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Stay away from AIA? layoffs edition

vado retro

is there an alternative to the aia? if so, what is it? if not, why not?

Nov 12, 09 9:43 am  · 
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el jeffe

i know there are important line items for 'square footage' and 'location' on real estate appraisal forms, but is there one for 'proportion'?

Nov 12, 09 11:25 am  · 
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architectster

I like the idea of an ad campaign spreading the "think architect" message.
But I also think without some basis in reality- why hiring an architect now will save you money later sort of thing, it will not capture the imagination of the country.

Too many people think architecture is a luxury. AIA is not doing anything to help adwise. or, really, anyotherwise, so how do we express our needs? By NOT renewing our memberships? Sending in a big check every year has not gotten anyone's attention yet!

David

Nov 12, 09 12:53 pm  · 
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Distant Unicorn

People's Society of Architects!

Let's get the ball rolling!

Nov 12, 09 1:00 pm  · 
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architectster

I am not sure that a new Association is the answer. AIA was ours. There are 150+ years of history there. We need to figure out how to clean house, get someone in charge who understands architects.

McEntee comes from a MEDICAL background? What was the selection committee thinking? AIA is not a business school project, we need architects as leaders, not someone who failed her way out of the medical association world. When is her contract up?
How do we keep her from suing us for a few million if we show her the door? (I am quickly discovering things about the AIA management I should have known about as a member.

Where is good ole Norman? He brought us back from the brink before.

I also think that as long as they have that mess in DC, I would rather give my spare change-- and that is about all there is- to the local or state rather than giving a dime to National to mismanage politically. I stopped by the UM library this morning and threw myself on the mercy of a political science student working the door. Amazing what infor there is on Architects and lobbyists online.

So he got me to some interesting sites- and I have been perusing the most recent political buy offs to Congress by AIA and Arcipac. Why bother giving a few bucks here and there- these folks give And it looks like we have six lobbyists on staff- and a big lobbying firm- why???

Nov 12, 09 5:30 pm  · 
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Canary Trace

I always take a look each Friday at the AIA ThisWeek newsletter. I like seeing what local chapters are doing around the country and I always find the Kiplinger connection to be informative. From today's newsletter:

"AIArchitect moving to biweekly schedule
To reduce the amount of email members receive, the AIA will now publish AIArchitect on a biweekly schedule. Because of the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays, you will see your next issue on Friday, December 4. Look for some exciting news about who will be our next AIA Gold Medal recipient. Have a great Thanksgiving."

Not a word about staff reductions this week.

Additionally, Arch Record Online has also chosen to ignore.

Oh well. One less Email per week!

Nov 13, 09 9:50 am  · 
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aquapura

I'm another one of those registered Architects, but not AIA member. Went so far as to request the application packet, queried my employer on what they'd pay (1/3), did the math and then threw it in the trash.

Right now the only tangible reason I want to be a member is because having AIA behind your name has become the defacto indication that you are an Architect. Since I do most work out of state I can't run around saying I'm an Architect, but AIA would give me some professional credibility.

Still, I've taken pay cuts, etc. It's a tough time to cough up several hundred dollars. My daily expenses sure as hell haven't gone down. The mortgage is still the same, the grocery bill has gone up, the easy cuts were done long ago, my vehicle isn't getting any newer. And I'm one of the "lucky" ones in this economy thus far.

Sorry AIA, but your dues are out of touch with the "new" reality of this profession.

Nov 13, 09 10:50 am  · 
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tidalwave1

AIA sent out an e-mail about the layoffs on Wednesday.

Positioning the AIA for the Future:

Dear AIA member:
Resilience runs strong throughout architecture these days. Firms dissolving, practices challenged to make payroll, nearly 15 percent unemployment, yet, as a profession, we find ways to keep our focus on serving clients and communities. So, too, the AIA is adapting to stay focused on serving your needs during a difficult time.

The 2010 AIA operating plan and budget announced this week bring significant changes to the national component, reflecting the current economic reality and direction from the Board on how the AIA must evolve to remain essential to the profession. Because of a 20 percent decline in AIA revenues since 2008, doing more with less was a catalyst for planning that placed greater emphasis on programs you find of value and that the national organization is best capable of supporting.

The Board and staff are unwavering in their commitment to advance the AIA’s strategic priorities of sustainability, diversity, and integrated project delivery. The plan reflects our belief in the value of design as a principle and is woven through all of the strategies. In 2010, the AIA will continue working with and through our State and Local Components to elevate the voice of architects and increase public understanding of the important contributions architects make to improve the quality of life in our communities.

Highlights of the 2010 operating plan include:
• Enhanced public affairs and advocacy to promote the value of design and the profession to key stakeholder groups
• Streamlined, consolidated communications to reduce email overload and facilitate knowledge sharing
• Increased focus on thought leadership to broaden AIA leadership in the profession
• Strengthening continuing education while implementing operating efficiencies, including providing the option for members to attend the annual AIA Convention virtually through live streaming of popular workshops and keynote presentations via the Web
• Increased focus on emerging professionals and lifelong learning to nurture the profession
• Contract documents enhancements to maintain the industry standard
• Enhance AIA Knowledge Communities as a conduit for content through a transition to self-governance and greater involvement in advocacy and media outreach to integrate into the fabric of the Institute as a whole
• Initiate a pilot with the Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) knowledge community to test an independent management approach
• Phased-in funding of the 21st Century Workplace initiative through tenant income to support the sustainability initiative
• Sustained focus on building the AIA technological infrastructure to enhance operations

This means that Institute staff and funding resources are being directed toward meaningful progress in each area of focus, including 13 new staff positions next year, and reduced in others. As a result, 33 staff positions at the national component were eliminated effective November 30. We assure you that the AIA will do all it can to support the departing staff.

There is much that will be accomplished in 2010, but, as in 2009, with limited resources. And while the current economy's impact on the Institute has been significant, it is important to remember that we’re taking these actions to maintain AIA reserves, align programs, and staff appropriately to keep the AIA financially strong and valuable to you.

At the heart of these significant changes are the commitments to provide value for your membership; recognize the important contributions of State and Local AIA components; and allow greater flexibility for members who rely on their professional organization to help them better serve their clients and communities.

As this plan is implemented, you are being asked to renew your AIA membership. We firmly believe that the AIA represents a valuable investment in our careers, businesses, ourselves. The 2010 AIA operating plan is a positive return on that investment and we’re confident that the Institute is taking forward-looking action to innovate and strengthen the organization for the future.

If we continue to work collaboratively; embrace a constructive approach to change, and think innovatively, we will find ourselves a stronger, more relevant, and effective AIA. Constructive, meaningful change—it's the AIA of 2010 and beyond.

Feel free to contact us with your thoughts. Please send us your questions and comments.

Sincerely,

Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA
2009 President
mmalecha@aia.org

George H. Miller, FAIA
2010 President
gmiller@aia.org


Nov 13, 09 11:51 am  · 
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architectster

So they are going to biweekly with AIArchitect? And tried to sell it as a benefit to us. Interesting.

Try being honest- tell the membership that you blew the money on association "consultants" COuld not find the numbers on these yet, but I am assured the money spent was huge. What is verifiable- Wasting more than a million dollars on lobbying in 2008, $690k this year on top of that. Execs making half a million dollars a year.. What do we have to show for this waste? Nothing.

The Board of Directors meets sometime in December. What will they do about this? What can they do about this? if the few things I value about AIA go away- like the weekly newsletter, for instance, go away, Why the hell should we stay? It seems like every day we hear about another insult to our AIA. We have some brains, don't BS the membership.

Stop the big business money drains-consultants, lobbyists, overpaid executives, bad PR etc. and spend it on what we need NOW. Spend the PR budget on basics - tell people What we do and why we are a good value- not cute subtle stuff. We need to go back to the ABC's.

Ranting, maybe, but it has been that kind of a week. Give me a break AIA.

Nov 13, 09 8:14 pm  · 
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snook_dude

archi....you sure you weren't part of the fallout? Seems like you are a little bitter. So what the hell do you want them to do? Lets be constructive here. I'm not in Love with the AIA, but on the otherhand, I don't feel like I have to bash them.

Maybe they are the ones who can bring us into the computer age. There Contracts are a heck of alot better than they were twenty years ago. Easier to work with. If for nothing else even if you have to pay for them it levels the playing field.

Seems like they could strengthen this continuing education thing. Wish someone would step up to the plate and give us real learning experiences and not Product literature as continuing education. It is a heck of alot easier than jumping into the car at 3:00 and driving for an hour each way to gain an hour worth of CE Credits.


Nov 14, 09 1:50 pm  · 
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sgs23

Vado Retro, there is the SARA, The Society of American Registered Architects. I don't know to much about them but check out their website, sararchitects.org.

Nov 16, 09 10:29 am  · 
 · 
outed

sgs - sara charges 270 annual dues. for that, you get (taken directly from their website):

SARA offers a variety of membership services and programs, including a professional referral service, seminars in conjunction with its annual convention, professional and student design awards competitions and issues development to strengthen and protect the interests of practicing architects. Members also gain from professional recognition among peers, design expertise referral, personal involvement at all levels within the Society, camaraderie among fellow members, individual achievement recognition, and a College of Fellows.

how is this different from the aia, except for the price?

Nov 16, 09 10:44 am  · 
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aquapura

So what, do SARA members put that behind their names?

Aquapura, SARA?!?

That just looks stupid.

Nov 16, 09 12:20 pm  · 
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connected

FWIW, the incoming AIA prez and 1st VP are presenting the AIA five-year plan in a free Webcast next Tuesday, the 24th, at noon ET.

See http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/1113/1113n_webinar.cfm

There should be an opportunity for people to ask questions.

In case anyone's interested . . .

Nov 16, 09 1:58 pm  · 
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davvid

Are there any organizations , beside SARA, trying to become an alternative to the AIA?

Nov 18, 09 12:45 pm  · 
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postal

there is the ALA... http://www.licensedarchitect.org/

i'm not sure how they operate, the partners at my first firm were members...

Nov 18, 09 1:06 pm  · 
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xaia

couple days ago i received an aia survey via email; many of the questions appeared inquisitive towards membership renewal, "...how can we help serve you", blah-blah...

at the end of the survey it asked to check off which blogs you might have recently participated in and "archinect" was one of the few (i think there were 5, if i remember correctly).

wasn't aware the aia gauged what archinectors might be thinking...hopefully they've been tracking the "layoffs...layoffs..." thread, etc. and will figure out that "$200.00 per letter" after our name is pretty steep for many of us these days.

Nov 18, 09 11:49 pm  · 
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joe

my local AIA has the most interesting lecture series...

over a 6 month period they managed to get a whopping three people to lecture. about planning and urban design and community planning. seems odd to me. and none of the lecturers are local. nothing about local architecture or design. its about planning in cleveland, toronto, and philly. I dont understand the connection. Why have people talk about urban design and economic development to a crowd of AIA people? I understand in concept, but come on. really?

and the yearly holiday party is at one of the smallest restaurants in the downtown area. guess they arent expecting any turnout. keep up the good work AIAPGH.

Nov 20, 09 4:27 pm  · 
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archie

The holiday party is usually small because if it is a busy time of year for everyone and it falls so soon after the big event that was held at the end of October. That had a big crowd, at least a couple of hundred. They did a great job of publicizing it, with the winners listed in the local business paper. They co-sponsor a yearly design event for residential design with Pittsburgh Magazine that gets architects great free PR. In this economy, I would rather have them spending dues on things that give me some financial return or benefit rather than a lecture series.

At least AIA PGH is trying- they have a monthly lunch for unemployed architects, with assistance in trying to help people network for jobs, free job postings, and information on any firms hiring, as well as emotional support. They have very good support for interns, with AIA sponsored classes and study groups, free to interns. They have a yearly local event where you can earn 8 hours of learning units for very little cost. They started a linked in forum with job postings and at least weekly topics of interest. They have done a great job getting contractors and others to sponsor events so the cost to the member if very low. They work with other groups like the Design Center on events and opportunities for interns to do volunteer hours related to design. They co-sponsor events like the one last week with a professional liability insurer for 8 hours of learning units. They partner with Carnegie Mellon by letting members know about their architects lecture program. They advocate with public officials locally on our behalf. I feel I get good value out of the local AIA, not so sure about the national .

Nov 20, 09 4:47 pm  · 
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snook_dude

I'm wondering if my Local aia has a soup kitchen?

Nov 20, 09 5:19 pm  · 
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joe

archie, to me every local level aia office does that. I would just like to see some decent lectures that relate to our field more. being involved with the contractors and raising money/sponsoring events is something all chapters do. having awards banquets is something all do. if there were jobs to be posted in the jobs section that would be nice but there is never anything there. I guess because I've never seen or heard of one that didnt. I not trying to argue, and yeah I would agree that you get more worth out of the local, but it feels this chapter is just average. I guess I'm most basing this off of my time in portland where the local there just feels more connected to the architecture world with events lectures, panel discussions, etc. hard to explain but it was invigorating.

and the yearly awards ceremony is great. yeah people do show up for that one. I went a couple years back when I worked at edge. fun time.

Nov 20, 09 7:18 pm  · 
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snook_dude

joe....so you want your local to open a soup kitchen....?

Nov 20, 09 7:36 pm  · 
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file

joe - why don't you volunteer to serve on the programs committee? AIA is a volunteer-led organization. The members set the agenda and generally control the delivery of programs and services.

Nov 20, 09 9:27 pm  · 
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joe

because technically I'm not a member. I haven't had the money to renew my membership after being laid off back in 08.

Nov 21, 09 11:44 am  · 
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2step

Ive begun diving into the the integrated practice delivery documents from the AIA and Im concerned about an AIA devaluing of the professional architect's role in the process. In theory it revolves around BIM models and the professional's role as traffic cop in the team approach to the "Implementation documents" of the project, a fancy swapping of the term "Construction Documents". The team would be working together to develop criteria design then detail design, essentially what we used to call Schematic design and Design Development.

Having read the working papers, it appear the the AIA is all but declaring Bid, Build a dead system and would be promoting a design build hybrid team approach where the client and contractor(s) are part of the design team from conception in both a not at risk role as design consultant and at risk as contractor role for costing. In effect it appears to me upon a cursory reading the AIA is actually expanding the contractors' role and diminishing their own architects' roles.

What concerns me most is the traditional pre design / Schematic Design / Design Devlp / CD process would be tossed in favor of a "team" from start to finish. Apparently the AIA thinks we arent as effective at the traditional approach.

I would argue we might be getting worse at the traditional approach but that doesnt make it bad - maybe we just have been getting worse at hitting the budgets clients desire, and thats what we should be focusing on.

Does anyone else have any input or can shed some light on what IPD Integrated Project Delivery is really about here? Because Im a bit confused and a little disappointed the AIA is advocating a traffic cop role for the architect and yet again seceding more design control and risk to others.

Nov 21, 09 11:46 am  · 
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el jeffe

i haven't read thru those doc yet (though i am scheduled to attend a webinar on them put on by my liability insurer), so i wonder if the team approach is really a method to distribute liability?

our local governments (new mexico) still don't allow anything but design-bid-build.

Nov 21, 09 2:41 pm  · 
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liberty bell

achitectster's post - about 9th from the top - was quoted in Architect magazine this month, however, architectster was not credited. I wonder if s/he should have been?

Dec 25, 09 5:57 pm  · 
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blah

LB,

Orhan has done that with my stuff...

You're right, it shouldn't happen.

Dec 25, 09 11:22 pm  · 
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