Repositioning the Architect

Michael - I couldn't agree more with the idea of starting with the 'right questions'.  This is an exciting time.  We are about to shift (at last) from a 19th Century model of practice that has served the industry well but is no longer in sync with the needs of organizations.  Your survey will hopefully begin to explore what those new needs are and share them broadly, to accelerate the creative thinking!  We don't have a lot of time to figure this out...

Ron

-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------






Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 16:22
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

The early comments here on this platform reinforce the buzz at Grassroots related to this initiative: excitement, anticipation, hope.  

A key to making the potential real is that we are beginning at the beginning - just as we do with a design problem.  Rather than make assumptions, gather anecdotes, or jump right into putting a 'new program' together, we are beginning with an outreach to determine what are the questions that need to be asked.  Getting the questions right is key to getting useful information; and it will also let us ask the same questions of different groups (AIA members, non members, even the public at large).  The result should highlight 'disconnects' between perceptions, practice, and promise.

With solid data in hand, we can forge means to correct the disconnects, and capitalize on the opportunities.

We would never start to design a building without having solid information: a program of specific needs to address; code constraints; budget, and more.   With statistically significant data, we can discuss and agree on the problems, the priorities, and how to use our limited resources to take action.

I am excited to be a new member of the Board committee working on the repositioning effort, and very impressed with the team:
A diverse, engaged and highly qualified board committee - headed by Debra Kunce FAIA, working on the foundations laid under previous committee leadership of Peter Kuttner FAIA; our talented, motivated and committed staff including Phil Simon, Kyle McAdams, Margaret Pursell, and a cast of others; and the 'world class' consultants we have engaged - Pentagram and LaPlaca Cohen.  This is an 'A' Team working on solving what I believe is the largest conundrum faced by our profession: how we move into an uncertain future with strength, leadership, vision, and business success.

For those of you attending the convention, you will see and hear about the Repositioning effort, and find a number of opportunities to engage.  In the meantime, please encourage, cajole and convince your colleagues to make their voices heard in the survey to be released in the next few days.  This is their chance to grab the 'steering wheel' and have a real and meaningful impact on how the AIA charts it's course going forward.  The survey itself will take minutes - a very small time investment gets you in the game.  Early results will be on the floor of the convention.  I dare say there may be some surprises that will come to light.

Cheers
-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

Ron: I agree.  I personally feel that the architectural approach epitomized in Anne Rand's "The Fountainhead" is a dead end.  It's time get a new paradigm on the table that better reflects what we really contribute. 

-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------


Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 17:30
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I couldn't agree more with the idea of starting with the 'right questions'.  This is an exciting time.  We are about to shift (at last) from a 19th Century model of practice that has served the industry well but is no longer in sync with the needs of organizations.  Your survey will hopefully begin to explore what those new needs are and share them broadly, to accelerate the creative thinking!  We don't have a lot of time to figure this out...

Ron

-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 16:22
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

The early comments here on this platform reinforce the buzz at Grassroots related to this initiative: excitement, anticipation, hope.  

A key to making the potential real is that we are beginning at the beginning - just as we do with a design problem.  Rather than make assumptions, gather anecdotes, or jump right into putting a 'new program' together, we are beginning with an outreach to determine what are the questions that need to be asked.  Getting the questions right is key to getting useful information; and it will also let us ask the same questions of different groups (AIA members, non members, even the public at large).  The result should highlight 'disconnects' between perceptions, practice, and promise.

With solid data in hand, we can forge means to correct the disconnects, and capitalize on the opportunities.

We would never start to design a building without having solid information: a program of specific needs to address; code constraints; budget, and more.   With statistically significant data, we can discuss and agree on the problems, the priorities, and how to use our limited resources to take action.

I am excited to be a new member of the Board committee working on the repositioning effort, and very impressed with the team:
A diverse, engaged and highly qualified board committee - headed by Debra Kunce FAIA, working on the foundations laid under previous committee leadership of Peter Kuttner FAIA; our talented, motivated and committed staff including Phil Simon, Kyle McAdams, Margaret Pursell, and a cast of others; and the 'world class' consultants we have engaged - Pentagram and LaPlaca Cohen.  This is an 'A' Team working on solving what I believe is the largest conundrum faced by our profession: how we move into an uncertain future with strength, leadership, vision, and business success.

For those of you attending the convention, you will see and hear about the Repositioning effort, and find a number of opportunities to engage.  In the meantime, please encourage, cajole and convince your colleagues to make their voices heard in the survey to be released in the next few days.  This is their chance to grab the 'steering wheel' and have a real and meaningful impact on how the AIA charts it's course going forward.  The survey itself will take minutes - a very small time investment gets you in the game.  Early results will be on the floor of the convention.  I dare say there may be some surprises that will come to light.

Cheers
-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

Michael - I will be presenting an educational session at the Convention, along with two colleagues, on "Better Healthcare Design Through Research" which I think is relevant to this topic.  One way we will reposition the Architect is by engaging more in research and leading the knowledge about how buildings interface with occupants to achieve organizational goals.

Ron
-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------






Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 20:26
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge


Ron: I agree.  I personally feel that the architectural approach epitomized in Anne Rand's "The Fountainhead" is a dead end.  It's time get a new paradigm on the table that better reflects what we really contribute. 

-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 17:30
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I couldn't agree more with the idea of starting with the 'right questions'.  This is an exciting time.  We are about to shift (at last) from a 19th Century model of practice that has served the industry well but is no longer in sync with the needs of organizations.  Your survey will hopefully begin to explore what those new needs are and share them broadly, to accelerate the creative thinking!  We don't have a lot of time to figure this out...

Ron

-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 16:22
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

The early comments here on this platform reinforce the buzz at Grassroots related to this initiative: excitement, anticipation, hope.  

A key to making the potential real is that we are beginning at the beginning - just as we do with a design problem.  Rather than make assumptions, gather anecdotes, or jump right into putting a 'new program' together, we are beginning with an outreach to determine what are the questions that need to be asked.  Getting the questions right is key to getting useful information; and it will also let us ask the same questions of different groups (AIA members, non members, even the public at large).  The result should highlight 'disconnects' between perceptions, practice, and promise.

With solid data in hand, we can forge means to correct the disconnects, and capitalize on the opportunities.

We would never start to design a building without having solid information: a program of specific needs to address; code constraints; budget, and more.   With statistically significant data, we can discuss and agree on the problems, the priorities, and how to use our limited resources to take action.

I am excited to be a new member of the Board committee working on the repositioning effort, and very impressed with the team:
A diverse, engaged and highly qualified board committee - headed by Debra Kunce FAIA, working on the foundations laid under previous committee leadership of Peter Kuttner FAIA; our talented, motivated and committed staff including Phil Simon, Kyle McAdams, Margaret Pursell, and a cast of others; and the 'world class' consultants we have engaged - Pentagram and LaPlaca Cohen.  This is an 'A' Team working on solving what I believe is the largest conundrum faced by our profession: how we move into an uncertain future with strength, leadership, vision, and business success.

For those of you attending the convention, you will see and hear about the Repositioning effort, and find a number of opportunities to engage.  In the meantime, please encourage, cajole and convince your colleagues to make their voices heard in the survey to be released in the next few days.  This is their chance to grab the 'steering wheel' and have a real and meaningful impact on how the AIA charts it's course going forward.  The survey itself will take minutes - a very small time investment gets you in the game.  Early results will be on the floor of the convention.  I dare say there may be some surprises that will come to light.

Cheers
-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

Ron: I will look for you at Convention!  I agree with you that better connecting research and data to our decision processes is one key to our relevancy going forward.   

-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------


Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2012 08:16
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I will be presenting an educational session at the Convention, along with two colleagues, on "Better Healthcare Design Through Research" which I think is relevant to this topic.  One way we will reposition the Architect is by engaging more in research and leading the knowledge about how buildings interface with occupants to achieve organizational goals.

Ron
-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 20:26
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge


Ron: I agree.  I personally feel that the architectural approach epitomized in Anne Rand's "The Fountainhead" is a dead end.  It's time get a new paradigm on the table that better reflects what we really contribute. 

-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 17:30
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I couldn't agree more with the idea of starting with the 'right questions'.  This is an exciting time.  We are about to shift (at last) from a 19th Century model of practice that has served the industry well but is no longer in sync with the needs of organizations.  Your survey will hopefully begin to explore what those new needs are and share them broadly, to accelerate the creative thinking!  We don't have a lot of time to figure this out...

Ron

-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 16:22
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

The early comments here on this platform reinforce the buzz at Grassroots related to this initiative: excitement, anticipation, hope.  

A key to making the potential real is that we are beginning at the beginning - just as we do with a design problem.  Rather than make assumptions, gather anecdotes, or jump right into putting a 'new program' together, we are beginning with an outreach to determine what are the questions that need to be asked.  Getting the questions right is key to getting useful information; and it will also let us ask the same questions of different groups (AIA members, non members, even the public at large).  The result should highlight 'disconnects' between perceptions, practice, and promise.

With solid data in hand, we can forge means to correct the disconnects, and capitalize on the opportunities.

We would never start to design a building without having solid information: a program of specific needs to address; code constraints; budget, and more.   With statistically significant data, we can discuss and agree on the problems, the priorities, and how to use our limited resources to take action.

I am excited to be a new member of the Board committee working on the repositioning effort, and very impressed with the team:
A diverse, engaged and highly qualified board committee - headed by Debra Kunce FAIA, working on the foundations laid under previous committee leadership of Peter Kuttner FAIA; our talented, motivated and committed staff including Phil Simon, Kyle McAdams, Margaret Pursell, and a cast of others; and the 'world class' consultants we have engaged - Pentagram and LaPlaca Cohen.  This is an 'A' Team working on solving what I believe is the largest conundrum faced by our profession: how we move into an uncertain future with strength, leadership, vision, and business success.

For those of you attending the convention, you will see and hear about the Repositioning effort, and find a number of opportunities to engage.  In the meantime, please encourage, cajole and convince your colleagues to make their voices heard in the survey to be released in the next few days.  This is their chance to grab the 'steering wheel' and have a real and meaningful impact on how the AIA charts it's course going forward.  The survey itself will take minutes - a very small time investment gets you in the game.  Early results will be on the floor of the convention.  I dare say there may be some surprises that will come to light.

Cheers
-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

I find it encouraging that a pattern is developing in this thread regarding the importance of knowledge to the future of our profession.  I could not agree more!  The links between the Institute and the Academy are currently weak and underutilized.  That needs to change, from schools being a source for warm bodies who can draft (now electronically), to a two way street where experience and practical knowledge is reinforced and built on by research efforts at the academy, and those efforts are cycled back through the profession for practical application.  We need to push for a stronger mutual commitment to developing a truly knowledge based profession, developing the metrics and tools to get beyond the anecdotal, to a position where our recommendations and proposals are founded on demonstratable facts.  Until then, we will always be marginalized by someone else who's louder, better connected, or has 'skin in the game'.  Architecture needs to exit the 'pretty picture' phase of our evolution and enter a 'knowledge/expertise' position.  

This can only happen through the AIA.  There is no other way to convene the disparate groups, foster those discussions and make recommendations.  We've already started down this road, with efforts from Knowledge Communities to research initiatives such as the Neuroscience initiative and other research grants (Upjohn, Latrobe); we've recognized the issue.  We need to move forward to make knowledge THE central issue in our efforts.  

We should not fear making the profession more knowledge based.  It does not preclude the art of architecture, only strengthens the intuitive impulses of our creative side.  We will not become engineers (unless we can be like Calatrava!), but we will be able to press our vision, creativity and insight with confidence and a basis that engenders respect, effectiveness and value.  

I also second the sense of opportunity and optimism for our profession.  Now is the time, here is the opportunity, to do something worth doing.  Ultimately, the AIA is US.  We cannot delegate the future of our profession, OUR profession, to some faceless 'them'.  We are them - we have to be.

Take up the banner.  Voice your opinion.  Engage and recruit others to get involved.  

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem!"

Ed
-------------------------------------------
Edward Shriver FAIA
Principal
Strada Architecture, LLC
Pittsburgh PA
-------------------------------------------






Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-18-2012 14:44
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Ron: I will look for you at Convention!  I agree with you that better connecting research and data to our decision processes is one key to our relevancy going forward.   

-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2012 08:16
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I will be presenting an educational session at the Convention, along with two colleagues, on "Better Healthcare Design Through Research" which I think is relevant to this topic.  One way we will reposition the Architect is by engaging more in research and leading the knowledge about how buildings interface with occupants to achieve organizational goals.

Ron
-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 20:26
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge


Ron: I agree.  I personally feel that the architectural approach epitomized in Anne Rand's "The Fountainhead" is a dead end.  It's time get a new paradigm on the table that better reflects what we really contribute. 

-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 17:30
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I couldn't agree more with the idea of starting with the 'right questions'.  This is an exciting time.  We are about to shift (at last) from a 19th Century model of practice that has served the industry well but is no longer in sync with the needs of organizations.  Your survey will hopefully begin to explore what those new needs are and share them broadly, to accelerate the creative thinking!  We don't have a lot of time to figure this out...

Ron

-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 16:22
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

The early comments here on this platform reinforce the buzz at Grassroots related to this initiative: excitement, anticipation, hope.  

A key to making the potential real is that we are beginning at the beginning - just as we do with a design problem.  Rather than make assumptions, gather anecdotes, or jump right into putting a 'new program' together, we are beginning with an outreach to determine what are the questions that need to be asked.  Getting the questions right is key to getting useful information; and it will also let us ask the same questions of different groups (AIA members, non members, even the public at large).  The result should highlight 'disconnects' between perceptions, practice, and promise.

With solid data in hand, we can forge means to correct the disconnects, and capitalize on the opportunities.

We would never start to design a building without having solid information: a program of specific needs to address; code constraints; budget, and more.   With statistically significant data, we can discuss and agree on the problems, the priorities, and how to use our limited resources to take action.

I am excited to be a new member of the Board committee working on the repositioning effort, and very impressed with the team:
A diverse, engaged and highly qualified board committee - headed by Debra Kunce FAIA, working on the foundations laid under previous committee leadership of Peter Kuttner FAIA; our talented, motivated and committed staff including Phil Simon, Kyle McAdams, Margaret Pursell, and a cast of others; and the 'world class' consultants we have engaged - Pentagram and LaPlaca Cohen.  This is an 'A' Team working on solving what I believe is the largest conundrum faced by our profession: how we move into an uncertain future with strength, leadership, vision, and business success.

For those of you attending the convention, you will see and hear about the Repositioning effort, and find a number of opportunities to engage.  In the meantime, please encourage, cajole and convince your colleagues to make their voices heard in the survey to be released in the next few days.  This is their chance to grab the 'steering wheel' and have a real and meaningful impact on how the AIA charts it's course going forward.  The survey itself will take minutes - a very small time investment gets you in the game.  Early results will be on the floor of the convention.  I dare say there may be some surprises that will come to light.

Cheers
-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

Well said Edward!  I hope you make the time to take the survey which has not gone live, and include your comments in the 'open ended' dialogue opportunities.
Cheers
-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-20-2012 10:11
From: Edward Shriver
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge


I find it encouraging that a pattern is developing in this thread regarding the importance of knowledge to the future of our profession.  I could not agree more!  The links between the Institute and the Academy are currently weak and underutilized.  That needs to change, from schools being a source for warm bodies who can draft (now electronically), to a two way street where experience and practical knowledge is reinforced and built on by research efforts at the academy, and those efforts are cycled back through the profession for practical application.  We need to push for a stronger mutual commitment to developing a truly knowledge based profession, developing the metrics and tools to get beyond the anecdotal, to a position where our recommendations and proposals are founded on demonstratable facts.  Until then, we will always be marginalized by someone else who's louder, better connected, or has 'skin in the game'.  Architecture needs to exit the 'pretty picture' phase of our evolution and enter a 'knowledge/expertise' position.  

This can only happen through the AIA.  There is no other way to convene the disparate groups, foster those discussions and make recommendations.  We've already started down this road, with efforts from Knowledge Communities to research initiatives such as the Neuroscience initiative and other research grants (Upjohn, Latrobe); we've recognized the issue.  We need to move forward to make knowledge THE central issue in our efforts.  

We should not fear making the profession more knowledge based.  It does not preclude the art of architecture, only strengthens the intuitive impulses of our creative side.  We will not become engineers (unless we can be like Calatrava!), but we will be able to press our vision, creativity and insight with confidence and a basis that engenders respect, effectiveness and value.  

I also second the sense of opportunity and optimism for our profession.  Now is the time, here is the opportunity, to do something worth doing.  Ultimately, the AIA is US.  We cannot delegate the future of our profession, OUR profession, to some faceless 'them'.  We are them - we have to be.

Take up the banner.  Voice your opinion.  Engage and recruit others to get involved.  

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem!"

Ed
-------------------------------------------
Edward Shriver FAIA
Principal
Strada Architecture, LLC
Pittsburgh PA
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-18-2012 14:44
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Ron: I will look for you at Convention!  I agree with you that better connecting research and data to our decision processes is one key to our relevancy going forward.   

-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2012 08:16
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I will be presenting an educational session at the Convention, along with two colleagues, on "Better Healthcare Design Through Research" which I think is relevant to this topic.  One way we will reposition the Architect is by engaging more in research and leading the knowledge about how buildings interface with occupants to achieve organizational goals.

Ron
-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 20:26
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge


Ron: I agree.  I personally feel that the architectural approach epitomized in Anne Rand's "The Fountainhead" is a dead end.  It's time get a new paradigm on the table that better reflects what we really contribute. 

-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 17:30
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I couldn't agree more with the idea of starting with the 'right questions'.  This is an exciting time.  We are about to shift (at last) from a 19th Century model of practice that has served the industry well but is no longer in sync with the needs of organizations.  Your survey will hopefully begin to explore what those new needs are and share them broadly, to accelerate the creative thinking!  We don't have a lot of time to figure this out...

Ron

-------------------------------------------
Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
-------------------------------------------





-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 16:22
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

The early comments here on this platform reinforce the buzz at Grassroots related to this initiative: excitement, anticipation, hope.  

A key to making the potential real is that we are beginning at the beginning - just as we do with a design problem.  Rather than make assumptions, gather anecdotes, or jump right into putting a 'new program' together, we are beginning with an outreach to determine what are the questions that need to be asked.  Getting the questions right is key to getting useful information; and it will also let us ask the same questions of different groups (AIA members, non members, even the public at large).  The result should highlight 'disconnects' between perceptions, practice, and promise.

With solid data in hand, we can forge means to correct the disconnects, and capitalize on the opportunities.

We would never start to design a building without having solid information: a program of specific needs to address; code constraints; budget, and more.   With statistically significant data, we can discuss and agree on the problems, the priorities, and how to use our limited resources to take action.

I am excited to be a new member of the Board committee working on the repositioning effort, and very impressed with the team:
A diverse, engaged and highly qualified board committee - headed by Debra Kunce FAIA, working on the foundations laid under previous committee leadership of Peter Kuttner FAIA; our talented, motivated and committed staff including Phil Simon, Kyle McAdams, Margaret Pursell, and a cast of others; and the 'world class' consultants we have engaged - Pentagram and LaPlaca Cohen.  This is an 'A' Team working on solving what I believe is the largest conundrum faced by our profession: how we move into an uncertain future with strength, leadership, vision, and business success.

For those of you attending the convention, you will see and hear about the Repositioning effort, and find a number of opportunities to engage.  In the meantime, please encourage, cajole and convince your colleagues to make their voices heard in the survey to be released in the next few days.  This is their chance to grab the 'steering wheel' and have a real and meaningful impact on how the AIA charts it's course going forward.  The survey itself will take minutes - a very small time investment gets you in the game.  Early results will be on the floor of the convention.  I dare say there may be some surprises that will come to light.

Cheers
-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------

Thanks Michael, and I have responded to the survey.  I'm also encouraging everyone I know to get involved and speak their piece - it's a great opportunity to contribute to the profession and make a difference.  That old saying from the sixties " If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem" keeps running around in my head as I think about this effort.  

Ed

-------------------------------------------
Edward Shriver FAIA
Principal
Strada Architecture, LLC
Pittsburgh PA
-------------------------------------------






Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-23-2012 21:16
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Well said Edward!  I hope you make the time to take the survey which has not gone live, and include your comments in the 'open ended' dialogue opportunities.
Cheers
-------------------------------------------
Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-20-2012 10:11
From: Edward Shriver
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge


I find it encouraging that a pattern is developing in this thread regarding the importance of knowledge to the future of our profession.  I could not agree more!  The links between the Institute and the Academy are currently weak and underutilized.  That needs to change, from schools being a source for warm bodies who can draft (now electronically), to a two way street where experience and practical knowledge is reinforced and built on by research efforts at the academy, and those efforts are cycled back through the profession for practical application.  We need to push for a stronger mutual commitment to developing a truly knowledge based profession, developing the metrics and tools to get beyond the anecdotal, to a position where our recommendations and proposals are founded on demonstratable facts.  Until then, we will always be marginalized by someone else who's louder, better connected, or has 'skin in the game'.  Architecture needs to exit the 'pretty picture' phase of our evolution and enter a 'knowledge/expertise' position.  

This can only happen through the AIA.  There is no other way to convene the disparate groups, foster those discussions and make recommendations.  We've already started down this road, with efforts from Knowledge Communities to research initiatives such as the Neuroscience initiative and other research grants (Upjohn, Latrobe); we've recognized the issue.  We need to move forward to make knowledge THE central issue in our efforts.  

We should not fear making the profession more knowledge based.  It does not preclude the art of architecture, only strengthens the intuitive impulses of our creative side.  We will not become engineers (unless we can be like Calatrava!), but we will be able to press our vision, creativity and insight with confidence and a basis that engenders respect, effectiveness and value.  

I also second the sense of opportunity and optimism for our profession.  Now is the time, here is the opportunity, to do something worth doing.  Ultimately, the AIA is US.  We cannot delegate the future of our profession, OUR profession, to some faceless 'them'.  We are them - we have to be.

Take up the banner.  Voice your opinion.  Engage and recruit others to get involved.  

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem!"

Ed
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Edward Shriver FAIA
Principal
Strada Architecture, LLC
Pittsburgh PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-18-2012 14:44
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Ron: I will look for you at Convention!  I agree with you that better connecting research and data to our decision processes is one key to our relevancy going forward.   

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Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2012 08:16
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I will be presenting an educational session at the Convention, along with two colleagues, on "Better Healthcare Design Through Research" which I think is relevant to this topic.  One way we will reposition the Architect is by engaging more in research and leading the knowledge about how buildings interface with occupants to achieve organizational goals.

Ron
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Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 20:26
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge


Ron: I agree.  I personally feel that the architectural approach epitomized in Anne Rand's "The Fountainhead" is a dead end.  It's time get a new paradigm on the table that better reflects what we really contribute. 

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Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 17:30
From: Ron Smith
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

Michael - I couldn't agree more with the idea of starting with the 'right questions'.  This is an exciting time.  We are about to shift (at last) from a 19th Century model of practice that has served the industry well but is no longer in sync with the needs of organizations.  Your survey will hopefully begin to explore what those new needs are and share them broadly, to accelerate the creative thinking!  We don't have a lot of time to figure this out...

Ron

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Ron Smith AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
President / CEO
Design At The Intersection, LLC
Houston TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2012 16:22
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: Approaching the future of our profession like a Design Challenge

The early comments here on this platform reinforce the buzz at Grassroots related to this initiative: excitement, anticipation, hope.  

A key to making the potential real is that we are beginning at the beginning - just as we do with a design problem.  Rather than make assumptions, gather anecdotes, or jump right into putting a 'new program' together, we are beginning with an outreach to determine what are the questions that need to be asked.  Getting the questions right is key to getting useful information; and it will also let us ask the same questions of different groups (AIA members, non members, even the public at large).  The result should highlight 'disconnects' between perceptions, practice, and promise.

With solid data in hand, we can forge means to correct the disconnects, and capitalize on the opportunities.

We would never start to design a building without having solid information: a program of specific needs to address; code constraints; budget, and more.   With statistically significant data, we can discuss and agree on the problems, the priorities, and how to use our limited resources to take action.

I am excited to be a new member of the Board committee working on the repositioning effort, and very impressed with the team:
A diverse, engaged and highly qualified board committee - headed by Debra Kunce FAIA, working on the foundations laid under previous committee leadership of Peter Kuttner FAIA; our talented, motivated and committed staff including Phil Simon, Kyle McAdams, Margaret Pursell, and a cast of others; and the 'world class' consultants we have engaged - Pentagram and LaPlaca Cohen.  This is an 'A' Team working on solving what I believe is the largest conundrum faced by our profession: how we move into an uncertain future with strength, leadership, vision, and business success.

For those of you attending the convention, you will see and hear about the Repositioning effort, and find a number of opportunities to engage.  In the meantime, please encourage, cajole and convince your colleagues to make their voices heard in the survey to be released in the next few days.  This is their chance to grab the 'steering wheel' and have a real and meaningful impact on how the AIA charts it's course going forward.  The survey itself will take minutes - a very small time investment gets you in the game.  Early results will be on the floor of the convention.  I dare say there may be some surprises that will come to light.

Cheers
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Michael Malinowski AIA
AIA Director - California Region
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
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