Debra,
I agree that it's a great idea. I have forwarded this thread to the AIA Repositioning Initiative team. (Email them with more ideas at
repositioning@aia.org.) To learn more go to:
http://www.aia.org/repositioning.
As I mentioned from time to time, this is a member peer-to-peer forum. I, as a staff member at the national office in DC, do read all messages, but only forward and reply to posts when I can. (
For instance, several staff contributed to my thread reply on "side jobs.") Primarily, I support conferences, publications, and other
member-led projects for the 20+ knowledge communities. That's
100+ architect volunteers leading those communities.
They will tell you the best way to get your ideas acted upon is to
take a volunteer leadership role and the local, state, or national level...including
your other idea from March 2011. ;)
Perry,
I believe it's REALTORS because of trademark, not respect, per se. See the link above to March 2011 thread for my earlier explanation. Fun fact: You can add an auto-replace option on Microsoft Office to always change "architect" to "Architect."
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Kathleen Simpson
Manager, Knowledge Communities
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-04-2012 12:55
From: Perry Cofield
Subject: Architect Recognition and Realtors
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Perry Cofield AIA
Design Ways & Means Architects
Arlington VA
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If the architect-designed home is in a development of similar homes, all is well. If the custom design runs counter to the styles prevailing in a neighborhood, Realtors call it a "buyer specific listing", a code for HARDER TO SELL. With a plaque, at least the buyer would know who to call if they wanted to remodel the house! If the architect-designed home is part of a multiple in a tract, the finished product may have been altered any number of ways in construction. I think most Realtors neither know nor care about the fine points of a style designation, beyond a few basics. This doesn't really hurt Realtors- the public may not know either. The goal of the Realtor is simply to SELL THE HOUSE. For all this, "Realtor" must be capitalized, lest we be called down for disrespect!
Original Message:
Sent: 10-03-2012 07:27
From: Rand Soellner
Subject: Architect Recognition and Realtors
On the public and governmental projects I've designed, I typically designed a metal plaque that was proudly mounted in the lobby of the project. The problem on a home design project is getting someone to pay for this and for allowing it to be part of their decor. Perhaps if it was small enough and something we architects paid for as part of our marketing costs. And maybe we could convince our clients that having such an identification could increase the value and appeal of their home, which is likely.
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Rand Soellner AIA
Architect/Owner/Principal
Home Architects
Cashiers NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-02-2012 08:56
From: Debra Coleman
Subject: Architect Recognition and Realtors
I agree that recognition to the architect should somehow stay with the home or other building. A few months back I posted about an idea of AIA creating stickers that we could post somewhere in the house that would stay with the house similar how Energy Star certification goes on the electrical panel. Or it were a drawing tube permanently added (chained?) somewhere with the set of drawings, that could help with modifications. The goal would be for their to be a line item on the appraisal form to that could list the architect if known. Perhaps it should say House Designer: with then a box to check if licensed architect, then maybe another box for AIA Architect? Then another to check if blueprints of the home are present? I'd purchase a stack of fill in the blank stickers (maybe about 4"x5") to give to clients to post near the electrical panel - unless someone has another suggested location!
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Debra Rucker Coleman, AIA
Architect
Sun Plans Inc.
Mobile, AL
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2012 09:53
From: Brenda Nelson
Subject: Architect Recognition and Realtors
I'm currently house hunting and this house was just listed on the market. Built in 1962 in central Des Moines, the style alone suggests that it would've have been designed by an architect. There isn't another house like it in town and it's built into the side of a hill that indicates it was designed specifically for that spot.
The realtor's description says "Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home". This bothers me. First, this is not FLW's style (you are free to disagree - I'm always willing to learn!). Mies Van de Rohe, yes, Saarinen, yes, even a little Phillip Johnson, but not Wright. Secondly, and more importanly, why would the realtor simply not give credit to the architect who ACTUALLY designed it? I remember seeing an estate sale ad for this location (which is why I've been watching to see if the house came up for sale or not!). The stuff listed was the "good stuff". Brand name mid century, Danish modern items. That indicates to me that the original owners have just left the home - so if they weren't the architect, then they would've had some record of the architect some place - right? Here's the link to the listing I'm talking about. If it doesnt work, please let me know in a reply.
http://www.iowarealty.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?list_numb=407251&SearchFilter=8&house=5700&street=&
I'm on a bit of a rant about this, but what I really want to know is how can we work better with realtors to promote our industry while helping them with their business? It seems like an important business relationship that doesn't currently exist. Does anyone have suggestions on what we can do?
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Brenda Nelson Assoc. AIA
Woodruff Design, LLC
Cedar Rapids IA
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