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First of all, I realize that in today's media that one graphic with the word "architecture" is damaging, but I don't think that fighting that graphic or with Rosie O'Donnell for that matter, is the answer. This is my take on it: This segment lasted less than two minutes and was dominated by Rosie O'Donnell. They tried to have a discussion during which it was stated "there are no useless degrees". Star Jones wisely said "you make your own niche". Just when the discussion could have gotten interesting they cut to Lindsay Lohan. So really? Are we going to get in a huff because in the 1:40 Rosie O'Donnel was the only panelist who thought there was such a thing as a "useless major?" Rather than condemning the Today Show, or the AIA perhaps we should celebrate that fact that those of us who have persevered in architecture do it for one reason: for the most part, we LOVE it. It certainly has never been easy, either to get the degree or to find work, but we do it anyway. So I say celebrate those of us who persue a "useless" degree--we're about our life's passion whether it be architecture, fine art, drama, or philosphy. Society needs us, whether it knows it or not. Why not let everyone know that we do this because it is our calling if you will. It is a slight shift in the public's perception, but if we show the public our enthusiasm and love for our profession that could make architects as a whole more sympathetic and approachable. People love underdogs who stick to their passions, and by golly, we seem to be the under dogs now. ------------------------------------------- Mary Holley AIA President ma2 architects Basalt CO -------------------------------------------
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-30-2012 05:42
From: Eric Rawlings
Subject: Architecture - Worst Degree to Have?
Our biggest problem is that we expect home owners and home builders to pay the same fees for the same services we offer our commercial clients. Residential Designers own most of the potential custom housing clientele because they only provide the drawings that are absolutely needed, thus they bring their fees down below ours. I've learned to mould my services appropriately around my clients means/ needs and I've opened myself up to a huge market most Architects ignore. I've run most of the designers out of my area by playing their game better. There is a huge need for sophistication and professionalism in regular people housing, but we're really going about this all wrong. If 90% of America can't afford your fees, then how do you get paid what you're worth? You have to work less! Find out what the building official needs and provide only what's necessary. When it comes to houses, we draw way too much. It's as if we have a mental block when it comes to professionalism. Why can't you be professional and offer only the necessary services so someone can afford you?
Most of us turn our noses up to spec houses, yet they represent the most common method of project delivery of ALL Architecture in America. Under normal circumstances, spec houses grossly outnumber all construction put together and we do little to none of it. The majority of our built environment is made up of copies of amateurish designs. I have several builders on board with the concept of building unique, Architectural spec houses. You don't have to repeat lousy boxy floor plans to sell a house at spec. There is a market out there that wants a brand new house now, but doesn't want cookie cutter. We need to embrace the delivery method, not resist it. Only bad products will be offered if we all turn our noses up. If only bad exists and we're not doing anything about it, then what else should the general public think of us?
I'm tired of hearing all the whining about realtors. They made themselves matter and we have not. They bring the builders lots that aren't up for sale yet, they bring builders and Architects business connections, they bring the clients that buy the houses and fill the builder's pockets with money, and they know all the gossip that gives builders an edge over their competitors. I've had several agents provide jobs for me and connect me to builders who bring me work. Ask yourself what we're providing? Complaints about people who only make about $50K a year not wanting to pay $25K for a set of house plans that a designer will provide for a fraction of the price?
We need to learn how to insert ourselves into everyday people's lives and not expect them to worship us from afar. Designing a great public building excites people for the 10 minutes they're there, but a home is where people's real memories are. This is their personal space. People really fall in love with these spaces, no matter how awful. We're letting people fall in love with awful spaces and we wonder why their taste is so tacky.
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Eric Rawlings AIA
Owner
Rawlings Design, Inc.
Decatur GA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2012 10:08
From: Jeffrey Kamm
Subject: Architecture - Worst Degree to Have?
I would interpert that as a Fine Arts Archtiecture degree not a professional degree, a B.A. or M.A. in architecture rather than a B.Arch or M.Arch.; to this I would agree with the comments. I don't thisnk the comments have anything to do with me as a architect. The issue here is is the AIA doing anything, anything at all, to educate the public on the difference? Isn't that one of the purposes of the AIA? The "Residential Designers" have been better on organizing on this front than the AIA. They have created the "professional home Designer and the Certified home designer, basically saying that an Architect and a professional degree are inappropriate for the design of a home.
In my opinion, they are doing a better job appealing to the general public than the AIA. This is the kind of thing that is out there when an individual searches for home design; where is the AIA?
http://architecture.about.com/cs/careers/f/homedesigner.htm
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Jeffrey Kamm AIA
Owner
Wadsworth Kamm Architects
Glastonbury CT
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2012 13:45
From: Allen Neyman
Subject: Architecture - Worst Degree to Have?
A popular TV show has labelled "Architecture" among the 5 most useless degrees[Forward to 6:20 in this Today Show segment...
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/47157200/ns/today-today_news/t/sparks-fly-when-rosie-joins-todays-professionals/ ] Now how do you feel? Is that a validation or confimration of your recent biz experience? Or are they wrong and you are waiting for the AIA to respond to a critique shared with 10 million viewers? Is there a response?
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Allen Neyman AIA
Principal
StovallSmithNeyman and Associates Architects
Germantown MD
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