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Submissions for New Book

  • 1.  Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-27-2012 06:25 PM
    I looked through the rules of this forum and I believe this is permissible. If not, I apologize. I was looking for a way to get this request out to as many residential architects as possible.

    I am looking for projects to feature in my next book, Designing Your Perfect Small House. My first book has been quite successful. But I get notes from many readers asking for information about designing a small to moderately sized house. I would like to share the exposure with other architects. So I am looking for good, small projects to use as illustrations and examples. If your project(s) is(are) chosen for inclusion, credits will appear on any photos or drawings. Also, your name and contact information will be listed on a special page of contributors. Selected contributors will not receive monetary compensation. But they will benefit from the exposure through the book's circulation. Contributors will be given two free copies and a deep discount (essentially at cost) if they wish to buy more copies for their own use. I do not wish to profit from sales of books to contributors.

    I am particularly interested in projects that "look like houses." By that I mean projects that fit into established neighborhoods, conjure up the image of home for the majority of society, and place a strong emphasis on the psychological comfort of the owners and residents. Modernist houses are ceratinly welcomed. They help illustrate the full spectrum of what architects do. But my goal is to also help people who like traditional homes (and other styles) do a better job of designing modestly sized homes better than what is typically available on the market. The bottom line is I want good looking houses that are efficiently laid out and well built.

    As in my first book, Designing Your Perfect House, I will strongly encourage people to use an architect, even if they merely hire an architect to help guide them and critique standard plans they may be considering. I believe it is in our best interest and in the best interest of the community to get architects involved in any way possible. The more people know about what goes into a good design and what we architects do, the better for all of us.

    If you have projects you would like to submit for consideration, let me know. You can send me an email directly at hirschnc@nc.rr.com. Photos, plans, and an explanation of your design intent will be required if your project is selected. But an informal submission is all I need right now. Also, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

    Thanks.
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    William Hirsch AIA
    ARCHITECT
    William J Hirsch, Jr Inc
    West End NC
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  • 2.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-28-2012 08:36 AM
    Hello William, I think you are probably not going to find many sympathetic architects to your endeavor.  Because, you are guiding the way for people to not use architects, even though you indicate that you suggest that they do.  Sort of like handing people a box of tools and telling them how to fix their own car, which can be fraught with problems.  Not too mention the fact that this forum is about and for residential architects designing homes for people.  Also the CRAN and AIA and other licensed architectural organizations are here to help protect the Health, Safety & Welfare of the public.  Suggesting that people do it themselves is also like handing people a medical bag and offering suggestions as to how to perform their own heart surgery. I'm not in favor of this.  I think it will at first appear to empower people, but ultimately will likely confuse and frustrate them, and at worst, result in many missed and uncoordinated details that result in huge problems for their structure, systems, waterproofing, energy and other aspects.  Not wise, in my opinion. 

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 3.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-28-2012 06:13 PM
    Rand;

    I understand your concern about do-it-yourselfers. But I can tell from the experience and response I've gotten to my first book, Designing Your Perfect House, that the majority of readers are actually overwhelmed by what goes into a good house design. It convinces them that they have little hope of trying it themselves. Sure, there are those people who are looking for a step-by-step manual to lead them through designing their house. In fact, the one and only one-star review my book got on amazon.com came from someone who was disappointed that I did not provide the hand holding he expected. My many five-star reviews say things like "this puts into words what I have always felt about good houses." And "This book is invaluable to anyone who is planning on building their dream house."

    The theme of my books is this. I try to help people appreciate the process, recognize that many considerations need to be simultaneously addressed, and be empowered to expect better homes. Then some sort of "magic" needs to occur to get the house to be THEIR perfect house. It should be their home and not just another box to keep out the rain. Who provides the magic touch? An architect.

    So, no, I am not suggesting people do it themselves. I am suggesting that they can design better houses with the right process, thinking, and professional help. My book strongly advocates using an architect. I point out why it is worth it. This new book will only illustrate small houses designed by architects. If I achieve my goal, my readers will see that designing their small house with the help of an architect will give them the house that is perfect for them.

    The diehard do-it-yourself house designers will never hire an architect no matter what we do. But I believe there are lots of people who don't want to do it themselves, but just don't realize what architects do and why it is worth paying their hard earned money to hire one of us on to make sure they get the house they hope for.

    Incidentally, I have already gotten responses from a number of talented architects with attractive projects they would like to show in my book.

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    William Hirsch AIA
    ARCHITECT
    William J Hirsch, Jr Inc
    West End NC
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  • 4.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-29-2012 07:56 AM
    If you don't already do it, I would request that you consider some sort of statement in the front, middle and end of your book:

    Nothing will substitute for a real, licensed architect who has the following:
    -- 5 to 8 years of major accredited University architectural education who has graduated with an architectural professional degree
    -- 10 years +/- of apprenticeship working for other licensed architects who observe and correct your work on a daily basis
    -- Taking a State Architectural multiple day exam (NCARB created) that very few pass the first time.
    -- Applying for and being granted a State license to practice architecture in at least one state
    -- Practicing architecture for decades, solving real-world problems in 3 dimensions (not just making "plans")
    -- Detailing complex situations to keep out water and hold a home together in the face of harsh environmental forces like wind, rain, snow, ice and seismic movement
    -- Taking 12 to 36 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) each year for life, to stay up to date with the latest technological and other architectural design considerations.

    thank you. 

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 5.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 10:55 AM
    Hello Rand: You are so full of yourself it is incredible. You are an example of why we are here, in the public eye, as professionals in architecture. If you can, humble yourself a little more and be more understanding. Your doggedness sometimes is very upsetting. In any case do not attempt to speak for us.

    I think I know your reaction to this message but I have said much too much already. I have not read Williams books but I see it immediately as an excellent effort to tell the public what they need about houses and architects. Hopefully more like that will help to repair our profession. However I believe things have changed for the better or worse. It will never be the same as before. All these qualifications and trainings you are talking about does not help most of us to keep a household or even pay back our school loans which are fundamentally why anyone would need to go to school or undergo any training what so ever. If you are sitting pretty thank your good fortune. But stop writing like we are all in that situation!!!!!!!!

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    Kene Meniru Ph.D., Assoc. AIA
    Adjunct Professor
    Parkville MD
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  • 6.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 11:25 AM
    Kene, I am struggling to survive, just as most of us are.  I advocate for licensed residential architects and the public that we serve.  My sole goals are for residential licensed architects to thrive, while improving the practice and quality of residential architecture, which, as I understand it, is also the mission of CRAN.  That's it.  Sorry if anything I have said might lead you or anyone else to think otherwise.  

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 7.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 12:58 PM

    Rand,

    What a great response about the architect's credentials advantage! In a few words you disassembled any argument on the value of so called "certified home designers".

    Thank you so much to articulate in such a simple manner, what the AIA has such a problem in describing and supporting in all their public awareness tools.

    Your colleague and friend,

    Sydney.



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    Sydney Head AIA
    Sydney V. Head Architect
    Newport Beach CA
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  • 8.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 08:38 PM
    Rand,
    I read your comments diligently, but this one I am not sure about.

    Your qualifications for hiring an architect would scare off most clients, not that the requirements are not important.

    I am not necessarily a FLW fan but recall that this profession selected Mr. Wright as the architect of the century, or something like that.  With his supposedly breath-taking, yet deteriorating examples of his work, Ol' Frank himself could not pass a couple of your requirements.



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    D. Cook AIA
    Tipp City OH
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  • 9.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-02-2012 06:46 PM
    Hi D.Cook.  Really?  Someone actually reads what we write here?  Thanks.  Glad to know that people do that.
    Seriously, I appreciate it.  Sometimes I think the words just go into the wind.

    Regarding your statement about the requirements, my response is: ????
    Those are the things that I had to do.  I thought those were pretty routine these days. Is there something about those requirements that do not sound correct these days to you?  Really: that's what I went through. I assume that was basic, which was why I commented on them; believing that all licensed architects would remember going through those activities.

    And yes sir; I used to design churches for one of Mr. Wright's main apprentices in Orlando.  I do understand that back in Wright's day, today's requirements for architectural licensure as we know them today did not exist.  I was told first hand from Wright's apprentice, that Mr. Wright was MADE an AIA member; that it was not something that he necessarily requested!  Pretty funny.  Thanks for your input.

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 10.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-29-2012 07:57 AM

    Hello:

    I believe this is my first post to a forum.  I would suggest to Rand that he take a second look at what Bill has done with his first book and plans to do with his second book.  Bill's effort does much to promote the talent and expertise that good residential architects offer.  Sarah Susanka put residential architecture squarely on the map, and I see Bill's work continuing to help feed the information-seeking public's appetite.  I would not feel threatened by that.  Just as some people may go to seminars about estate planning and then go to a $29 do-it-yourself legal document source, there are some who will attempt to cut and paste a dream home from magazines and books with a $29 software pakage.  We won't stop that.  This is an opportunity to possibly get some exposure along side other qulaity projects. Whether or not Bills' style is your cup of tea, Bill's book is well developed and produced, and has broad appeal - I am sure it took years to complete. Kudos for developing an extremely effective marketing tool that promotes what we do.  Perhaps Bill would throw a poor starving residential architect a bone from inquiries from the new book.
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    Michael Looney AIA
    President
    Montchanin Design Group Inc.
    Wilmington DE
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  • 11.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-29-2012 08:15 AM
    It's not me, personally, being threatened, Michael; it's our entire profession.  Architects are being systematically erased from our culture.  Take  look at HGTV sometime.  When's the last time you even heard the word "architect" mentioned?  Or even "licensed" anything?  Our culture appears to be eroding into a licenseless melting pot of pseudo "designers" making "plans" for "builders."  It seems counter-productive for another licensed architect to even suggest that people try to design something that the public would be better served by having a true, licensed architect doing for them. If Bill's book is something other than that, then Bill, I apologize.  I guess I have a hair-trigger on this subject. 

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 12.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 08:33 AM
    Rand,
    I've read many of your posts and it's hard to not envision you as anything short of an absolutist when it comes to delivery of services. I could be wrong, but considering your criticisms of my alternative approaches of getting Architectural designs to the average person, it seems that you have some sort of expectation that ALL Americans MUST engage in the traditional delivery method of Architectural Services, meaning that each person should be REQUIRED to hire an Architect first, take that design to 2-4 builders to bid, and then have the house built. Average people don't do this for a reason. Most people simply don't have the resources to pay 5 figures for an instruction manual, pay rent or mortgage on one place to live while ALSO paying mortgage on a construction site for 6-8 months. We can't EXPECT people to do something they simply can't afford to do.

    We as a profession must look into alternative ways of getting our services out there if we want to survive and perhaps I'm misunderstanding your posts and many criticisms of me, but you seem to have highly unrealistic expectations of the majority of Americans. You are not going to kill the spec house delivery model. People like buying a house that's ready to move into. That's 1.3 million out of the total 1.6 million houses built at the top of the boom. The remaining 320,000 houses are commissioned by homeowners and we're maybe designing 50,000 of those. If you choose to simply focus on homeowner commissioned houses, you're missing 80% of the housing industry (spec houses). Most of these homeowners are finding builders first and the house designs come from plan books. Now, we can generate more plan book designs and divorce ourselves from the one on one interaction between the homeowner and Architect, but we can also learn to team up with builders that provide this level of housing, so we can work as teammates and participate in that process. Without that interaction, people simply don't understand where the design comes from or why it's important. We can come up with the most amazing plan book designs, but we miss out on the opportunity of showing people why design is important. It's a process and right now, most just see an end result without participating in the process. This is why 90% of my work comes through builders. We aren't beating them, so why not join them?

    It is already ingrained in the mindset of the average person to find a builder first, mostly because the traditional delivery method of our services is unaffordable and that's not just the design, it's paying mortgage on a construction site while paying on a place to live too. If we're only providing 50,000 houses out of 1.6 million at the top of the building boom, then just do the math. What do you expect? We're not making ourselves available. We're making ourselves extinct by not evolving. My suggestion to you and your proponents is to start getting more creative about how you get your services out there without making ridiculous claims that we're going to simply require people use us when we clearly don't have anywhere close to the numbers of boots on the ground to facilitate that requirement. We need to earn the respect of the public by finding a way to be available, not force them to respect and love us.

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    Eric Rawlings AIA
    Owner
    Rawlings Design, Inc.
    Decatur GA
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  • 13.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 10:34 AM
    Thanks again, Eric, for calling people names, attributing motivations to others, while claiming for yourself the exclusive title of the Divine's Gift to the Builders of Renovations, and once again, in long-winded fashion, broadcasting numbers that others have called into question.  I will no longer engage with you in these pointless arguments.   Dale Carnegie said that "no one ever won an argument," and with us, that couldn't be a truer sentiment.  I wish you well.  You go your way and I will go mine.

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 14.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-03-2012 08:52 AM
    I said Divine Gift eh? You know, I design just as many new houses. Could I perhaps be ordained with a title for that too? I really do appreciate your enthusiasm and concern for our profession and we share an ultimate end goal of wanting to see all houses being designed by professional Architects. The difference is our polar opposite approach to get there. You seem to think the rest of the world is the problem and we must change them, while there is nothing wrong with what we've been doing all along. I feel if things aren't going right for us, then maybe it's us. Maybe we need to change our approach. You know, evolve. One definition of insanity is to keep repeating the same behavior while expecting different results.

    As far as the numbers go would a more Laconian response be better received? Those aren't my numbers, question the US Census Bureau. 

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    Eric Rawlings AIA
    Owner
    Rawlings Design, Inc.
    Decatur GA
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  • 15.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-04-2012 09:15 AM
    Have to weigh in with Eric on this. Architects have never been the leader when it comes to housing and no amount of ranting and wishing will make will make us so. Even many of the old "period" houses that we admire today were designed by the builders using pattern books. The only way to have a major voice in the market is to team up with the builders and provide a service that both they and the public need and appreciate. I don't find it hard and I haven't had to compromise my standards of design or documentation. ------------------------------------------- Thad Broom AIA Architect Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C. Virginia Beach VA -------------------------------------------
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  • 16.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-05-2012 09:19 AM
    Perhaps another way to promote the benefits of architectural services to the public is for the AIA (or the Housing Knowledge Community) to have dialogue with the mass media providers, including HGTV and the producers of "designer" programs, with the goal of incorporating more architects, and fewer designers and builders, in television programs.


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    Anthony Chinn AIA
    President
    AAC Architects, Ltd.
    St. Charles IL
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  • 17.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-06-2012 09:27 AM
    As a minimum, the HGTV shows should educate their audience as to what it really takes to design and document their projects in order to price out and get through the code review process let alone build the project.. It's a real disservice to the design profession to see the host pull out an artsy rendering of the project and everyone goes to work like that is all that is needed.
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    Thad Broom AIA
    Architect
    Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C.
    Virginia Beach VA
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  • 18.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-07-2012 08:31 AM
    Yep.  You get it, Thad.  I share your frustrations.  Also, there appears to hardly ever be any licensed anyones involved in those shows.  It makes me wonder if there is some agenda there?  Hopefully not.
    I might add that those shows are also a disservice to the public's Health, Safety & Welfare.  As if a major restaurant renovation would be allowed to happen start to finish in 48 hours!  And with no architects, engineers or legitimate contractors or building permits or inspections.  Or that a "designer person" could properly handle major structural revisions to aging homes of 4 stories, along with plumbing, electrical, flashing and waterproofing details (Details?  We don't need no stinking details!)  and completely renovate those within a week or so on a $10k budget.  They never mention that the show staff's labor is free, along with many other things that most clients would have to pay for.

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 19.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-10-2012 01:24 PM
    A ways down Thad says that architects have never played a major role in home design.  In a talk by Jerry Messman, AIA at our Lake Superior Design Retreat stated that his firm then located in Des Moines was responsible for the design of some 30 percent of the constructed residences in the US.   His firm turned out plans for the plan books and developers for every imaginable type of user.  Maybe the claim is exaggerated but I bet their influence has been significant if not noticed by the "design" profession.   

    The success of the firm led to the principals starting a challenge to build one house in one day for $100 in africa.  They never quite achieved the goal, but the attempt led to an intriguing development they called Abode.  The efforts on the project waned with the plunge of the economy.  

    Peter
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    Peter Carlsen AIA
    Carlsen & Frank Architects
    Saint Paul MN
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  • 20.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-11-2012 09:14 AM
    I wish I had the time to put together a plan book as that appears to be one sure way to penetrate the housing market. My  gripes with plan book homes are that all tend to look alike, usually use way too many different materials, especially on the front facades, and the documentation needs major overhaul to meet today's codes.
    Btw, this thread was started by William Hirsch looking for material for his new book. I have attended one of his CE classes and I can attest that he is one of us. His designs are first rate, the detailing in his homes is fantastic and he firmly believes in a architect led design apprach. His last book put forth his philosophy in a manner that can be understood by the layman and I applaud hime for that.

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    Thad Broom AIA
    Architect
    Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C.
    Virginia Beach VA
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  • 21.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-12-2012 12:25 PM
    All - You might find it interesting to know that for a time the AIA endorsed The Architects' Small House Service Bureau for modest homes. Complete working drawings could be ordered from the Small Homes of Architectural Distinction: A Book of Suggested Plans. The original 1929 plan compendium (which includes an endorsement by then Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover along with that of the AIA Board of Directors) was re-published in 1987 by Dover as Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties. I use it frequently as a reference.

    I think the idea of the Housing KC reaching out to home improvement shows is excellent. Anyone interested in volunteering for such an initiative should contact me. 

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    Kathleen Dorgan AIA
    Principal/Chair
    Dorgan Architecture & Planning
    Storrs CT
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  • 22.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-13-2012 08:58 AM
    Hi Kathleen,

    Are you looking for someone to organize a new book of architect's designs to be sold as stock plans or are you looking for the architects and their designs so you can do it yourself?

    Dave


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    David Andreozzi AIA
    Owner
    Andreozzi Architects
    Barrington RI
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  • 23.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-14-2012 10:23 AM
    Folks, I don't know if any of you have actually had anyone contact you after seeing your work in a plan book.  I hope that works for you.  Unfortunately, what it appears to do, in my opinion, is to cheapen the perceived value of what architects do and turn it into a commodity, or worse: for free.  I can't tell you how many clients and potential clients have come to me with a page torn out of one of those books, saying: "I'd like something like this, but change this here and there."

    I have to explain to them that such an act is illegal, that the creator of that design owns it; it is at the very least common law copyrighted.  And usually, we can then proceed to do what should be done, which is to program what they really want, then design something that is tailor-made for them.

    Any of us that would consent to using another's work, even with a few changes is guilty of copyright infringement, which applies to derivative works as well.  Just check out: Section 102 of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C.

     I believe that the Public has no understanding of this, and perceives that once they see something in a book that they have seen or bought, that THEY now own it and can use it. Such plan book floor plans and images end up in people's scrapbook, labled: "Ideas for our house."  Which they then take to their builder, drafter, or possibly an architect. The little cost of such books, I believe, gives people the erroneous assumption that ALL other architectural "plans" from any of us should cost about the same as what they have spent to acquire such materials.  Beware.  This is not a good thing, in my opinion.  Okay: now let the zombies among us rain down on me about how we should be working for minimum wage..

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 24.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-17-2012 01:41 PM


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    Perry Cofield AIA
    Design Ways & Means Architects
    Arlington VA
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    SINCE WHEN ARE ARCHITECTS FAVORING THE SUPRESSION OF FREE SPEECH?  Rand, this is no way to win friends and influence people.  The writing of design guides with examples is a time-honored tradition in our field.  Ask Corbu, Chas Moore, Venturi, Duo Dickinson, and any number of other current writers.  I have had dinner with Mr. Hirsch at two Reinventions, he is a fine gentleman.  The AIA bookstore would not carry his first book, possibly because there was nothing "rad" being advocated.  But he sells the books he writes as part of his living.  He is an architect as much Steven Holl.  Loosen up, Randy baby! 





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  • 25.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-18-2012 08:43 AM
    Perry, my good friend.  Not trying to suppress anything.  Just reporting what happens, in real life. And nothing negative intended toward Mr. Hirsch.  I am still not a fan of "plans books."  I think they tend to undermine what we do.
     All my best,

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 26.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-19-2012 09:42 AM
    Ladies and gentlemen, please think bigger! Sure, many define architecture as providing a highly customized design to a highly unique client. However, wouldn't we all agree that sound design is also good for the masses? Should Michael Graves have not designed products for Target because it undermined what we do? On the contrary, it exposed a whole new crop of folks to good design to the point where now Target customers quickly lap up the designer product offerings at Target. I believe the same concept applies to plan books. We have all seen poor design in our communities. Why not provide the greater pubic with thoughtful design in a prototypical package? If it helps keep the lights on, why wouldn't that be a good idea for any small business owner? We shouldn't paint ourselves into a corner as a profession by implying that what we do is better than some people deserve/need/can afford.

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    Gordon Rogers AIA
    EAS Department Executive
    Kitchell CEM, Inc.
    Sacramento CA
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  • 27.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-20-2012 07:16 AM
    Personally, I'm not very thrilled about the plan books. I have been providing builders with the alternative to have a unique, truly custom design for each lot they build on. More of us could be doing this if we learn to work with the builders. When you work with a builder as a teammate, you can bring your fees down and they bring you the work. If you can let go of micromanaging the process and let a spec builder source their own finishes, equipment, and accessories, they can provide a much better product than a plan book design for affordable cost while giving Architects more work. When one design is repeated over and over and over, those are jobs, jobs, jobs that we could of had. If we could learn that a spec house is a much different design problem than a millionaire homeowner house with only two contracts and parties involved rather than three, then we could be producing almost as much as 10x more houses than the number of commercial buildings being constructed. In 2006 1.6 million house were built and 1.3 million were spec houses. Only 170,000 commercial buildings were built. Think about it. As long as we insist on micromanaging every building to death in order to be more excellent, we will lose those 1.3 million potential jobs to the plan book.

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    Eric Rawlings AIA
    Owner
    Rawlings Design, Inc.
    Decatur GA
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  • 28.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-27-2012 10:12 AM
    Just to address a side issue that has arisen in the course of this discussion -

    With regard to the issue of copyright (thank you, Mr. Soellner, for providing the chapter and verse): if you read the document, it states that the copyright protection subsists in any tangible medium of expression (e.g. a printed or original drawing), however, it then goes on to state that "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery, regardless of the form in which it is described, explained, illustrated, or embodied in such work."

    As I understand it, this means that while the drawings are copyrighted, the ideas in them (i.e. the designs themselves) are not.     So, you cannot go around calling some other architect's drawing your own, however, you can design a building which is exactly like one that someone else has already designed.

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    Kate Svoboda-Spanbock AIA, CID
    Principal
    HERE Design and Architecture
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 29.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-28-2012 08:23 AM
    Hello AIA General Counsel:
    Please respond to Ms. Svoboda-Spanbock's comments.

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 30.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-31-2012 08:01 AM
    Really? That's certianly an extremely creative yet equally inaccurate interpretation.

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    Stephen Dunakoskie AIA
    Principal
    Stephen Dunakoskie, Consulting
    Leesburg VA
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  • 31.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-01-2013 01:44 PM
    Well, what is a design if not an idea? Why are all proponents of Classical architecture not therefore guilty of copying ionic columns? Surely it is not only that the ancient Greeks are all now dead?

    Mr. Dunakoskie, can you please clarify?

    A happy, healthy, productive and prosperous new year to us all -

    -------------------------------------------
    Kate Svoboda-Spanbock AIA, CID
    Principal
    HERE Design and Architecture
    Los Angeles CA
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 32.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-02-2013 08:41 AM

    Who are thier heirs or corporate entities which might object?  This plagiarism, rather copyright infringment action, is usually started as a civil court and not initially a State regulation (law) or AIA censure issue.

    I believe the original statement was about "literal reproduction", thus causing the outcry - "foul".  The drawings are merely instruments of a service... ...etc..., right?

    Antiquated non-authored, pre-regulated or broadly accepted theory, all require zero justification as a form of copyright infringement "risk management". As some historic background, sometime around 1990, clarification was provided through case law where Architect's Instruments were in fact Copyright Protected. Some added research would be necessary here to better answer such questioning more comprehensively. 

    This means you cannot literally copy another (post-copyright regulated) architects' designs, certainly not dimensionally exact.  Well, if you get caught as this is residential.  And, we're looking at a specific "discussion point" about literal reproductions.  More important as pointed out earlier by Rand, you'd need to seek guidance from your own legal counsel to mitigate any undue exposure regarding such a desire to literally copy designed or built works. 

    Finally, with adequate precedent research; yes of course, you can replicate virtually anything and also extricate abstracts from any concept.

    I don't intend to make judgments about practice in any of these statements, merely my understanding of the principles. However, if one holds an extremely austere philosophy and ethical stance on plagiarism, you might even find Philip Johnson's relationship with Miesian concepts objectionable.  Although banal at worst, given the theory abstraction, the redesign(s) were never beyond the societal rule.


    -------------------------------------------
    Stephen Dunakoskie AIA
    Principal
    Stephen Dunakoskie, Consulting
    Leesburg VA
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    Original Message


  • 33.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-02-2013 11:28 PM
    In 1990 Congress officially passed the Architectural Works copyright Protection Act of 1990 (AWCPA) into law.  What constitutes an architectural work?
    The statue defines it as the design of a building as by any tangible medium of expression, such as plans, buildings or sketches.
    Attorneys encourage architects to even date and retain sketches in case you need to prove that the design is yours.

    -------------------------------------------
    D. Cook AIA
    Tipp City OH
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    Original Message


  • 34.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-01-2013 08:34 PM
    Re:  Copyright Laws
    In 2009, the AIA published a series of 5 articles by Gregory Hancks, AIA, Associate General Counsel entitled "Copyright or Copy Wrong?" specifically how the Laws apply to architects' work - the architectural design itself along with drawings and specifications.

    Suggest that architects review the series to understand just where they stand before they wake up in a federal law suite.

    I would agree with Stephen Dunakoskie's statement, 


    -------------------------------------------
    D. Cook AIA
    Tipp City OH
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    Original Message


  • 35.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-02-2013 11:07 AM
    Here are the links to those five articles. (They can also be found by Googling "Gregory Hancks, AIA, Associate General Counsel entitled "Copyright or Copy Wrong?") 


    http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek08/0718/0718p_cpyrite.cfm

    http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek08/0815/0815p_copyright.cfm

    http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/0626/0626b_copyright.cfm

    http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/0925/0925p_copyright.cfm

    http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/1016/1016p_copyright5.cfm

    -------------------------------------------
    Kathleen Simpson
    Director, Knowledge Communities
    The American Institute of Architects
    Washington DC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 36.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-03-2013 07:28 AM
    Sorry, my historical memory appears more accurate about dates than actual events. Lacking adaquate research, I stumble through the night.

    And, thanks to D. Cook for the clarification about the 1990 Federal protection mandate.

    -------------------------------------------
    Stephen Dunakoskie AIA
    Principal
    Stephen Dunakoskie, Consulting
    Leesburg VA
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 37.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-25-2013 10:47 AM
    Thanks very much for posting the links to the articles below. After chasing down their sources, I find that, in the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act of 1990, they state that:

    Protection extends to the overall form as well as the arrangement and
    composition of spaces and elements in the design but does not include individual
    standard features or design elements that are functionally required. (emphasis mine)

    Further along, they also state:

    The following building designs cannot be registered:
    ...
    • Standard configurations of spaces (emphasis mine) and individual standard
    features, such as windows, doors, and other staple building
    components, as well as functional elements whose
    design or placement is dictated by utilitarian concerns.

    So, since my work uses standard building features and proceeds from utility, despite how thoughtfully and beautifully I arrange my spaces, I think it may not really be copyrightable. I mean, I will always put the dining room next to the kitchen and the living room - I think that that is standard?

    In short, it seems to me that despite their further work on the matter, this is really only designed to protect ornamentation.

    -------------------------------------------
    Kate Svoboda-Spanbock AIA, CID
    Principal
    HERE Design and Architecture
    Los Angeles CA
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 38.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-28-2013 08:44 AM
    Kate, I think the intent is to prevent someone from copycatting or reproducing your entire design not its bits and pieces. It is how you put all of the parts together that make your work unique. ------------------------------------------- Thad Broom AIA Architect Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C. Virginia Beach VA -------------------------------------------
    Original Message


  • 39.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-29-2013 09:57 AM
    I guess that what I am wondering about really is where they are going to draw the line, given the way that the functional issues impinge on (and really drive) the design.

    With a melody, or a passage of text, you have a very clear abstract entity that can be identified as having been copied. While it might be easy enough to make a similar type of claim with regard to ornamentation, I have a really hard time understanding how it would be enforceable when you are talking about a floor plan.

    Was it Tolstoy who said that all bad houses were bad in their own ways while all good houses were alike? ;)

    BTW - I have just seen my previous post below and found that the empasis to which I was referring (italics) were omitted when it was transmitted. Sorry for any confusion.

    -------------------------------------------
    Kate Svoboda-Spanbock AIA, CID
    Principal
    HERE Design and Architecture
    Los Angeles CA
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 40.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 02-01-2013 03:34 PM
    Which only goes to show how little imagination Tolstoy had.

    -------------------------------------------
    Sean Catherall AIA
    Integrated Property Services
    Bluffdale UT
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    Original Message


  • 41.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 02-04-2013 06:22 AM
    Thanks to Sean.

    Well, I guess with ArcGIS, one can see the similarity between floor plans from space.  Well, dripline...

    I would also guess, imaginative architects are really what's in question here.  Or, possibly it's whether or not their knowledge and, I suppose, purported educational levels are sufficient enough to clearly differentiate an understanding of the differences between plagorism, trademark and copywrite infringement(s).

    Or, I guess it's possible, one could be feeling unjustifiably guilty about some nuance or encroachment and should just seek an Attorney's advice.  But, that's not necessarily a recommendation to seek this knowledge through "blog" world.  This can be exhausting... ...getting in the last word.  Right?


    SUBJECT:  Re: Submissions for New Book?


    -------------------------------------------
    Stephen Dunakoskie AIA
    Principal
    Stephen Dunakoskie, Consulting
    Leesburg VA
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 42.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-28-2013 05:52 PM
    Kate Give yourself more credit as a designer! . Except maybe in a "standard" 20' townhouse, a floor plan you draw, in conjunction with elevations, will be easy to recognize and distinguish if indeed it is copied. The definitions of the "act of copying" is well written and favors designers, for whom this legislation was intended. The problems you will face in proving that something was copied: how good are your documents and how do they compare to ones in question, and, what are your monetary damages?. If you were paid a small sum for your plans, and they were copied, your suit would cost more than you want to risk. If a builder copied your plans, on the other hand, and used them for a prototype you would be looking at more potential for real abuse. Although builders do not pay a lot for repeat use typically, when someone acts against the law, the damages can be substantial because juries and judges guided by legal counsel inflict revenge and punishment on such acts. The law protects those producing widgets and inventions whose designs, like mass produced Tizios, sell on the basis of face recognition. But there was a local architect who got 6 figured fee paid 3x, once for drawing the plans for a house built once. Her client, a builder, used the plans a second time, without permission, and built the same house for someone else, with changes. The court agreed the house design was copied despite the changes, and awarded the lost fees, doubled for damages, so the the fee was paid a 3x , so to speak, to the designer (damages helps pay the atty fee and your angst). I live my life and practice outside ofthe courtroom as a rule, but viewed the copyright law as a huge success for intellectual property and the profession. But it is a 2 edged sword. Next time a client come to you with someone pans and says "this is exactly what I want" you are not obligated to tell them " so go to that architect," but you are obligated to tell them "I cannot do that" and you are ethically and legaaly bound to act accordingly. That is the law since 1990.. It was different before - I remember well. -------------------------------------- Allen E Neyman Rockville, MD -------------------------------------------
    Original Message


  • 43.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-29-2013 07:30 AM
    Well said, Alan.

    -------------------------------------------
    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 44.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-02-2013 03:37 PM
    I attached information I accumulated over time on copyright law interpretation. I do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information.

    Hopefully, I have not infringed on the authors rights by providing this information to the Group; none was intended.

    There are two pages with the 2nd and 3rd attachments and 1 page with the first.

    -------------------------------------------
    Frank Bell AIA
    Principle
    Frank Joseph Bell Architect
    Pittstown NJ
    -------------------------------------------



    Original Message


  • 45.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-02-2013 03:37 PM
    One other article from Design/Build Business. No copyright infringement intended.

    -------------------------------------------
    Frank Bell AIA
    Principle
    Frank Joseph Bell Architect
    Pittstown NJ
    -------------------------------------------







    Original Message


  • 46.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-20-2012 08:37 AM
    Hello Gordon,
    I understand your point.  Yes: we as architects should design homes for everyone of all budget sizes and type.  Agreed.  However, designing culinary objects is not the same thing as promoting architectural plan books.  As I mentioned, what I have witnessed, first-hand, is that when people purchase plan books, they don't read the fine print, that I am sure responsible people like Mr. Hirsch provide in their volumes.  What the public tends to believe (as I have seen) is that when they buy such a book, they think that THEY own everything contained within it.  And guess what?  These buyers of such books are not the down-trodden masses.  They have been, in my experience, well-to-do people that think they can offer torn-out pages from these plan books to architects like all of us here on the CRAN, hoping to discount our fees, by saying: "Here!  Use this the basis for MY house.  I own this plan, because I bought this book.  Just change this corner or mirror the plan or whatever."  Be honest with us folks: hasn't this happened to ALL architects on this forum? How does this help the public or the practice of architecture?  Which is what I thought the purpose of the AIA, CRAN and this forum was supposed to be about?

    -------------------------------------------
    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 47.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-21-2012 09:39 AM
    I have had clients bring me plans and pieces of plans and plans they have assembled from plans.
    I thank them and tell them it saves me about 3 hours of work to get to the same place if they had brought me words. i want as much input from the clients as they can provide, words, photos, sketches, plans. its all on the table.

    Then our work begins, even when reuse our own plans the work is several hundred hours. Plans to me are like words. They help explain what the clients are seeing and how they see rooms relating. Square bubble diagrams if you will. What better way for client to express their dreams. Their is long way from a plan to a house. What are we afraid of.

    Architects are not the only way to great home. We need to remember that.

    Case in point When I vacation I stay in B and Bs. None of then have been architect-id and all are fabulous.  We are missing the point and the public really does not care. When we Architects start caring about what the public wants in housing, we just might become more valuable.

    There are architects who do and they seam to be busy.


    -------------------------------------------
    Donald Duffy AIA
    Don Duffy Architecture
    Charlotte NC
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    Original Message


  • 48.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-24-2012 08:47 AM
    I agree Donald.  Many of my clients bring plans they have drawn (all out of scale of course) or from print, photographs, magazines, a writen program, etc. to try and express what they want in a custom home for themselves.  I review all of this with them and take all of it away for my reference.  I try to never let them see it again.  Instead I show them things in my design that they requested.  

    When the book Authentic Small Houses of the Twenties was first mentioned in this Forum, I found a copy on line for $9 and purchased it.  The book was put together with the AIA's Architects' Small House Service Bureau.  If someone takes this book or a plan to a builder, they have a chance of getting a respectable home. It was designed to "improve the quality of small houses in this country".  I do not think this book would take work away from most architects.  There is a photo or sketch, and floor plans.  There is also a disclamer.

    The book shows many different building styles - all regional/traditional designs.  However, it does not talk about appropriate designs for the regional context of the site.  With a new book we could help provide a more appropriate house design for the site to be built on.  Now this could get tricky, because the micro climate of each site cannot be addressed in detail.  But the principals of designing WITH the climate could be addressed. This should be a major input to any program.  We have an opportunity to aid the builder in paying attention to appropriate building science for the region.  We could really help to make builders provide better housing.

    -------------------------------------------
    Edward Cazayoux FAIA
    Principal/architect
    EnvironMental Design
    Breaux Bridge LA
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 49.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-20-2012 08:39 AM
    Perhaps the Architects' Plan book needs to be a hard cover version to distinguish itself from the grocery store paperbacks?
    Pay a little more, get a hugely better product.
    I always say that my design fee will be saved before construction is complete from better planning, drawings and few to no change orders.

    -------------------------------------------
    Craig Isaac AIA
    Architect
    Craig W. Isaac Architecture
    Charlotte NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 50.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-18-2012 09:47 AM
    Perry and others, I just received this e-mail from John Henry, an architects of custom homes in Orlando.  He cannot seem to get on the AiA website, so I have copied and pasted HIS comments here, so that he will have a voice on this subject:


    Rand, I really cannot figure out how to post in the AIA blog but in your defense of this subject, I offer the following:


    While Palladio had his Quattro Libre, and was able to instruct a banal world how to revive classical architecture, his book started a revolution in printing various designs for buildings through the last few centuries that has gone beyond the original concept.
    Palladio wanted to leave a legacy in print, which included much theory, as Vitruvius did.  And he offered schematic plan layouts of his projects with a front elevation.  He did NOT offer to sell any detailed plans to interested parties though.  He hoped they would contact him directly to create new variations of the classical ideal.

    Today's marketing mess NO DOUBT has contributed to the deflation of an Architect's work and value.
    These plan hacks are hawking basic permit plans at ridiculously low prices.  They cross advertise on each other's web sites and in plan books everywhere.  
    The bottom line is that the consumer is led to believe that a $600 set of drawings is the 'norm'.
    No wonder people migrate to drafting monkeys demanding a rediculously low fee.
    And the 'semi' and 'custom' builders employ the same to create the mish mash of housing littering our suburbs and rural areas.

    I have been tempted to do this as many 'competitors' have derived huge profits from this scheme.
    But for several reasons, I have not given in to this.
    A. It contributes to the notion that home design services are a low value proposition and that architect's fees therefore are insanely high.
    B. I do not want my designs copied without authorization by either the network of plan hacks that distribute this stuff and their minions who will appropriate the work without conscience.
    C. You then throw yourselves all into the snake pit of plan hackery and demean your own practice.
    D. You are part of 'them' and will never shake off the fact that you can be bought off for very little.

    If the AIA buys into this nonsense and self defeating scheme I will permanently stay away from this inept organization.


    --
    John Henry Design International, Inc.
    7491 Conroy Rd.  Orlando Fl. 32835
    TEL: 407 421-6647
    FAX: 305 425-5855








    -------------------------------------------
    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 51.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-14-2012 06:16 PM
    David;

    I'm the guy who started this wandering discussion with a request for submissions of good, small houses for my next book, Designing Your Perfect Small House. The discussion has gone off in several directions from there. But to answer your question, I have no intent to sell plans. I want to showcase the work of good archtiects, illustate the points i will be making in the narrative, and add one more brick in the wall of why it's a good idea to hire an architect. If you have a small house or two you would like to send my way, I would welcome it. Your work is always top shelf.

    -------------------------------------------
    William Hirsch AIA
    ARCHITECT
    William J Hirsch, Jr Inc
    West End NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 52.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-14-2012 06:22 PM
    Now that this discussion has veered to plan books and HGTV, you folks might be interested in this post that just came through from HARO (Help A Reporter Out).

    7) Summary: How have the home improvement shows tarnished your business?

    Name: Mary Gardner National Homebuilding Magazine

    Category: Business and Finance

    Email: query-2oqf@helpareporter.net

    Media Outlet: National Homebuilding Magazine

    Deadline: 7:00 PM EST - 22 December

    Query:

    I am writing a series of articles for national and local
    homebuilding trades and business outlets. I am interested in
    stories from business owners in the homebuilding business that
    have had clients try to undercut the fees based on what they
    "saw" on TV. Did they under estimate the TIME involved? The
    prices? The extra fees? Or have OTHER expectations based on a TV
    show that is designed to make things look and feel easier than
    they REALLY ARE? How has this HURT your relationships or your
    business and HOW have you dealt with it?

    Requirements:

    These articles need to have stories of REAL individuals that OWN
    or WORK in businesses.. in the home improvement industry.
    Architects, realtors, home designers, decorators, or any vendor
    that sells a product that goes IN THE HOME. Please be as
    specific and give actual conversations if you have examples of
    peoples/clients misdirected expectations and HOW you resolved
    their expectations.. or if you lost a customer as a result.
    Thank you!


    Now, please do not respond to me about this inquiry. Send your reply to Mary Gardner who's address is above. This is your chance to speak your peace and get quoted in a national magazine.

    -------------------------------------------
    William Hirsch AIA
    ARCHITECT
    William J Hirsch, Jr Inc
    West End NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 53.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-16-2012 04:11 PM
    Hello David and KC Members - 

    My interest is in planning future Housing KC projects. Housing KC activities are the result of interest by volunteers. My interest is in finding out what the members find of enough interest to do the work to get the project(s) off the ground. That could be reaching out to TV shows, publishing another plan book (a much bigger project) or something else. Let me know.

    Kathy

    -------------------------------------------
    Kathleen Dorgan AIA
    Principal
    Dorgan Architecture & Planning
    Storrs CT
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 54.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-06-2012 07:01 PM
    How about National Architecture Day? 

    Once a year professional architects can gather at public venues in their community and provide free consultation.

    Home owners who are wanting advise on a remodel or new home can "ask an architect".

    Various architecture related tours and events could be celebrated.

    We need to inform the general public of the value of our services!

    -------------------------------------------
    David Ways AIA
    Architect
    Arcticstar Design, Inc.
    Bradenton FL
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 55.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-07-2012 08:32 AM
    What a great idea!

    -------------------------------------------
    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 56.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 01-02-2013 11:17 AM
    The AIA National component is celebrating National Architecture Week, April 8-14, 2013. AIA chapters across the country celebrated the profession different times of the year and for a day, a week, and even month. Contact your local chapter to find out what your local chapter has planned and how you can help. If you are interested in organizing this type of "ask an architect" activity locally, let them know. I have read a number of online articles about similar successful events in the past. Great idea, indeed!

    If you have questions about National Architecture Week,     contact Sybil Walker Barnes, AIA National's director of social media.

    -------------------------------------------
    Kathleen Simpson
    Director, Knowledge Communities
    The American Institute of Architects
    Washington DC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 57.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-05-2012 09:20 AM
    I was going to stay out of this, but I have got to agree with Eric and Thad.

    Architects should NOT see themselves as the progenitors of the living environments of individuals, families, businesses, or a society in general. I personally think our responsibility is respond to the available data of many of the many institutions, subcultures, and markets which impact the cultural norms that are the "comfortable" foundations that should be forming our living environments. I know too many single family residence owners who have had to move out of, or alter significantly, "homes" designed for them by headstrong architects that have enforced their own personal "design standards" into an architecturally notable home - that was unlivable for the owners!!

    In the past, I have had the opportunity to design many housing types in some pretty nice places, and I found that a great deal of "market" knowledge was gained by listening to the developers and realtors who had experience with selling and maintaining occupancy in these various housing types. 

    My masters thesis dealt with case studies of the culturally catastrophic failures of some "architectural award winning" subsidized housing projects because of a lack of understanding of  the "prima-dona" design team; the government agency funding the projects, the planners in the localities of projects, and the designers themselves. A history of the successful neighborhoods from where the relocated occupants were coming from was not observed at all, except to say that they were "visually unacceptable" - a very subjective terminology!

    Some of these projects were demolished soon after occupancy and well before their mortgages were paid off. The same can happen in an upscale single family residential design project.

    We need to learn a balance between taking the world as it is, and not only as we would have it.                   

    -------------------------------------------
    George Jennings AIA
    G Booker 3
    Tappahannock VA
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 58.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-05-2012 09:27 AM
    Teaming up with builders.an option to consider but you'll take a second or third seat, not a leadership position. Not a desirable position but sometimes necessary and an opportunity since having a seat can lead to better the project. ------------------------------------------- Allen Neyman AIA Allen E Neyman Associates Concept Architecture LLC Rockville MD -------------------------------------------
    Original Message


  • 59.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-05-2012 09:34 AM
    There is a difference between "Pattern Books" and "Catalog Homes"  The pattern books were around before the industrial revolution.   With  the advent of stick framing and railroad delivery, a new vernacular was born - The Catalog Home.   Contrary to current beliefs, these manufactures actually did use architects! Unlike the pattern books, the catalogs featured detailed plans.  Many, such as Radford Homes of Chicago and Sears boasted of using (licensed) architects!  While some of these architects might have been licensed to practice in states like Illinois, which was the first state to have licensure, others, located in less populated states, might not have been able to obtain registration as it was not available (i.e. Iowa adopted registration in 1927) 

    The fact is, these home designs utilized seasoned designers, whether licensed or not.  This was all before the advent of modernism in the academy, so it was considered "OK" to design in a historic style.  Nobody was made to feel inferior if they were not "authentic" in designing for the current age.  While Wright, Elmslie and others were doing "Progressive" designs, they lost out to the style revivalists during the 20's (Wright had 4 commissions in a 12 year period, Purcell & Elmslie went out of business). 

    If architects are ever going to have an impact in this sector, the perception of traditional/stylistic design as being inferior to whatever is current (modernism, post-modernism, neo-modernism, decon) will have to change!

    Also, it should be noted that most of the large, production builders use architects.  These architects, are very adept at what they do.  They understand their client's need to deliver a certain product.  It's the mid-sized and smaller builders that typically do not employ architects.  

    Also, note that while many of the house "products" ignore true stylistic precedent, the real problem lies in the planing of communities.  Here is a place where architects can lead the charge - as New Urbanist or TND's will prove to be far more sustainable than the current sprawling suburban model.  We need to embrace this as true sustainability and not let USGBC tell the public that a high performing building that is auto dependent is a good sustainable model! 

    The AIA is hurting this cause by aligning with the academy, and not encouraging good traditional design that meets the tastes of the public.  Jut keep embracing the star-chitect and things won't change!


    -------------------------------------------
    Edward Shannon
    Waterloo IA
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 60.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 08:51 AM
    Maybe it is time for HGTV to give Architects a chance to explain how they solve problems before they arise-that structural post in the wall that cannot be seen, but is obviously there from understanding simple loads?

    I am amazed to watch shows where they say "we have bad news" and just from the brief camera shots it was obvoius and should not have been a surprise. Maybe that is just good TV.

    -------------------------------------------
    Craig Isaac AIA
    Architect
    Craig W. Isaac Architecture
    Charlotte NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 61.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 11:20 AM
    Agreed!  Just my point.  An architect would have known that.  The "designer" certainly didn't.  And just one more reason why people doing any kind of building project should consult an architect.  We are being erased by HGTV and other DIY shows. It will take some cash to fund new efforts, like a "House Impossible" reality show where there is a different architect each week, saving someone's home, and using...dare I suggest: an actual Licensed General Contractor to make the improvements.  That would be putting the architect and licensed contractor back into the public's view.  High time. 

    Sounds easy?  It isn't.  This kind of effort takes big bucks. Anything we can do, as licensed architects, primarily practicing residential architecture need to band together, in my opinion, to create things that help us produce sustainable revenue streams (to us in the residential architecture group) to fund public outreach efforts like this for residential architecture.  Be creative!  Come up with ideas that can help us fund public awareness programs.  I know I am.  We are working on a CRAN-AIA subcommittee right now to get some of things going.  You can too!  Think.  Plan.  Do. 

    -------------------------------------------
    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
    -------------------------------------------






    Original Message


  • 62.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 12-03-2012 09:23 AM
    Rand,
    I think you're simply not very understanding of our standing in the Housing Industry. If we were designing more than 3% of the houses, if our business models catered to more than 3% of the industry, if we actually had the boots on the ground and the influence over the average home designs perhaps we would be featured on these shows more often. I see an awful lot of shows featuring Million Dollar Rooms, Extreme Homes, etc. and when you factor in all the TV shows featuring these Architect designed houses, I'd say we're probably getting more than 3% of the air time. How many home renovations have you done for middle class families with household incomes of $50-60K?

    You have an awful lot of energy and devotion to your cause. Why don't you offer up some real solutions as to how we can get Architectural Design out to these average middle class people who simply do small renovations to their homes? All we hear are these mandates that all houses must be stamped by licensed Architects and appraisers should give Architects automatic 20% added value. These aren't realistic solutions. That's like saying we should all not have to pay taxes and just fend for ourself. This will solve the deficit problem. Tomorrow I'll pave the piece of road in front of my house and I'm sure my neighbor will do their part on their nickel. I don't like the position we're in, but here we are. We aren't going to demand more money than what people can afford. Maybe you think I'm way off base here, but I've managed to streamline my design process to bring fees down with limited service and much more efficient design. Working direct with the builders can eliminate much of this concern about being too paranoid to sleep at night because you have no idea who is going to build you next house. You've poo pooed just about everything I say. The more you try to force the entirety of society to adhere to a business model that has only seen success with a small group of wealthy clients, the more you slip into irrelevance. We must evolve or be naturally selected.

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    Eric Rawlings AIA
    Owner
    Rawlings Design, Inc.
    Decatur GA
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  • 63.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-29-2012 10:08 AM
    I actually think there is great value in what William is doing.  

    For too long we have put up barriers and obstacles and said to our potential clients "this is how WE do it".  This love-it-or-leave-it attitude is an anachronism.   We are living in an open-source culture, and its time for architects to get on board.

    Think about the web resource, Houzz.  Many of us were initially reluctant to upload our best images & ideas out of fear that they would be stolen, and certainly some are stolen.  But it turns out that Houzz is a fantastic way of getting your work in front of a huge audience of self-selected design-savvy homeowners, most with actual projects! That exposure would be inordinately expensive as an advertising buy.  And, beyond that it has been an invaluable tool for our clients to communicate what they like and dislike using excellent (mostly) architect-designed images, rather than crap they find in shelter magazines.

    Health, safety & welfare notwithstanding, single family homes can be built without the benefit of an architect virtually anywhere in the US.  Do we continue to pretend that everyone, in every circumstance should hire an architect?  Or do we acknowledge the reality, and try to engage them at some level?  

    This is reminiscent of the argument regarding needle exchange programs for addicts: are we empowering addicts to continue abusing, or are we saving lives by at least helping them to 'use' in a safer manner. Admittedly this is an extreme comparison, but it does reflect the dismissive, 'they get what they deserve' attitude, that many architects have about those who do not use our services.

    Instead of withholding the benefit of our services with an 'all or nothing' attitude, and devising mechanisms to force people to use us, we need to make ourselves relevant again.  I think William has found one way of doing this.

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    Scott Rappe AIA, LEED AP
    Kuklinski + Rappe Architects
    Chicago IL
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  • 64.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 08:05 AM
    Scott,  as an architect, you, me and everyone else on this forum does know that an architect Does design a home better.  For instance, I lived through hurricane Andrew, Katrina and most recently Sandy. I have witnessed, first-hand, what a logical, H,S&W-thinking architect does to save lives, where homes without this benefit collapsed.  As architects, we go beyond minimum code to do things that save the structure and therefore the lives of our clients.  For instance, it was noticed, by myself and other local building inspectors, in the aftermath of Andrew, that one of the main reasons for roof failure was the lack of using steel strapping starting from the wall studs, wrapping up and around roof structural members, then back down the other side.  This  simply expedient, at a cost of a few cents per connection could have saved thousands of homes and hundred of lives. 

    Not many other entities think like this.  We (architects) have it hard-wired into what we all do.  This has nothing to do with marketing opportunities in magazines and books.  It has to do with making stronger homes that don't kill our clients like many others do.  All of us here on this forum need to be banging the drum For architects, not vice versa.  We are required to do so by our scared vow that we all took when we received our licenses. And this is just ONE example of the benefit of having an architect design a house. 

    And yes, I do feel that ALL homes should be designed by an architect.  There would be less loss of life, less loss of property and much better looking neighborhoods, more in tune with the energy-efficiency direction that all of us have endorsed, along with the AIA.  And before anyone says:Yeah so where are all the architects we need to do that: they are out there, right now, waiting to come back into the profession: tens of thousands of them, that, through poor economic situations have had to leave us for now.

    And I still have a problem with Houzz's policy of OWNING what you post on their website.  You are giving up your copyright when you post there.

    Whether or not William's book advocates for or against architects' involvement, I do not know.  I guess I have to take him at his word.  But for bunches of us to blindly throw our hard-won designs at him as gifts to his readers, think about what you are doing.  Do you really think that anyone will call you and pay you something, when they can get it for free? It is my belief that most of the public thinks that when they have the floor plans; that's all they need.  And there are countless builders out there, willing to take such floor plans and then tell them: Sure, I can TAKE these and get what I need from them.  I do not think that participating in a plan-book is a viable means of business expansion.  You are giving your genius away.  If you want to participate, then I would advocate that instead of giving William (or anyone else) your actual floor plans, that you instead prepare Floor Plan Diagrams that show the arrangement of your spaces, without benefit of doors, fixtures, windows, walls, dimensions and the like.  And do include photos of built projects; nothing wrong with that.  Just be careful not to give away for nothing, the keys to the castle. 

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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  • 65.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-29-2012 09:23 PM
    Rand;

    No offense taken. I understand your viewpoint on this. But I do think we are our own worst enemies in many ways when it comes to residential design. And I don't believe we are losing work because of people designing their own houses. I think it is one of those things people initially think will be easy until they try it. My best clients, the ones who appreciate what I do the most, are the ones who have already tried to design their own house and found it to be tough and frustrating. Then I can come in and work magic for them by solving what was unsolvable for them. When that happens, they can't wait to pay me. That is the Holy Grail of our profession.

    If you are ever in the central part of the state, especially near Pinehurst, give me a call and we can discuss all of this over a cold brew. My treat.

    Bill

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    William Hirsch AIA
    ARCHITECT
    William J Hirsch, Jr Inc
    West End NC
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  • 66.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 10:18 AM
    Hello William.   Edward Shannon, a known and trusted architect with whom I associate, has informed me that I have misjudged you and your book.  I therefore apologize.  I thought you were slamming together yet another one of those Plan Books that undermines our profession.  Edward tells me that you actually have a chapter entitled "Do I Need an Architect?" in which you Do recommend that people engage an architect to design their home.  Further, he informed me that you have a page called " Six Ways an Architect Helps You."  And also, that you do recite the certifications and experience an architect must have to do what he or she does. 

    My associate understands, how, at cursory consideration, myself and others might jump to unwarranted conclusions, but upon further, deeper review, he says that you really are advocating for architects.

    He also suggests that I take you up on your invitation for a brewski.  Not a bad idea.  Have a nice weekend.

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    Rand Soellner AIA
    Architect/Owner/Principal
    Home Architects
    Cashiers NC
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    Original Message


  • 67.  RE:Submissions for New Book

    Posted 11-30-2012 03:05 PM
    Rand;

    Thanks for the note. The offer of the cold brew is "non-expiring," by the way.

    There are actually a few architects who either buy my book as a gift for potential clients or direct their clients to it because it lays out the groundwork for the architect-client relationship. And since the reasons for using an architect come from a third party (my book) and not from you directly, people lend more credence to it. It is kind of like your kids believing what their friends' father says and ignoring what you say. No man is a prophet in his own land.

    Best,
    Bill

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    William Hirsch AIA
    ARCHITECT
    William J Hirsch, Jr Inc
    West End NC
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    Original Message