They also offer a Qualification Based Selection QBS guide for selecting the highest qualified architecture/engineer.
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Kyle Dumbleton AIA
Architect
Midwest Modern, LLC
Madison WI
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2010 08:06
From: Jay DeChesere
Subject: Reasons to ask an Architect to Design Your House
It is interesting to me that most architects think that they are the best source for a client when they are interested in designing a home, yet in my opinion, the way we currently practice does not support this position. First, there is such a focus on "design", seemingly above anything else. While this may be a fairly inclusive word, I am referring to the aesthetic side of this word. I have practiced for 40 years or so, and fell into that category for many of them. It was not until 15 years of practice that I became a contractor and started a company to provide cost and other evaluation services along with "design". Secondly, and unfortunately not until 20th year or so, I became involved in design that included more sustainable concepts. It is still amazing to me how little involvement there is by architects in this aspect of design. So, without this becoming a thesis, I feel that until we as architects can offer the additional values of cost analysis and energy/sustainability concepts in our designs, we will not achieve the standing in our community and value to our clients that we and they deserve.
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Jay DeChesere AIA
President
Jay DeChesere, Architect, PC
Wilmington NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-17-2010 10:49
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Reasons to ask an Architect to Design Your House
Thanks Eugene. Interesting question that you pose. I really do not know if there is an existing AIA pamphlet (or other materials, like website videos, commercials and the like) addressing this or not. I am not personally aware of them, so please excuse my ignorance, if they do exist. I thought that plunging in here at the end of 2010 and early 2011 might be a good time to reflect on what we do and why we are valuable. Due to the circumstances of the current economy and everything else that establishes our situation right now, even if such a list/pamphlet has existed in the past, it might be a good time to re-evaluate the reasons/benefits and come up with something befitting our time right now. I look forward to your contribution; thanks again.
Something else has occurred to me, as I have read some of the responses on this AIA forum. Once again, it could be my ignorance of the AIA administrative structure that colors my comments. There seems to be a perception that there is some intangible "they" out there, somewhere (Washington, D.C.?) that constitutes the official in-the-know AIA guys. I really wonder about that. Aren't "we" them? Aren't we the AIA? Isn't it us guys and gals down here in the trenches on a daily basis that makes up the heart and soul of this organization?
I do not know if there is some controlling group of folks somewhere in rich-looking office buildings parking their keesters in wide chairs, enjoying cushy salaries, sucking their gums and making decisions that affect us all. It is my belief that the bulk of the AIA is made up of people just like us, trying to make a living in these trying circumstances. They are us. I don't think there is any "they" that is going to rescue us. It is up to each of us everyday in what we say, what we do, how we conduct ourselves and our practices to encourage potential clients to notice us and hire us. That is what I am trying to do. To jointly compose this list, not just from my practice, or from anything else that may have existing in the past, but from each of us today. This should be from all the lessons we have learned that tell us: this is a good reason! We do have value and here is why!
Some of you may well say: "Okay, so a list on a piece of paper is going to save my practice?" Of course not. What each of us chooses to do with this information is what just might convince at least one client to hire you, though. And that one client might provide you with the income to pay your power bill next month, and that will allow you to perhaps convince one more, and then another...
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Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-17-2010 07:06
From: Eugene Aleci
Subject: Reasons to ask an Architect to Design Your House
Rand -- Thanks for suggesting and offering to do this. I think many of us can contribute to a very compelling list.
Not to distract us all from getting to this important task of telling our public what we can do for them, and why we can add value to their decisions, but...Where is the AIA on this ? I find it unbelievable that there is not already some flyer or web text that tells client-prospects very effectively WHY they should use an architect. Is it really true that this has not been produced already by AIA, and we must re-invent this ? I have not seen it -- has anyone else ?
I'm game to help pull this list together, but I'm just amazed that this is actually necessary with all the resources we have all provided for the Institute. Can someone representing AIA respond about this ?
Although I'm not exclusively a residential designer, I think this is an important aspect of the work that architects should do, and we do design custom new and renovation residential work when we get the chance. I'm working on my list and will send along.
Thanks,
Gene
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Eugene Aleci AIA
Architect / President
Community Heritage Partners
Lancaster PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-16-2010 08:50
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Reasons to ask an Architect to Design Your House
Bernard Perkosky has added about 22 additional considerations for potential clients in his "Hiring and Architect" list. Thank you, Bernie. I would never have thought of "Handling the Paperwork." That's a good one.
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Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Rand Soellner Architect
Cashiers NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2010 23:26
From: Bernard Perkosky
Subject: Reasons to ask an Architect to Design Your House
Rand, This is a great start!
As always, another 7-10 years has gone by, and the economy takes a hard blow. I've been in this boat many times treaded water till it reached the seats but this time its about to fill the boat and sink if we as Architects don't start voicing our opinions and step up to the plate and get out there to let the public know that the first professional to start discussing ones building project is a Licensed Architect. No one else seems to care about our plight.
I have been trying for years in our area to educate the public and my potential clients as to what an Architect can do for them, but in our efforts and written information, it seems to be overwhelming and scares the majority of them off. I have not yet found the answer to this dilemma, and my time (63 yrs) is running past me.
I think if we can come together across the country and provide the public and those potential clients with an honest and carefully well written package about the ins and outs of hiring a Licensed Architect to work with them to design that dream, it may(?) start waking the nation up?
Here are somemore thoughts for your e-pamphlet.
Bernie Perkosky
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Bernard Perkosky AIA
Owner/Architect
BaP Architectural Services
Apalachin, NY
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