can do it themselves.  Or property owners relying on contractors to design as they build.  As a small firm owner I find it difficult to convince many homeowners of the true value of our work and how the fees they pay us actually save them time, money and frustration.  Not to mention the design impact on their lives and the environment.  We have always been viewed as a "luxury", not a necessity.  This has to change.  I don't think so many of us would be so upset about the high cost of being a member of the AIA if the organization actually HELPED us increase our billings
and our perceived value in society. 

-------------------------------------------
Gina Moffitt AIA
Kiyohara & Moffitt
Los Angeles CA
-------------------------------------------