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From:
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Eugene Ely, AIA
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To:
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Committee on Design
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Posted:
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January 07, 2013 1:38 PM
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Subject:
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RE:Problem solvers and creativity energy are what this country needs in order to innovate in the future
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Message:
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Mr Cervellione comments that people think they should talk to a contractor when they're considering a building project and attributes this tendency to the fact people don't understand what it is that architects do. I agree that people think of contractors first when it comes to consulting about a building project, but I'm afraid the problem isn't not knowing about architects' expertise but a lack of faith in architects' expertise in the primary areas that concern anyone contemplating a building project: cost, schedule, and constructability. In my experience architects are notoriously weak in cost estimating and the technical aspects of putting a building together. These factors are key in any owner's mind when contemplating a risky venture like a new building, and architects have lost a huge amount of credibility in this arena. If you want to change the world with your creative addition to the built environment you better be prepared to get down and dirty in the trenches, do your homework, and establish your street cred in the aspects of the work that concern owners. A recent study cited empathy as a key factor in being a successful architect, this study was coming at it from a design perspective in the sense of understanding client needs to arrive at a successful design solution. If you're not also empathetic to a client's pocketbook and earn his/her trust in this most sensitive area, your great design is likely to be handed over to a contractor with the direction to "git 'er done" and you'll be on the outside looking in. ------------------------------------------- Eugene Ely AIA, LEED AP Architect-in-Waiting San Jose, CA -------------------------------------------
Show Original Message
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2013 10:17
From: Robert Cervellione
Subject: Problem solvers and creativity energy are what this country needs in order to innovate in the future
There was another article recently about creative degrees from Forbes (more reputable than yahoo i think) which had actual fact and studies showing that a "creative class" was more recession proof. And i have to agree, i see a lot of architects and recent grads who may not be able to find and architecture job excelling in other creative areas. they might not have a job as an architect because of the recession, but they have a job. and usually its a good enough job that they move into that profession.
Some of the comments here also talked about the perception of Architecture. I think our profession will start to decline more if we do not change the perception of what we do. i believe the AIA should do a better job marketing our profession. just like lawyers and doctors. Doctors are a good example, there are no commercials for a particular doctor but there are hundreds for drugs, treatments, and hospitals. all of them telling you to go see your doctor for more information. And if you talk to anyone and they understand the role of a doctor, nurse and pharmacist. they know how the profession works. no one says ,' you should have a nurse look at that', but whenever you talk to anyone about a building they tell you you should talk to a contractor. perhaps this is more for residential construction but it it goes to the point that people have no idea what we do. and its people who own bushiness and cooperation. so the same people having there penthouse remodeled by a contractor is the same person who might be building a new office tower. if he does not understand the value of an architect for his home, he also does not understand for his office tower. yes he will have to hire an architect because its the law, but that not the point. He should want to hire the architect.
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Robert Cervellione
Principle
Cerver Design Studio
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2013 13:34
From: Walter Hosack
Subject: Problem solvers and creativity energy are what this country needs in order to innovate in the future
I post on the blog because I can edit the text, but my post entitled, "The Nature of Architecture", is a response to this entire thread. We've all had years of criticism and we're supposed to consider it constructive. I would read the Yahoo article from that perspective. I always considered the constructive part that which I agreed with after ample time for recovery and reflection.
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Walter Hosack
Author
Walter M. Hosack
Dublin OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-24-2012 17:27
From: James Jonassen
Subject: Problem solvers and creativity energy are what this country needs in order to innovate in the future
If a much more significant percentage of our profession aligned its purpose with values percieved to be important to society, designed its practices to deliver on that purpose and consistently performed at a reasonably high level, the brand for design would be more sucessful in all ways.
Architects in particular have some advantages already in being percieved as ethical, but too few practices consistently look to add value to society in the terms that society values most. Yet there are notable exceptions which provide helpful lessons. We must get beyond (but not abandon) the concerns we were taught to focus on in design school and use design as a tool to advance our clients' and societies interests in a meaningful way if we want real relevance Yes this is hard. Or we can remain aloof from all that and stick within our comfort zone.
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James Jonassen FAIA
Seattle WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-21-2012 08:44
From: Claudio Veliz
Subject: Problem solvers and creativity energy are what this country needs in order to innovate in the future
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Claudio Veliz AIA
Owner/Architect
Claudio Veliz Architect PLLC
Chester VT
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We-ell...yes. To us mice, this is compelling. We are Problem Solvers. But mothers will hear this and say to themselves "I just changed my child's diapers, I guess I'm a problem solver, too." Humbly, I might suggest a bit of classic Amerikansky public relations. The Republicans do it, the Democrats do it, even "the funny little monkeys in the Zoo do it...": rebrand our value to the human condition.
How many surgeons have marketing campaigns struggling to convince society of their value?
How many attorneys struggle to convey to society their worth?
Nah...it doesn't happen. Why? Because their function is self evident. But when was the last time someone had an Architecture Emergency? "Quick, maestro! - You simply must help me...the proportions of this wing of the building are just wrong!"
Though I make light above, the point, I hope, is conveyed. Our function is slower, longer, more subtle, but it becomes a fundamental contributor to all the other professions and aspects of civilization. Full stop.
Once that is conveyed successfully, and perhaps this is a fundamental responsibility of our very own AIA, we will need little in the way of lobby groups.
Claudio
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2012 07:25
From: Susan Herre
Subject: Problem solvers and creativity energy are what this country needs in order to innovate in the future
I AGREE with Lee Brennan AIA of Culver City when he says:
"1. Perhaps one solution is fewer lawyers and more architects should be running for Congress, State houses, etc. Showing how problem solvers and creativity energy are what this country needs in order to innovate in the future.
2. Maybe the AIA should be spending more time focusing on how we as problem solvers meet our communities needs and less time worrying about risk aversion. Unfortunately the latter has only boxed us into a corner and is in the process of making us irrelevant."
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Susan Herre AIA AICP
Transportation Planner
US DOT Federal Railroad Administration
Washington DC
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