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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
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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